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Outdoor

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

Ironclad
Ironclad
Typical: $30-45Confidence: medium

Why It Lasts

Sawyer's hollow-fiber membrane filter — a tightly wound bundle of tiny polymer tubes with 0.1-micron pores — physically removes bacteria, protozoa, and particulates. The membrane itself doesn't degrade chemically, and Sawyer rates it for 1 million gallons of filtration. The filter back-flushes easily with a syringe — mineral deposits that reduce flow are cleared without field repair skills. Weighs 3 ounces complete. Made in Columbia, South Carolina. The Squeeze works inline, inline with a hydration pack, or as a gravity filter — maximum versatility from the simplest possible design.

Known Weaknesses

The hollow fiber membrane is vulnerable to freezing — water trapped in the filter while frozen will expand, rupturing the membranes and rendering the filter unsafe without any visible indication of damage. The included squeeze pouches (Mylar bags) fail within a season of regular use from fatigue cracks — use a SmartWater bottle instead. The filter doesn't remove viruses — adds risk in countries with poor sanitation infrastructure. Flow rate slows dramatically if not back-flushed regularly.

Durability Breakdown

Warranty
7.0
materials
6.8
communitySentiment
6.4
brandReputation
5.8
Repairability
7.2

Data Source

View community discussion →

Quick Stats

Overall Score68.0/10
TierIronclad
BrandSawyer
CategoryOutdoor
Price Range$30-45
Confidencemedium
Data Points/5

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