Holy crap (what just came out of my water filter). I was about to give up on my old Sawyer after close to 1000 miles of trail because the flow was bad. Kept hitting it against my hand to dislodge the dirt, run until clean, hit again. I went through this about 10 times before the water ran clean after the slap and now the thing is as good as new. THANKS!
Thanks for saving me 3 minutes! I know I'm complaining about a couple minutes of my life for something free and helpful but dang, literally 5 seconds worth of information for this whole video.
Sawyer also recommends you soak the filter in hot water (Less than 140°F) to get the same result you achieved here. And for mineral heavy water to use vinegar instead.🤙
As a warning, you can actually crack the filter straws if you're too forceful with tapping so use GENTLE tapping. The filters are essentially the same as a dialysis filter and we're warned NOT to drop or to forcefully tap the dialysis filters because of potentially cracking the filter strands (thus rendering it useless, as dirty water will pass through the cracks without filtering). Realistically, I believe that it's more difficult to crack them than they warn - but in the name of safety, I feel I should mention it. Unfortunately with Sawyer, the filter threads are encapsulated in a black casing and you can't visually inspect your filter like you can a dialysis filter that is in a clear encasement. I like that I can inspect the Katadyn BeFree's filter membranes a little better, albeit not completely. But the more expensive BeFree's has a significantly shorter lifespan, likely because of the shorter filter strands, and I won't repurchase. Thank you for the video, it's definitely helpful for getting the filter cleaner & preserving its life. We actually use our coupler ($2.99 on Amazon) to backflush straight from our bottle and can really get a forceful backflush with it.
Definitely agree that the level of force needs to be gentle to avoid cracking. I have the coupler too (comes with the Sawyer kit now), though I usually forget about it or am too lazy to find it and use it over the syringe, which i usually have laying around at home, or the sport cap while on trail. Maybe a nice Sawyer innovation, rather than them trying to cut weight by shortening the filter threads, which basically leads to a shorter lifespan (sawyer mini, sawyer micro - ugh!), would be a clear casing instead of a black one. If they were thoughtful about that and their branding (e.g. not a huge sawyer label that blocks your view into the filter), you could at least look at the filter threads to see what you're dealing with. Could be cool....
After each filter process I tap against my palm a few times and whip my arm downward (with Sawyer in hadn't) to unload the "straws" (microtubules) of excess water and the centripetal force back-flushes a tiny bit. I consider it trail maintenance for the filter. Great video definitely the way to clean a Sawyer more thoroughly!
Thanks for this. I've always just back flushed my filter a couple times and thought I was doing good. Got back from a trip and cleaning my gear. I noticed the filter wouldn't run clear. I jumped on yt to see if there were any better ways to clean the filter. Just cleaned my sawyer per your suggestions. Holy crap! The crud is still coming out.
My pleasure! Yeah, the first time you do it, it's kind of mind-blowing. I just finished a thru-hike on the Continental Divide Trail and this simple technique helped me to keep my filter performing well through the entire trip. Hope you get more life out of yours now!
Awesome tip! I got so much more junk out of my filter than the generic backflush. I think this saved me from buying a new filter before my next hike. Thanks.
Just tried it. Works great. I also tried rattling it gently on the inside of a mug while squeezing and that seemed to help too. I thought I had cleaned it after my last trip at the end of August but there was still a lot of crap in there. Thanks for the great tip.
Good tip. Just did it and it discharged muddy water so...yay for me. Also, if you're putting the filter away for the winter, attach the empty water bag and 'gently' push air through the filter so you push excess water out. We just had a really cold snap and the water in the filter froze. I don't think it harmed it but just an FYI
2200 miles on the AT and I only cleaned it when I came home. Nothing came out . Course the flow has never diminished because I only ever ran clear water through it. I never had to filter brown water on trail cause you could ALWAYS find good sources.
I just tossed my Sawyer filter. It failed spectacularly on me on a hike. Can't remember whether I backwashed after I used it last time. But I do remember that I didn't filter very much water with it. I pulled it out to filter some water on my hike and NOTHING would go through. Not a drop. I've never had that happen with any of the other filters I've used. This thing is not reliable enough for me to risk my life and health on.
Taking a zero on the PCT. Watched the video to improve flow. Gently tapped the Sawyer on the sink and boom, the upper black casing cracked. The crack could have been forming from general trail wear and tear but be careful.
I'm having some issues with my Sawyer Squeeze flow rate that I cannot figure out. It's had maybe 10 L of water filtered through it and has been stored away for several years. Even when it was new though, the flow rate wasn't nearly as good as what I am seeing from others. I've back flushed at least a dozen times and seen nothing but clean water come out. I've tapped the filter as seen in this video but that makes no difference for me. I've let it sit in water for several hours. I use CNOC bags with it in a gravity set up which I've read should yield about 1L of water in roughly 3 minutes. I haven't timed mine, but I'd bet I'm over 10 minutes and a few times I've noticed it stop flowing completely. It's never been been damaged or frozen. One thing I did notice in this video though at 0:46 is that inside the Squeeze at the dirty water end, the rubber washer on his has a much larger opening than the rubber washer that came with mine. Mine is roughly the width of a pencil and is the one that was originally included.
The bottom clean water bag needs to be a bit loose on the coupling so air can escape as the water flows in. Maybe test the filter with water dropping out of bottom into a container rather than having a directly connected collection bag. If the problem persists then the issue is the filter.
Great tip! You made me think of another idea. How about using an ultrasonic cleaner for this? Someone give it a try. I have an iSonic Ultrasonic Cleaner P4821 but I don't have a dirty filter right now. What ya think, will it work?
I’ve not heard of an ultrasonic cleaner before, so I’m not sure about using it. I would suggest contacting Sawyer and asking them just to be sure it won’t damage the filter before you give it a try.
For regular city water you can probably filter fluoride with a brita or one of those types of filters you get at Walmart or Home Depot type stores. Where I live the water quality is bad, so we use a filter that mounts under the sink and filters the tap - it’s called Hydroviv. It works well if you have good water pressure but is painful if your water pressure is low. It filters out PSAs and things like that, but it doesn’t strip the water of valuable minerals (or so they say). It’s more expensive than Brita but because of the water quality here, we use it.
How long before hitting the filter like that ends up breaking it? Which I suppose is bound to happen, effective though the method may be in helping clean the filter.
@@hntrains2 I haven’t broken one yet! I’m pretty gentle with it. But this method of cleaning might not be for everyone as there is always a possibility you could hit it too hard and crack it.
Turn off the background music. It is beyond me why RUclips content creators think playing background music over their voice is somehow enhancing their videos, it is not, it is distracting. We came to hear you, not to fight background music which quickly becomes extremely annoying and intrusive. Many folks have hearing difficulties, thus while concentrating on your voice they must also concentrate on tuning out the music; frustrating. Your background music ruins an otherwise exceptionally good presentation.
@@mikemorgan5015 Hi Mike, thank you for your polite reply. Maybe RUclips should rethink their metrics. When I hear music over a presenter's voice, usually I stop the video, rather than fight with it I move to another like video. It becomes too frustrating pressing the backspace key replaying something I think I misunderstood which was caused by the music. As for my original comment, when RUclips content creators do not play music over their voice, I compliment them on it.
I honestly didn't even notice music. I had to replay the video to hear it. I tend to automatically tune out music in videos like this unless it's especially loud.
I haven’t, but Sawyer suggests soaking in vinegar for mineral deposits in one of their resource videos: www.sawyer.com/resource-categories/water-filtration
I have used the vinegar method. Soak in a warm vinegar solution and rinse. Almost like brand new! This is what I typically do at the beginning of the season to get my filters descaled.
What about a smell from Sawyer squeeze... I use bleach water combo after hiking to clean and let the filter dry out for weeks... Just pulled it out to use on my upcoming hike and it smells bad tastes bad... But I've had it for about 9yrs. Does anybody have this issue?
I have not had that issue before, but I would suggest contacting Sawyer for advice to be safe. You probably already tried this but maybe give it a good back flush with water and let it dry out and see if the smell dissipates. Good luck!
I actually filter all of my tap water at home for drinking, so I backflush with filtered water at home. But, on trail I use tap water to flush during town stops (like now, as I’m hiking the CDT). I have heard this about tap water minerals as well, but I do not know if it is actually true. To find out, I’d probably start by asking Sawyer. They may have actual data on it.
@@ahoier interesting. I’ll have to try that. Usually I flush it before it dries to try to avoid any particles getting caked on, but maybe I will try doing this after the initial flush. I appreciate your comment!
I clean it, let it dry out and then put it in a storage bin with other gear. Sawyer may have recommendations on this and I recommend you check. It’s probably a good idea to try and use stored filters once every few months, but maybe that isn’t necessary if they are stored inside out of humidity. Check with Sawyer for recommended practice, but I just store mine, once dried, inside in a plastic container.
Has anyone tried an ultrasonic cleaner? Seems like it would be perfect for this. Anyone who KNOWS please comment. Guesses and opinions without actual experience need not reply.
Haven't tried, but proceed with caution, the cavitation may break the tubes. If you can find a cleaner with power adjust, it would be nice to know what a safe power level would be.
@@BlackHeartScyther Sacrifices must be made to learn. Destructive testing is performed all the time. I'm sure someone will take one for the team. Hopefully someone with a YT channel, a sponsor, and a scientific mind. haha!
There's a little thing on the bottom you can click, hold, and slide across to save your valuable time and attention span. You can also click on the settings button and watch a up to 2x speed, which I do often. Usually I go with 1.5x but some slow talkers are perfectly watchable at 1.75 x or even 2x.
Holy crap (what just came out of my water filter). I was about to give up on my old Sawyer after close to 1000 miles of trail because the flow was bad. Kept hitting it against my hand to dislodge the dirt, run until clean, hit again. I went through this about 10 times before the water ran clean after the slap and now the thing is as good as new. THANKS!
It was an enlightening experience for me the first time I did this, and a “lightening” experience for my filter!
his tip starts at 2:20 ... he hits it on the sink as he backwashes it, loosens up the dirt and restores the flow better
the real hero we need
Thanks for saving me 3 minutes! I know I'm complaining about a couple minutes of my life for something free and helpful but dang, literally 5 seconds worth of information for this whole video.
Sawyer also recommends you soak the filter in hot water (Less than 140°F) to get the same result you achieved here. And for mineral heavy water to use vinegar instead.🤙
As a warning, you can actually crack the filter straws if you're too forceful with tapping so use GENTLE tapping. The filters are essentially the same as a dialysis filter and we're warned NOT to drop or to forcefully tap the dialysis filters because of potentially cracking the filter strands (thus rendering it useless, as dirty water will pass through the cracks without filtering). Realistically, I believe that it's more difficult to crack them than they warn - but in the name of safety, I feel I should mention it. Unfortunately with Sawyer, the filter threads are encapsulated in a black casing and you can't visually inspect your filter like you can a dialysis filter that is in a clear encasement. I like that I can inspect the Katadyn BeFree's filter membranes a little better, albeit not completely. But the more expensive BeFree's has a significantly shorter lifespan, likely because of the shorter filter strands, and I won't repurchase.
Thank you for the video, it's definitely helpful for getting the filter cleaner & preserving its life. We actually use our coupler ($2.99 on Amazon) to backflush straight from our bottle and can really get a forceful backflush with it.
Definitely agree that the level of force needs to be gentle to avoid cracking. I have the coupler too (comes with the Sawyer kit now), though I usually forget about it or am too lazy to find it and use it over the syringe, which i usually have laying around at home, or the sport cap while on trail. Maybe a nice Sawyer innovation, rather than them trying to cut weight by shortening the filter threads, which basically leads to a shorter lifespan (sawyer mini, sawyer micro - ugh!), would be a clear casing instead of a black one. If they were thoughtful about that and their branding (e.g. not a huge sawyer label that blocks your view into the filter), you could at least look at the filter threads to see what you're dealing with. Could be cool....
After each filter process I tap against my palm a few times and whip my arm downward (with Sawyer in hadn't) to unload the "straws" (microtubules) of excess water and the centripetal force back-flushes a tiny bit. I consider it trail maintenance for the filter. Great video definitely the way to clean a Sawyer more thoroughly!
I just told my wife about this video, and she suggested I tap her instead of the filter! I love YOU TUBE!! Thank YOU!
did you give her the “Sawyer Squeeze” ?
Thanks for this. I've always just back flushed my filter a couple times and thought I was doing good. Got back from a trip and cleaning my gear. I noticed the filter wouldn't run clear. I jumped on yt to see if there were any better ways to clean the filter. Just cleaned my sawyer per your suggestions. Holy crap! The crud is still coming out.
My pleasure! Yeah, the first time you do it, it's kind of mind-blowing. I just finished a thru-hike on the Continental Divide Trail and this simple technique helped me to keep my filter performing well through the entire trip. Hope you get more life out of yours now!
Awesome tip! I got so much more junk out of my filter than the generic backflush. I think this saved me from buying a new filter before my next hike. Thanks.
Glad you found it helpful!
Made a big difference. Thanks for the video.
Just tried it. Works great. I also tried rattling it gently on the inside of a mug while squeezing and that seemed to help too.
I thought I had cleaned it after my last trip at the end of August but there was still a lot of crap in there.
Thanks for the great tip.
It’s so simple but really does help! I’m glad it helped you and I hope you get more out of your filters as a result!
Nicely done! I just bought one and wanted to find out EVERYTHING that I could about it. Good tip sir!
Gonna try on my sawyer mini
This is so helpful and simple.
Glad you found it helpful - thanks for watching!
Love it, thanks!
@@kites4121 thanks for watching and glad you got something from it!
Thank you so much, this was so helpful!!!😊
Glad you found it useful!
Good tip. Just did it and it discharged muddy water so...yay for me. Also, if you're putting the filter away for the winter, attach the empty water bag and 'gently' push air through the filter so you push excess water out. We just had a really cold snap and the water in the filter froze. I don't think it harmed it but just an FYI
If the water in the filter froze, the the membranes are broken and you will need a new one. Same reason you can’t let it freeze on trail.
Chuck it and buy a new one! Freezing breaks them
2200 miles on the AT and I only cleaned it when I came home. Nothing came out . Course the flow has never diminished because I only ever ran clear water through it. I never had to filter brown water on trail cause you could ALWAYS find good sources.
Thanks for the cleaning tip. I will give it a try.
Hope it helps!
Amazing, thank you for this awesome tip!
You are quite welcome!
I just tossed my Sawyer filter. It failed spectacularly on me on a hike. Can't remember whether I backwashed after I used it last time. But I do remember that I didn't filter very much water with it. I pulled it out to filter some water on my hike and NOTHING would go through. Not a drop. I've never had that happen with any of the other filters I've used. This thing is not reliable enough for me to risk my life and health on.
Taking a zero on the PCT. Watched the video to improve flow. Gently tapped the Sawyer on the sink and boom, the upper black casing cracked. The crack could have been forming from general trail wear and tear but be careful.
I haven’t had one crack like that but that’s a bummer! Maybe it was weakened in some way, but thanks for the heads up.. Enjoy the PCT!
Awesome tip! thanks!
Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks for posting
Glad you found it helpful!
Thank you
You’re welcome!
sawyer also has a procedure to use bleach to prevent or rid mold growth
I'm having some issues with my Sawyer Squeeze flow rate that I cannot figure out. It's had maybe 10 L of water filtered through it and has been stored away for several years. Even when it was new though, the flow rate wasn't nearly as good as what I am seeing from others. I've back flushed at least a dozen times and seen nothing but clean water come out. I've tapped the filter as seen in this video but that makes no difference for me. I've let it sit in water for several hours. I use CNOC bags with it in a gravity set up which I've read should yield about 1L of water in roughly 3 minutes. I haven't timed mine, but I'd bet I'm over 10 minutes and a few times I've noticed it stop flowing completely. It's never been been damaged or frozen.
One thing I did notice in this video though at 0:46 is that inside the Squeeze at the dirty water end, the rubber washer on his has a much larger opening than the rubber washer that came with mine. Mine is roughly the width of a pencil and is the one that was originally included.
Sounds like maybe you got a defective one? I’d contact Sawyer about it. Maybe you could send it in for a new one!
The bottom clean water bag needs to be a bit loose on the coupling so air can escape as the water flows in. Maybe test the filter with water dropping out of bottom into a container rather than having a directly connected collection bag. If the problem persists then the issue is the filter.
Great tip! You made me think of another idea. How about using an ultrasonic cleaner for this? Someone give it a try. I have an iSonic Ultrasonic Cleaner P4821 but I don't have a dirty filter right now. What ya think, will it work?
I’ve not heard of an ultrasonic cleaner before, so I’m not sure about using it. I would suggest contacting Sawyer and asking them just to be sure it won’t damage the filter before you give it a try.
Ah, the good ol' whack 'n wash. I usually tap it against my knuckles, that way its almost impossible to hit it hard enough to break it.
Good idea!
This is excellent information. Thanks i
Glad you found it useful!
Great idea. I'm wondering if there is a way to test filters. I also wonder what I can use to filter out fluoride, from city water.
For regular city water you can probably filter fluoride with a brita or one of those types of filters you get at Walmart or Home Depot type stores. Where I live the water quality is bad, so we use a filter that mounts under the sink and filters the tap - it’s called Hydroviv. It works well if you have good water pressure but is painful if your water pressure is low. It filters out PSAs and things like that, but it doesn’t strip the water of valuable minerals (or so they say). It’s more expensive than Brita but because of the water quality here, we use it.
Can bleach be used for backwashing and vinegar for getting rid of the white stuff that's like in hard water areas? 🤔
I am not sure. I recommend connecting with Sawyer before using any of these substances to clean your filter.
How long before hitting the filter like that ends up breaking it? Which I suppose is bound to happen, effective though the method may be in helping clean the filter.
@@hntrains2 I haven’t broken one yet! I’m pretty gentle with it. But this method of cleaning might not be for everyone as there is always a possibility you could hit it too hard and crack it.
@@UnfetteredFootsteps, thank you for your prompt reply!
Have great fun wherever your next adventure will take you!
Turn off the background music. It is beyond me why RUclips content creators think playing background music over their voice is somehow enhancing their videos, it is not, it is distracting. We came to hear you, not to fight background music which quickly becomes extremely annoying and intrusive. Many folks have hearing difficulties, thus while concentrating on your voice they must also concentrate on tuning out the music; frustrating. Your background music ruins an otherwise exceptionally good presentation.
I feel the same, but RUclips metrics tell them that background music improves minutes watched and likes.
@@mikemorgan5015 Hi Mike, thank you for your polite reply. Maybe RUclips should rethink their metrics. When I hear music over a presenter's voice, usually I stop the video, rather than fight with it I move to another like video. It becomes too frustrating pressing the backspace key replaying something I think I misunderstood which was caused by the music. As for my original comment, when RUclips content creators do not play music over their voice, I compliment them on it.
I honestly didn't even notice music. I had to replay the video to hear it. I tend to automatically tune out music in videos like this unless it's especially loud.
anyone uses vinegar solution?
I haven’t, but Sawyer suggests soaking in vinegar for mineral deposits in one of their resource videos: www.sawyer.com/resource-categories/water-filtration
I have used the vinegar method. Soak in a warm vinegar solution and rinse. Almost like brand new! This is what I typically do at the beginning of the season to get my filters descaled.
What about a smell from Sawyer squeeze... I use bleach water combo after hiking to clean and let the filter dry out for weeks... Just pulled it out to use on my upcoming hike and it smells bad tastes bad... But I've had it for about 9yrs. Does anybody have this issue?
I have not had that issue before, but I would suggest contacting Sawyer for advice to be safe. You probably already tried this but maybe give it a good back flush with water and let it dry out and see if the smell dissipates. Good luck!
Does it realy can be used forever 🤔
I don’t think any filter can be used forever.
Dirt? A better tip is to pre filter thru a bandana or milbanks bag.
Do you back flush with tap water? I heard, but can’t confirm, that the minerals in some tap water will clog the filter.
I actually filter all of my tap water at home for drinking, so I backflush with filtered water at home. But, on trail I use tap water to flush during town stops (like now, as I’m hiking the CDT). I have heard this about tap water minerals as well, but I do not know if it is actually true. To find out, I’d probably start by asking Sawyer. They may have actual data on it.
Does it need to dry out?
I don’t think drying the filter helps in the cleaning process, but I could be wrong.
Sawyer seems to say to let it dry "standing up" so gravity does some work after you use it
@@ahoier interesting. I’ll have to try that. Usually I flush it before it dries to try to avoid any particles getting caked on, but maybe I will try doing this after the initial flush. I appreciate your comment!
How do you store
I clean it, let it dry out and then put it in a storage bin with other gear. Sawyer may have recommendations on this and I recommend you check. It’s probably a good idea to try and use stored filters once every few months, but maybe that isn’t necessary if they are stored inside out of humidity. Check with Sawyer for recommended practice, but I just store mine, once dried, inside in a plastic container.
It's not cheap, in the uk over 60£ about today 77$. 😔
That’s too bad. They are less expensive in the US.
Has anyone tried an ultrasonic cleaner? Seems like it would be perfect for this. Anyone who KNOWS please comment. Guesses and opinions without actual experience need not reply.
Haven't tried, but proceed with caution, the cavitation may break the tubes. If you can find a cleaner with power adjust, it would be nice to know what a safe power level would be.
@@BlackHeartScyther Sacrifices must be made to learn. Destructive testing is performed all the time. I'm sure someone will take one for the team. Hopefully someone with a YT channel, a sponsor, and a scientific mind. haha!
This results back to the fact that while on trail, One is none two is one.
3:59 long video, with a 2:20 intro. 🙄
There's a little thing on the bottom you can click, hold, and slide across to save your valuable time and attention span. You can also click on the settings button and watch a up to 2x speed, which I do often. Usually I go with 1.5x but some slow talkers are perfectly watchable at 1.75 x or even 2x.
Music ruined the video