View Full Version : Sawyer: mini vs squeeze
firegirl130065
06-28-2015, 19:36
AT thru hike...
Which should I chose? I heard the mini is slower flow but lighter. I was thinking of just drinking dirty water through it to make up some time instead of filtering into another bag/bottle.
Dochartaigh
06-29-2015, 11:17
I find the mini is a pain to even squeeze out a mere 2 cups of water for my dehydrated meals. Drinking from the mini directly is fine though (although it takes a lot longer than sipping from something like a hydration tube which has a much faster flow rate).
Maybe I'm just impatient but I switched over both my mini and full-size Sawyer to a gravity filter setup a couple weeks ago. Limited use so far but TONS easier (and I made it so I can have a short setup filtering in the back mesh of my pack, or extend it with tubing to hang off a tree at camp).
+1 on the squeeze. The ounce or two of weight is well worth it. I'll sell you my mini for shipping.
firegirl130065
06-29-2015, 14:55
I have an unopened mini but I am going to rei tomorrow. Might just trade it out for the squeeze...
life scout
07-04-2015, 22:38
I have both and the squeeze flows faster and will not clog up as fast. That = more water before back flushing and more time to hike/camp. No one but bush crafters like camp chores LOL. "Inside joke"
GreenThumb
07-25-2015, 21:11
I have both and the squeeze flows faster and will not clog up as fast. That = more water before back flushing and more time to hike/camp. No one but bush crafters like camp chores LOL. "Inside joke"
Is that how to tell when it's time to backflush, when it starts clogging up? Haven't used my Sawyer mini yet
life scout
07-25-2015, 21:14
When it starts to slow down. It's time to back flush. I try to back flush every couple gallons at least.
Can't go wrong with either. I use a mini and usually do a back flush after each trip. Works great and I like the smaller size. I have used a Squeeze as well and like it fine. Definitely goes faster than with the mini. I ofter just fill up a plastic bottle in a stream and screw the mini in to the top and keep hiking, drinking as I go - seems easier to do this with a Mini than with a Squeeze.
I got a mini first because of the weight. It is okay for camping using gravity, but for a fast refill while hiking, it is entirely inadequate. I just bought a Squeeze and I like it. Filtering a liter takes just a minute or two. I don't think there can be an ounce difference in weight. (I'm too lazy to actually dig them out and weigh them)
hagatflute
07-26-2015, 22:45
I have been using a mini for past 3 section hikes. On last hike the sawyer squeeze bag started leaking and became essentially useless. Unable to locate replacement bags in a store. REI and other outfitter store say I must order replacement squeeze bag on line only.
I have been using a mini for past 3 section hikes. On last hike the sawyer squeeze bag started leaking and became essentially useless. Unable to locate replacement bags in a store. REI and other outfitter store say I must order replacement squeeze bag on line only.
An Evernew soft bag has the same threads. I use a 1.5L soft bag.
I have been using a mini for past 3 section hikes. On last hike the sawyer squeeze bag started leaking and became essentially useless. Unable to locate replacement bags in a store. REI and other outfitter store say I must order replacement squeeze bag on line only.
I found replacement bags at Walmart and in a pinch a soda or water bottle works, too.
HooKooDooKu
07-29-2015, 12:16
I too use the mini in gravity mode.
I have a 2L Evernew bag for dirty water and a 2L platypus hoser for clean water. Punched a hole in the margins of the Evernew and added a piece of string to allow me to hang the bag. The hoser comes with some very thick hose that I replaced with surgical tubing from my old Sweetwater filter system.
When I get to camp, I like being able to only take the dirty water bag to the water source. I then return to camp and setup the gravity filter. It takes about 4 minutes to filter 2L (with NO squeezing) and I simply spend that time doing other camp chores.
Odd Man Out
07-29-2015, 12:23
I too use the mini in gravity mode.
I have a 2L Evernew bag for dirty water and a 2L platypus hoser for clean water. Punched a hole in the margins of the Evernew and added a piece of string to allow me to hang the bag. The hoser comes with some very thick hose that I replaced with surgical tubing from my old Sweetwater filter system.
When I get to camp, I like being able to only take the dirty water bag to the water source. I then return to camp and setup the gravity filter. It takes about 4 minutes to filter 2L (with NO squeezing) and I simply spend that time doing other camp chores.
How long is your tubing? Longer tubes give faster flow rates (but also weigh more).
HooKooDooKu
07-29-2015, 16:06
How long is your tubing? Longer tubes give faster flow rates (but also weigh more).
It's only about 2-1/2' long.
Here's a fuzzy picture where I did a test in the kitchen with tap water:
31516
And yes, the longer the tubing (more specifically, the greater the height difference between the top of the clean water bag and the top of the water in the dirty water bag) the greater the water pressure will be to move the water through the filter.
Kraken Skullz
07-29-2015, 16:49
I have the mini but bought it because the squeeze was being replaced by the mini. If you are counting grams, then the mini is the way to go. I've never owned the squeeze, but sintax77 says he has noticed some slow flow issues with his mini and didn't have that problem with the squeeze. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb0rYJvlowg
....bag started leaking and became essentially useless. Unable to locate replacement bags in a store. ,,,
While I do not have one of these, I did see many (if not most) of the thru-hikers on the A.T. using them this past June. They had the filter system hooked up to a water bottle (I think it was a Smart Water bottle)... and yes, they said the squeeze bag was useless longevity-wise, but they just switched to the water bottle.
I used the Aqua Mira drops, so I am not versed in the squeeze - YET! (picking one up this week to try on weekend hikes...)
NightCreature0
07-31-2015, 09:09
Go with the full size unless the extra ounce or 2 is that big of a deal. The mini doesn't flow as well and clogs more. If you carry smart water bottles you can use one with the flip cap to backflush. The mouthpiece fits perfectly onto the squeeze.
Radagast
08-04-2015, 11:42
We just use the mini as an inline filter on a 3L Platy. Fill the Platy w dirty water and throw it back in the pack and drink up. Fast! Then when we need to cook the gravity option is there.
Dang 2l of water in the backpack is 4lbs. I try to avoid that unless I'm unsure about water. Just drink up at the source and take one or two smart water bottles with you.
I have both the mini and squeeze. The squeeze is a little faster and doesn't clog as fast. The mini tends to. Need back washing more often but not too much.
Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
Kraken Skullz
08-05-2015, 06:50
Amazing how many people are experts on both! [emoji10]
BirdBrain
08-05-2015, 10:06
I have both. I am no expert. :D I loved the squeeze. I bought the mini because I am a gram weenie. It pains me to add the extra weight back in. However, after my last 9 day trip, I am tossing the mini and going back to the squeeze. The mini works fine, just too slow for my tastes. It does not seem like it should matter. Really! What is the hurry? You are out for a very long walk. That tiny stream drove me foolisher. It's back to the squeeze... and its enormous weight ;) for me.
Traveler
08-05-2015, 10:49
I like the Mini for short duration solo hikes, if I have more people or will need a lot of water for whatever reason I will bring the Hiker Pro.
Buttcrack Johnson
08-05-2015, 12:09
I carry a 2L Platypus hoser in my pack, I cut the hose 6 inches from the bite valve and installed the Mini. I just keep filling my bag and drink from the hose.
I too use the mini in gravity mode. +1 to Mini in gravity mode. I do, this at night or during lunch break. I don't use hose or tubing. I just let it dribble into the bottle. Like water torture. Or watching paint dry. During the day, I do the squeeze method. I back flush it nearly every day, since it is slow enough, even when working perfectly.
Bag tied to a tree.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/50951735@N05/20057486052/in/album-72157656444867825/
I've since punched holes in the 2 liter squeeze bag.
Talked to two PCT thru hikers who had taped Smart Water bottles to their hiking poles and gravity filtered with a Mini while they hiked. They did this last year. This year they switched to a pump type filter and were happier. They are a couple and were sharing a Mini last year and had a real love/hate relationship with the thing.
I saw a lot of thru hikers on the PCT with minis this year. Many people just leave them screwed onto a SmartWater bottle, stuck in a side pocket. Also saw a few larger Sawyer filters.
My sister actually enjoys filtering water. She finds it relaxing.
I too use the mini in gravity mode. +1 to Mini in gravity mode. I do, this at night or during lunch break. I don't use hose or tubing. I just let it dribble into the bottle. Takes a couple of minutes per cup of water. During the day, I do the squeeze method. I back flush it nearly every day, since it is slow enough, even when working perfectly.
Bag tied to a tree.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/50951735@N05/20057486052/in/album-72157656444867825/
I've since punched holes in the 2 liter squeeze bag.
Talked to two PCT thru hikers who had taped Smart Water bottles to their hiking poles and gravity filtered with a Mini while they hiked. They did this last year. This year they switched to a pump type filter and were happier. They are a couple and were sharing a Mini last year and had a real love/hate relationship with the thing.
I saw a lot of thru hikers on the PCT with minis this year. Many people just leave them screwed onto a SmartWater bottle, stuck in a side pocket. Also saw a few larger Sawyer filters.
My sister actually enjoys filtering water. She finds it relaxing.
Seems pretty straight forward I think. Smaller filter, smaller area for water to pass through, clogs faster. I have used a few different filters including these, looking for what I liked best. In gravity mode I would guess the bag leaks would not be an issue. I blew out a bag with the mini also, I think because it started to slow down quicker than the squeeze and the back pressure caused by my squeezing harder did the deed. So my fault, just need to clean more often. I now have the squeeze in gravity mode but am considering using the life straw mission, also a gravity filter, though it is a little heavier.