Does the Sawyer filter remove taste, chemicals and heavy metals from water?

Taste
The Sawyer filter removes taste that comes from bacteria, dirt and green matter

Chemicals
The Sawyer filter does NOT remove iron, sulfur, other chemicals or simple compounds. Taste can be masked by using flavor additives like Gatorade or crystal light (filter needs to be cleaned immediately after using them).

Heavy Metals
The Sawyer filters are not made with charcoal. While other portable filters have charcoal, they lack in amount of media and adequate dwell time. Therefore, they only remove small amounts of heavy metals, pesticides, etc. (when used in real life applications). Try using better sources of water, if possible.

Do you have more information about Sawyer's Label Claims and Warranties?

We have independent lab tests using EPA protocols and information about our filters and ther warrenties available on our Downloads Page.

I would like to purchase a Sawyer filtration system, but how do I know which system I need?

Filtration for Individuals
If you are looking for a filter you will be using for yourself, the following products will be best for you needs.

The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System is our newest and most popular filter. The Mini weighs just 2 ounces and filters up to 100,000 gallons! You can drink directly from the Mini, attach it to Sawyer Squeeze Pouches, use inline on a hydration pack, or attach it to the top of almost any bottled water? How about that for versatility? And like all Sawyer Filters; they are backflushable almost indefinitely. That means no expensive cartridges to replace, ever. (SP128, SP124)

The Sawyer Squeeze Filter – This is the simple, portable, lightweight system that won Backpacker Magazine’s Editor’s choice in 2012. The threaded filter is also very versatile and also comes with a Million Gallon Guarantee. It is perfect for backpackers who want clean water fast without adding much weight. (SP129, SP131)

All-in-One Filter – This versatile system is based off the popular SP131 – Sawyer Squeeze Filter. This system includes a screw on filter, a 32 oz pouch for portability, a faucet adapter to filter tap water, and everything you need all to use it as a bucket gravity filtration system. This is perfect for individual use, groups, and emergency preparedness kits. (SP181)

Personal Water Filtration Bottle – This is a simple bottle system that comes with a back-flushing syringe. Perfect for traveling to areas where you do not trust the water. (SP140, SP141, SP142)

2 Litre Gravity Filtration Systems – One of Sawyer’s time-tested favorites, the Sawyer 2 Liter water filter system will simplify your backcountry to-do list. Simply set it up, and let gravity do the dirty work. No tedious pumping, just set it up and gravity to the work for you. In the time it takes you to turn around and unload your pack, you’ll have clean, fresh water waiting. These systems are available in a single and dual bag setup. (SP161, SP162)

Filtration for Groups
If you are looking for something that can provide a larger amount of water for a group of people, the following products will be best for you.

4 Litre Gravity Filtration Systems – No more pumping or chemicals needed. Simply set up the Sawyer water filtration system, and let gravity provide you with 4 liters of fresh, clean water in about 3 minutes. Available in a 4 Liter Single Bag System and in a 4 Liter Dual Bag Complete System. It is good for camping or hiking and longer distances with larger groups or where water is less accessible. (SP183, SP184)

All-in-One Filter – This versatile system, also mentioned above for individuals, is based off the popular SP131 – Sawyer Squeeze Filter. This system includes a screw on filter, a 32 oz pouch for portability, a faucet adapter to filter tap water, and everything you need all to use it as a bucket gravity filtration system. This is perfect for individual use, groups, and emergency preparedness kits. (SP181)

Portability vs. Stationary
Whether you are filtering on the go or sticking around a while, we have something for everyone. Our bucket filters, when applied to larger buckets, may be better for keeping in one location, while our Squeeze filters are light and always ready to go.

Kid Friendly
Anyone can use our filters. They are low maintenance and light weight which is perfect for kids going on trips to summer camp or to see the world. They are very easy transport and use.

Filter Compatibility

The Sawyer Squeeze Filter
The Sawyer Squeeze Filter can be used in conjunction with a hydration pack. Please see video Sawyer Squeeze with a Hydration Pack using Inline Adapter and Sawyer Squeeze with Fast Fill Adapters.

The Sawyer Squeeze Filter with Water Bottles
The Sawyer Squeeze Filter can also be used on water bottles when you are unsure whether or not it is safe to drink the water.

The Sawyer Inline Filter
This convenient filter can be used as an inline filter on a hydration pack, a pre-filter for an existing pump system, with the provided faucet adapter, or with a gravity bag.

How fast should the water come out of my filter?

Flow rates
Flow rates vary depending on how clean the filter is and how well you cleaned the filter. Altitude also affects the flow rates (the higher you go the slower the flow. Also, the PointZERETWO filter flows much slower than the Point ONE.

How do I care for my filter during freezing weather?

Before initial wetting
Filter is safe from freezing temperatures if it has never been wetted

After initial wetting
While there is no definitive way to tell if a filter has been damaged due to freezing, Sawyer recommends replacing your filter if you suspect that it has been frozen.

During trips
If you are in freezing temperature, we recommend that you store your filter in your pocket or close to your person so that your body heat can prevent freezing. THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR A FROZEN FILTER.