Originally Posted by
staehpj1
The new filters like the Sawyer mini or the Squeeze are light enough (about 2 and 3 ounces respectively?) that taking them along is more tempting. I have used both a Squeeze and a Mini a lot for backpacking and also on The SC and found them very trouble free. After long storage it sounds like a good idea to check them before a trip to be sure they are flowing.
The problems with the bags can be avoided if you handle them with care and carry a spare. I think folks squeeze them too hard. I have used them a lot and never burst a bag. I either squeeze gently or if not in a hurry hang them up and let gravity do the work
+1. I used the Squeeze, backpacking, as a gravity fed inline filter from a 3L collapsible canteen, and only had problem with reduced flow when the filter needed to be backwashed with the supplied syringe. One caution: if you are filtering water downstream from farm fields, you might want to upgrade to a heavier MSR mini or Katadyn pump which has a carbon filter to remove toxic chemicals. Melted snow at mountain top, no problem; stream with run off from pastures or row crops, sicky-poo.