Best Survival Water Filter

Which water filter is the best to add to your kit bag?
Grayl: amzn.to/3mdYScD
Life Straw: amzn.to/3GQwx5w
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[@grumpybuzzard7131]

Over the years, I have always recommended the Life Straw for the classes I have been an instructor. I agree with your assessment, however the reason I usually recommend the Lifestraw is for three reasons. Most of the classes a good many of the people are of lesser economic means, and the Lifestraw is relatively inexpensive. The second is the ease of use. I also assume or at least make it a standard that most people using these devices will most likely be under severe stress. TheLlifestraw has a simple lanyard to keep around the neck and doesn't add the extra stress or time to search for the filter kits in a bag/pocket etc. The third reason is they were sent thousands to Haiti after that terrible earthquake a few years back and they worked very well for the people there. I had personal experience with that. Another good presentation as usual- good work!

[@ricdonato4328]

Yes, it is good hearing how LifeStraw assisted Haiti, they should very much be commended. We must recall Sawyer did the same in Haiti as well. Sawyer goes around the world with their bucket brigade, they have delivered millions of buckets with their Sawyer filter attached. Sawyer conducts classes with the native folks on the proper use of the filter, and how to clean them. To make sure all is well Sawyer does their follow up a few weeks later making sure folks are properly using them. There are numerous KZbin videos showing what Sawyer is doing for folk in desperate need of fresh water. Although, Grayl is truly an excellent device as well, their initial cost and replacement filter cost becomes a main issue. As good as Grayl is, it does not compare to the versatility of Sawyer. All three products are very good. For my use I selected Sawyer.

[@AntiFederalist58]

I opted for the Katadyn Hiker Pro for my get home bag and the Sawyer Mini for the buttpack on my Alice gear (that I never leave home without). Another great video Top.

[@Patriot-American]

Good video Stoker 👍🏻. I use the Sawyer Squeeze and a Katadyn water filter. I'm feel pretty confident that you will not get sick from the water 🧐😉

[@robertrolland9838]

I use three types of water filtration, the water purification tabs, the sawyer filter and the life straw or equivalant. Haven't had any problems so far. Good video. The Grayl is a little spendy for me.

[@Bman-xy2vh]

I always use the katadyn purification tablets in my water bottle. Then use either a Sawyer or life straw to remove the sediment and some of the chemical taste. Haven't had the runs or upset stomach yet. The grayl looks really nice but it's expensive and doesn't treat too much before having to replace the filter. Another quality video from you to show the options though.👍

[@lorkainenkingg8497]

The Grayl Geopress is my go-to filter system, but I also have Sawyer Mini as a backup. I prefer the Geopress because it removes more particulates than the other systems, and it can store an additional 24 ounces. If I am strapped for space in my kit for whatever reason, I will always go for the Sawyer.

[@STOKERMATIC]

👊

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good and important video Bill, as the old saying goes: "Hydrate Or Die" Pre-filtering water using a 100% cotton cloth (triangular bandage, handkerchief, etc) is a very important for increasing the life span of any filter. I really like the Grayl Geopress and keep one on my pack. I have a Sawyer Mini in-line filter on all of my 100oz CamelBak Mil-Spec Antidote bladders (I ALWAYS have one with me when outdoors). The MSR and/or Cnoc bladders are a great way of storing large quantities of water and their larger openings make it much easier.

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️

[@doodybird5766]

Thank you for the information! I've been wondering about the Sawyer Mini and was thinking about getting a couple of them. I have the Lifestraw and another tyoe that is military grade but I think fir the gallons you can get for the money would be the Sawyer.

[@STOKERMATIC]

It’s awesome!

[@charlesborum3910]

I have all three and love them! Great video

[@chrishall9208]

Same here love the versatility‼️

[@Stone-Wolf-Outdoors]

great video i have been using the same Sawyer Mini for 4 years love the versatility of it i also got the Sawyer 1 gallon bag for it the larger mouth helps to fill and the handle let you hang it up to use as a gravity filter just remember to never let it freeze

[@robertedwards7749]

I use different size plastic food containers that I get from foods I normally eat. When its empty I clean it out and I can then use the food container to store my filters and hold filtered water. I had a bunch of 17oz bottles and a few 2 liter soda bottles. I can rotate them and keep them clean or discard for a new empty. This way I get my containers for pennies on the dollar and they last me several months to over a year at a time. Another nice thing is they hardly weigh anything. So I can have multiple containers without creating a weight problem.

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️

[@justintrimpey8862]

Incredible video

[@preppingpenguin]

Grayl has less lifetime because it actually filters/purifies more things that the lifestraw and sawyer do not. Compare the things each remove and you'll see your safest drink is from that grayl.

[@Salrous]

I love your videos please keep up

[@bendover4496]

I’m with you on the sawyer over the Grayl. However, I prefer the flow rate of the Sawyer Squeeze .

[@colectiv77]

Happy Sunday Stoker.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Indeed!

[@jamesvickery308]

Grayl is best for crappiest water around, but the Sawyer filters really shine with a five gallon bucket adapter kit Sawyer Mini and bucket adapter kit is 100k gallons for less than fifty bucks; Sawyer Mini gravity flow rate not best though….one liter about every five minutes

[@shadowscout9872]

P.S. I love the Sawyer squeeze and mini's but I ditch the bag and use a water bottle or soda bottle with matching threads. I also just got a couple c nock bags that match up to the Sawyer's.

[@colectiv77]

Excellent vid. I have a sawyer mini and a life straw. I carry the sawyer with me for emergencies. Where I live in San Jose, ca., I prefer to carry the extra weight of water. Water sources can be very hard to find here. And it gets 🔥. I do wish the sawyer mini came in a protective case though. Also something to note is freezing cold Temps for these guys. Peace brother.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Can’t go wrong with packing water!

[@rickhicks6833]

I have a Katadyn that been using for Years, works great. The lifestraw I only consider for EUO. Got them in our get home bags, expecting no more then 36 hours or so.

[@robertedwards7749]

Thats why I got my life straw. Though I live in the USA and don't expect to be overseas Its an emergency back up in case I need water fast. And not for use for more than a few days.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Awesome

[@jamescrowe7892]

Good info. A benefit to everyone. Hope your gut doesn't become unkinked.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Me too!

[@arctodussimus6198]

Way back in 1989, a friend gave me a Steri-pen system to try out on a trip I took to the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. I was camped near a somewhat large pond at the downhill side where it turned back into a creek. There were lots of ducks in the water at that time, and although I strained it through a bandanna, I could tell there was still a bit of duck poo in the water. I stayed there five days and used all the water I brought with me by the end of the second day. I used the steri-pen exclusively to clean my water for over 72 hours. Had no problems at all during, or after my stay. It was really nice. I gave it back to my friend and told him it worked great, but I couldn’t handle having to rely on anything that required batteries. These days I’m a big fan of the Sawyer Mini, and the Survivor filters.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Glad it worked out for ya, but feel ya on the battery powered bit.

[@augustinemontes9493]

Which one do you use personally

[@EvanK2EJT]

I own all three, and I agree with your overall conclusions. I carry a Grayl as my primary filter most of the time because it doubles as my water bottle, and where I live you can't walk 500 feet without tripping over a water source so carrying piles of water isn't really important to me. I keep an unused Sawyer squeeze in my truck for my emergency filter. I don't generally carry one when in the field because of all of the other accoutrements you have to carry with it. I have Life Straw in my get home bag, since it's compact and inexpensive. One you didn't mention is the Aquamira Frontier straw. They're TINY. I have one in my Hill People Gear Kit Bag as a backup filter if my primary goes down in the field for some reason.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing about the Aquamira!

[@danielcook4532]

Loving your videos mate, found you via Gruntproof. Just a few things wanted to point out, Grayll is a purifier and filters viruses as well - the others are purely filters and don't do anything with viruses so should still boil your water if any doubts. I like the the platypus quickdraw over the sawyer as it's back washable and the flow rate is a lot better - check it out if you have a chance.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Thanks for sharing about the platypus!

[@paulzimmerman3895]

Clean water is the next Blue Gold of the West. Sawyer Mini for me. Glad you get rain. Stay cool.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Sad but true Paul!!

[@mcashler2678]

Filters are a great option but I will continue using a MIOX system in conjunction with mine. Thanks for another great video

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on

[@mcashler2678]

@Mike Dunning it is a device that uses salt and electricity to create a chlorine solution.

[@moorejl57]

I have the Sawyer mini gravity feed version and carry 1L smart water bottles for storage. As backup, I will boil my water with an alcohol stove or the Jetboil. The mini claims 100k gallons but you need to back flush it on the regular or it will clog.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Truth.

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Good video. You should boil the water after you fillter it. Just in case. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@szekerespista3758]

I need a good water filter for a friend who lives in Africa. He is drinking water from a swamp well. In this moment he is boiling the water before drinking. What is your recommendation? Which water filter can you recommend in order to not boil the water before drinking. Thanks!

[@leedyp]

I like the grayl myself

[@johnburgin7478]

Been eye balling the Grayl since they came out . I have multiples of the other two . Probably stick with the Sawyer

[@STOKERMATIC]

It’s great!

[@plowboy006]

FYI the syringe with the Sawyer is for back flushing the filter.

[@mervmartin2112]

Do note that a filter is not a purifier, though there are combination units. (Check the fine print) The "First Need" system is a combination unit I carried for 40+ years. Iodine, halazone and water purification tablets work great, but make shitty coffee. Some filter s filter out the taste of the purification chemicals = much better coffee. Millbank bags are good pre-filters.

[@StrategicSelfRelianceDefense]

What a lot of people do not know or consider is the filter type. Absolute or nominal. Most manufacturers will not disclose it but sawyer does. Grayl works in a different manner.

[@wesley20991]

I have one I really like it but the only problem I see is cold weather and freezing temps. Also I tried to do some searching about cleaning the filter after a trip I would think a little bleach water would through the filter would be a good idea but grayl suggests not to use any chemicals.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Dependent on area and temps - leave in pack to provide insulation.

[@mikec.8556]

Grayl is what is use but definitely been meaning to get the sawyer .

[@STOKERMATIC]

It’s great!

[@steveobright]

The Sawyer is even better if you pair it with a Platypus carbon element which is a similar device you can use in line with tubing.

[@jamesparker6383]

I'm going with the Sawyer Mini. I know this doesn't have anything to do with what is being discussed here , but has anyone told you that you look like Bruce Willis and sound like him also ? An inquiring kind of question. Also I mean no disrespect , I enjoy your videos ,I've learned a lot watching your navigation vids the most

[@STOKERMATIC]

He’s my doppelgänger!

[@shadowscout9872]

If you put the grayl filter in contaminated water won't you get a small amount of contamination from the lip of the cup as you drink from it ? When you use chemical water treatments they tell you to spill some treated water onto the threads of your bottle to decontaminate it.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Indeed, but I don’t see too many people licking their GRAYL like a lollipop 😂🤣

[@samhanna9409]

son this hear water filter has a leak " Dad Gummit"

[@richardstyron5716]

Sawyer mini

[@jerryj3047]

I never used water filtration when I was backpacking, I always found fresh water, a good indication for me was European crayfish, they live only in unpolluted streams, rivers, and lakes. In the USA I like Katadyn or life straw when you kayaking you can attach a hose and drink without bending, but I always have with me Potassium permanganate just in case 😎😎😎😎

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️👊

[@KirstenBayes]

If I am carrying it, and it's just me, the Mini. Just got to be diligent about backflushing it. I always carry tablets and a means to boil. Us Brits love our tea.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on!

[@vonsprague7913]

Water is heavy so a water filter makes sense even on short trips. Each of my bags has a Sayer mini in it as back up but my go to is the large Grayl. It just irrates the living - - - - out of me that they are so expensive for what they are. Yes I know R&D is costly and they are well made but damn they're expensive lol.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Indeed

[@modestadventurers]

Worth mentioning that only the Grayl removes viruses (sorry if you did and I missed it) so if your water source is suspect you should really be using a secondary purification method to deal with viruses like UV, boiling, iodine or tablets. I’m a sawyer man myself. I was using a Steripen to secondary purify but those things break quicker than a politicians promise and Katadyns warranty is useless. So rolling boil or tablets for me.

[@STOKERMATIC]

👊

[@surviveanything4765]

My primary is the Katadyn Pocket. I like to bring the water up to me, rather than crawling around to go to the water.

[@STOKERMATIC]

There you go.

[@crazynok5511]

Sawyer is what I use . 100,000 gallons is years of survival for 2 people.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Liberal avg for planning is 3 gallons per day per person (cooking, cleaning, hygiene) - so yeah, it covers that and then some!

[@craigcook1571]

I like the grayl because it also filters viruses

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I have all three and the GRAYL is my favorite when not toting a water bladder, I have my Sawyer inline to my bladder. Thanks for sharing Bro.

[@STOKERMATIC]

🇺🇸👊

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Stoker my German Shepherd Axel past away yesterday of a heart attack at age 4 yrs old. I'm broken hearted.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Oh my goodness! I do hate to hear this!! My condolences brother.

[@MA-lq6eb]

💥😎EXCELLENT VIDEO & IDEAS!👍🇺🇸 I personally think u should have drank from 1 at a time & waited a few days between 2 see which ones will possibly give u a tummy ache! lol😉 IHave the 2nd two u talked about & a big Berkey 2.25 gallon...but not the 1st(seems over priced). I would say the Sawyer is the best budget bet & is portable. Where did u get the bladders u showed? Do u have a link for best prices? Thnx!

[@STOKERMATIC]

I honestly had no doubt in their efficiency or I would have. 👊

[@MA-lq6eb]

@@STOKERMATIC Gotcha! What about the bladders? Are there some u would recommend over others? Thnx!

[@STOKERMATIC]

Dang it! Forgot. I’ll post something in the am when I’m on my computer.

[@MA-lq6eb]

@@STOKERMATIC NP...thnx bro!👊

[@STOKERMATIC]

I like the MSR amzn.to/3O2qhKy they also make one that's even heavier duty - amzn.to/3OaP3bj

[@arctodussimus6198]

nDur used to make a filter on a canteen that worked for 50 gallons. I have one and like it a lot. I bought a couple of extra filters, who’s was good because I don’t think this is on the market any more. nDur Filter filters to 0.2 microns The Lifestraw filters to 0.2 microns The Sawyer Mini filters to 0.1 microns. The Survivor Filter filters to 0.05microns. To filter viruses, the pores in the filter must be at least 0.02 microns. I believe the Aquamira Frontier Max filters to 0.02 microns. I only have one Frontier Max filter, and it’s in my main go-bag. I didn’t think there was too much to worry about having viruses in your water supply, but nowadays, who knows? Boiling is always an option if you are really concerned.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Better safe than sorry I suppose. I’ve been pretty fortunate over the years.

[@louiemorris9598]

My choice are a Berkey water filter for the house. I'm a big fan of the Sawyer mini water filters. My whole family have several for each person. And spare ones for the Berkey. You have to have a plan for water when the Zombie apocalypse happens.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Hell yeah!

[@bryantevis6680]

I got a life straw. Two red crosses and two sawyers .

[@sage4293]

@STOKERMATIC, These filters will bust if they freeze. What do you think about a millbank bag as an alternative?

[@lorkainenkingg8497]

The Grayl can handle a light freeze, but you are correct about that aspect otherwise. A Millbank is a useful prefilter, but to be safe you would want to use chemical purifiers (chlorine dioxide or iodine tabs), or boil it after running the water through the Millbank.

[@sage4293]

@@lorkainenkingg8497 Good point.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Kept in pack to assist insulating when not in use should be of benefit as well in most areas.

[@sage4293]

@@STOKERMATIC Thanks for the response!

[@srmj71]

"dadgum".. sharp. I know this guy is in the know.

[@garyjohnson4608]

My personal preference here is the Sawyer Mini. Is it perfect ? No. Is it up there among the best filter systems out there ? Yes.

[@STOKERMATIC]

👊

[@Bikeadelic]

Use clean flowing water unless you have no other choice and use water purification tablets unless you are up a mountain.

[@modemode3663]

Grayl also removes heavy metals🤘.I know they used to mine silver and other metals back in the day in my area. Great video

[@robertevans8126]

sharing

[@hammerhound168]

Large Grayl is goto, sawyer mini is for camp or inline camelback. The lifestraw goes in the emergency kit.

[@abauto5408]

Grayl is my go to and the befree is my backup. However any one of these filter systems you can't go wrong with.

[@GruntProof]

Bubble guts are a NO-GO

[@STOKERMATIC]

Indeed!

[@TAVAAR7]

Gear Skeptic has been slowly going through info on water treatment options recently. If you want to geek out on backpacking/outdoor nutritionand hydration info I highly recommend his channel. Personally I like the sawyer mini or squeeze and chlorine dioxide tabs along with a prefilter for treatment. I typically carry one or two 3l water bladders, a canteen set and sometimes a Smart water bottle or two since they work well with the sawyer. The sawyer pouches I've got stashed into a water kit or small survival kit since they roll up small. Grayel is nice and convenient but expensive for its lifespan. Lifestraw works but I dont like having to put my face that close to a source I'm concerned with to drink.

[@kamaeq]

Agree on the lifestraw, unless you are gathering the water in another container and the sucking it up. Too many diseases will get you through the eyes or nose even if you don't drink them.

[@louisyong5726]

there is no way these filte can remove heavy metal, the pore on those are just not small enough. the only way to remove heavy metal reliably is distillation or RO filterig. an easy way to prove my point is you can try to desalinate salt water with those water filter. if they cannot desalinate effectively it cannot remove heavy metal, because salt and heavy metal both desolve in water in ionized form.

[@ericdee6802]

I have the Sawyer myself, works great, Havn't crapped myself yet!!!🤮💨💩

[@STOKERMATIC]

🤣👊

[@ericdee6802]

@@STOKERMATIC 🤣👍🍻

[@randybrown140]

Water, water, water is the number 1 survival need, but remember, IT CAN SAVE YOU, but IT CAN KILL YOU just as fast. 🤔

[@STOKERMATIC]

So true.

[@wesley20991]

The grayl will remove viruses the sawyer will Not, not to much of a concern in the USA but other countries yes.

[@midgapreparedness2]

GRAYLE. don't drop it on a hard surface when it has water in it. It will Crack. NOT for survival situations

[@STOKERMATIC]

Good to know!

[@joefennell7535]

First choice that “commie tears “ flask you got. Second,sawyer mine. What about those pills? Take too long?

[@STOKERMATIC]

The flask has never done me wrong!