Sawyer Squeeze Vs Katadyn BeFree - Which Filter is BETTER?

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[@theamericanhiker9655]

You inspired me Darwin! I completely changed my life! Got hiking and have dropped 80 pounds since July! Absolutely love your channel and I 100% my sawyer squeeze! Keep it up my friend! Ordered my protect public lands pin!

[@ModernGentleman]

@Mi Tewell tf? You got problems

[@mightymcknight]

Daaaaaang! Now it's my turn to get into shape

[@TripedalTroductions]

That's great! Bet that feels good!

[@LibsMakeMeSad]

Good job. I hope you continue to thrive!

[@MetallDanne]

I have a hearing problem and really like that you are articulate when you are talking, much easier to follow. Greetings from Sweden 🙂

[@davidhagler8475]

Darwin's video production is top notch and he does a great job articulating. That's just a couple of reasons why Darwin is probably the best at what he does with his KZbin channel.

[@garrycollins3415]

"Which would I choose? Both." Nailed it.

[@allenrigby4284]

Spoilers 😂

[@kaanjel]

😂

[@matthewmanzi9504]

This debate is how I met my girlfriend. No really, we were both solo backpacking and filling up at the same stream. I was using the Befree and she used the squeeze and we started chatting about what we thought of them. After 2 years she now uses the Befree too

[@modaud6509]

True but Sawyer will always be my first love 😂

[@michaelvoorhees5978]

Then she should dump you!!! Real men don't have to filter water in the wilderness. We native Americans don't get sick from water......

[@spick1923]

@@michaelvoorhees5978 Animals dump near streams and rivers. Not that men moaning about contracting Giardia isn't super attractive and manly. Native Americans had the sense to boil water in clay pots with heated rocks. Modern wisdom a thing we call science, proves a water filter is quicker and more efficient......

[@ili6779]

@@michaelvoorhees5978 Oder Frauen....

[@uga.d4173]

Not only would I use both, I would carry both. Even for an ultralight hiker, 2 ounces is a small price to pay for constant access to clean water, regardless of the source.

[@Life0fBri]

carrying two water filters is not Ultralight

[@___xyz___]

Wearing two boots isn't ultralight either. But I prefer not to limp.

[@manletopia4801]

Ultralight babies

[@davef5916]

@@Life0fBri Drinking water isn't ultralight.

[@Life0fBri]

@@___xyz___ wearing boots isn't ultralight. Get yourself some trail runners or Crocs or barefoot sandals

[@davidotto3132]

The small blue coupling collar is the greatest addition to the squeeze. it allows me to screw the filter onto the end of any Smartwater bottle so I don't spill any water when I'm filtering. When I'm done, I just flip the set up over and backflush ~50mL of water every time I use it, I haven't had it clog on me yet. I've never used a befree, but It looks like that is a standard threaded sports cap on the end so I could probably do the same thing as well. It's an extra step that some find cumbersome, but I prefer having two different dirty/clean water reservoirs while on the trail.

[@WolfSurvivalUK]

I have used the sawyer for several years now. To mitigate the fragility I use a thin high-density foam wrap secured with gorilla tape. This has the added advantage of insulating the filter as well. My current one has survived many a drop and never frozen despite winter camping in the UK. Not perfect but a major improvement.

[@bashkillszombies]

Modifying your kit is essential, too many people fear this and end up paying absurd prices. Look at your backpack or webbing. Get a speedy stitcher. Modify it how you want it. People will instead buy thousand dollar packs when a $50 yum cha one will suffice with some webbing and forethought to mod it.

[@Binjh76]

Now theres an idea

[@chemistryflavored]

My husband and I carry the Sawyer squeeze and use the sports cap hack to backflush and then backflush properly at home in between trips. We are weekend warrior types though. We also always carry a couple iodine tablets as backup just in case.

[@davidpippin3460]

Since they are so light and inexpensive I actually bring both. Each has its advantages and I ALWAYS want a backup for water filtration.

[@SailingCorina]

You can take off the drinking tip of the Be Free filter and put the blue ring from Sawyer on the thread to make a gravity filter into any normal size bottle or bag. I use a Cnoc 2 liter as my dirty water bag with the Be Free in it and a Platypus 2 liter as my filtered water bag. I also use the sawyer quick release adapter to send water straight into my pack water bladder without ever taking it out. You can buy the replacement Be Free filter without the bag for much cheaper and get the better Cnoc bag. 😉 When you think about the amount of litters they last, it really isn't an issue because they both last forever. I actually carry a Sawyer Mini as a backup since 2 ounces is worth the insurance.

[@vatiammatri]

Super tip!

[@joeldavies6690]

Hi, I’d love to be able to see a quick video on this !!

[@shug9263]

Make of video of this please

[@_68niou1]

Great review Darwin. There's so many reviews of these two filters out there, but this is basically the best summary of all of them.

[@articus5134]

In my personal experiences: Sawyer Squeeze - Froze in the Mid-20s, white the BeFree worked perfectly fine Katadyn BeFree - with mine, and 2 others - I found that you are able to "taste" the water you are filtering a lot more than the Sawyer Squeeze.

[@canadafree2087]

I wonder if the higher flow rate of the BeFree is because it may be less fine than the Sawyer; that would explain why you taste the water more with the BeFree

[@wayne2078]

Welcome back. Good review, thank you.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I was searching for videos like this a couple months ago. Thanks for making it!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

No problem! Hope it helps!

[@Joey_Joey_Joey]

Great video. The best one I have seen discussing these two systems! Thanks for doing it!

[@NoahSaunders29]

Well this was the best comparison video between the two I’ve ever seen!

[@JeffSinon]

While shopping for a filter it was a toss up between the Sawyer and the Katadyn, until I started digging a little deeper. The three main reasons I ended up with the Sawyer are, #1 filter life - the Sawyer smokes the BeFree, with the prices being very comparable. So that’s a win in the value department. #2 - I read way too many reviews mentioning failures of the bag that comes with the BeFree. (To be fair, the bags that come with the Sawyer Squeeze are notorious for failing too). Maybe I’ll call this one a draw? Which brings me to reason #3 - versatility. If the bag on the BeFree does fail I’m screwed, plain and simple. With the Sawyer, even if the included bag were to fail, I can go literally anywhere and find a bottle it will screw on to. Another win for the Sawyer.

[@minniyoutubaster]

Per your 3rd reason - according to the video of Robert Hammenrudh - the Hydrapack Flux Bottle, Plug 'n Play Cap & Filter-adapter are the best solution to use with the Sawyer.

[@andyfilmsandhikes]

Really great video... I love the balanced approach!

[@HereThereInbetween]

So helpful, especially for someone just getting started! Straight forward and not loaded with a lot of references that one wouldn’t understand if they’re just beginning or not in your particular hiking environments.

[@point8dirtbag14]

Hey Darwin! Just wanted to leave a little comment of appreciation for your videos. I have been kept away from my active hobbies like backpacking and such for a year and a half due to multiple surgeries. Watching your videos lets me live vicariously through you and helps ease my trail withdrawal. I've spent a lot of time reworking my gear since I really couldn't do anything else, so I am very excited to get back out there this summer and get back to doing what I love. And I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your videos and how much they helped me through these last 20 months. You're awesome man!

[@stevearita3267]

Excellent review, and very much appreciate the fact that different filters work better under different environments, I would not have thought about that! Thank you!

[@HootenannyJane]

Thank you, Darwin! I've been considering these two options and your insights and information were very helpful!

[@beebopcola]

Great comparison review! Most focus on stats and leave it at that. So glad you focused on the real world nuances of using these tools in different scenarios. So helpful! Well done!

[@amyarcher8017]

Loved this video! Can't wait for the rain jacket comparison. Thank you for taking the time to do these 🤩

[@horsedog713]

Yes indeed! That would be a great topic with Darwin’s experience.

[@mjhinton1972]

Great video Darwin. Non biased and honest. Glad you are back making videos. 👍

[@DG-ss1gc]

Love How you have these three word endings to statements always said in a particular cadence. “In your pack”. “On the trail” are my favs.

[@brandonfoley7519]

Hi Darwin, I'm pushing for 2021 thru hike of the AT You and Dixie have been major inspiration for me Several pieces of my gear are based on yours, so thank you for teaching me I hope to meet you some day I picked Sawyer sqeeeze for it's versatility

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

OH YEAH! Hope your having a great prep period!

[@silvermediastudio]

It's 2022. Did you do it?

[@rifleman1873]

I respect your opinion as much as any other hiker on YT. You are very thorough and unbiased with your reviews. Thanks!!

[@safromnc8616]

Appreciate you sharing your experiences and breaking down the pros and cons. I have the Sawyer but have been hearing lots (recently) about the Be Free, so I was becoming curious but no one was really explaining the 'why'....

[@tombryant52jumpscoach]

This helped a lot in making a clear decision on what to buy for my first overnight hike a 14-day hike on the AT in the Shenandoah Mts. Nice job man! Thanks.

[@MiaMeezy]

Thank you for explaining the differences, I see use in both!

[@chanthataing7042]

Thank you so much for this comparison! Very informative and easy to watch.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

You are so welcome! 🤙

[@HikeOregon]

I love videos like these!! Also, every time I see your intro I get so excited that Oregon is featured. :)

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

❤️❤️❤️

[@michaelb1761]

Thank you for turning me onto the Hydroblue a couple of years ago. Works better than a Sawyer IMO.

[@daniel-lee888]

Great balanced review! I'm happy with my Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc Vecto 3L bags - it gives me the most options, especially when more than than 1 person.

[@cabie58]

You rock, Darwin. Thoroughly enjoy your vids.

[@Pacertravel]

Pretty cool seeing this video come up on my feed. I got hired by Sawyer right when the squeeze filter came out. They hired me to run their water department. I enjoyed designing the Manufacturing process for the squeeze and then years later the mini. I no longer work for them but still have their filters in my hurricane kit.

[@narrow_is_the_way6170]

Thanks. Good information on what works best for the conditions.

[@jamespriest7684]

I have both, and a geo press ( by grayl) the grayl is the beat filter I own. ( just know it's expensive and a pound) but like Darwin I adapt my plan to the plan never gotten sick from creek water. I get some crazy looks but I drink Alot of water from streams, springs, seeps, bogs, drain, rivers, ponds, and once a large puddle. Be safe and stay hydrated =)

[@4CountDaddy]

As someone who has used both, this is the best comparison video I have seen yet. Kudos.

[@janamacklin9332]

Thank you for this video! I'm sure like many others, I was unsure about what water filter i should get. I love your ideas of having both due to the different advantages of each! It was good to know about their cons as well! Now when I get them I'll have some idea of what to look out for!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Thank you for explaining why! And the pros and cons. Great info!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤙

[@craigmiller8833]

You as well as one other person do such great helpful videos. I lean to the b free just because of the bigger opening. I my need to pay more attention. I have just in the past two years gotten back on the trail after many many years. I’m an absolute newbie, I had no idea how much I did not know. Things like this video has really helped. I’ve realized that I am an ultra light packer for no real reason only because it always helps to die out less quickly on the trail. But a true thank you for the continuing education. That I really needed.

[@alexandersupertramp6027]

Good advice about the water in AZ, about to start a winter thru hike on the AZT next week.

[@adanlopez827]

Great video, this is exactly what i needed to decide! I’m buying the befree so I’ll have both. I’m big on gravity systems for overnight, but i need the direct drinking ability on day hikes and climbing forays. Thanks Darwin!

[@harris4035]

I've used the BeFree on backpacking and bikepacking trips and absolutely love it! I did have issues puncturing the .6Liter bladder/bottle it came with, so after my 2nd one, I upgraded to the 2L aftermarket bladder, which is made from a thicker, more durable material.

[@mc52]

Thank you! I wanted to know why you use both. Great explanation!

[@Cameronthetaco41]

I have both and I like both. I think you made great points about each of them. 👌🏼

[@Eric-469]

I love them both. I spent so many years with a Katadyn Hiker Pro without knowing there were alternatives. Once I got the Squeeze and a BeeFree, never looked back.

[@aaronbell7371]

Very objective comparison. Good thoughts. Thanks Darwin.

[@bradjustbrad]

Great analysis. I appreciate that you can see the benefits to both. I'm a Sawyer fan for now, but that's because it is what I have in my pack.

[@shellyfahren1936]

That answered a lot of questions I had. Thanks a bunch for sharing!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad it was helpful! 🤙

[@TJackSurvival]

I used the Be free alone on a 50 mile ultra light trail running trip in Escalante. We traveled over sand and trails and plateaus and relied on this alone. It did excellent. However it got plugged up a bit from the nasty water we drank out of.

[@1jenn1e]

Best backpacking channel on KZbin. Thanks Darwin!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

WOW! THANKS!

[@unlimitedduck]

Darwin - Wanted to give you a shout out from Arizona Trail Steward Passage 18b of the Arizona Trail for I noticed the quick shot inserted of Mud Spring within Reavis Canyon. So, I recently just switched over to squeeze about 8 months ago and compared to the msr hand pump by far quicker and gets you back on the trail faster. Also wanted to say appreciate what you been doing helping with various projects for the Arizona Trail Association.

[@Olan...]

That vid was so Thorough cheers mate....well reviewed .

[@davepacino]

Awesome video, thank you for The in depth comparison

[@terencekam4993]

Thanks! Very useful video. I was trying to compare these two products.

[@bluebooper]

Great video thank you Darwin!

[@quitusmaximus4664]

Great video - I like how you break it down. Thanks!

[@stevenquina]

Thanks, your video was clear and made my deciion easy. As I'm only backpinging for smaller periods I will go for the BeFree, it makes total sense.

[@TheJarrodh]

Great video, I really appreciate the time you spend making these videos the information is invaluable to figure out the difference between similar seeming gear, and providing real world feedback about their performance. I've got the platypus gravity works filter, it's good for 10,000 L, the filter body is made of this really soft material that you basically can't break. But you do need to bring a "dirty water bag" plus something to filter into. The flow rate, and cleaning have been really good, without issues; Except I do find I need to back flush with tap water every 20-50 liters depending on how silty the source water has been.

[@natalies.5466]

this was just what I needed! Thank you!

[@swedishhiker]

I am still to pick one. Thanks for this video!

[@MaximusMcCullough]

Hi Darwin, long time watcher first time commenter. Thanks for all your videos, been watching for a while. I am headed out next month for my first thru hike on the AT.

[@davidrenz5886]

Neat video and very informative. Thankyou and happy hiking...

[@MagnieBolt]

I've actually heard from a few hikers the BeFree threading fits the larger PowerAid/GatorAid bottles, so in a pinch, you COULD potentially walk into a grocery store and figure something out if the bag breaks!

[@outdooroutpost6061]

I heard the hydrapak soft bottles work with the befree

[@jamesosborn1628]

Nice comparison, great job!

[@thurney4343]

The BeFree is a more lightweight and refined version of an earlier type of on the go water filter which I purchased @10years ago from Katydyn...it was called the Exstream XR. It was perfect for weekend or day hikes where running water was available. I liked this bottle type filter because it filtered both cysts and viruses from the water and also had a carbon filter for taste issues. Nice review by the way...good info.

[@ginokappadonna]

Great distinction between both

[@Gozerthegozarian1984]

Great video. Very useful info.

[@DarrenYee]

I've used both, but I prefer the BeFree for alot of the same reasons that you mentioned. I've had mine for over a year now and it has slowed down, but I was able to clean it with a little vinegar and the flow rate is back. Thanks for your review.

[@BoldlyExplore]

Excellent video really helped me decide. Thru hiking the Colorado trail seems the Katadyn is the one.

[@frankzappa2451]

Nice. Felt like this was a very thorough comparison "for your" needs as a hiker. I learned something about different environments and styles of hiking as well. "I have to say I'm not a seasoned thru hiker". "I'm always looking for a no nonsense view on gear". "This was a nice straight to the point upload". In which I like. Thanks Darwin for the insight and knowledge sharing. "Water is important". ✌️👍

[@stevemartin8994]

Great comparison video

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! Glad you dug it! 🤙

[@matus201]

MSR trailshot is the best filter I've seen. Just so versatile.

[@roybatty3194]

Great stuff. The exact information I was looking for. Cheers.👍👍

[@garymack411]

Excellent review. I actually just ordered the BeFree yesterday before I saw this but I think it confirms I made the right choice for what I want.

[@journeysbegun]

Great review! Thanks for the video.

[@FilipRapp76]

Very valuable information! Thank you!

[@opiehelstrom4702]

This feels like a really good, unbiased, video.

[@papajeff5486]

Man, you are a rock, solid as can be. Thank you for the comparison, right on target. I wish you well. Texas

[@orion7741]

For me the Be Free is the one. I started trying it out early last year and have never looked back! I liked the Squeeze, but it is limited and the performance was never what I considered to be all that great due to clogging and stuff. The Be Free has some serious flow performance, and is super easy to clean the filaments when it starts slowing down. I have used the same one for nearly a full year now and it is still flowing stronger than the Squeeze ever did.

[@travishilterbrand775]

Same. I have had constant problems with the Sawyer. Much happier now that I switched to the BeFree

[@ZebraKatzWhereItsAt]

Im going into my fourth year of doing backcountry trail work full time, my sawyers have never clogged once and i use them every single day, 5 days a week, 8 hours a day i rely on it for my water for 5 months out of my work year. The only reason i've needed to replace mine is from having it out in my car when its dropped below freezing so ive replaced them. I'm def going to get a BeFree this season though to try it out, but my Sawyer has never failed me yet.

[@briandoolittle3422]

Its interesting you suggest the silty water is less of a problem in the P.N.W. It really depends on the area. I'm often higher up in the mountains, pulling from water that is direct runoff from glaciers. Glaciers tend to put a lot of silt from ground-up rock in to the water. I have to rinse my BeFree constantly because of that.

[@stillnocouch]

Very nice, cogent and informative! Thank you !

[@Sklallamstrong]

Another variable to consider for some people is sharability. For two people hiking together the sawyer is more sharable since you use it to fill your drinking bottle but you drink straight from befree. Awesome vid man, I love hearing your thoughts and experiences on gear. Hike on.

[@bihlygoat]

Great review. My experience with the BeFree is the same as yours (clogs easily), except I was never able to restore the flow by swishing, shaking, or even back flushing. I lost mine on a hike and ended up not caring. I use the Sawyer Micro now - great compromise between the Squeeze and the Mini.

[@LEN-iy3ix]

Excellent elocution mate 👍

[@NikkiEvernight]

I got the be free, I really like it. I carry a sawyer as a back up if I'm heading out far away from things. Good useful vid, thanks!

[@derekditz7812]

Good info they definitely both have their pros and cons.

[@paxtianodirtfrog8947]

I love the Sawyer and I use it the lazy way. I carry a couple of smart water bottles and just screw the filter onto the one I'm drinking from. A lot of people are worried about breaking off the filter carrying it on their pack because it sticks up so high. I'm clumsy and haven't done that yet. I have a bias against the BeFree so I haven't tried it yet. I don't like bladders and that probably goes right back to my laziness. I'm tempted though. Love the videos man, keep up the great work!

[@juliefrechette7562]

I have the BeFree. When I started backpacking in 2018 there were not selling the sawyer squeeze in the stores where I live in Canada. So far I really like it 🙂

[@braxtonbliss9440]

I picked up a BeeFree with the CNOC Bag. Works great for me being a weekend warrior in Michigan.

[@lorraineboyd9425]

i just purchased the Bee Free Katadyn and found it more versatile for my hiking on the east coast. thanks,

[@mattvittal]

I like to use the sawyer with 2 cnoc bags and the coupler. If on the move, I can just use one bag and squeeze water through the filter. Or if I’m at camp I can use both bags and effortlessly filter a bunch of water using the sawyer as a gravity filter. It’s very versatile and has worked well for me.

[@markwatson2235]

Hey Darwin - Several years back you introduced the Hydroblu filter as an alternative to the Sawyer. I tried one of those and found it has a better flow and is more durable than the Sawyer. Thank you! They are a bit harder to find, but I think if I break it on the trail then I can replace it easily with a Sawyer until I can get another one. Thank you for your videos, they are extremely informative.

[@RICHat22]

I still keep both in my trucks for reasons you mentioned. I learn from other people's experience. LOL. Glad to know both are good. Mostly I keep the BeFree in my pack.

[@toddkohut5993]

I’m trying to decide right now. Great info. I’m leaning towards the katadyne for its convenience though. Thanks.

[@thedaddyjames]

Sawyer for me. It works great and I don't see any reason to buy something new. Very well done video Darwin, your experiences are very good for us to learn from.

[@orion7741]

if you were to actually use the Be Free, I imagine you would surprised and then say "why didnt I try this sooner?!" its so much better than the Squeeze! no joke.

[@papadawg3172]

great review. I have used the sawyer mini and now the sawyer squeeze. I've hiked with someone who used the Katadyn and was impressed, tho

[@debbilermond1553]

I used the PUR filters for years on the trail but upgraded to the Sawyer Mini a few years ago. I just love it but my husband wanted a larger capacity so we just bought a regular Sawyer for him. I haven't tried the Katadyn Be Free yet but will look at possibly adding that to our backpacking systems. Just spent my budget by adding the new NEMO Dragonfly Bikepack 2P Tent for Summer hikes since our Mountain Hardwear Trango II is better designed for the Pacific Northwest Fall & Winter weather (too heavy for Summer). Happy trails and thanks for the great comparison review!