Every Way to FILTER WATER in the Backcountry! | Miranda in the Wild

[@rei]

Hey friends! I TOTALLY forgot to include an important factor of choosing a type of water treatment: quantity of water! Chemical purification, bottle or squeeze filters and UV purification only allow you to treat what you can fit in a bottle. Gravity filters are great when you need a large quantity of water (say, for a group) or when your water source isn’t close to camp. Pump filters kind of fit in between, allowing you to filter as much as you can carry! What’s most important to you when choosing a water filter?

[@LWilli5]

So much great information.

[@atropineman3541]

1) effective 2) convenient 3) taste. Picked the last bottle filter.

[@ambissing]

Why didn't you review the Sawyer Squeeze? It looks like you had it right there? It's a lifetime filter and you can add it to a smartwater bottle and drink right from it or buy a Cnoc 2L bag for your "dirty" water and make a gravity filter for big batches of water. I don't like the bags it comes with but other than that, it's way better.

[@MusicBent]

Bissilife and Odie I think it’s more of a comparison of methods, not brands. But I agree, sawyer should have been included. The be free only filters 1000 liters! ONLY 1000 LITERS. THATS 250 ish gallons. Sounds like a lot but it’s not. Sawyer for personal/solo hikes. MSR pump for families or scout troops etc (often have nalgene anyway, chemical or sawyer mini for ultralight.

[@markbenedict3279]

@@ambissing I think the BeFree beats the Sawyer hands down

[@TheSJCieply]

Microbiologist here. One thing to note is that chemical treatments don't sterilize the water, at least not with anything you'd take backpacking. They don't tend to be as effective at protozoan parasites like cryptosporidium and giardia, which are major issues in many areas.

[@Golddragon214]

I used pump filters for a long time but after finding gravity filters, I won't go back. And don't forget to always have a back up plan. Bring a light weight chem treatment if you can.

[@antonioallevato6640]

Another good point to include is how long you can use each water treatment method. I know some filters are good for hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, while the chemical treatments only work for however many tabs/drops you have. Would end up changing the price point the longer you use each method.

[@RomeoMSong]

Definitely love the Sawyer. I love that it fits on most bottles so I've got a CNOC dirty bag and I carry a couple of smart water bottles and some sports caps to help with the backflushing. All very light, easy and durable.

[@ambissing]

Same here. That Cnoc bag is awesome

[@conrad7829]

Katadyn only produces the filter part of their filters. The "bottle" is made by Hydrapak which makes it really easy to find bigger storage tubes like their Seeker or Expedition series, varying from 2 to 8 litres. They allow for the use as a gravity filter aswell.

[@afajardo9938]

@Conrad Lox How can you turn the BeFree into a gravity system? I’ve always used a Hydrapak but I’m going backpacking with a group of newbies and I’d like to be able to filter all their water without buying a new system

[@jennyl1182]

I use a grayle, love it. Doubles as your water bottle and no power or other supplies needed. Plus it filters viruses so works anywhere

[@arweninnj]

I was wondering if the Grayl was going to make an appearance. I was surprised not to see one!

[@onlyinparadise4613]

I agree Jenny. Grayl is the best purifier. Great to use for traveling to third world countries where everyone says “don’t drink the water!” Also, I recently discovered a non-toxic water purifier called Purinize! I haven’t used it yet but this sure beats all of the chemical options on the market. Purinize and Grayl will be my go-to options when SHTF! www.amazon.com/Purification-Solution-Effective-Emergency-Preparedness/dp/B07QT9XVXX/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=purinize+water+purification+drops&qid=1601009187&sprefix=purinize&sr=8-4

[@christianb8228]

Same here it is the best purifier/filter on the market hands down and it’s not ridiculously expensive

[@RDuude]

Grayl is hands down my fave purifier/filter

[@Xtariz]

Grayl is king...

[@listofromantics]

00:28 - You had a Sawyer Squeeze (most often chosen by PCT / CDT / AT thru-hikers) on your test bench, but didn't test it. Otherwise, a very good, well-produced, and informative video; well done, Miranda (and REI).

[@TaylorPassofaro]

Yeah, this is baffling they didn't test it since between long distance hikers, the BeFree and the Squeeze/Mini/Micro are the most popular water filters. For anyone coming to this a year later curious about the Squeeze, the Squeeze is typically the gold standard for reliability on hikes, but the BeFree does filter faster even if it clogs easier. The Squeeze can be backflushed to restore flow rate, the BeFree's "shake to clean" system doesn't work quite as well. Which is why it's strange they didn't talk about the Squeeze. Yeah it's not flashy, it's boring, but it's so consistent that it makes it so so popular year after year.

[@kimberlysmith7540]

I ended up buying the Sawyer filters so I wish those were reviewed! I did see them on your table with the BeFree one :) I have a video request: we want to take our kids backpacking and I want to make sure 1) we dont overload them, and 2) we have the right footwear for them. Is this something you can make a video about, or if you have can you point me to it? Should also mention we are newbies ourselves too! Thank you so much Miranda and REI!

[@rei]

Hey, great suggestion! The Sawyer Squeeze is a great little filter - I think you'll be happy with it! - Miranda

[@BadTimeBen]

I've gone out hiking with the Sawyer and I like it a lot. I use it like a mini squeeze pump: When I'm at a water source, I fill up a dirty water bag, squeeze water into "clean" bottles so i can just carry clean and drink ready water on me and refill when I get to water sources. I paired it with some bags from Cnoc. Hope you have a good time on the trail!

[@brenttesterman1198]

Hey there! I would recommend doing some car camping with a one or two day overnight close to your base camp. That way you can work out the kinks and find out any limitations you might run into. Have fun, Peace!

[@TheHikingLion]

Shocked the sawyer squeeze was not featured. Just hiked about 500 miles of the Appalachian trail. Over 90% of the people I came across were using the sawyer squeeze. These are fancy filters, but not the main ones being used.

[@AllenSchubert]

WOW!! I've never seen so many water treatment things in one video! Including products that I've never seen/considered (probably because of cost)! And I enjoy Miranda's presentation of these things! Miranda keeps it simple and to the point while being very entertaining!

[@rei]

Thank you for watching, Allen! - Miranda

[@Unflappabledelladuck]

You're a cool host, but I am skeptical of your palette xD That pasta water coffee has stayed with me.

[@greyglassL92]

It haunts my dreams as well lol

[@hebafahmy6907]

LOL

[@MidlifeCrisisTactical]

Lol, right? She's hardcore

[@TheHumanFlag]

KZbin needs to add a love button for videos like this. Best one so far!

[@justalurkr]

Miranda is the best thing ever to happen to the REI channel. Relevant to the topic, I just bought a BeFree and couldn't be happier it came out on top in this comparison!

[@glendacrouch1877]

I so agree!!!

[@rei]

Aww, thank you so much! I have to admit, I was impressed by the BeFree :) great choice! - Miranda

[@NightFoxXIII]

@@rei Much better than the Lifestraw as you showed. I too, had to use too much effort to even use their gravity filters. Grabbed and MSR Trail base instead.

[@SarahStudt]

I love my BeFree filter! I got the 3L too which has a handle. For those asking, sawyers do work in a similar way, but if you get the micro expect to do a lot of backflushing.

[@MikeWood]

I live in Canada so no REI stores, but watching informative videos such as this one with Miranda are a highlight of my KZbin subscriptions. I rang the bell too. I wish that Mountain Equipment Co-Op here in Canada had an online presence like this that entertained and informed as well as REI and Miranda do.

[@professorsogol5824]

As the people at REI certainly know "Vancouver, BC - September 14, 2020 - MEC’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) announced its unanimous support for an agreement with Kingswood Capital Management, LP (“Kingswood”), whereby Kingswood will acquire substantially all of MEC’s assets through the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (“CCAA”) and ensure a thriving future for the Canadian retailer."

[@derrickstableford8152]

It depends where you live, there are some surprisingly close to the border.

[@jaroslavbela677]

MEC is pretty much exactly the same thing as rei

[@shufflingfate4703]

Sawyer squeeze all the way. I can use in on a bottle, in a gravity feed system and it can filter a lifetime's worth of water. You can service it in the field too, just don't let it freeze. I don't recommend the mini or micro, go for the full on squeeze. I use a cnoc 2l dirty bag for the gravity system! Sad you didn't test it.

[@williamtrott7192]

I just returned from a week and a half in the Idaho mountains and used the life straw and Sawyer. Sawyer was used primarily in a gravity feed and if you squeeze the dirty bag, we were getting 4 liters in less than two minutes. With the life straw I found the flow increased if you filed the bag entirely with water so there was no air pocket, this seemed to create a vacuum and increased water flow. I did have to back flush the filter 3-4 times and that also increases water flow through the straw. Both of these have my vote for lightweight, inexpensive and effective filtration devices.

[@backpacker3421]

One issue with pump filters: Most of them use a ceramic filter element. This is fragile. If you drop the filter, or if the filter freezes when wet, you will need to test it before you use it again (filter water with food coloring to test). The ceramic filter elements can be replaced if they crack, but that's expensive. Also, ceramic is less effective than the more modern micropore filters like the BeFree and the Squeeze. The pores in the ceramic are larger.

[@backyardfern1923]

hi there! once the gravity filter starts to flow you have to lift the clean water bag up to purge the air out and then it flows super fast! (1.5L per minute)

[@chesterogilvie1393]

Or you could start nearly devoided of air and once theres enough filtered water weighing the bag it will create suction from the top of the system. But then again the dirty bag will need a valve if some type

[@johnsacco9897]

That MSR system actually gets primed by squeezing the housing around the filter. It also detaches so you can take it as a separate filter on the trail. Usually takes about a minute per liter depending on how mucky your water source is of course.

[@brianmotter8150]

Used the platypus gravity system 3 weeks ago, did 6.5 liters in about 5 minutes. It is about 3 years old and have done maybe 60 liters through it. My son uses the sawyers and likes them, both beat a pump. Nothing worse than standing over a mud puddle trying to pump out water. through a filter. Love the quality of the video.

[@avery41]

Would have loved to see the Grayl compared to those as well. Love the videos, keep them coming.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

See, I’d always use both filtration and purification. The very last thing one needs on the trail is to wrestle with the runs. I usually use some pump filter and a SteriPen and keep some form of chemical purification method as a backup. It’s something where redundancy is worth the weight to me.

[@htiek1]

Love these videos! There’s an error in this video - the liquid aquamira is chlorine dioxide just like the tablets and as such also takes four hours to kill crypto (not fifteen minutes as started in the video). Similarly, the tablets will kill viruses/bacteria in 15 minutes. Why the discrepancy? Because of government regulations. The tablets are EPA registered, and the EPA decided that having two treatment times was too complicated for the average consumer. The liquid aquamira is not epa registered for water purification (the epa decided there’s too much variability involved with mixing and waiting as well as measuring dosages) which is why the packing makes no mention of water treatment. The packaging only mentions that the product “improves water taste”. But if you’re worried about crypto then you do need to wait the four hours with the liquid aquamira (or additionally use a filter)

[@BronzeBellaBria]

🥲 so complicated. Thank you

[@Gulgonful]

These videos are really hitting a sweet spot. Informative, approachable, dispelling of the normal gear snobbery that "enthusiasts" bring to their pursuits. Obviously coming from a large commercial outfitter, but lacking the overt capitalist agenda of only driving business to REI. I feel I can take these lessons to my local outfitter no problemo. Thank you.

[@spikester40]

Oh my gosh you just crack me up!!! I love learning with humor!!! Keep it up and don’t ever stop!!!

[@AndrewB416]

I treated my water with respect and admiration and I still got the runs.

[@tainopr4356]

😂😂🤣…Good one!!!

[@CordCrenshaw]

🥴😂😂😂

[@jeffmcilroy7081]

I just bought a befree and used it last week on a 5 day backcountry canoe trip.. absolutely love it! I’ll never go back to my other filters again!

[@azclaimjumper]

Most reviewers of the Befree tell us the Befree quickly clogs up after as few as 5-6 liters & becomes almost impossible to use. However, I'm absolutely certain you will find this out for yourself, shortly.

[@jeffmcilroy7081]

AZ Claimjumper I’ve filtered probably 25 litres already and i flows just as freely

[@andymytys]

@AZ Claimjumper I got 60+ liters out of my Be Free on the Superior Hiking Trail. But you’re right... when it starts to have its flow rate impacted, it quickly goes to useless and there’s not a good way to maintain the filter on the trail. The Sawyer comes with the syringe, making it field serviceable. You can’t use that syringe on the Be Free - you’d break its integrity.

[@rei]

Glad to hear it's worked so well for you, Jeff! I've been pretty impressed with it and using it since we filmed this! - Miranda

[@ujjc001]

Umm, I saw the sawyer squeeze, why didn't you cover it? My fav, you can attach it to a plethora of bottles, or, attach inline on a bag hose, or in a gravity feed system. I just have a dirty bag and a bottle and gravity feed into the bottle, don't need the second bag but it is handy to have a clean bag too, depending on how much water you need...

[@rjstewart]

Sawyer Squeeze or Mini plus any water bladder and you have a squeeze/straw/gravity/“camelbak” system.

[@KP-jp9gv]

Because the befree is the same as the sawyer except much faster flow and easier maintenance.

[@counterfit5]

K P and larger pore size

[@rjstewart]

K P you can’t use the beefree as a gravity feed or a straw but you can with the Sawyer. Just buy a bladder and hook the hose to the Sawyer and away you go. Much more versatile!

[@joeisawesome540]

@@counterfit5 befree has the same pore size as sawyer 0.1 micron

[@rickfrench1020]

I've been thinking of hitting the trails again now that I am 5 years since a total hip replacement. Started checking the gear and a find my two Mini Water Works pumps are in great condition. I love them and as long as I have the replacement part kit I can take care of almost any issue on the trail. Love watching your videos.

[@Flashahol]

Great reviewing! You are so fun to watch. I would have like to see a review of Sawyer products and Grayl, though... maybe in he future?

[@andymytys]

For long-distance hikers, field serviceability becomes an issue as the non-chemical filters start to have their flow rate degraded. My personal experience is that the SteriPen is neat but you won’t find the batteries you need for it in some small town off the trail, if you accidentally drop it chances are a LOT greater that the device will be irreparably damaged, it has issues in cold temps under 40 F, and being electronic it can just stop working for no apparent reason. The Be Free is awesome until it’s not (flow rate impacted) and there’s no great way to clean it in the field. Once the flow rate is impacted the filter quickly becomes useless. I went on a 180 mile hike of the Superior Hiking Trail and had zero issues with the filter, but I chose water sources carefully (very clean sources). I went on another hiker where I had to filter from just one source that had some floating algae in it and the filter was dead for the rest of the trip. Also, if the Be Free bag ruptures you can’t just walk into a gas station and buy a water bottle to screw it on to. You didn’t mention the Sawyer filters, probably because they’re similar to the Be Free with a poorer flow rate. However, the Sawyer comes with a syringe to backflush it, making it totally field serviceable so that filter, the one you didn’t mention, is the winner for me (treatment time, ease of use, size/weight, cost, taste, and field serviceability). I see you did have the Sawyer on the table when you grabbed the Be Free. It is NOT just “more of the same.” And if your bottle breaks, just find a replacement at the nearest gas station.

[@drinaz4070]

Powdered water. Duh.

[@phillipp1399]

Ummm. Cost? Freeze dryers aren’t cheap and operating them is costly not only in the electricity bull but also in carbon footprint. This product should be reserved for emergency use only. I mean come on. Save the lightest water for its most essential users.

[@larryboldt4762]

Dooes REI sell that? I want....

[@AF-tv6uf]

Do you have to put freeze-dried water in a bear bag?

[@Mike-gt1cs]

Just add water? NICE!

[@drdoom8793]

Ah yes, dehydrated water. A personal favorite

[@fordkahunna675]

I know that the second water bottle filter had a faster flow than the first one but how good is it at filtering out particles? I feel if it was allowing a lot of water to pass through it that quickly, it probably wasn’t filtering the best. I would like to see a follow up video where you test the effectiveness of the filtration systems.

[@valou7328]

I also want to know this!! It filtered suspiciously fast

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Perhaps it isn't THAT fast - one wonders after dropping it 3 feet to smack on a hard floor if it might have fractured the filter, allowing it to pass water super fast!!!

[@itsplasticbabyofficial]

If you look in other videos, you can see that the Katadyn BeFree (the filter in question) really is that fast which is why it is such a popular choice for backpackers.

[@backpacker3421]

I guess we gave the Sawyer Squeeze the cold shoulder on this one. The BeFree starts off with incredible flow, but even with backflushing maintenance, most users report that flow decreases after 100-200 liters filtered and levels out somewhere around that of the Sawyer Squeeze. But both are much better with flow than the lifestraw. IMO, the Lifestraw is good for one thing: get one without a bottle to toss in your day pack. That way if you get stranded, or run into any other emergency, you have a super small filter and can drink directly from any stream or muddy puddle using the Lifestraw as it was originally intended, as a straw with a filter built into it.

[@phillipp1399]

You and your videos are awesome. Please stay who you are and continue to amaze us all.

[@owenbrodie2915]

I work in backcountry trail work and do a lot of backpacking and I am in love with my BeFree filter. Not only is it super great as a bottle it can also be used as a gravity filter for base camp!

[@rei]

It's definitely an awesome little filter! - Miranda

[@magmaticatlas]

I've got a 4L gravity filter (Platypus GravityWorks) and it's far faster than the gravity filter demoed in this video, but the key thing with gravity filters is that you have to do a minor backflush once you start filtering to purge the air, after which you can filter the rest of the water. This makes the filtering much *much* faster. Also do note that you've usually gotta protect filters from drops/freezing, since that can damage them. So if you plan to be in a very cold environment, you might want to bring chemical options instead, or make sure the filter stays warm. Gravity filters are great for filling up a couple hydration bladders, as well. Great video!

[@StormLaker]

REI.....keep up these "Miranda' videos, they are gold! Most of the places outside of Iowa that I go have clean enough water I can get by with filtration. Here in Iowa....well, you don't really want to drink out of that clean looking stream due to all of the agricultural runoff which includes fecal residues from feed lots and hog farms, fertilizers, pesticides, and discharge from municipal sewage treatment plants. I usually just end up doing weekend trips here and hauling/caching water for the weekend. I have friends that will filter out of a trout stream that runs through the area we hike, but my mom worked for the environmental wing of our DNR for years, and I know how many hog manure spills have afflicted that particular creek.....enough to make it a hard pass for me, lol.

[@boatkid888]

Got to say... That was fun to watch. Love your sense of humor.

[@bushball333]

I splurged on the MSR Guardian a few years back. I have taken it on multiple week long kayak & camping trips as my only source of water and I love it. 💧🥤

[@rjstewart]

My favourite is a Sawyer Mini plus a Platypus bladder. Sawyer Mini can be a squeeze bag or straw filter for quick filtering but fill a bladder and connect the hose and it will work as a gravity feed system. Need to keep moving? Put the bladder of dirty water in your pack and attach the Sawyer and use it like a CamelBak! It’s the most robust and inexpensive system on the market IMHO.

[@PCL73314]

This was actually really useful. I've seen the befree filters rated as a top choice with many backpackers, but to see it tested against other filters is much more effective! Thanks again Miranda!

[@cyprisivy726]

I just used this video to help get a talk going with a group of Cub Scouts on water purification. 4 of of Scouts are working on a badge that requires them trying 3 ways to purify. We coverd boiling, filter and Iodine. They now understand the concept of drinking clean dirt! They also tossed in a couple burps for good measure. They are looking forward to the next time I use your videos.

[@rei]

Right on! We're so happy you and the scouts found this video helpful and entertaining. Thanks for sharing! 😄

[@cultofcedar]

Honestly for a camp the Platypus that wasn't used is my favorite cost to effectiveness wise. For backpacking the BeFree is hands down the best. I carry that and the 2 part water treatment as backup. I have a 750ml collapsible hydrapak bottle the BeFree is attached to and a 3L collapsible Seeker from Hydrapak. I can put filtered water into (and additionally purify if I want) the Seeker from the bottle and use the bottle for normal drinking water. It's water storage and filtration. So it's like 8oz dry and you can always cut that back with a smaller water storage solution since the 3L makes up about 3.5 oz. Not bad considering my previous Gregory 3L water bladder was around 7oz on its own! That and the seekers have points for straps or slings!

[@rei]

We really appreciate your comment. We're always so impressed to see how our community uniquely problem solves.

[@stalar2892]

Great video! I live in Australia and water is a massive issue here when hiking. A lot of multi-day campsites have water tanks because it's not guaranteed you will find a water source and it's not possible to carry enough water. Because of that I've only used chemical treatments so far. But I'm eyeing off some hikes where I know there are water sources so there are no tanks provided and it's been hard to figure out what to get. Another issue I face is that it can be hard to source the gear here. I was super impressed by the Katadyn BeFree (currently use their tablets as treatment) and it's making me reconsider the gravity filter options I've been looking at. I would have liked to see the Grayl in use as well. Thanks Miranda! (p.s. I just found you and I am now binge watching all of your episodes while I am unwell so thanks for making me feel better!)

[@rev.johnpate3231]

Another great video! I love the tub of crap water! My story: About 25 years ago we were out on a week-long trip using a PUR pumpy type filter. Filtered all week long from nice, cold, mountain streams. Last day, discovered to my horror the filter membrane had blown out. AKA: We all were drinking unfiltered, untreated water. We did not get sick, did not die, did not turn purple or some other color. Hence forth, stopped filtering water from that area. Nevertheless, for other areas I carry a Sawyer (2.5 oz) + 24 fl oz Smartwater (1.24 oz.)+ 2 l squeeze pouch (1.6 oz). I ditched the 16 fl oz pouch. I carry untreated water to camp in the 2 l, and away we go. No carry the backwash pump; you can use a Smartwater and fliptop cap to backwash. I never filter cooking or hygiene water. On the cooking I figure if anything can live at 212 deg. F, then go for it! Other tip: Ditch the crappy white caps for your squeeze pouches and replace with a cap from a 1 l Smartwater - unless you want leaky water in your pack.

[@2012HPA]

I bought the BeFree squeeze filter at the SLC REI store (by the way, super friendly people in there!). The filter is great, I took it to my first trip to Mt. Timp. I used it in several sources of water, and the taste of the filtered water could not be better. Ideal for backpacking, amazing weight/effectiveness/price ratio. I enjoy these videos, thanks for sharing.

[@azclaimjumper]

You'll most likely get rid of your Befree because it is notorious for clogging up & being hard to filter water after as few as 5-6 liters of water, something you'll have to find out for yourself.

[@rei]

So glad you had a good experience at the Salt Lake City store! They know their stuff. Happy hiking! - Miranda

[@KP-jp9gv]

@@azclaimjumper I've been using the befree filters for the past 3 years for my long runs in the mountains (about 6-8 hrs). I have no idea what you're talking about. Had that problem more with the sawyers.

[@Erik_withuk]

If you are going to get a gravity filter, DO NOT get the MSR filter used in this video (MSR Trail Base). This summer I worked for the YMCA taking youth on one-week backpacking trips and I used this filter on one of the trips. On the trip I used this, we spent a week out on the Washington coast, where you cannot use chemical treatments because the bacteria and viruses there have become resistant to chemicals. To clean the Trail Base you have to fill the filter with water, vigorously shake it, and then squirt the water back out. The water at our first campsite was pretty dirty and it really mucked up the filter. The filter started to slow down and by our fourth day on the trail, the filter had stopped working altogether. Filters I do Like: Sawyer and Katadyn filters. I have used Sawyer filters before and they are a good value, super simple to clean, and very versatile. You can use them with the bag they come with or use them with a hose and a bag in a gravity filter system. Katadyn filters are awesome as well. I have the Katadyn Hiker Pro and I love it. It's not too bulky, filters rather quickly, and is rather easy to maintain and clean.

[@titanpreparedness]

My favorite way is by using the hydroblu versa flow. Its a lot like the Sawyer mini but can be used as a gravity system using 1 water bag and a bottle. No back flushing syringe required either. It also comes with equipment to set up a 5 gallon bucket system

[@TheHungryHiker]

"Still drinking dirt. Drinking CLEAN dirt!" Hahahahahaha Yes! OMG!! Your taste test notes are hilarious. I've always been a fan of the Sawyer Squeeze, but now I want to check out the BeFree water filter. Holy great flow Batman!

[@persephonesnow4336]

It's the Sawyer filters for me, I have two and love them both. Nothing is better in my experience for my fav activities.

[@asmith7876]

I've used pump style filters for years, now have the Guardian. Yeah it's heavy, omg it was expensive but is the fastest way to produce great water with almost no maintenance.

[@mareandotter]

My daughter and I watched this and decided on a Sawyer squeeze (with a CNOC bag) to backpack on the Colorado trail. It works really well- thanks for the info!

[@rei]

Happy to help!🤩

[@RoughLandings77]

I have an MSR filter pump that I bought probably 23 or 24 years ago. It's still going strong. It is all I have ever used for a mechanical means of treatment. I used iodine tablets when I was first starting out with backpacking and hated waiting for them to fully dissolve. The pump filter works great, has never failed me, so I haven't had any desire to replace it.

[@watthesnacks]

These video series are surprisingly good and informative

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

That was a great comparison, really pleased that the BeFree came out so well, as that's what I have 👍🏃

[@trailheart1863]

Sawyer squeeze with a Cnoc bladder, or a platypus gravity works. Like You said.... “set it and forget it” , sooo much easier.

[@azclaimjumper]

Platypus threads don't match up with Sawyer threads & water will leak out of your dirty water bag & increase the probability of cross-contamination.

[@trailheart1863]

AZ Claimjumper, lol. Yes I know... I just meant pick one system or the other.

[@AuroraGw2]

I started with a Sawyer, it was so slow and it cracked after the second use. Switched to befree and I'm loving it

[@derrickstableford8152]

We were planning an Alaska Highway run for over a year. In the planning there happened to be a Coldplay concert. We decided to drive from Calgary for the weekend so we could shop at REI Seattle, and spend/carry more. And did we ever.

[@Chrispy1990ful]

I like the concept but the only filter I didn't see tested was the one I was really waiting for. The sawyer squeeze micro, which is probably the most popular on the market.

[@Patrick-zr8tv]

Just a comment on that list of essentials at the start: I don't know if it's in order or not but the top three definitely need to be "shelter, water, fire" in that order. Staying dry is staying warm, staying hydrated is staying strong, boiling water is staying healthy. Anything else is a luxury. Including food. All that stuff is how you turn a survival situation into a fun hike.

[@CarlosDangerTheThird]

Plus one for the MSR Guardian. It might be expensive but if you get it during a sale it’s totally worth it

[@jamesalvernaz4913]

Yes, gravity for groups. Platapus GravityWorks 4 Liter with a group of four is such the nice way to go. About a liter a minute. Just hang it, do something else for a few moments and a gallon of water is ready and basically on tap for use.

[@brunoethier896]

I previously used pumped filters in my trekking, but the ceramic/fiberglass filters can clog up suddently when filtering melted snow if there's any hint of soot in it... You made me more interested in UV treatment now. 👍

[@derrickstableford8152]

The MSR guardian back washes as well.

[@westonsmith4572]

Fantastic video. I look forward to sharing this with others. A unstated con for filters is fragility and potential to rupture if water freezes within. Cheers from Canada.

[@americaamaro4425]

Love that you add time stamps!

[@OzMan9989]

You should have reviewed the Grayl bottle. Purifies and filters. It blows away all these systems.

[@azclaimjumper]

Agreed!, however it is heavy & bulky.

[@backdraft916]

AZ Claimjumper except it also does double duty as a water bottle so it’s a wash... ba dum dum 🥁

[@rhyoliterick]

Love my grayl but they clog easy, gotta use really clean water sources. When I don't have one I double filter, makes the grayl last a very long time.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@rhyoliterick I've only used my Grayl a few times, the water source was clear, however, I've made a mental note to filter dirty water through a sock/headgear, something/anything to try to remove contaminants B4 pushing water through the Grayl filter. Yes, I have a spare Grayl filter, however, it's kept at home for me to replace when the original becomes clogged.

[@katherinelangford981]

I had to pump a Katadyn filter system and clean it out on my first ever portaging 6 daytrip. I thought "this is super annoying and a lot of work." Then my next trip 2 people had the Platypus Gravity Works system. Game changer. Set it and forget it. I can get 2L pretty quick. I've had it for a few years now. If it slows a bit, backwash it and you're good to go. 5 of us now have this system. Rolled up it's not too bad in size or weight and was for sure worth the money spent. That Be Free one looks great for solo. Might have get my friend to grab it for me when he's in the US from REI.

[@hooXpoo]

Miranda love to see you do a video on the "WAPI" water pasteurization indicator. Works grate and saves gas/fuel.

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

I use a Berkey Go. Absolutely love it. You can put nearly any type of water in and it comes out delicious and safe.

[@donnajean72]

That BeFree flow is fantastic! But I'm wondering if it is as versatile as the Sawyer. I have my sawyer connected to a cnoc vecto bag for dirty water and use it as a gravity filter. I think the BeFree connects to the cnoc as well. A side by side between BeFree and Sawyer would be amazing.

[@SarahStudt]

It looks like cnoc sells their vecto bag WITH a BeFree filter, so I'd say it fits! I used my BeFree filter on a trip where my brother used a sawyer mini; his required more backflushing, but he also has the mini which is known for that. I can't really speak for speed, his is inline in a gravity system.

[@ambissing]

I almost bought the BeFree but once I found out the Sawyer Squeeze lasts pretty much a lifetime, it becomes way more cost effective

[@azclaimjumper]

The only thing "amazing" about the Befree is how quickly it clogs & is almost impossible to use. However, this is something you'll have to find out for yourself. Numerous reviews on the internet will tell you the same thing, the water flow is fast when new then quickly becomes almost impossible to use.

[@rei]

Thanks for the suggestion! - Miranda

[@azclaimjumper]

@tyvek05 Numerous others all over the internet have commented/review the BeFree as clogging & near impossible to use after filtering just a few liters of water; they are all over the internet; the overwhelming consensus is UNFAVORABLE.

[@riptide8350]

I work in environmental protection and uses to carry 3L of water with me every day. I realize I work next to water all day long. I bought myself a bottle filter. Can't go back worth the money. Great video

[@sonyalmon]

You did the Katadyn BeFree squeeze filter but their gravity filter set up should have been judged in the gravity filter category. It uses the same filter/mouthpiece as the portable 16oz one you showed and it's so fast that my friends don't even bother offering to bring their filters anymore. Like 3L over a 5min period kind of fast. It's great...and totally would have upped the rankings of gravity filters. I see a lot of comments about Sawyer products. I used to use the Sawyer Squeeze and that thing doesn't even come anywhere close to the BeFree gravity set up. The BeFree bladder is easier to fill and fills WAY faster than the Sawyer and the actual filtering part takes a fraction of the time it does with Sawyer. I also like that the one I have has a 3L bag so we can fill up bottles at the water source and then carry a full bag of untreated water back to camp for cooking and use in the morning without having to go back to the water source. I understand why people like to just attach the Sawyer inline for their hydration bladder but I personally don't like putting dirty water in my drinking bladder...and the Sawyer filters just take so much longer while having the same effectiveness so why not use the BeFree?

[@kristinegoodman7534]

Steri-peen by far is the easiest I've used in backpacking for over 6 years. Yes, you have to carry something to charge it with but I'm usually carrying something to charge my phone anyway. Mine has not failed but I have had a friend's fail so we always carry a filter for each person - important anyway in case someone gets lost/ separated. Pretty rare but just in case. I've had the other filters fail or get clogged. Love the Sawyer as an ultra-light option though too.

[@larryboldt4762]

I met someone on the trail using the steri-peen? Hers was so light I couldn't believe it, an excellent choice for the minimalist. I'm just not real keen on drinking CLEAN dirt.

[@kristinegoodman7534]

@@larryboldt4762 True! Clean dirt is still dirt lol. I've been fortunate enough to not have to deal with that yet!

[@larryboldt4762]

I have an MSR guardian, it's a filter/purifier all in one. Extremely fast and I have pulled drinking water out of a mud puddle when I couldn't find a creek. Yes, it costs more but you get great drinking water without having to carry it. It is a little bulky and heavy but very reliable. Recommend...

[@hectoralers84]

I love her!!! Totally fun and helped me decide to get the Guardian!

[@gennasmithers]

Great video, glad to see a breakdown of all of them, though I was disappointed you didn't review the sawyer and you did have it with you

[@pton6722]

PLUS ONE for a Sawyer Squeeze review. great show otherwise!

[@cmcer1995]

I have used the Sawyer Filter for years now, really light weight, easy to use, quick, back flushable, very reasonably priced, and compact, can carry in a fanny pack with room to spare. And the water taste great. What do you think?

[@raygetoutdoors6151]

Try using a millbank bag to pre filter your water. It will filter out most of the floating nasties and other crap in the water saving cleaning filters as often and extending the life of the filter. Pro tip, Ray

[@andyhaochizhang]

With bottle filters like the lifestraw, you need to fully submerge the filter to get the fastest flow rate, so either drink it holding it upside-down or squeeze into another container.

[@MikeKoss]

The LifeStraw takes about five sips to prime it. Not sure if you gave it enough time but then it seems to flow pretty quickly.

[@erikmetal666]

Sawyer squeeze filter is good, easy, fast and inexpensive, but in doubt, better to use a chemical treatment too, the best is use and combine both, to be sure

[@JustOnePro28]

I just got back from a 3 day backpacking trip and the squeeze didn’t let me down. Def gonna check out the be free tho. The flow may be my deciding factor. carving wooden utensils makes me parched. @miranda 😉

[@sloanNYC]

She should do more videos, awesome work!

[@joeleone6276]

Used the Sawyer for a while until a buddy of mine introduced the Platypus gravity system to me. Now thats all I use!

[@davidyule3605]

Thank you, gosh darn! Great information presented in a most awesome way. (I want the expensive one, of course)

[@kobe0007]

I was hoping to see the Sawyer. I don't trust the UV Light one.

[@ambissing]

Me too. She had if right there 🤷‍♀️

[@LWilli5]

She was demonstrating types of filters, not reviewing specific brands. Sawyer is the first brand most people think of-I see no problem giving some love to other brands out there. Since you are familiar with the Sawyer, her basic demonstration of it would be superfluous to you anyway.

[@ambissing]

@@LWilli5 I'd agree except she basically tested 2/3. Didn't like squeezing the first, loved the BeFree then seems to have forgotten the Sawyer she had there 🤷‍♀️

[@andymytys]

@Lisa Williams - a review of the Sawyer would not superfluous as they could have mentioned the syringe that comes with it for backflushing. I’ve had a Be Free lock up on me in the field and, let me tell you, “swishing it around in clean water” doesn’t really do the trick. The Sawyer has the advantage of really being field serviceable with that syringe. You can’t backflush the Be Free - you would disrupt the filter’s integrity.

[@melvasaiel]

@@andymytys I leave behind the syringe and backflush my Sawyer with a sports cap on a regular water bottle. Easy peasy.

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

Ioved the video on filters done by a person who I can tell has very little filter!!! Love it

[@DM_Kat]

Great video! Bummed the Sawyer filters was not used. That's the one I bought but have not used it yet. Keep up the fun reviews!

[@TheThomasites]

Sawyer can be used as a gravity filter too. And why didn't you test the sawyer?

[@justinlui]

The MSR TrailShot filter isn't a full blown gravity filter, where the Platypus one is. The Platypus Gravity filter is much quicker because the filter is bigger. The benefit of the MSR TrailShot is that it can be used as a Gravity filter, but also can detach to be a handheld pump filter (although very slow). The Platypus Gravity filter needs to be backflushed to get the air out and water going, whereas the MSR TrailShot can just pump the water out. Both ways make the water filter much quicker. Gravity filters are more expensive for sure, but they last super long and are great if you are filtering for multiple people. I have the MSR TrailShot and do like it, but would probably choose the Platypus Gravity filter if I could do it over. It's not thatttt heavy or bulky if you consider how fast and how much water you can filter.

[@azclaimjumper]

I carry & use the MSR Trailshot because I can harvest water from the smallest of trickles from melting snowpack. Can't do that with most other filters.

[@porterbrass]

Excellent video!! Probably the most important gear on the trail. The BeFree seems like the overall winner, and definitely the most popular with KZbin hiking vloggers. I have the MSR Mini-works/Steri-Pen combo and have been very happy with their performance. Yes, they add weight to the pack, but clean delicious water is a necessity for enjoyable hiking IMO. The chemical treatments are outdated “crappy” methods that shouldn’t even be considered with todays technology. You’re still drinking fine sediment and other weird dead organisms 🤢If I hadn’t already spent the money for the MSR, I’d get the BeFree and use a Steri-Pen chaser to obliterate everything! 👻 Grrrrrreat video M!

[@julieparker8553]

Simply thank you I needed this video On how what to buy

[@hankhager8561]

I love your videos did a good job on the water filter types

[@datghettoazn127]

Miranda and claire should do a in the wild gourmet makes 🙂

[@jeffmcrobbie5015]

I have a Katahdyn and a Sawyer, both I have set up as gravity systems, they are it easy and fast.

[@vivienrajz798]

I have the Starépen and it's prefiter for Nalgene bottles, pretty stistied with it. For more levicces filtration, eying with the MSR Guardian. With the 0.02 micron filter and 10000 liter of lifespan, it's a no brainer.

[@microMobilidade]

The protein shake bottles have a whisker ball that is great for distributing the iodine/chlorine in your water bottle

[@lleberghappy]

I like our Katadym 10L gravity filter. We can haul clean water in it, and we can clean water pretty quickly. Basically running water in camp, it's great. Filter as you need it, which means there will be sedimentation in the bag -> cleaner water. Fill your bottles and whatever and of you go. From Basecamp pereferibly since it's a bit to pack down. I also like it because it has no clean water bag,ä The hose can be contacted to pouches with detachable hoses etc. Or as tap water. A bigger bag also stays much cooler.