Hydroblu Versaflow Filter | Long Term Use Review

[@mikelisacarb]

I've happily used a Versa-Flow for the last few years, since it first came out. Seemed like a no-brainer weightless alternative to changing from my Sawyer Mini to the heavier Squeeze. (Haven't tried the Micro.) Last week I left the Versa-Flow behind on the trail, so i ordered a new one. The new upgraded design looks even more promising! I also appreciate that little window in the side. Just for the record ...... too much to remember .... "Hydroblu Versaflow". A simpler name would greatly help with marketting this product!

[@FishingFinAddict]

Binge watched your videos this past weekend. Awesome content, sir. 👍👍 One us (Stan) did some backpacking as a scout and is getting back into it through our church. The other, me, (Carah), would like to join him on the trail. Thank you for sharing your adventures and insight. Looking forward to more.

[@troykool6275]

I know it's not beloved by the UL community, but I still prefer my Katadyn Hiker Pro. I accept the additional weight because I prefer to pump water. I worry with a squeeze product that contaminated water from above will travel on the outer surface and make it into my drinking water below.

[@Chris.Young.]

While I do love the Versaflow, if you really want high flow rate you can't beat the Katadyn BeFree filters. You can filter a liter of water in like 20-30 seconds. Its unreal. The downside that I've found with the BeFree filter though is that it isn't compatible with other accessories like the Cnoc bags.

[@wandering.dr3amer]

there's a new cnoc filter that's compatible with the katadyn befree

[@DanBecker]

Always thorough reviews! Also, I like the window on that filter!

[@BackcountryExposure]

The window is awesome!

[@bertman4]

Well, I switched from Mini to Micro but with all the reports of clogging, if mine becomes bad, I'll give the Versaflow a try. Thanks for the review.

[@toddroat2864]

Add O-ring to Hydro to help leakage? Cant we just add a o-ring to bottom of hydro versa threads to increase seal and reduce force needed to prevent leakage?

[@NateT0524]

This is the only filter I have ever used and I love it. Great video!

[@the-mountainlife]

I am new to these type of filters but am trying to learn more about them. My question is when using this with like a platypus dirty water bag, or a dirty water bottle, threaded on the dirty end, how does it not create a vacuum stopping the flow rate on a gravity feed system? Several videos have also mentioned to "backflow" your filter. What exactly does this mean? Sorry to be asking the noobie questions, but I have enjoyed your videos and how you explain things. Looking forward to hearing back from you.

[@WasatchWill]

I did a review comparing the pros and cons of this filter vs the Sawyer 'classic' I call it a free weeks ago, but too much wind killed the audio, so I'm now at a point where I'll have to reshoot if I still want to post it. I'm still frustrated with how bad the wind killed it. In it I tested the flow rates and got a liter of water filtered through the Versaflo in 6 minutes via gravity with the CNOC setup. 7 minutes on my Sawyer which is much older and has LOTS more use, being my primary filter the last few years. Interesting that you ended up over 8 minutes with both. My Mini though is basically done. I hadn't used it for years, tried to revive it for my video, and it's a no go.

[@FernTheCamper]

Wow, what a detailed review! Love the breakdown of these filters, it's so helpful. Thank you again for another great video!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you!

[@QuietMowing]

Nice looking alternative to those Tom Sawyer bags!!! 😜😎🤘👍👍 Great vid! 😊

[@BackcountryExposure]

TheBestBackpacker thanks dooder!

[@LostAgainwithJim]

I carry one of these and Cnoc bags. Love the set up.

[@Rickstar270]

I haven’t seen that filter first hand but wouldn’t it be easy to source an o-ring that would help the sealing problem? Looks like you could get a standard thin type o-ring from a hardware store to sit into the recess. Not the flat washer type that sawyer use.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Look for my video coming tomorrow or Tuesday! This may have saved me...

[@titanpreparedness]

Looks like my next if my micro goes out. Are the bags good for a squeeze operation or do they bust like the sawyer. Dont like the fact its hard to use on a bottle though

[@thebackpackblazer3973]

Comprehensive review. I'm a loyal squeeze user. However, i've been wanting to try the Hydroblu and plan on it after seeing this.

[@BackcountryExposure]

For $25 it's a really nice kit!

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Great review! I need to get one! Thanks Dev!

[@jaytsilcox]

i would think that the sawyer micro takes the longest because it goes to a lower micron removing more viruses than the others. 11 min of waiting for water is fine with me when it comes to health.

[@xROBxSoCalx]

Try a thick O-Ring washer of proper diameter for threading onto a bottle. My .02

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Nice one bro. It’s a gravity flow system. Right? No squeeze with this setup? Looks really good and Sawyer could definitely learn from its bags. Really good review. Enjoyed it👍

[@BackcountryExposure]

Backpacking With Jason definitely squeeze through it or gravity. Thanks!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Backcountry Exposure awesome. I’m going to try it out. Your the first person I’ve seen with it. Thanks

[@bn9585]

Could you use this as bart of a bladder system do you you think? Or does it need something to screw onto?

[@Z0MB13Redfield]

Devin have you tried the Be free? If so what do you think. I took mine on a trip to San Rafael swells and getting water from a rain puddle it clogged up quickly. Could of just been all the fine sand in Utah. I have not been able to try it again in Utah sense.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Z0MB13Redfield the BeFree is one that I’ve not had time with. Can’t decide if I will at this point. I probably will though. Ha ha

[@Z0MB13Redfield]

@@BackcountryExposure if you do get it cnoc sales a bag that fits it. cnocoutdoors.com/collections/2019-vectos/products/2019-vecto-42mm-orange?variant=20550088032345

[@queennieniebob]

I bought this with all the hype but think mine is defective... Leaks from the top like crazy. I have used at home with hyrdapak, cnoc and bottle. You have any luck chatting with company on any products. I have filled out warranty but heard nothing. Bummed since want internal gasket. Tired of losing the Sawyer o rings.

[@anywhereroam9698]

4:07 Nice nail in the tree

[@JRoss707]

Anyone tried an O-ring? I like the size of this . I generally use two 1-Liter smart bottles on the JMT, no squeeze bags , but the size of the Squeeze is really cumbersome especially having it attached to your shoulder strap for easy access. Years ago I’d use two 700ml bottles on the trail which really worked perfect with the squeeze. But with these past few drought years, two 700ml bottles are just not quite enough to get between the water supplies on the trail, especially if a couple springs you usually count on are dried up.

[@Oldsparkey]

I found two things that I like and it seams like no one knows about one of them. 1. The Katadyn BeFree I like because it has a strong water flow , packs up nice and small and is easy to clean. 2. The one it seams like no one knows about is the 1 Micron 4"x8" Singed Polyester Felt Filter Bag PESP3S Size 3. It's a 1 micron filter and I use it as a prefilter for really bad water. Bad or dark/dirty water with a lot of stuff/junk in it like you would find in swampy areas. I filter the water into a container with it and then with the BeFree the 2nd time. They make the bags in all different micron sizes. I make mine into a "V" Shape. When it is wet the water flow threw it is pretty good. Cleaning it is easy , let it dry , shake it and be sure to keep the dirty side up when using it A simple line with a permeate marker on it for the dirty side..

[@hammondhikes7784]

Nice review..But I really I like your t shirt. Where you find it?

[@hankrousseau4127]

That part about seeing the sediment through the window doesn't sound right- you see all the filter "straws", which can become clogged with sediment, but the water and any sediment would be inside those straws, not visible through the window. I love mine, I use a gravity setup with two 3L bags, there's no longer an excuse for getting dehydrated while camping. I'm on my second, because I let the first one freeze (if it freezes you have to throw it away because some of the little tubes will have burst and will allow dirty water right through)..

[@ChiquitaSpeaks]

Can you use the hydro blue as a straw too?

[@williamwalker8201]

Wanting to get one.

[@OttawaMikes]

Why is a higher flow rate better? Better test would include flowrate vs water quality.

[@Traveler_Greg]

Great presentation. Nice filter. Greetings my friend and have a good weekend. 👍98

[@bybrent8034]

Seems odd, I always thought that the squeeze had a better flow rate than the mini but the trade off was its larger size? Why would anyone get a squeeze with these results?

[@BackcountryExposure]

By Brent like I said, lots of variables could change that. The mini is notorious for clogging and poor back flushing.

[@suqmacoknbals4929]

Im looking to buy one of these becase my mom bought me a "lifestraw" that turned out to be from wish . Com and i drank standing water while bacpacking with it...... didnt end well

[@rone7927]

The only negative about the filter seamed like it was bad enough to go for another brand!

[@HikeCamp]

👍😀👌

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Will it filter out the arse holes in my life 😂

[@JamesSmith-fy4qs]

1 to 10 how much you like fortnight

[@JamesSmith-fy4qs]

Me 9

[@johnshort4421]

any problems associated with sawyer filters are almost 99% the fault of the user, period. The sawyers are made in America and are the #1 used filter, these are Chinese made and production is without quality controls. They may not be bad, but I am not risking my health to a product as imnportant as water filtration.

[@dustoff499]

As with any product there can be those that escape quality control. I believe that either filter will do the job, however I agree that most problems from Sawyer's filters are from the user not the filter. Expectations and reality often trigger unwarranted complaints.

[@vapensnakes7181]

"great things that come out of China". Yep, Covid-19 🤣

[@datraucous3351]

First thought that came to mind 😂

[@jasonmiller2094]

You lost me at China...