I think I found the easiest way to filter water

[@DanBecker]

Many people have commented that Sawyer also has a small blue coupler that you can attach to your water bottle and use as a backflush. I have this as well and do bring it sometimes. Both work great.

[@pitcheung5354]

i use the blue coupler to connect the Sawyer to an evernew Water Storage (2L)

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

I love that threaded adapter. It lets me gravity feed my filter system unattended while I set up camp.

[@ScottKent]

@@TheOlsonOutfit Exactly...and if you get a sports cap for the waterbottle...you can backflush just by holding it to the Sawyer and squeezing the waterbottle.

[@pyrobob83]

@@ScottKent If you're carrying the blue coupler anyway, that feels like a better way to backflush to me... yes you have to screw it on, but feels like you'd get much better pressure with no possibility of air gaps. I haven't ever tried a sports cap so maybe I'm missing something?

[@curtelverd4008]

Rats! You stole the one comment that I was going to make! I take the blue coupling over the syringe for 2 reasons. 1) It's lighter than the syringe. 2) I use it to attach my filter directly to my water bottle so I don't miss the water bottle and am less likely to tip it over when filling.

[@mikerice1599]

I found a lighter option to the back flush syringe is to bring a Sports cap. And push the water through with just as much force as the syringe. The cap takes up way less space and is lighter

[@TDOLLA]

yeah, I carry two smart water bottles and one has a sport cap attached to it for this very reason. a cnoc vector bag with a paracord loop tied to it , a sawyer, the blue coupler and my bottles. its the perfect water system. Its the one part of my kit I never have to reevaluate or think about changing.. it just works ao long as you take care of your sawyer and properly clean everything each time you get home.

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Winning combo 👍 the Cnoc and Sawer Squeeze. The best part is Sawer is a great company that helps a lot of people in third-world countries that need clean water.

[@hikingzombie9064]

YES !!! I've been using the exact same method for about 5 years now and can't find any reason to change it ... The CNOC bag was a game changer !

[@shadowoxj8153]

Yep! Ten or fifteen years ago I started using a Squeeze and an Evernew bag. Switched to the CNOC bag last year. The CNOC bag being able to open up completely from the other end is a much better system.

[@hikingzombie9064]

@@shadowoxj8153 .. My CNOC demo video wasn't nearly as cool as Dan's haha ~

[@Kenlikestohike]

Love the Sawyer Squeeze and Sawyer products but next time you talk to their company maybe ask if they can start selling the squeeze without all of the extra stuff as well or maybe ask why they don't offer the filters by themselves. It would be nice to be able to replace the filter without getting the extra attachments and bag since I have enough of those in good condition.

[@smidgen65]

I was going to say the same thing. We need to be able to buy just the filter.

[@felixgruenewald239]

Best tweaks: I would recommend just a couple of tweaks to the setup: If you purchase the blue Sawyer coupling ring for about $3 you can leave the syringe at home and backflush with the 1l bottle. It also enables the use of this filter system as a gravity setup. Secondly, I would swap the regular CNOC vecto against the same size vecto-x, it is more durable and can take hot water at boiling temps. It can second as a warm water bottle that way if you encounter temperatures lower than your sleep system was intended for. Feel free to reach out with questions.

[@darkdragon1194]

I was hoping someone said exactly this so I didn't have to! One thing I might add; the Versa Flow filter (sold on CNOC's website) is a great filter to use with the Vecto due to it already having a 28mm thread on each side. CNOC's soft water bottle, the Vesica, is another improvement in combination with the Versa Flow. The reason being is you can collapse the water bottle down to displace the air inside the bottle while filtering, allowing you to thread both sides of the filter tightly instead of threading it loosely to allow for air to leak out. Finally, throw a silicone o-ring inside the cap of the Vecto (and Vesica) for better water sealing. I have had the Vecto leak a bit around the cap.

[@UnyonRing]

I’ve always used my sawyer squeeze as a gravity filter. I have a designated clean bag and a designated dirty bag. I fill the dirty bag with water screw on the filters then screw the clean bag on to the other end of the filter. Put the mesh bag on the dirty bag and hang it on a tree. The mesh bag has a loop on the end you can hang it on a tree from.

[@williamcronkright5430]

Exactly. Sawyer makes a ‘cleaning coupling’ that is threaded on both ends. Instant gravity system. I bring the second cnoc bag for clean water so that I can hang it camp and let both dirty liters filter without having to change bags/bottles part way through.

[@sallys2423]

For the speed demons, just sit down, chill and have a snack while your water filters.

[@joez4284]

I have (almost) the same setup... but i use the blue Sawyer Coupling Cap. Easily screws from filter into your clean water bottle. You can use the water bottle to back-flush (with clean water of course).

[@Over50YearsOffgrid]

I sewed up a cloth bag from the same material sleeping bags and quilts are made of. Any time I am getting water from a silty, stagnant source I scoop the water up in this bag and pre filter it. Cuts way down on clogged filters and only weighs a few grams.

[@SummitSeeker546]

We are KISS backpackers. My buddy carries a 4L Platypus Gravity filter system for in camp water needs and I carry a Ketadyn BeFree water filter for quick refills of our Smart Water Bottles while on trail. Been flawless for us!

[@thecma3]

How to dry the Cnoc Vecto: open the cap, pull off the slider, tuck the slider inside the large opening to hold the bag open, and hang by the slider teather. I utually just hang it from a kitchen cabinet over my drying rack overnight. Bam, its dry and ready to be packed away for storage.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Yes ,, for the Sawyer or Katadyn BeFree , the CNOC bladder works great (there is a model with correct threads for either ,, 2 or 3 liters),, but if in a tough or dangerous location to water source , use a Sea-to-Summit 10 liter fold up bucket to scoop up water and fill ALL your containers where safe and comfortable ... The fold-up bucket (2 different material models) collapses to about 3"x3" x1" and is minimal weight ... (1 oz or 2.8oz).. .. Also good to have a bucketful at any camp with a campfire .. if water source is near .....

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

I use this same system with two tweaks. First, get the CNOC VectoX, NOT the Vecto. It’s only a couple grams heavier but it’s a thicker material and the regular Vecto is known to develop pin holes. I also use the 2 liter size, and they make a 3 liter as well. Second, bring a quart size ziplock to store your Sawyer in. It tends to hold a bit of water which can wind up in your pack. To prevent that, give it a good shake and toss it in the ziplock.

[@danielsingh9415]

Which is good in freezing temps when u sleep with ur water filter so it doesn't freeze and break the filter, and suffer another round of beaver fever - stomach cramps & coming out both ends at the same time. 🤢🤮😵☠️

[@sherryzee2634]

Nice job as always. I was told long ago to use denture tablets to clean my Camelbak bladders. I still do that for any bladder, then rince and hang on the line with a clothespin or something as a spreader to hold it open for drying before I put it away

[@ericc461]

Thanks, Dan, I'm due for a new filter. Hope your joints are better. My knees hurt for years, but I quit seed oils, inflammation all gone.

[@stephenbesch5331]

I like your setup - much like my own. I would suggest switching from Potable Aqua to Aquatabs. They use chlorine dioxide, which kills more microorganisms than iodine does, plus they don't discolor the water or create such a horrible aftertaste. They're also packaged in tiny individual foil packets, so you can bring several along without any space or weight penalties (as opposed to a full bottle of Potable Aqua tabs, which is larger, heavier, made of glass, and the pills you don't use start to degrade and lose effectiveness once you've broken the seal on the bottle).

[@DominiqueB]

At home, after rinsing it, stash your Cnoc (and other water bladders & hydration tubes) in the freezer to prevent the growth of mold when stored.

[@tomley2433]

I started using the Sawyer last year. I have an adapter that attaches the bottle to the filter and I hang the bag and let gravity do the rest. It takes about 4 minutes to filter 1 liter. I used Pur and Katadyn filters for years and before that I just drank the water, that was about 50 years ago. Good product and much lighter than a pump.

[@danak9245]

I always appreciate seeing filter setups. I still love my Nalgene canteen with the wide mouth and my jetflow adapter that fits from the canteen to the sawyer mini or regular filter.

[@robhayden5515]

Attach a string to the bottom of the Cnok bag (actually I drill a couple holes in the plastic slider bar that seals the bag and attach a loop of string to that bar.) Screw on a Tornado Tube to the clean water end of your Sawyer Squeeze Screw on a clean water bottle to the end of that Tornado tube. Hang the loop from convenient tree limb and go set up camp while gravity filters your water. Tornado Tubes are those plastic threaded connectors that will join two 2 liter soda bottles to make a whirlpool like effect. Very cheap online.

[@Agile47509chicken]

I splurged on the Platypus gravity system and have zero regrets. Best investment ever.

[@maxe_faxe]

I got the same thing around 3 years ago. I did a hell of a lot of research on systems, and this was the best choice for me. A gravity system is best if like me, you're hiking to "X" destination, and setting up camp for longer term than thru-hikers or those that are just crushing miles, setting up and breaking down camp after camp after camp.

[@jadenm]

I switched over from Sawyer squeeze +CNOC combo to the Platypus gravity system two years ago. I haven’t looked back since. Sawyer squeeze is still a good option especially for the weight.

[@ofthenearfuture]

I've been using this exact set up for years now, and it's always been reliable and worked perfectly for me. Love Sawyer.

[@rebeccaedwards8262]

I found your channel years ago when you were small, i was looking for a cheep quick way to boil water when camping willth little gear. You did not disappoint.

[@baykcd]

The Cnoc bag can be turned inside out to clean, & is even dishwasher safe.

[@NZComfort]

I use the same set up. It’s just easier to deal with and when you’re tired, you just want to filter the water and be done with it! 👍🏼 thanks for the video!

[@renaecummings8068]

Dan, buy yourself some tethered caps from CNOC, no more worries about losing the cap off your water bottles!

[@vincentc6919]

I do the same when ultralight Bpacking but with a group I take what you showed and a Katydyn 6L filter bag for the group...great video DB

[@cee8mee]

Put a small piece of towel in the mesh bag, just big enough to dry out the inside of the collection bag. Mold makes spores that could get _breathed_ in. Better to keep that bag dry when not using it and avoid the problem all together. The small towel will dry in the mesh bag (or hung off your pack for the next leg) and be dry and ready for service the next time you need it.

[@Telthar]

True, but keep in mind that mold spores aren't necessarily bad for you (also keep in mind you're breathing in mold spores all the time, especially outdoors). Only fungi that is compatible with you are going to be a problem. Still, better to avoid the mold problem anyways, looks gross and I can't imagine it is good for the bag in the long run. Of course, either is the sun. But the sun is an enemy no one is going to beat, it will eventually claim all the gear you expose it to.

[@cee8mee]

@@Telthar As unlikely as it seems, the bag could consolidate the mold and possibly plume in your face at opening, even without your awareness. Unlike the stray spores we all breathe regularly, a plume (however unlikely) is never good to breathe in. And the waste from molds can stain and be caustic to plastics, reducing the life of the bag. Knowingly allowing mold to accrue is just not a good practice. If mold is growing, other nasty things could be, too.

[@Telthar]

@@cee8mee Mold is not worth the risk (to you, or your equipment) but fungi does require a compatible growing conditions. If your lungs aren't it, they are inert. However, you won't know for sure what type of fungi you're dealing with so yes, in reality you have to act like it will hurt you. While we may owe our existence in large part, to fungi, fungi can also be very, very dangerous.

[@jefftickleschitz1265]

You are using this daily in the backcountry. You are not developing enough mold, if any, to be an issue. When you get home, cut the bottom of a water bottle off and stick it in the opening to allow air in to dry.

[@cee8mee]

@@jefftickleschitz1265 Well, I didn't bring up mold as an issue, Dan did. This was initially just my 2¢.

[@mattrobert3990]

I watched a video you did a couple years ago and I purchased a Cnoc bag that I use when I’m out hunting. Incredible game changer, during early Idaho elk season.

[@MadScienceWorkshoppe]

I store my Vetco with a bit of towel in it to make sure it stays dry and doesn't get funky.

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Really helpful! Great love and respect from a solo mountain hiker from the Hindu Kush Mountains Lower Chitral District Pakistan.

[@rbp6231]

Thank you so much for this tip about the Sawyer squeeze and the CNOC bag on an earlier video. Used it on a trip with friends and they loved it and bought their own CNOC bags! Keep the great tips coming buddy!

[@brandithrall2621]

I have a similar set up- I use a cnoc water bottle instead of a smart water bottle most of the time. I added a little paracord on the cnoc to also use it as a gravity system when we're at camp. (couple the sawyer onto the cnoc water bottle, just take the air out so the water has a place to go). After lots of fiddeling, I finally found a set up I love.

[@mab0852]

Been using that combo since the Vecto was a Kickstarter. I generally use the blue adapter for gravity filter and backflush. I also use the 1L Smart bottles in holders on my straps. When I need to pack along 2L extra in the CNOC, I sling it on top of my pack and run the gravity line to my empty bottle and refill or top off on the move. This combo is absolutely brilliant and bomb proof. You can also backflush with the Smartwater sports cap. It snaps right on the nipple of the filter.

[@Sklallamstrong]

I love that combo. I bought a small coupling that allows me to attach my empty bottle directly to the CNOC bag so I can just hang the whole setup and let it gravity feed while I'm doing other things.

[@boundlesstrek]

The small blue coupler that you can attach to your water bottle and use as a back-flush option that you mention. Wanted to also say it can be used for a gravity option when at camp.Twist it completely and it will stop the processes when needed. This is my preferred method usually when I'm setting my tent up. The final thought i wanted to talk about is having the blue coupler works as a 3rd hand. Knees, feet and a good aim also does the trick if you do not have one. Attach your coulper to the filter and the other end to the water bottle you no longer have to worry about holding the fill bottle or being careful where your filtered water ends up. Not many people talk about this as an option and works great. At only 5 grams this is a must have item in my water kit. Do not want to pay for one use water bottle lid and cut the top off you now have a coupler.

[@Schweini_1983]

I have a Platypus and Grayl. Nothing compares to the Grayl when it comes to taste. Turns swamp water into crystal clear bottled water.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Great system, just want to add, Iodine based chemicals (like potable aqua) Kills Giardia, but not crypto and not viruses. (According to the packaging of the product and the CDC (it only gets viruses at certain PH.) Chlorine Dioxide is a better choice.

[@returningtoearthtv8836]

Alum powder is excellent for settling silt out of muddy desert water before you filter it. Grand Canyon river guides have been using this stuff for years.

[@jimmychuck]

Get the attachment to screw the sawyer onto the water bottle receiving the water. You can hang the whole thing and let it filter on its own. Also, you can back flush from the bottle and not need to bring the syringe.

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

You need one of the blue connectors, then the squeeze is simple (or you can just hang the combo and gravity feed). Just don't fully tighten - you need to let the displaced air escape.

[@andrewb4782]

I have been using the Sawyer 34 ounce water bottle for several years now. It's super easy to fill (hard-shell bottle) and can be drank out of directly. Sawyer also has rated the filter up to 100,000 gallons. The two downsides to this are that you need to be careful not to contaminate the mouth piece of the bottle when screwing the top back on the bottle and the smaller, 34 ounce capacity. You can get around the capacity issue by filling up other bottles (Nalgene bottles work great) and then refilling the filter bottle. This has always worked well for me as someone who has never liked cleaning and drying bladder bags. NOTE: this bottle may leak if it gets turned upside down in a pack for some reason.

[@adventuresofchris1]

Tie a piece of shock cord to the CNOC. Fill CNOC with water. Use the blue coupler to attach the smart water bottle to filter. Hang it from the shock cord and let gravity do the work while you do something else.

[@eda715]

I just bought a CNOC to use with my Sawyer. Haven’t used it yet, but testing has been good. The Grand Canyon will be its first real use.

[@pabloaliaga3604]

To prevent the mould for forming in the bag, you can dry it in the sun for a couple of hours... That's what I do with my Source bladder. If the water was too nasty, after rinsing it at home, I spray the inside with alcohol at 70%, let it dry and that's it, been using the same bladder for years and never got mould after using this (I did before)

[@Matt.W.Outside]

Same setup here. Recently though I've updated my drinking container to the CNOC Vesicle 1l. When it's full it's the same size as your smart water bottle, but it makes for better storage when empty. Also, if you do use the coupler you're not dealing with air pressure slowing your sealed filtration setup.

[@pyrobob83]

I'm just getting into backpacking and am a "regular guy" so really appreciate your content! I'm at the end stages of researching my water setup and I really like having a bladder system but didn't want to carry two bags so I came up with a configurable system that (theoretically at this point) acts as a) a clean-water in-pack bladder with hose for starting out or smaller hikes b) a gravity setup for camp c) a dirty-water in-pack bladder with inline filtration d) your same setup to fill Smart Water bottles using a similar setup, but with a 3L VectoX (more water at camp + added durability), Cnoc's "QuickCap" and additional quick-connect couplings (used in Sawyer's 'fast fill adapter' kit) for plug-and-play reconfiguration. With the Sawyer mini I already have, the entire thing comes out to less than 9oz (inc the filter).

[@felixgruenewald239]

Hi Justin. Be aware that the Sawyer mini has a reputation for clogging up quickly. Using the Sawyer squeeze is heavier, but more reliable on average. I have both and no one is telling you not to use whatever you like. Distance hikers typically won't take the mini. Maybe make sure you are used to the mini before getting into a situation where you really depend on it. F.

[@pyrobob83]

Thanks, I did conclude that from research, I just already had a mini and it's worked ok for me so far. When it is time to change, I will get a Squeeze.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

If you place the opening of the water container facing downstream instead of upstream, there is less likelihood of debris getting into the container.

[@JoeConstante]

To clean your bladder you can use the Camelback tablets on a zero day or when your done with your hike. Drop a tablet into the bladder and shake well. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour and then rinse out with clean water and let it air dry as normal. You can fill your clean containers as usual and then disinfect your dirty water in your bladder by adding the iodine tablet into your bladder after you fill it from the water source. Then strap the bladder onto your backpack and walk to your next stopping point. The water should be disinfected and the walking motion ensures the water was moved/stirred real well. Then you can still filter the water in the bladder as normal and you have extra clean, disinfected, and filtered water and it wasn't that much more work.

[@michaelmcgowan9518]

Just a quick video, well explained and demonstrated. Thanks, good job 👏

[@Q-BinTom]

One thing that I do is a carry a Smart Water bottle cap. It plugs into the sawyer filter so I can back flush it and not carry the syringe

[@commentsonthetube14]

I always gravity filter with the cnoc and squeeze. Just easier that way and I can chill for a bit.

[@MikeleSalaud]

This is pretty much the same hydration system I use. Sawyer Squeeze and CNOC bag. Probably getting a second bag. And I uset the mesh bag too.

[@pauljennings1466]

Me too - super fast, light, cheap, reliable.

[@felixgruenewald239]

This really seems to be the best way to do it.

[@tonjarogers7047]

I invite you to do a September backpacking hunting trip Area 17 in Idaho! Packing everything you need to field dress an Elk and Mule Deer plus your personal items. Beautiful rugged backcountry, true test of skill! You and Emmett should join in!

[@davidteague2982]

That is exactly how I do it. I love the cnoc bag. It makes it so easy to scoop up water. One tip I figured out is when you are squeezing water through the filter, you can put the 1L smart water bottle between your feet to hold it up. That way you can stand over it and filter it. I also use the little flexible straw thing that came with the sawyer. That way I don't have to hold the filter directly over the smart water bottle just in case there is some unfiltered dripping water coming from the bag. My cnoc bag did develop a tiny, tiny hole that you can't even see, but when you are squeezing it pretty good, water shoots out in a stream.

[@Mike_Blanda]

Dan, congratulations on 400!!!!!!

[@KampingwithKim]

Hi Dan! Another great video. I’m preparing for my 1st hike this summer at Pictured Rocks. I appreciate all the tips! Kim from Michigan

[@DanBecker]

Love that place! One of my favorites for sure!!

[@mpwltr305]

As a suggestion. May be a good idea and do what Dan suggested in taking the syringe to Pictured Rocks. It is just so sandy when you get water that even a Sawyer may struggle after a couple of days. I tried the sport cap method to backflush my filter, but it just doesn't do as good of a job as a syringe. You may find it a bit less frustrating just to take the extra couple of ounces.

[@daviddrzewicki1254]

I go cheaper by using a plastic ziploc bag with a corner cut off of it, instead of CNOC bag, to gather water. I fill the 32 oz pouch that Sawyer includes with its filter. Also I bring a small vial of concentrated bleach as a backup -- a couple drops per liter, and wait 30 mins.

[@pauldeavers3655]

Along with my Sawyer Squeeze used as as a gravity system. I ad a carbon element that makes water taste better. I use the same CNoc as a dirty and clean 1 liter smart water bottle. I also ad Aquirma drops to the dirty water for extra protection.

[@theycallhimjeffery]

what carbon element do you use?

[@pauldeavers3655]

Platypus carbon element

[@DinoNucci]

Bruh, when you collect from running water, you face the opening downstream to help reduce particulate

[@robertuffman3041]

i've been meaning to buy one of those CNoC bags.

[@pbj6303]

I use 2 2L CNOCs. One Blue for Bad water (get the B?) and one Orange for Ok water (get the O?). Put the Sawyer on the blue with the coupler hooked to the Orange. Hang up and in 6-7 minutes I have 2 Liters of water. Yeah, extra ounces but it makes it too easy to filter. I can set my tent, eat or whatever while filtering water.

[@Lv4_o2]

Nice vid, so much here…from start to finish!

[@NotYou9311]

I don't understand why everyone thinks that gathering and filtering water is such a chore. I appreciate the break, myself. It doesn't take long and certainly doesn't ruin my day. It's mind over matter. If you DON'T mind...it doesn't matter !

[@jstephenf9546]

Also, lightly tap the filter in a tree or some in between flushes. You’ll get ALOT more dirt out of the filter

[@halgoeking7244]

If the answer doesn't contain the words "Platypus Gravity Filter", it isn't the easiest way to filter water. I hang my full 4L dirty water bag, and have a GALLON of clean water by the time my tent is set up. What Dan has created here is a gravity filter without hoses - which means it needs to be held and tended.

[@johncheeseman6764]

We still carry bladders, hate filtering. We use a 3lt cnoc, sawyer squeeze, the blue clean side cap attached to an old bladder hose and a small carabiner. Connect it to a tree and let gravity do the work.

[@tiger2too18]

How about using the blue coupling to attach it to the empty water bottle . Strap to backpack and the gravity feed as you go along.

[@PrestonV3X]

Cnoc bags are sold out everywhere, They must be a big hit!

[@collegedad8656]

The CNOC Vecto is as valuable as the Sawyer filter 👍

[@pitcheung5354]

in my opinion the syringe dose not really need to bring with while the trip is only 3-5days(or even 7days) keep it at home and it won't broken

[@SmokeTony611]

MSR gravity filter, I would like to hear your thoughts on it. I have the 10L , and another 10L clean bag, it’s a pretty nice set up.

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

@Dan Becker, have you tested out the new CNOC VectoX bag? The old ones can only hold 200lbs of pressure, the new ones are supposed to hold 450lbs. They’re supposed to be more resistant to pin holes.

[@raededmon2581]

First time using CNOC bag in flowing river water (scenic protected river way, so not something highly polluted), it picked up enough unpleasant-ness that I've never been able to get it clean enough to not taste bad. Used every suggestion from the company without success. Maybe more recent versions don't have this issue?

[@marissasun77]

This is my method too :)

[@jeffpeters5347]

Don't you just love it when Dan finds the solution? The rest of us are lost without him! 😆

[@jenniferburgess3476]

Have you thought about adding the collapsible cnoc bottle?

[@virusheat]

Just buy a Hydroblu so you can backflush the filter with the cnoc.

[@District.24]

Hi, Dan. Which sleeping pad, for winter, did you settle on? I remember you disliked the Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Extreme. Just curious, which one is your GOTO today.

[@lookingatit7955]

dumb question... I guess you can wipe it off, but the outside of that bag is wet and when you put it all together and start draining the good water into the bottle; does the bad water still on the outside drip down and into your container?

[@Rino-bicycle]

great advice, I watched a few older videos, is KZbinr is now your main job ?

[@danielsingh9415]

I'm sorry about LMNT, they put maltodextrin in their flavored electrolyte packs that is NOT listed on the ingredients list, because if its less than 1 gram per serving size, the label laws allow them to leave it off. But they will send you a complete list if you ask for it by email. Maltodextrin gives me chest pains, like I'm having a heart attack. My Dad died of a heart attack at 42, I was 9. I avoid chest pains like the plague. They will send you a sample pack to try out, including a non-flavored electrolyte pack that does not contain maltodextrin, but I'm reluctant to test the flavored ones to see how much I can tolerate b4 getting chest pains, for obvious reasons. Tho I'm still pissed that they can do that, leave ingredients off of the list. How can I make informed decisions about whether a product's good for me if I have to email them for a complete list. I'll stick to Nuun tabs for now 😅

[@kjsgarden]

One very important thing: be sure you don’t have “dirty” water running down the outside of your collection bag into your newly filtered clean water as you’re filtering! I thought the sawyer squeeze threaded onto some bottles, which would prevent this, but in this video, you’re pouring it into the open bottle. 🤔🤔

[@Tcrowe406]

Dan you always have helpful videos. Thank you very much One thing I do is put the mouth of your water collection bag/bottle down stream. So you get less sediment. Helps keep the flow rate up with less back flushes.

[@dylanpausic5026]

“Gets rid of all the things that kill you and makes them dead.”💀

[@virusheat]

I thought this was going to be different from what I found on youtube 6 years ago.

[@HisGraceHisGlory]

Just buy a GRAYL purifier. Their titanium bottle is just awesome, drink from it, boil water in it, yep, one and done.

[@BeefPCC]

Do you need backflush your swayer squeeze ev every time you use it?

[@thisguy7201]

Are gravity filters worth it? Or is that better in a group setting?

[@KyterWelch]

Dan what gear do you recommend for a first timer backpacking?

[@davemacdonald7928]

Store your cnoc bags or any other brand in the freezer. No mildew. Just DON'T put the filter in the freezer.

[@demonwolfgaming3654]

I was wondering if anyone could answer my question. I am a 6’5” guy and therefore can’t fit in a bunch of the items that are pretty essential to backpacking. I can’t seem to find anything on good sleep systems or tents that I could fit in. Could I get a little help?

[@woodchip2782]

I use a BeFree.

[@amythinks]

You were so avid about the Katadyn. What happened to change your mind? ... was a sponsorship?

[@antoniom.andersen6704]

CNOC bags are easy. How you pronounce it... different beast alltogether

[@stevenmonkman1500]

How do I filter water? One word...Grayl

[@danpickard3258]

“Old black water, keep on rollin…” Crazy but Dan and most everyone else on KZbin and in articles are doing this wrong? Would you like this Sawyer or other water filter to last about 10X longer? Do not filter water directly from the source. Marketing with photos and videos look great showing the use of a filter with water taken directly from a scenic stream or lake is a mistake. Most all of the bad stuff, microbes and taste aspects do not much clog a water filter and are slow to reduce the filter’s usable life as they are micro even nano sized. What does clog your water filter and reduces its usability are mostly larger bits of particulate matter. After removing water from the source in clean cookpot or water bottle let that water stand to allow the larger bits of suspended particles to settle out. How long depends on the source water used and your time; even 5 minutes helps as most sources will settle out to some degree. Filter that water but not the last bit at the bottom with the larger particles that will settle to the bottom of your collection container. That handy looking CNOC bladder that Dan uses if held upright for a while will allow particulate matter to settle - then can be easily expelled by draining out the first ¼ cup or so of dirty water. One could also use a second water bottle; one to let the dirty water settle out for a few minutes and another bottle to filter the water into. This will allow your filter to clean more liters of water and you will spend less time cleaning and back-flushing your filter. Back-flushing is not completely effective and it is better to avoid the gunk in the first place. It helps not to initially collect water at the surface but just below it as there is more unwanted stuff floating on the surface that you end up collecting. Choose a filter that can easily be cleaned and/or back-flushed, like this excellent Sawyer model recommended by Dan.

[@AustinDWoodruff]

What do you think about the Grayl water filter bottles that work like a French press?

[@jpoconnor5744]

The Grayl is not just a filter, but also a purifier which removes a ton of other contaminants. The water tastes great. Filters (and purifiers) are great for relatively “clean” water, like the flowing water in the video. Purifiers are also great for standing and nasty water. Pre-filtering with a Milbank bag and/or a 1 micron filter bag dramatically increases the life of the filter or purifier. As is the case with all purifiers (and many filters), the life is much less than the Sawyer Squeeze. Research and choose based on your needs and desires.