MSR TrailShot vs Katadyn BeFree vs Sawyer Mini Squeeze Water Filter Comparison

A look at 3 lightweight water filters suitable for many adventures, along with footage of each one being used on the trail. Water filters compared in this video are: MSR TrailShot, Katadyn BeFree and Sawyer Mini Squeeze.
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[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

Your reviews were EXCELLENT... helped me make up my mind.

[@matjobin]

Thank you Ewife Journals! I'm happy to hear you found this video helpful and it made your decision easier. Thanks for watching. Enjoy the filter!

[@zofan]

This was super helpful for a noob who is trying to educate himself on filtration options! Thank you!

[@matjobin]

Pogobeatnik, We're all noobs at one point. Happy this video helped with your research. Thanks for watching!

[@swazeyyy]

great video. Im looking for a new filter and this helped!

[@matjobin]

Thanks Jonathan. These are all solid choices that have their benefits and drawbacks depending on the user's needs. I'm happy you found this video informative. Talk about timing too. Enjoy your new filter!

[@MrMattblick]

Another great video Mat. I've owned Sawyer Squeeze, Mini Squeeze, MSR Trailshot, and am now giving the BeFree with HydraPak a try. Sawyer is a cult but I'll settle on one of the latter 2 when water is relatively clean. I'll take the weight hit and use a MSR guardian when water availability is iffy.

[@westsenkovec]

What's your favorite? I can't decide between Sawyer, MSR Trailshot and Runacc. Runacc seems to be the best all-rounder but it's not proven liket He other ones.

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@westsenkovec ive had a Sawyer mini fail on me. i was using it everyday in my home because my water is contaminated. it was used on a 2liter pop bottle. then i suddenly 4weeks later without problem i started having the runs and feeling ill. i did a integrity check and it failed. i am currently researching to buy another filter because i do not trust sawyer anymore.

[@westsenkovec]

@@Francois_Dupont How old was it?

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@westsenkovec almost new, less than a hundred liter.

[@justincase7661]

I ain't got no problems with my Befree nor my MSR. But I do have a solid suggestion concerning the trusty Sawyer Mini: Invest in a CNOC RESERVOIR 2L or 3L or both bcuz the CNOC water bladders are very compatible with the Sawyer threads, no Smart water bottle needed, which also worx with Sawyer filters.

[@banshee107]

I continue to use the Sawyer filter in conjunction with my MSR gravity filter(MSR gravity filter is very $$ compared to the Sawyer. I recently used the trailshot to fill up my 3L nalgene canteen in a muddy beaver pond. The pre filter kept clogging. Thankfully I had my Befree! The trailshot now stays in the bottom of my box of misfit camping gear.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Good review of these products. All have pros/cons. So, it is a matter of weighing them to see what works best in both long/short term economy and ease of use. I haven't researched the sites of the first 2 items you reviewed. Does either of them state their filters are certified to be 0.1 micron pore size? Makes me a little uneasy to see the degree free access to fibre tubes. Yes, does aid in seeing when cleaning is needed. Appears to be easier too, to accidently damage, as well. BTW, glad you mentioned Smartwater bottles. Did you know the their flip-top cap can replace the Sawyer syringe for backflushing? Just use it, like the syringe, attached to a clean water Smartwater bottle. Cost aside, ease of use seems to be the advantage of the first two. Flexibility of use and long life seems to be the advantage of the last one. Thanks for sharing.

[@matjobin]

Oldtimer Lee, Thank you. Yes, some considerations to be made would be based on the individual, their needs and their location of travel. Both filter manufacturers do state the filter pore size on their websites. The Katadyn BeFree is 0.1 microns. The MSR TrailShot is 0.2 microns. While the access to the filter membranes for the two are a bit easier, it is not necessary to do so. I had opened them just to share a closer look. A slow, weak flow rate will notify the user of clogging and that backflushing may be needed. The cleaning method of the first two in the video, should help avoid compromising the membrane. Smartwater bottles (and others alike) are great lightweight alternatives, can help in lowering pack weight and are easier to find if needed. I haven't tried the method you mention of yet, thanks for sharing. I'll have to try it out. A couple of concerns I would have would be the longevity of the bottle's plastic due to force from compression and the pressure from the flow that is to clear the clog. Have you found these to be an issue at all? Those are great takeaways from the video. Yes, the first two are certainly more user friendly and have a quicker flow rate. The last one in the video does have both a longer life and a bit more versatility, though the flow rate can seem painfully slow. Regardless, all are still great options and it is always better to carry something than nothing. Thanks for watching.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

I haven't tried the specific ones in your video. However, have too much experience, IMO, in general with plastics failing. Plastic gears in tools, fuel tanks, collapsible water storage containers, more. (sigh) So, I share your concern with regards to longevity of any plastic that's flexed, often. Especially, if it is exposed to the sun for a material amount of time. As to filter pore size, there's a difference between simply stating a size and stating that a filter is certified for absolute micron size. After you mentioned the TrailShot at 0.2 I did a little checking. Quote: CDC on filtering water: Look for a filter that has a pore size of 1 micron or less. This will remove microbes 1 micron or greater in diameter (Cryptosporidium, Giardia). There are two types of these filters - "absolute 1 micron" filters and "nominal 1 micron" filters but not all filters that are supposed to remove objects 1 micron or larger from water are the same. The absolute 1 micron filter will more consistently remove Cryptosporidium than a nominal filter. Some nominal 1 micron filters will allow 20% to 30% of 1 micron particles (like Cryptosporidium) to pass through. ....... *Please read all of the article.* www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/gen_info/filters.html 2nd CDC reference: Quote: Filtration has a high effectiveness in removing Cryptosporidium when using an *absolute less than or equal to 1 micron filter* (NSF Standard 53 or 58 rated "cyst reduction / removal" filter); www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/backcountry_water_treatment.html From Trailshot FAQ: www.msrgear.com/water/trailshot Quote: What pore size or micron rating are the MSR filters? Micron ratings aren't always the best way to gauge effectiveness. Test procedures for micron ratings vary so greatly that comparing them is misleading. In addition, micron ratings for filters do not tell you how the product will perform with actual bugs. There is an EPA Guide Standard for Testing Microbiological Purifiers, which describes how to test products to determine if they are removing or inactivating the proper number of pathogens in different types of water throughout the life of the device. When looking for a microfilter or purifier ask if the product has been tested according to the EPA Guide Standard and passed. For a microfilter, meeting the EPA Guide Standard means removing 99.9% of protozoa and removing 99.9999% of bacteria in all required water types. To be classified as a purifier, the device must meet the EPA Guide Standard for the removal of protozoa and bacteria as well as virus which must be inactivated to 99.99% in all required water types. All of the MSR filters and purifiers have passed the levels of inactivation required by the EPA Guide Standard with flying colors. Do they answer the question, as asked? Does their answer agree with the CDC? As to the Katadyn very little info, that I could find regarding this subject. Didn't find a FAQ on this filter on their website. Yes, I also agree that something is usually better than nothing, PROVIDING the user knows the actual limitations of the product. Sorta like taking cigarette lighters to start campfires. Take 2, when taking BIC. Take 4 when taking cheap discount store versions. Thank you for sharing. Always good when people can encourage other folks to to their own research. I done got too old to trust any producer's generic claims of quality for any product. Especially, one as important as safe drinking water. Encourage everyone to to their own. Don't trust me, that's fo sho.

[@matjobin]

Oldtimer Lee, There are always tradeoffs with hiking, but I share your concern with the importance of safe drinking water. Even outdated treatments like iodine can be ineffective in some cases (not effective against Cryptosporidium and can be impaired by the cold). Many backpacking filters, including the ones in the video, are tested to meet the EPA's guidelines. With a 0.1 and 0.2 micron Protozoa and bacteria should be filtered effectively (yes, this is in the event the filter has been maintained properly and the user is aware of the filter's specs). Agreed, there is a difference between absolute and nominal. Absolute should acknowledge that every pore size is the same as to what is listed for the filter. Nominal can have some pores that are different in size. Giardia and Cryptosporidium (both Protozoa with the most attention in U.S.) outbreaks can be linked to many non-backcountry locations like water parks, faulty water plants. There has even been research concluding poor group hygiene being a factor. For this, I will always practice good hygiene while in the field to avoid cross-contamination. Backcountry sources can be surprisingly good, but that still doesn't mean they are clean. A good water quality assessment can always help too (surrounding vegetation, source location, flow, volume and transparency). Yes something is better than nothing as I brought up, though I have had moments where I have been able to successfully drink straight from a source without any implications. Call it luck or maybe even a bit of immunity, but I am always suspect of what lurks and will assess before I ingest. You can never be too careful. Your mention of lighters brings up a valid point. While some budget-friendly gear may do the job and do it well, it may also breakdown a bit sooner. Investing a bit more in some cases will seem to be just that at the initial time of purchase, but it will most likely serve you well for many years. As I mentioned in the video, these filters and others will not filter viruses. Even if you aren't traveling outside of the U.S. and are concerned with the area you are traveling in, you can certainly bring a chemical treatment like chlorine dioxide as well. A combination of a filter and purification method should be an ultimate combination to treat water after an assessment. Thanks for watching and commenting. We definitely all have our preferences and what works best for us. I'm always happy to encourage and empower others. With the knowledge, skills and confidence we can all enjoy our outdoor pursuits a bit more.

[@charlesnorris4666]

Been using the befree on several thru hikes now and find the flow rate really detereates and the hydrapak bags they come with have packed in several times. Looking at giving the trailshot a go do you find it serves quite well?

[@matjobin]

I'm sorry to hear of your experience with the BeFree Charles. I haven't had any major issues with mine and the flow rate or with the Hydrapak bags including the Seeker. It continues to be one of my go-to filters. You might want to try flushing it with 1/4 Tsp of bleach to 1L of fresh bottled or distilled water (not from the tap). Over time microorganisms can grow in the cartridge and reduce the flow rate with any of these types of filters. The Trailshot has worked well and I like that it is field maintainable, but it can get tiring hand pumping water over time. The 1L per min flow rate vs other options out there and slightly higher weight prevent me from using it often. It is still a great filter though and some will enjoy it, it's more a matter of preference for me. I actually purchased a Platypus Quickdraw this year and have been testing that one out. It has a flow rate of 3L per min and has things I like with both the BeFree and Sawyer Squeeze. So far so good. I'll be putting a video together about it soon and might add the BeFree and Squeeze into the mix for the video too.

[@kevocal]

I use potable aqua in addition for viruses.

[@JohnSmith-xi2oq]

Put a rapid pure solofilter in line of the trail shot to get rid of viruses. No batteries to fail on a steripen

[@sgtg4600]

Can you treat the water in the collection bottle prior to running the water through the filter?

[@adventure_hannah3841]

Great video, although I'll stick to a bandana and Aquamira.

[@matjobin]

Thanks Hannah! Another great 3-season option. I've used Aquamira on thru-hikes and other trips. As a weight conscious backpacker, I do prefer that method overall. In winter I'll swap the drops for tablets. With the changes in technology in recent years I have also warmed to some lightweight filters like the ones in the video. Always best to hike your own hike. Thanks for watching.

[@rocktruggy03]

Hannah. Love the LU, 2008 graduate here.

[@owenidk5042]

Do any of these happen to fit in an altoids tin in trying to make a survival kit to filter water

[@matjobin]

I don’t think they will. The closest would be the Sawyer mini, but it’s still pretty big compared to an Altoids tin. Best bet would be some purification tablets or Aqua Mira rebottled.

[@jm4672]

I love your videos and your review on the bottles I wish I could see more of you though you sound cute

[@Adam_Newman]

Does the befree taste chemically ?

[@matjobin]

Hi Adam, The bottle did give me a slight after taste with the first two uses but I have not had any since then. Same is to be said if you choose to go with the Seeker soft bottle too.

[@MrMattblick]

Adam, the filter doesn't but that HydraPak bottle can. Clean it out with some diluted Apple Cider Vinegar, Diluted Lemon Juice, then diluted baking soda paste soaks. I follow up with a diluted bourbon soak as well but that's just me..

[@MJG70]

i am assuming that all 3 still need to avoid freezing temps

[@matjobin]

Absolutely.

[@TeacherSBD]

Have you try to fill a one-litre bottle with the Trailshot? There is no way you can do it in 1 minute. And to drink right from the water source, you have to be a little athletic because the tube is too short.

[@matjobin]

Teacher SBD, I have been able to successfully fill a 1 liter bottle in 1 minute with even a few seconds to spare some occasions. Though it can certainly get tiring and for that reason I wouldn't recommend it for groups. It would be more suitable for solo pursuits. There are always trade-offs with hiking. The 16" long hose hasn't given me any issues with drinking at the source, but I prefer to use the filter to collect water to carry throughout my trips. If you're a trail runner or a fast paced backpacker that doesn't mind stopping frequently I can see the drink-on-the-go option being beneficial. It may not be for everyone, but having the ability to use it similar to Lifestraw may appeal to some. Thanks for watching!

[@Pseudochick01]

Teacher SBD I did!

[@lakrabid]

Easy to put a longer hose on

[@MrMattblick]

In the back country I'm not worry about stopwatch times. The trailshot would easily push a liter through with hose pre-deployed and output directed properly in ideal conditions. Ideal conditions don't exist. In my experience however it's a darned fast filter. It was much faster than my Sawyer Squeeze / Squeeze Mini with all of the optimizations/hacks I had figured for my Sawyer over the years.

[@Francois_Dupont]

did you use the MSR for a long time? i want to buy one, but many people say it doesnt last.

[@matjobin]

Francois, It's still kicking. I haven't had any major trouble with it over the last couple years and also clean it for winter storage before I put it away during the freezing months. It's a great filter, but can get tiring when using it. I've been using the Platypus Quickdraw and have been really happy with it so far.

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@matjobin Thanks for the info!

[@bavarian11788]

I wouldn’t blow into the sawyer squeeze bag. That thing is full of bacteria and other things from the creek, consider that the same as you drinking from the creek.

[@hooXpoo]

I have found anything "squeeze" is a bad idea and a failure point and not a good idea if your life depends on it. befree and Sawyer bags both have failed me. Sawyer filters work Grate but the bags are garbage. Ps. 2 hydro bags and a Sawyer filter make a grate gravity filter. ;)

[@Francois_Dupont]

i actually had a sawyer mini fail on me.

[@baeyzl]

It seems so weird to me to hear...Kat-a-dine for Katadyn. I always just assumed they were playing on Katahdin and have pronounced it as such.

[@matjobin]

Gets me every time too!

[@Elfin4]

Yeah Ive had two BeFree water bottles and there is an inherent fault that allows water to drip from the bottle top, so could contaminate filtered water. May be associated with use in high temperature climates or just a manufacturing fault thats stops the screw top being tightened properly.

[@matjobin]

Elfin4, I'm sorry to hear that. I can't say that I have had a similar experience with mine. What high temp climate area are you using the filter in? Have you tried swapping the cap out for a Smartwater bottle flip cap or Poland Spring bottle flip cap? One of those could serve as a good alternative.

[@Elfin4]

Mat, sort of defeats the object of having a filter bottle if you have to swap the filter out for something else.

[@HaasGrotesk]

That was true before but they've fixed that issue so all new Befree water bottles should be fine. I think it was something wrong with the lamination of the plastics.

[@rickatill44]

great video but ....i need to give my opinion on the MSR trail shot ... dont buy it" to begin with 58.00 plus tax in Canada ...i used it to filter about 5L of brook water not dirty! after about 5L i followed the instuctions for storing for 3 months ...took it out to use and you couldnt blow air through with a air compressor !!! so i went were i bought it to get a filter she passed it to me and said that will be 46.00 and tax !!!!! so may as well throw it away buy a new one !!!!! i now own the KATADYN hiker pro and it blows MSR trailshot away !!!!

[@Francois_Dupont]

its 70$ now in Canada, i dont know what to buy anymore. i had a Sawyer mini fail on me and i was very very sick.

[@tomlives]

I bought an MSR Trailshot. Just back from a 4 day hike. Verdict: it's a piece of junk! It stopped working after 2 days. I've tried cleaning it (at home in the sink), did the integrity test (fine) - it's a gimmick. Don't buy it. The bulb only fills to a quarter, so you just get a trickle. I have subsequently found a lot of critical reviews that describe the same problem. I'm going back to my trusty Sawyer that I've used for years and hundreds of litres.

[@matjobin]

Thomas that's a bummer. I'm sorry to hear of your experience with the Trailshot. I wouldn't clean or flush it with tap water as chemicals used to treat drinking water can alter the filter cartridge over time. I like to use 1/4 Tsp of bleach with 1L of distilled or fresh water to clean my filter and prevent microorganisms from growing and influencing the cartridge over time. I can't say that my Trailshot has performed the same. It's worked well and I like that it is field maintainable, but it can get tiring hand pumping water after a while. The 1L per min flow rate vs other options out there and slightly higher weight prevent me from using it often. It's still been a good filter when I've used it but it's not my preference. I actually purchased a Platypus Quickdraw this year and have been testing that one out. It has a flow rate of 3L per min and has things I like with both the BeFree and Sawyer Squeeze. So far so good. I'll be putting a video together about it soon and might add the BeFree and Squeeze into the mix for the video too.

[@tomlives]

@@matjobin cheers, I'll look into the Quickdraw. My tap water is filtered.

[@matjobin]

@@tomlivesNo worries. It's a nice little filter. I'll have that Quickdraw video up on this channel in the next few days. Hit the notification bell or check back to this channel if you'd like to check it out.

[@NigelNaughton]

Good video..but what's with all that residual voice artifacts!!?? Sounds like you have a ghost around you.

[@isaacashley164]

That’s why he never drank the water. Goes right through him.