Sawyer Squeeze Vs Katadyn BeFree - Which Filter is BETTER?

Stuff I Mention in this Video:
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[@theamericanhiker9655]

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

[@ModernGentleman]

@Mi Tewell tf? You got problems

[@mightymcknight]

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

[@TripedalTroductions]

That's great! Bet that feels good!

[@LibsMakeMeSad]

Good job. I hope you continue to thrive!

[@garrycollins3415]

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

[@allenrigby4284]

Spoilers 😂

[@kaanjel]

😂

[@MetallDanne]

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

[@davidhagler8475]

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

[@matthewmanzi9504]

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

[@modaud6509]

True but Sawyer will always be my first love 😂

[@michaelvoorhees5978]

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

[@spick1923]

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

[@ili6779]

@@michaelvoorhees5978 Oder Frauen....

[@uga.d4173]

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

[@Life0fBri]

carrying two water filters is not Ultralight

[@___xyz___]

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

[@manletopia4801]

Ultralight babies

[@davef5916]

@@Life0fBri Drinking water isn't ultralight.

[@Life0fBri]

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

[@Joey_Joey_Joey]

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

[@roybatty3194]

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

[@davepacino]

Awesome video, thank you for The in depth comparison

[@_68niou1]

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

[@wayne2078]

Welcome back. Good review, thank you.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

No problem! Hope it helps!

[@MiaMeezy]

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

[@HereThereInbetween]

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

[@andyfilmsandhikes]

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

[@narrow_is_the_way6170]

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

[@NoahSaunders29]

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

[@HootenannyJane]

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

[@Cameronthetaco41]

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

[@stevearita3267]

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

[@natalies.5466]

this was just what I needed! Thank you!

[@janamacklin9332]

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

[@bluebooper]

Great video thank you Darwin!

[@timwoodward4217]

Very good review thank you and I agree

[@beebopcola]

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

[@point8dirtbag14]

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

[@rifleman1873]

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

[@bradjustbrad]

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

[@swedishhiker]

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

[@DG-ss1gc]

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

[@tombryant52jumpscoach]

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

[@mjhinton1972]

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

[@shellyfahren1936]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad it was helpful! 🤙

[@daniel-lee888]

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

[@amyarcher8017]

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

[@horsedog713]

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

[@HikeOregon]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

❤️❤️❤️

[@michaelb1761]

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

[@stevenquina]

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

[@Pacertravel]

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

[@WolfSurvivalUK]

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

[@bashkillszombies]

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

[@Binjh76]

Now theres an idea

[@davidrenz5886]

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

[@chanthataing7042]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

You are so welcome! 🤙

[@4CountDaddy]

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

[@cabie58]

You rock, Darwin. Thoroughly enjoy your vids.

[@mc52]

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

[@TheJarrodh]

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

[@ginokappadonna]

Great distinction between both

[@aaronbell7371]

Very objective comparison. Good thoughts. Thanks Darwin.

[@OurNationalAdventure]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤙

[@opiehelstrom4702]

This feels like a really good, unbiased, video.

[@jamesosborn1628]

Nice comparison, great job!

[@Eric-469]

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

[@safromnc8616]

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

[@quitusmaximus4664]

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

[@craigmiller8833]

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

[@Olan...]

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

[@terencekam4993]

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

[@papajeff5486]

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

[@stillnocouch]

Very nice, cogent and informative! Thank you !

[@derekditz7812]

Good info they definitely both have their pros and cons.

[@adanlopez827]

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

[@garymack411]

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

[@FilipRapp76]

Very valuable information! Thank you!

[@journeysbegun]

Great review! Thanks for the video.

[@harris4035]

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

[@davidpippin3460]

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

[@unlimitedduck]

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

[@ericb.4358]

Well explained. Thanks.

[@frankzappa2451]

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

[@LEN-iy3ix]

Excellent elocution mate 👍

[@Ramo718]

Thank you good video well explained😎

[@PiotrS-a]

thanks. that helps a lot.

[@TJackSurvival]

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

[@DarrenYee]

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

[@thurney4343]

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

[@zach5620]

Thank you Darwin🤝

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NO PROB! 🤙

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Great breakdown 👌

[@jhickok2011]

Many thanks for this vid!

[@lorraineboyd9425]

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

[@MaximusMcCullough]

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

[@matus201]

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

[@BoldlyExplore]

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

[@chemistryflavored]

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

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thanks Darwin.

[@briandoolittle3422]

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

[@NikkiEvernight]

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

[@RICHat22]

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

[@chunwinglai320]

Very good review for one who wants to buy a filter

[@1adamuk]

Perfect, thank you. Since I'd be using water filtration mainly in Northern Europe for trips nowhere near approaching PCT like length then the BeFree seems the better choice.

[@bihlygoat]

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

[@davidotto3132]

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

[@juliefrechette7562]

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

[@stevemartin8994]

Great comparison video

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! Glad you dug it! 🤙

[@Gozerthegozarian1984]

Great video. Very useful info.

[@steveducell2158]

Great review. Thanks! I use a Sawyer Squeeze, but I like the thinking in the Katadyn

[@williamkauffman8898]

Thanks so much really good info

[@debbilermond1553]

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

[@vatiammatri]

Really helpful, thanks

[@mattvittal]

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

[@paxtianodirtfrog8947]

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

[@Sklallamstrong]

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

[@shananigans_outside]

I have both also! And use them like you said.