The Sawyer Micro Squeeze review

Here it is! My review of the Sawyer micro squeeze. It is one ounce lighter, less bulky and less expensive than the regular squeeze with about the same flow rate! I think that you're going to start seeing these more and more in ultralight backpacking gear loadouts this season.Are there any cons? Watch my review and find out.
Sawyer Micro Squeeze- amzn.to/2GkBx6k
Evernew Water bag- amzn.to/2I1Sow3
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[@SawyerProducts]

Thanks for reviewing the Micro Squeeze! FYI the 1 Million Gallon Guarantee was transitioned to a Lifetime Warranty after a competing company challenged our claims. They refused to sign a NDA to see the proprietary information that substantiates our claims so we simply moved on from the Million Gallon Guarantee. We have since had our filters tested to show that our filter fibers are ~75% stronger than the fibers used by other companies in this industry which is why our filters can outperform and outlast other filters on the market. If you would like to learn more or see the Sawyer Hollow Fiber Strength Test, please visit sawyer.com/downloads/.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment and info!

[@HikeLife]

SawyerProducts can’t wait to give it a try!

[@therealbennybraden]

SawyerProducts that’s awesome to know. Always like seeing a company stand behind their products. I’ll have to give the Micro Squeeze a shot. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@johnvidal806]

I just took the micro squeeze on a three day 26.8 mile hike with relatively clear running water. I did not get the flow Rate as my mini. Is this normal for the first time? Could I have done something wrong

[@SawyerProducts]

@@johnvidal806 If the filter was brand new perhaps all of the fibers were not fully wetted. If you forcefully backwash the filter with clean water, you should be able to fully wet all of the fibers and maximize the flow rate.

[@KevinsAdventures]

Smaller is better when backpacking as long as it works, great info Tim ...I'm getting one.

[@kayveroutdoors5411]

I didnt even know these existed yet! And I just bought my sawyer squeeze only a few months ago! Maybe I'll talk my boyfriend into buying himself one so I can enjoy the shiny new gear by proxy! Thanks for the quick review, Im gonna keep my eye on these babies now!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Haha! By proxy isn't bad.

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

I have one and love it same flow as the original and the new bags are lighter and more durable than the old ones

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Glad to have another person who has used it. 👍

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors ya I just got back from 4 day trip and it did awesome and tryed the bags kinda trying to make the bag fail and it held together and did fine so big improvement in my opinion

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Nice! I know some people on r/ul haven't been happy with theirs so good to hear.

[@getlost3094]

The micro is awesome! The new sawyer bags are great too! Lighter, more flexible, and have been solid for me so far

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Sweet! I'm glad to see others experiences.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Awesome. This is great, but we all want to know is which trowels will be in the rotation next trip. :D

[@HikingwithBraids]

I wish Sawyer would stop making the hard plastic bags. I’m surprised they haven’t gone to a soft bag. I’d pay extra money for that.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

The new bag is alot softer. But nothing like a CNOC bag or anything.

[@OldPackMule]

Excellent! Thanks! Love the bloopers.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Any time. 🤣

[@alexwbanks70]

I've tried several filters out in the past. I really like the Katadyn Be Free and have used that for the past two years. Before that I used the Sawyer mini for five or six but was really unhappy with the flow rate on that. Right before the micro came out I decided to get the Sawyer Squeeze, just because its so proven by everyone. So now I can't decide if I should stick with my Be Free or go with the Squeeze. My only problem with the squeeze is I'll have to carry something to scoop water into the water bags with the small openings. That's what is so great about the Be Free, the bag has a huge opening.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Fair points man. The squeeze is fantastic but I know some people like the speed and flow rate of the be free.

[@DollarBlazing]

If my Sawyer craps out and my mini craps out, i'll put it in my budget! Nice to see equipment always improving. Cool vid.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks! And I agree.

[@tomwillard7251]

I think I have one more season left with my Squeeze and then I’ll check out the Micro. Thanks for the review. I look forward to seeing how it stands up to more usage.

[@jeremycrowe234]

Yes it’s a no brainer. I picked one up but haven’t used it yet. I’m getting cabin fever and I’m ready to get out and try it out. I live on the IN, Ohio line just 45 min from Cincinnati so I hike in some of the same places you do. Thanks!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Haha. I was able to get quite a bit of testing in on the trip and around home outdoor sources. I've seen mixed reports on flow rate over long term so a longer term review will be coming for sure.

[@jamielukens9810]

Thanks for the review Tim, the micro will be going with me on the JMT and Laurel Highlands 👌🇺🇸

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Sweet! When is your JMT trip?

[@jamielukens9810]

Tim were thinking 2020 or 21

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Very cool addition. I like the size much better than the squeeze.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Same!

[@jerryjbloodworth6010]

Hey Tim!I took one on my trip last week and it was awesome!I added an ounce worth of tubing and a Sawyer connector so I get some total dynamic head and have a tubing restrictor so that I can turn off the flow and change to the next bottle.Lovin' my Evernew bags too!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Sweet! Good to hear some more filed experience with it.

[@SalineScott]

I’ll probably wait until I break or lose my sawyer again. lol. You’ll have to keep us updated after using it several more times.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Will do!

[@uptrail7169]

I've been thinking about going with the micro since last summer when my squeeze flow rate started slowing down after many uses. Frozen gave me a good tip about what to do for increasing the flow rate again and it worked a lot better. The micro is still on my list to save some weight and it's less bulky. I've gone through 3 of those sawyer bags and switched last year to the evernew bags.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Evernew ftw!!

[@Crud-Stevens]

Thanks for the review!!!!

[@dxreed1]

Thank you for the in depth review! Like your taste in books too, by the way.

[@trailcat71]

Been waiting for a review, thanks! Trying to be a good Earth steward and not upgrading since my current one works but I like that it is like, half the size.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

That is a great reason not to upgrade. Reduce your waste.

[@LeeFazzani]

So with a 100,000 gallon limit, you could filter 1 gallon every single day, and it would last you for 273 years. I think thats plenty for most people ;)

[@thomasdroher3890]

Made me laugh at the end, thanks

[@JeremiahStringer]

I busted one of those bags at the mouth on my trip this weekend. It didn’t hold up long. I’m guessing that the micro screws onto a smart water bottle just like the squeeze does. Appreciate the honest review because we are about to buy another filter so my wife can just scoop water into her bottle and drink through it on our FHT thru hike. We will give the micro a try. I like to sleep with my main squeeze too. Wait, that sounded weird 😂 ✌🏻

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

😂 😂

[@therealbennybraden]

Great review Tim! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@coldbore1444]

Each year, more than 860 billion gallons of vile sewage escapes sewer systems across the US. I work in the underground utility industry (Natural Gas) and I see this every day. I use an MSR Guardian filter that filters viruses. I think the sawyer filters are good to filter a reliable water source such as no people pooping near the creek., no houses nearby or upstream etc. etc. Use your imagination. It's worth the extra money for me to get the extra filtration and flow rate. I end up filtering every bodys water I hike with when they see how fast the guardian filter is. They all say "you're done"? Fill my water bottles up please. But even the guardian let's other crap through like pharmaceuticals and fertilizers, and chemicals, but at least I'm not drinking poop or worse... There is a new filter on the market called the liberty that filters viruses as well that is a cheaper alternative ( I have not tried it). I still have a sawyer mini for backup in case my guardian were to break on a solo hike. Oh and you can let the guardian freeze and it doesnt damage it. YMMV

[@acemastermatt]

Little off topic but has anyone used the micro or even the regular squeeze as a gravity system using 2 bottles, bottle to bottle ?

[@prepared2thrive101]

Here for the mustache

[@JRoss707]

Thanks for the review, Tim. I picked one up online for a great price. I plan to use it on the JMT this summer. The only issue I have with my Squeeze is that I pretty much use only a couple of 1 L smart water bottles and keep it attached to the bottle and squeeze the water direct from the bottle throughout the hike. The overall length of a 1L Smart Bottle and the Squeeze is really long, especially when I attach it to my shoulder strap for easy access. The Micro will shorten it up a bit. I am concerned with flow rate, as there are just so many negative reviews online pertaining to that. I know with my Squeeze, there’s a ritual I go through before every hike, that is, back flushing it with a mixture (4/1) of very hot water/vinegar, then back flushing with purified water to get the vinegar out, and do this the day before so the cartridge filter does not dry out. Are you still a fan of the Micro after all this time?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

I’m jealous. The JMT is a dream hike for me. And no, I would not recommend the micro long term. The flow rate did slow down so I’m back to the regular size squeeze.

[@JRoss707]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors thanks for your reply. I’ve got a few months before my hike. I’ll test them both out and see which one might work best. I’ve got a few years on my Squeeze. I know it’s pretty reliable. The Micro just set me back $15

[@sherryvan4627]

I haven't even taken my sawyer squeeze out of the packaging yet, Guess I should try it before, I get the micro. 🙋🚙

[@73FORGE]

Sold! I go through a ton of water! 👍🏼🍺👊🏼

[@underzepump2905]

Just for context: the recommended daily intake of water for an adult man is 3.7 litres. The average man lives about 80 years in a developed country like the USA, UK or Australia, which would equate to the approximate consumption of 108,040 litres of water consumed over an entire lifespan assuming you consumed the full 3.7 litres every day. Sawyer are claiming this little filter could pretty much sort you out for life... You and two other people (100,000 gallons = ~378,000 litres).

[@WanderingFromKansas]

My feeling is that if I needed to buy another filter tomorrow, it would be a Sawyer micro squeeze. I'm not going to go out and buy it just as an upgrade from my Sawyer mini. I will buy upgraded bags, because those that come with the Sawyer filters are poor.

[@robjohnson4329]

Never heard of it. Do you still boil the water before drinking?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Nope. No boiling. 99.9% of bacteria covered.

[@massachusettsprepper]

It sounds like it's definitely a filter to have in your bag for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@Cands528]

One thing I notice is that no one talks about taste after filtering. Does the filter remove bad flavors or fishy smell?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Good point. No is your answer. If the flavor or smell is really bad then it still will continue to have a weird/bad taste. I use Mio drops for those water sources.

[@ParkourEh]

This looks very promising! Unfortunately for us backpackers north of the 49th, the Micro is $67, regular is $45, and the Mini is $33 CAD. Hopefully the prices drop soon. Thanks for the review!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Bummer! You're welcome.

[@aikirunner]

How’s the micro working now that you’ve used it for a while? I’ve seen some reviews saying long term, the micro flow rate slowed even after back flushing.

[@PREPFORIT]

I like the smaller more packable size, I would also use a different water bag. If you are hiking with friends Yes just bring the micro squeeze. If Soloing - Bring the original too !

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Agreed!

[@LukeCorbin]

Looks nice, however I really like my Katadyn befree

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

I don't blame you!

[@BeauoFu]

Hello! Could we get an update on your stove reccommendations? Are they the same? Also, any way you'd try out other form of fire cooking like with wood burning pocket stoves? Just curious your take on these things, even if you on the side of saying no, wouldn't mind a explanation of your/the cons on these things. Or if you try them out, more content for us :)

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yup they're the same. I like the supercat alcohol stove or the msr pocket rocket 2. You're right though...a stove update (pros and cons) video is a good idea. I'll add it to the video list!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

So far it seems to work well. I wonder how the flow rate will hold up over time. Ive only used it on a few trips with low sediment water sources.... so I guess time will tell. Not a fan of the Sawyer bags. I also use the evernew. Glad to see your take on it.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Fingers crossed. Another commenter said he's seen others mention a decrease in flow rate.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors Yea....Ive seen a lot of that on Reddit UL. Im taking it out for a long weekend trip this Friday. Maybe Ill run into some muddy water....🤙 If the flow rate continues its a no brainer...👍

[@lancasterfoodforest]

Love the Brandon Sanderson books on your shelf! Which is your favorite?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Elantris is hands down my favorite. It was my introduction to Sanderson and I've reread it several times. The stormlight archives are my current jam though.

[@lancasterfoodforest]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors Sweet, dude. He's a great author and those are some good books!

[@JogBird]

i think ppl were getting the katadyn filter, so they had to come up w a smaller one

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha. Perhaps. 😂

[@SawyerProducts]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors actually we created this variation to go on top of our Select Series because we thought that the MINI filter on top would be too tall. After launching the Select Series, people kept asking us for standalone versions of the Micro so we introduced it as its own system last summer.

[@garrycollins3415]

100,000 is a draw back? That a reach. I'll lose or freeze my filter long before then!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Haha! I was trying! :D

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Wow, that is a lot smaller. Might have to check into that

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea I'm a fan.

[@MJGEGB]

I just switched from the mini to the squeeze last year and then they come out with this ☹️ even comes with everything you need for a gravity system right out of the box. But seriously who uses the syringe for anything?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Lol, I use the syringe at home. It sits in my gear box.

[@cgriggsiv]

Love the Sawyer squeeze I've never used to Sawyer micro don't like the Sawyer mini

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

👍 micro so far seems better than the mini. Time will tell if it surpasses the squeeze.

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

Ok, so in actuality how long will a sawyer squeeze really last on a thru hike before it clogs? My other question is if it freezes are you able to thaw it out and continue using it or does it break inside?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

No idea on how long it will last (without backflushing) before it clogs. It depends on the quality of your water sources and the sediment in it. If it freezes it is absolutely not to be used again. It's broken at that point. The water in the filter freezes and expands, breaking the filter membranes. It will be useless at filtering out the nasty stuff.

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors thanks man! that's good to know. My sawyer squeeze has done well on my last hike and still good to go. I think I might try out the micro. Thanks again Tim.

[@MG-ze3lf]

I didn't notice a flow rate difference between the Squeeze and the Micro.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Same here. One commenter said some long term reviewers noted some slowing so I withhold final judgement. We'll see.

[@tonyfleming9403]

Due to the possibility of freezing I've been waiting till the spring to order mine so it doesn't freeze on the mail truck on delivery. The waiting is killing me.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Isn't a problem to worry about until you put water through the filter :)

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yup. What Devin said is 👍. Not a concern about freezing until you put water through it.

[@globetruck17]

Yup. What they said. The problem is when water is inside those 0.1 micron filtering straws, then freezes, and expands when freezing and destroys the filter. If it’s dry you’ll be OK.

[@SawyerProducts]

@@BackcountryExposure Correct! The filters are not at risk for freeze damage if they have not been used.

[@OurDeepSpace]

Следуйте зову сердца. Будьте верны себе. Никогда не идите по чужому пути, разве что вы заблудились в лесу и нашли тропинку - тогда, конечно же, следует пойти по ней.

[@TheAdventuresofEli]

wow... its quite a bit smaller than the original .. i'll have to check that one out ! once my sawyer mini craps out .. or my versa flow

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea. I'm a fan so far.

[@OurDeepSpace]

Тебе никогда не дается желание без того, чтобы не давались силы осуществить его.

[@slaw9738]

One reason not to switch (at least for now) is (as some others have commented) that they have the Squeeze and it still works. Why buy a new one just to save an ounce? Seems a little wasteful. Plus, not everyone has unlimited funds.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

A very fair point. If it weren't for keeping up with gear to try and test I would have stuck with the regular squeeze.

[@slaw9738]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors We do appreciate the reviews!!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

😀 Thanks!

[@dianehall9993]

I was hoping for some assistance on how to use it. All you did was talk.

[@berniebroering7438]

Audio very low at points.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Really? What points? I just checked and all sounds good on my end.

[@berniebroering7438]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors Wow! Its ok now. Could have been a problem between KZbin and my computer but it's fine now. Your video started out with weak audio up to your outdoor cut and back low for a short while and then it slowly increased while I watched the whole video. Again it's good now, and thanks for your input on the Sawer Micro. Always something new... Now go sleep with your main squeeze! LOL

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Sweet! I check and recheck before release so good to know it's better now. Whew. 😅

[@berniebroering7438]

As a side note, Tim, your channel is not the only one that has had that problem I have noticed. Even freshly posted video's from "This Old House" PBS Professionally Produced videos that were newly released in the first few minutes I have noticed the same audio problem and I am coming to believe it to be a problem on the KZbin server side until the video is completely saved and resolved on their end.

[@etnrutledge8461]

Only 100000 gallons? What a rip off! Get back to me when they up it to a jillion!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Lol

[@nathanielappleseed8082]

First!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yes!!

[@OurDeepSpace]

Следуйте зову сердца. Будьте верны себе. Никогда не идите по чужому пути, разве что вы заблудились в лесу и нашли тропинку - тогда, конечно же, следует пойти по ней.

[@OurDeepSpace]

Следуйте зову сердца. Будьте верны себе. Никогда не идите по чужому пути, разве что вы заблудились в лесу и нашли тропинку - тогда, конечно же, следует пойти по ней.

[@OurDeepSpace]

Тебе никогда не дается желание без того, чтобы не давались силы осуществить его.

[@karstoutdoors1606]

It sounds like the Micro is going to be your main squeeze from now on. I'm currently using a Katadyn Befree, mainly because I like the larger opening on the water bottle/bladder. Consider a video about the alternate, non-Sawyer, bottles/bladders options that will work with the Micro, and which ones you do/don't like.

[@flashmanv3260]

I have about 6 years on my squeeze. The only issue I ever had was poor flow rate once after storing it for winter. I did flush it out, but guessing something like hard water deposits drying on it some how clogged it after drying out. I soaked it in warm water with vinegar for a few hours and back flushed it and that seemed to restore it. Even had it get a little clogged up on my grand canyon trip when a storm turned the Colorado river to a mud stream. A good back wash cleared it out. I'm a big fan of sawyer filters. I might give the micro a try, I do like the size. Will be following reviews as it gets more trail time, see how it does over the long term. Thanks for the review.

[@OurDeepSpace]

Тебе никогда не дается желание без того, чтобы не давались силы осуществить его.