SAWYER MINI WATER FILTER SYSTEM & HACKS

[@B1gdawg]

Seven years old, still one of the best Sawyer Mini tips videos I've found, though a bit long. Worth it.

[@barrybrum]

Great! 7 years later and still a very useful video. Thanks for creating and posting it. Buying the screw protectors at Lowe's today.

[@paullabeard4601]

I just got one with all kinds of crapola attachments with zero instruction included on how to attach them. Found you video and it's perfect for all the mountain hikes I take, mostly on the trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, just minutes from my brother's place in Estes Park. Thanks for this very simple yet useful system of use. I can throw out all that other crap that had no explanation for use.

[@savvycavvy7859]

Thank you! I just purchased this water filtration system and your video was very informative and very fair. Thank you again

[@twhite19782012]

A common suggestion by almost all reviewers of the sawyer water filters is to use the smart water bottle cap to back flush the filter,. This is simply a bad idea for the longevity of your filter. Sawyer recommends back flushing forcefully with the syringe because the pressure created by the syringe when used forcefully will knock out the channels of the fibers that have been clogged with nasties. If you don’t knock out those nasties especially the first couple uses, the flow rate will suffer and eventually be unusable. Those first couple uses, the clogged fibers if not forcefully backflushed with high pressure, will never return to the normal flow rate. Basically you will create a path of least resistance and unwillingly create a slower flow rate and ultimately a premature end of the filter life. Of course Sawyer is in the business of selling water filters so they don’t actively state this but they do mention it in some of their videos on you tube.

[@nz-nz]

Yes! I just read that on the Sawyer website too.

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

Where do you buy replacement plungers, theyre not on Sawyers site.

[@annalisa14]

@@SPIDERM0OSE good question. 🙏

[@squirrelcovers6340]

You can back flush forcefully from your smart water bottle.

[@twhite19782012]

@@squirrelcovers6340 it's not as strong as from a syringe. There just isn't the same psi.

[@williamdecatur4340]

That screw protector hack was the best part of the video. Especially they way you presented it. I pretty much knew all the other stuff.

[@robertlinva9503]

Even 6 years later, these are great hacks! Nice job with this video.

[@adaumus]

dude. I'm gonna set my mini up exactly this way. So simple! You're a genius!

[@ElveeKaye]

I came to KZbin looking for instructions on how to use a Sawyer, and this popped up. I want to use this on our awful city water. If it tastes like it didn't come out of a dirty swimming pool, I'll be impressed.

[@stephenalexander9489]

great video. love the rubber screw protector idea. Anyone in IT: same rubber protector is used to cap ST fiber patch panels. Your local IT Department might have some for free if you needed a couple.

[@Victoria-jo3wr]

Very clever! Thank you for sharing this with us. I will be going on my first backpacking trip this summer, and I'm so intimidated by the high price of equipment. But $20 is right up my alley :)

[@mrsmelons5553]

This is a little late, but definitely look for used stuff.

[@cathylunquist4689]

Great Tips! I'm new to using a water filtration system and received one of the Mini's for Xmas. Thank you for showing me how it will work.

[@frank5387]

You have a VERY GOOD system there my friend ! I teach mountain survival in the rocky mt. chain & am always asked the same questions about water bottles. I still carry a full camelbak bladder along with 2 1 qt. canteens from the military & always, ALWAYS have 2 sawyer minis with me & filter cloth for putting water in the bag then filter it with the mini. If people would actually READ THE SAWYER INSTRUCTIONS , They tell you to ALWAYS BACK FLUSH AFTER USING IT !!!!!!!!!!! Great info ! great video ! Keep 'em coming ! : )

[@thomasandrews2880]

You answered all the questions I had and I am now ready to buy one. I had been debating for a while but we are good to go. Thanks for a very informative video.

[@Lip_Ripper.]

Thanks a bunch, man. Just bought one of these little guys for my pack on account of all the popularity they've been getting. Really appreciate all the tips!

[@petercoconut]

Thanks for the great review. Didn't even think about the 3/8" screw protectors and that my smartwater bottle would stay on when gravity feeding! Brilliant!

[@TheVocalMale]

A fair and good review, mate. There's no accounting for some that will pick any little hole they can about a product - but I did laugh when you suggested the hardware store for an easy fix to someone getting upset about a little water. Thumbs up!

[@shealsartstudio1935]

Thanks for that info! Where it's for sale in South Africa, it doesn't mention the flow rate and comments on the Fish River Canyon said it was too slow for the tougher days, but then I think they were using 1 sawyer mini for more than 1 person as I sure don't drink a litre in 5 min!

[@AdamvanAlderwerelt]

Thanks for the tips to add string and hang it. That's brilliant. The one I bought didn't have holes, so I never would've thought to do this.

[@voivoed]

Hey man, great video, just one thing: I just went out and bought the screw protectors and the ⅜" size is too big, the one that fits is the 5/16"

[@ErmilinaLight]

Thank you!!!!

[@flutey28]

You are correct. I actually took my filter with me to check before I purchased.

[@RevolutionIsTheOnlySolution]

👍

[@LanceLinkSC]

Thanks!!!

[@Jason942]

Glad I read this. I was about to order a bag of 3/8.

[@chadfromtexas5644]

Nice video! My setup is the similar, but I carry my sawyer in a small Bisquick shake and pour bottle. Filter fits perfectly, weighs nothing, and serves two purposes: keeps filter from leaking in my pack, plus it is very helpful for filling the platypus. I have a rubber band around the Bisquick bottle for attaching my bandana when the water source has a lot of sediment, which helps the filter function better.

[@rstroud9520]

Chad from Texas have you tried using knee high nylons to pre-filter?

[@marshalt]

Thanks for the tip on the Smart Water bottle. I'm getting the Mini anyway, but you really simplified what I thought I was going to need for a filtration system!

[@brandonking547]

Do you know what this bottle cap is called or where I can get one?

[@marshalt]

@@brandonking547 It's the bottle cap that comes on bottles of Smart Water.

[@tinahengen3168]

Fantastic tips thank you so much! Another tip I saw was to carry an extra washer just in case the sawyer one fails or gets lost or damaged!

[@davidc1016]

Great tip on the sports bottle cap. The fact that the Sawyer tip fits into the bottle never crossed my mind

[@colterco.6040]

Great tips! I just started carrying the smart water bottles. They're pretty great. Light, strong enough and a nice thin diameter. Never thought about using the bottle to back flush the filter. Good one!

[@rileyspringer3252]

Great Video. Good tips from the trail and direct to the point. You saved me time looking for answers on the internet!

[@rdsmith4982]

Thank you very practical.....I like that. Also I appreciate that you have hired Mr. Bill so he can take care of his family. I haven't seen him for awhile!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Mr. Bill needs to go on a diet before I take him on any more hikes though. He's the only thing in my kit that hasn't lost weight. :)

[@MrSkinahh86]

This is super cool video. Thanks man. Been wanting to buy one of these for awhile now but kept forgetting to. Finally did like 3months ago, and just opened it up. Found out My toddler opened it before me, so my instructions were gone. Really informative video and tips and tricks. Thanks again

[@davidmastroianni7682]

Excellent demo. Great job on the hacks. I bought three of these one for each family member.

[@raomudasir6490]

Absolutely wonderful... That is now also my carry system... Thanks for the amazing share...

[@oibal60]

Thanks for this. I bought two, coz ya know, two is one. One for the EDC bag, one for the BOB. (If I ever have to bug out, my EDC bag is _also_ coming along.)

[@01Darkriver]

Been using a similar system for last 3 years! I like the CNOC/Sawyer combo. Didn't know the straw end fits into the Smart Water cap, though! That simplifies things! Thanks for the vid!

[@samorr4]

Great demonstration and explanation of some hacks to make Sawyer -Mini work better!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Thanks for watching.

[@samorr4]

You are welcome. I will watch others of your videos and am subscribed to your channel.

[@kbikerider8474]

Super ideas. Thank you for taking the time to educate all of us.

[@dougbennett8127]

Very informative, great tips included. Well done!

[@bigdaddywar-blood8300]

Thanks bro I feel 100% more confident in this purchase

[@mark-uh8un]

i have watched a few of your videos and i have to say. very professionally done. good job and thanks

[@brhoffer7]

One of the best tutorial video. Thanks, keep them coming. Just bought one today for our kayak camping trip in texas. Sure beats lugging a whole lot of water bottles. I have a really nice 1 liter canvas back water pouch it screws right on. So cool

[@JERZEECOWBOY]

awesome hacks. thank you. I own the Sawyer but I haven't used it yet. this video will keep me from getting too figure out a "better way"

[@JeepyGunner]

Excellent video! Thanks for taking the time to put this together and provide the multiple suggestions!

[@PanchoSmitty1122]

Never thought to use it as a filter like from the sink, filter water from one container to the next. This will help loads as I have been trying to think of ways to use it with my GI canteens.

[@herdtjh]

Great video! Thanks for the letting us know about your experiences with Sawyer mini! Some helpful tips too

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Thanks man!

[@bodhi974]

Nice video. Love my Sawyer mini and I agree 100% that platypus is a superior flexibale bottle. I also always have smart water bottles around. I was not aware of the screw protector or sport top on the smart water bottle. Good tips!

[@markbass7101]

I appreciate the know-how and the dry humor... Thanks....

[@davidnieve6444]

Going to Bali in November bringing one of these just in case! Fantastic info. Thank You!

[@wildernessexplorer8264]

I just got back from my second ever backpacking trip (I've only ever backpacked solo) and these are some great tricks! I used the smart water bottle system but don't have a flip cap. This is a must for me now.

[@ericm739]

Thanks man, great tips. Heading out tomorrow on the trail for 2 days and picking up some smart water on the way.

[@donnamariehooper3022]

Brilliant tips, thanks a lot! I have been putting together a long term Bug out bag and have been researching everything including hacks to make my equipment more efficient and lighten the weight of my pack. I've been watching, among others, 'Homemade Wanderlust' and Dixi mentioned a hack for the Sawyer mini filter using the smart water bottle too which stuck in my mind. She also mentioned interchanging sports bottle tops of any fitting bottles with the sawyer nozzle to keep long term use bacteria and dirt at a minimum. Your video was very helpful and easy to follow and although it was done in 2016, your tips are still relevant and useful to me, so thanks again and take care. Sincerely a Brit chick in Germany :D

[@susanlittle6263]

Great video. Thank you. I am doing my first solo backpack and just got my Sawyer Mini. Will practice at home first. Thanks again.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

You're welcome.

[@shramj]

Love the video and you show how to use it as a gravity filter without any extra parts. Plus I like how simple and light your setup is. Nice job! No need for a tornado attachment piece.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Thanks for checking the channel out.

[@Praise___YaH]

Salvation is so very Simple HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH” YaH is The Heavenly Father YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins YaH was Crucified on an Almond TREE - Ancient Semitic Cuneiform of Moshe (Moses) - Isa Scroll (The Original Isaiah) Isaiah 42:8 "I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 43:11 I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me. Isaiah 45:5 I am YaH, and there is none else.

[@jeffeverett830]

Great video and awesome ideas, boy did i get lucky your the first video i looked at on this subject...no need to look anywhere else now!! Thanks i appreciate the knowledge!

[@coocookachoo2806]

Thanks great video, out of all the guys that talk about using a smart water bottle to back flush ect, you're the first one that I have seen show it. Up here in Canada I don't think we get those bottles but i'm going to keep my eyes open for one. That would lighten my water system some for free, best way to cut weight.

[@deannahughes6228]

Great video, answers every question I had on Sawyer mini.

[@shirleygoggans7813]

Great practical tips for even easier use of this effective easy to use filter! Thank you!

[@berkeleyboathouse7426]

Best filter out there. I also use a smart water bottle, attach to filter, screws on perfectly. Ill try your idea, thanks!

[@MarkDHastingsMusic]

Real nice video. Thanks! Your tips added a lot more value to my recently purchased Sawyer.

[@elvinamillaneam]

like the the end cap hack... I just keep my filter in a ziplock bag with some small salt bag to absorb any moisture. ..

[@lesleychapman3724]

I've been trawling the net for a simple, effective filter system and yours is the best to date. Thank you

[@vickilamerson643]

I love the screw protector tip. THNX!

[@neckredgringo5372]

Very nice use of the Sawyer man. I'm thinking about getting a squeeze for the hell of it. but think I'm going to try this method with my mini. thanks for the tips

[@TheGoatMumbler]

You're welcome.

[@edlibey8177]

Thank you. Good ideas. Of course sometimes making the end cap is part of the fun.

[@LostAussieOnTheTrail]

Thanks for the video. It was really good. I got a lot out of it. Liked your commentary. I also liked how you took your time letting the viewers actually see what was going on. Good work buddy. Safe hiking.

[@flymgl]

Thanks for sharing. When it comes to the end cap, now why didn't I think of that!

[@Fallguy615Intoit]

A easy keep clean product for sediment in the water would be to use a coffee filter. I use it on my other water filter and it works great !

[@GBW175]

Ok. What’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Experience. And you, Sir, obviously have done your time. I like your KISS principle. That’s how you carry stuff on your back. 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@kidbach]

great hacks, and great video. the screw protectors definitely a D'OH why didn't I think of that.

[@astrorad2000]

Excellent! Although I am not a backpacker, I do have a Sawyer mini for emergency use. Your ideas are great info and I will definitely get a platypus or two and screw protector for my go kit. Ciao!

[@JudytheKnittingHiker]

Was frustrated with all the squeezing....now I can turn into gravity system so awesome!

[@able724]

Awesome! I've been trying to figure out what water system to use for my lightweight solo backpacking trips as I section hike the AT. Your system is the best I have seen so far. Add to it some chemical backup and I'd feel really good to go. Thank you.

[@stetomlinson3146]

Brilliant! Just what I was looking for. I have a Sawyer system and I'm trying to reduce pack weight for a long, 14 day hike in the UK. Thank you.

[@winegarstronghold2734]

Great video! Thank you! I'm just starting to plan my first trip EVER for next year. I already have a Sawyer, but great info!

[@ukrosko]

great video and some really useful hacks - thanks

[@MrGraemeb2022]

Nice one GM, especially the screw protector and Smart bottle tips, (from Canterbury, England.)

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Thanks man. Be safe over there!

[@davidpayne1161]

brilliant my friend, I have been confused on which water filter to have, after seeing this I think I will go with the this system, once again thank you.

[@reidtobin6195]

Thanks for all the ideas folks. great stuff. great vidio.

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

Just saw this ... loved the little green cap idea. I love my mini. Good ideas ... subbed so I can learn more. GREAT job!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Thanks

[@Adipper]

Agree, the 16 oz squeeze dirty bag the unit comes with is too small. However, if cut at an angle in half, forms a good transport shell to other dirty container when collecting water in tight spot. Excellent video, thanks!!

[@HIPPIETHUG92109]

Loved this video! And thank for explaining solutions for those who need them. 🙏🤙

[@younglife99]

Thanks for the cap idea using the screw protectors.

[@larryliggett8121]

Excellent job on your presentation! These were good hacks. Thanks!

[@NoTrail]

Use the Evernew bags....like the plugging into the blue cap of the Smart Water bottle, have not done that. I feel the flow is fine and nothing is easier to clean than this filter with back flushing. Shaking works great for me as well. Some great tips...thanks Goatboy.

[@bretth5070]

Great video! really like the screw protector idea.

[@all4180]

Thanks for the tips and info! Just got my Sawyer, haven't even used it yet. These tips will help!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Practice a bit before you hit the trail.

[@all4180]

Good idea, thanks!

[@jimfield3347]

I've seen all the hack videos and this is the best and smartest

[@flyguyny]

For the money, buy the squeeze. And the adapter hoses are a good idea. Hanging the bag with a 3’ piece of hose before the filter, pushes water thru like crazy. Less work by a long shot. Well worth it by a long shot.

[@LGSkywalker82]

Fantastic info good sir! Just got this filter so these hacks are going to be well timed and definitely utilized and much appreciated!!

[@bmbpdk]

Very nice solution, thanks for sharing it sir! Greetings from Denmark.

[@cj_m2477]

Great video with lots of interesting and simple fixes to all the complaints I’ve heard about the mini. Thank you!

[@Pitseolak1]

You’re the best! Thank you. I’ll get myself a platypus, a smart water bottle AND a screw cap!

[@hummerlady54]

Thank you! I liked your system very much.

[@strathack33]

Outstanding! I watched a lot of other mini mod videos, and plenty are good, but this is simplification at its finest. Nice job.

[@starshipfantastica]

Thanks for the video. I am going to give the Mini a second chance thanks to your hacks. Makes a lot of sense.

[@Detonator_Prime]

Great video my friend. I certainly learned something. Thanks very much.

[@randyhelsel9438]

You answered all my questions. Thank you sir!

[@antoinette272]

Just purchased a mini. Appreciate the great tips!

[@mxcrider118]

Great tip. You just greatly simplified my hydration system. Much appreciated. I've used both the mini and Smart Water bottles for several years...never tried inserting the filter into the squirt tip. Classic "dang! Wish I thought of that" moment.

[@lesliemiller5790]

I also saved a pump handle from a soap dispenser, cleaned it good and put a hose on the intake and a short one on the outtake connected to the intake of my filter to have the capability to pump water thru my filter, if I don't want to or it is not safe to fill the bag. If I come to a river that has a high bank or the water is inaccessible in some way, I just pull out my little pump and gat my water with it. It won't draw more than a couple of feet, but I have an idea that will give me a stronger pump, I just haven't tried to build it yet.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Great ideas! Thanks for the video.

[@chrisc.3472]

I just picked one up at Walmart. I like the way you're put together. You have a no fuck around policy.

[@bowhunterbear1]

great video good idea using a screw protectors thought I never thought about that