The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System, paired with the CNOC Premium 2-Liter Bladder, is a great choice for hikers and backpackers looking for a reliable, lightweight water filtration solution. This system combines Sawyer’s proven hollow-fiber filtration technology with a high-quality, durable soft-water reservoir from CNOC, bringing comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind to the backcountry.
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- Type: Compaction or Gravity Filtration
- Sawyer filter weight: 2.5 oz
- Medium filter: Hollow fiber membrane
- Filter life: 100,000 liters
- Pore filter size: 0.1 microns absolute
- The filter removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (parasites) such as Giardia and Cryptosporidia; 99.99999% of bacteria such as Salmonella, Cholera, and E.coli; and 100% microplastics
- CNOC Bladder: TPU, BPA-free, and FDA-approved
- Weight of bladder: 3.5 oz
Design and Build Quality
The Sawyer Squeeze Filter is compact and weighs 2.5 ounces. It uses a hollow fiber membrane measured at 0.1 microns, which can remove 99.99999% of bacteria (including Salmonella, cholera, E. coli) and 99.9999% of protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium). However, it is best used with backyard water sources and does not filter bacteria or chemicals, so users should be aware of this limitation in areas where these are common, especially in urban, international, or agricultural areas.
The CNOC Premium 2-Liter bladder stands out for its durability and performance. Made of BPA-free TPU material, it is puncture-resistant and folds flat when empty for convenient packing. The wide mouth opening allows for quick filling from natural water sources or taps, while the screw cap ensures a leak-proof seal when tightened. The 2 liter capacity strikes a good balance between carrying enough water and keeping the weight manageable.
This CNOC bladder is a huge improvement from the previous bladders that Sawyer used to ship the product. In addition to holding more water, it is visible, so you can see how much water is left in the bladder. They also have 1/2-liter and 8-oz markings (up to 2 L/64 oz) on the outside to indicate how full the bladder is. Given how flexible the bladder is, these measurements are approximate and less accurate than those obtained with a rigid container such as a Nalgene bottle or a graduated cooking pot. But, they are still useful for finding out how much water you carry.
Working
One of the defining features of this program is its ease of use. The “squeeze” design allows you to fill the CNOC bladder with untreated water from streams or lakes, then squeeze it through the filter directly into your drinking container or hydration pack. The filter’s flow rate is more than adequate, up to 1.7 liters per minute, but slower than other hollow fiber filters from Katadyn and Platypus.
When new, it takes time for the filter to fill up, so pre-soak it before use and try to keep it “wet” during the season. This is as simple as wrapping it in a bladder full of water and making sure the lid closes between uses. Sawyer provides instructions for drying, sterilizing, and storing the filter during downtime.
The system also supports gravity filtration by hanging the bladder and allowing the water to flow through the filter to another container, which is useful when filtering large volumes, say for a group. There is a hole in the slide that protects the dirty end of the bladder, where you can attach a string to hang the bladder, but it does not fit the filter system.
The water filter has a cap on top that closes to prevent dripping onto your clothing or gear between uses. It also prevents the cap from being unknowingly contaminated with “dirty” water, which you want to avoid consuming. Between uses, it’s best to keep the “dirty” end of the filter attached to the bladder, so that element doesn’t drip onto your clothes.
Repair is straightforward: the hollow fiber filter can be backwashed with clean water using the included syringe to restore flow rate and extend the life of the filter. With a rated life of up to 100,000 litres, this filter offers exceptional durability compared to many competitors, which typically only last 1,000 to 2,000 litres.
Benefits
- Light and compact: The entire system is 6.0 ounces, making it ideal for ultralight backpacking.
- Filtration efficiency: Effectively removes bacteria and protozoa.
- Strong bladder: The CNOC bladder is strong, leak-proof, and easy to fill.
- Fast flow rate: Up to 1.7 L/min, reducing downtime, under ideal conditions.
- Multiple Uses: Supports both compression and gravity filtering. It can also be attached to other compatible hard or soft bottles: SmartWater bottles are popular for hikers, but the filter can fit any bottle with a 28mm opening.
- Long filter life: Rated up to 100,000 liters for easy field cleaning.
Evil
- It does not eliminate viruses: Users who travel to areas with a risk of viral infection should consider additional treatment.
- Unreliable when frozen. Change immediately if this happens.
Additional recommended water filters and cleaners
Recommendation
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System with CNOC Premium 2-Liter Bladder excels as a lightweight, efficient, and reliable water treatment solution for backpackers and campers. Its combination of proven filtration technology with a high-quality hydration reservoir makes water collection, storage, and cleaning straightforward.
Whether you’re on a multi-day trip or a weekend camping trip, this system reduces the weight of your gear without compromising safety or comfort. The fast flow rate and long life of the filter make it a cost-effective investment for anyone serious about clean drinking water on the go.
Disclosure: Sawyer provided Squeeze for review.
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