Product – Water Filtration System
Manufacturer – Sawyer
Model – Micro Squeeze
Included: Micro Squeeze Filter with Push/Pull Cap, 1 x 32 oz / 1L Collapsible Pouches, Backwashing Plunger, Cleaning Coupling, Spare Gasket, Drinking Straw
Introduction
There are very few things more important to the fragile human body than water. Heck, we are 60% water, and one can only survive 3 days without this liquid nectar of life. So your drinking water better is clean, safe and plentiful.
Untreated water can contain all kinds of nasties that include; bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals.
Some microorganisms spread by water can cause severe, life-threatening diseases like typhoid fever, cholera and Hepatitis A or E. Other induce less dangerous diseases with diarrhea and gastro nightmares as the main symptoms.
Then there are the chemicals; Chlorine (Cl2), Chlorine dioxide (ClO2), Hypochlorite (OCl-), (O3), Halogens: bromine (Br2), iodene (I), Bromine chloride (BrCl), Metals: copper (Cu2+), silver (Ag+), Kaliumpermanganate (KMnO4), Fenols, Alcohols, Soaps and detergents, etc… yummy!
I have used all sorts of gear and conducted many chemistry experiments in the wild to achieve clean and safe drinking water. In my experience there are essentially 4 backwoods methods to purify water for safe drinking:
- Heat – Boil water
- Chemicals – Safe amounts of chlorine or Iodine
- Lights – Ultraviolet sterilization
- Filtration – Device to filter out the nasties

The Test
I tested the Sawyer MicroSqueeze over 600 kilometres, 20 days in the backwoods and 44 litres of water. I hiked 14 days on the Bruce Trail, 3 days in the Adirondack Park and 3 days paddling in Algonquin Park.
Impressions

Sawyer makes 3 different squeeze filter models: the original, the mini and this newest addition to the family, the micro.
About the MicroSqueeze – the design, construction, weight and boastful claims of the manufacturer impressed me. This filter was significantly smaller than the original and felt tougher than the mini.
I have been purifying my water with Aquatabs or chlorine drops for years. Mostly because previous generations of water filters were heavy and often failed, and frankly chlorine was so much lighter, reliable and very effective. Yet I have always been concerned about the long-term use of chlorine, so the potential of this NEWish filtration system excited me.
Performance

This product worked as advertised. It filtered suspect water sources quickly and effectively. I simply harvested the water with the “dirty” bag, attached the filter and then squeezed the bag slow and steady for 2-2 ½ minutes per litre of water.
The resulting clean water looked clean and tasted fresh. Frankly, I was both surprised and pleased. I didn’t expect the water to taste so darn good. After purifying with chlorine for so many years, I began to expect the blended flavoured cocktail of latent chlorine and swamp water. This filter however delivered clean delicious water within 2-3 minutes.
Design
The filter worked great. The manufacturer claims that it will filter 100,000 gallons of water. That’s a lifetime for most campers.
The filter design is a Hollow Fiber Membrane and consequently doesn’t have to be replaced when it gets “dirty”, you simply backwash the filter… and bingo it’s good as new. Sawyer recommends backwashing whenever the flow rate decreases, or whenever it’s convenient.

Included are both a large syringe & a coupling attachment for backwashing. This is an upgrade from its predecessor – the mini. I never liked the mini for 2 reasons, and consequently never used it. It was slow to filter, and the only way to backwash in the field was with the bulky syringe.
The Micro improved both of these issues of the Mini.
The Microflow rate is better, it appears tougher (time will tell) and I like the coupling backwash option. Backwashing is super easy and the coupler takes very little space in my pack … weighing in at a scant 4g
Now you can field backwash fast and often!
That’s the good stuff.
The kit comes with the filter, backwash coupler, syringe, straw, and “dirty” bag for harvesting water. Everything worked great for the first 10 litres and then the bag failed at the seams near the mouth. I discovered “dirty” unfiltered water dripping into my “clean” bottle from this burst seam. Yicks!
I returned from the trip and contacted Sawyer support and they were really good. They sent me a replacement bag lickity split.
I suspected the failed bag was an anomaly. I also considered the possibility, I was creating too much pressure on the bag by squeezing too hard. So I took the new bag out on the second trip, this time I told myself to only squeeze gently… be gentle… be gentle!
The second bag failed after another 30 litres. This time at multiple locations in and around the spout. Please note I was super gentle and backwashed the filter several times. I never noticed a flow rate reduction.
I contacted Sawyer support again, and once again they were very good. I explained the issue and further told them I was creating an online review and was hoping for an explanation, help and alternative 3rd party “dirty” bags/bladders.
Conversation with Sawyer:
Bruce,
We’re sorry to hear that your issue is ongoing and also that we did not reply to your follow-up email sooner.
First, it sounds like your filter might be due for a thorough backwashing. If you do not routinely and forcefully backwash your filter, you will end up creating an unnecessary amount of pressure within the filtration system which is why the pouch is bursting rather than damaging the filter itself.
The trick to a successful backwashing is to be very forceful with the process. Water will always take the path of least resistance, so in order to fully flush out the filter and restore its flow rate, the backwashing pressure needs to exceed the pressure in which it is used. A successful backwash can restore up to 98.5% of the flow rate.
The new pouches that are included with the Micro Squeeze model are lighter and stronger than previous models but they are still not indestructible.
An alternative option would be to use the filter in a gravity system or with premium bladders that use the same 28 mm standard threading by brands like CNOC.
Since your filter is so new, we would not expect it to have significant mineral build up but it is worth mentioning soaking the filter in hot water or vinegar (for mineral rich water sources) are two additional measures you can take to maximize the backwashing process. You can learn more or see our tips and tricks video at Sawyer.com/backwash
Let me know if you have any other questions or comments or would like to hop on the phone to discuss this further. If you would like any additional pouches sent out, please let us know.
Thank You,
Travis Avery
Hey Travis,
Thanks for the comprehensive response.
I suspected there was too much pressure on the first bladder that failed, so I backwashes the filter and used less pressure on the “replacement” bladder. Double darn it still failed.
Dohhh… it failed in multiple locations on and around the spout about 12 days with perhaps 20-30 litres filtered.
What is a routine backwash? How many litres filtered before I should backwash?
A total shame… the filter worked great, however the bladder I can no longer trust. I have been using a platypus bag since and all seems good. I have considered a CNOC bladder however I would prefer something only 1 litre and they appear to come in only 2 and 3 litre size. Any recommendations?
I appreciate another replacement bladder, however frankly I wouldn’t use it, because I don’t trust it.
Thanks again for the complete response… I would appreciate answering my additional questions.
Cheers,
Bruce
Bruce,
In our experience ~6 backwashes with the cleaning plunger can do the trick for most people but it can definitely vary which is why we suggest people repeat the process until the water comes out clear.
As far as how often? When it is convenient. Our HFM filters have a cleaning ratio of 20:1 compared to old school ceramic pump systems so now people don’t have to do it as often so we suggest people do it when it is convenient or when they get back from their trip or adventure to ensure that the filter is ready to use the next time.
If the CNOC bladders are too large for your preference then we’d suggest looking into Evernew (https://sectionhiker.com/evernew-backpacking-water-reservoirs-and-bottles/) or another brand that uses the standard 28 mm threading.
Thank You,
Travis Avery
NOTE: I was very pleased with Travis’ response. It appears honest, informed and professional.
Conclusion
The filter is awesome and the bag sucks.
The Micro Squeeze is an upgrade to the mini and performed better than expected. I will continue to use the filter on upcoming adventurers including my 2020 Appalachian Trail thru-hike attempt… but I will be using either my CNOC or Evernew bladder… both have been tested and both I like. The Sawyer bags are in the garbage.

Video – Review Sawyer Micro Squeeze
Tech Specs
Includes
- Micro Squeeze Filter with Push/Pull Cap
- 1 x 32 oz / 1L Collapsible Pouches
- Backwashing Plunger
- Cleaning Coupling
- Spare Gasket
- Drinking Straw
Details
- MSRP: $28.99 USD
- Longevity: up to 100,000 Gallons / 378,541L
- Volume: Includes 32oz / 1L pouch
- Filter Material: Hollow Fiber Membrane
- Removes: Bacteria, Protozoa, and Cysts, including E. Coli, Giardia, Vibrio cholera, Salmonella typhi, and micro-plastics
- Best Uses: Hiking, backpacking, ultralight backpacking, camping, emergency preparedness
- Weight: Filter + Mouth Piece Only: 2.5oz / 71g
- Weight: Coupler Only: 0.1oz / 4g
What Sawyer Says…
Enjoy clean and safe drinking water wherever you roam with the ultra-compact, lightweight, reusable Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filtration System — from backcountry adventures to everyday office work and from domestic and international travel to emergency prepping. With a total field weight of 2 ounces, this tiny filter fits in the palm of your hand. While small in size, the powerful Micro Squeeze removes 99.99999% of bacteria (salmonella, cholera and E. coli), 99.9999% of protozoa (cryptosporidium and giardia), and 100% of microsplastics — exceeding EPA recommendations for removal rates.
Attach the Micro Squeeze to the included drinking pouch, use the included straw to drink directly from your water source, connect it to your hydration pack tubing, or screw it onto standard disposable bottles (28mm thread). Made of a strong, softer material, the included 32-ounce (1-liter) Squeeze Pouch is half the weight of the standard 32-ounce Sawyer Squeeze Pouch and features a redesigned gusset for easy filling and stability. The Sawyer Micro Squeeze is rated up to 100,000 gallons. It comes with a 32-ounce reusable squeeze pouch, drinking straw, cleaning coupling, spare gasket, and cleaning plunger.
From website >> SAWYER
No responses yet