A detailed comparison of the Sawyer Micro Squeeze & Katadyn BeFree Water Filters for Backpacking, Hiking, and Camping.
For this backpacking gear review, I’ll be comparing two light weight, hollow fiber membrane water filters for ultralight backpacking – the Sawyer Micro Squeeze and the Katadyn BeFree. Both of these filters are available in minimalist, personal use setups for solo hiking, as well as gravity water filter setups for group backpacking trips. I’ll detail the specs, configuration options, features, and flow rates for both, along with my own personal experiences with these water filtration systems.
Both of these water filters are .1 micron, suitable for the majority of contaminates encountered in the greater North American region – cysts, bacteria (such as E. Coli, salmonella, leptospirosis, cholera, etc), and protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium). When combined with the Sawyer select system, the Saywer Micro also offers the ability to protect against viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.
OV Aerie Underguilt Sleeping Bag Giveaway is still running until November 10th. Enter for free here.
Backpacking water filter membrane sizes.
Roy & Dean sent a great packet of info on hiking and backpacking in Michigan.
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A look at the American Red Cross Steripen UltraLight UV Water Purifier for Backpacking, Camping & Survival.
The Steripen UltraLight is a compact, lightweight alternative to more traditional camping & backpacking water filters. Instead of using a filter, the Steripen uses ultraviolet light to kill any bacteria, cysts and other harmful microorganisms. Unlike most backpacking & survival water filters, Steripen also eliminates viruses.
In this video, we’ll go over the pros and cons of the Steripen UltraLight, versus traditional filter based water purification systems. I’ll also demonstrate how to use a Steripen, frequently asked questions, water bottle options, common myths and concerns, and what the various indicator lights mean.
Specs and Features, as per the Manufacturer
SteriPEN ultra-violet lamp destroys over 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa
American red cross ultralight UV purifier quickly purifies 1.0L of water in only 90 seconds.
Easy to use, one-button operation provides 8,000 treatments producing up to 8,000 liters of purified water
Compact, lightweight at only 2.6 oz
American red cross ultralight UV purifier can be recharged using its USB port
In this episode of Sintax77’s Mail Call, I check out the new Sawyer Select foam water filter, and a hammock camping sleep system by Outdoor Vitals called the StormLoft Mummy Pod, along with their netless hammock system with whoopie slings.
I also open some viewer mail and discuss Permethrin vs Picaridin vs Deet for tick and mosquito treatment of backpacking and camping gear.
Links and Info for the Sawyer Select Water Filtration System
The three Select systems reduce chemicals down to 0.5 parts per billion (up to 40 times lower than the EPA’s maximum recommended level) and reduce pesticides down to 0.01 parts per billion (400 times lower than the EPA’s maximum).
The Select S2 and Select S3 models go even further, purifying contaminated water from suspect sources.
Select S2 filters out 99.99% of viruses.
Select S3 filters out 99.99% of viruses and reduces heavy metals such as copper, arsenic, and mercury down to 0.5 parts per billion (up to 260 times lower than the EPA’s maximum).
Weight: 9.25 oz total for bottle with foam filter and hollow fiber membrane filter attachment.
Links and Manufacturer’s specs for the Outdoor Vitals 15° StormLOFT Down Mummy Pod
Easily switches from use as a mummy sleeping bag to a pod system to fully insulate a hammock!
Patented footbox allows hammock to run straight out of the bottom of the bag and seal, or zip it up for use on the ground and insulating baffles keep your feet warm!
Redesigned shoulder baffles seal cold air out and add additional comfort!
StormLOFT™ 800 fill power hydrophobic down provides premium performance in both loft, warmth and dealing with adverse weather conditions!
NEW YKK Anti Snag Zipper makes it virtually impossible to damage your sleeping bag while zipping it up. It also provides easier zipper flow making it a breeze to get in and out!
Vertical baffles keep the down locked into place both on the hammock and on the ground.
Included suspension system keeps the bag from sagging or moving when using it on the hammock
Extra shoulder room (grid) keep the bag extremely comfortable and roomy.
Outdoor Vitals Lifetime Warranty: Here at Outdoor Vitals we believe in standing behind the craftsmanship and quality of our products. Anything that was our fault, we fix so you can feel confident that you’re getting exactly what you paid for!
Links and Manufacturer’s specs for the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Solo Hammock
My final thoughts and a detailed look at the pros and cons of the Renovo Trio water filtration system for backpacking and survival situations.
As discussed in the video, the Renovo Trio water filter is a solid and capable system for water filtration while in the field. Whether or not it’s the best filter for you depends on your personal needs and environment, which we discuss in the video.
It should be noted that this video wasn’t intended to be a “versus” between the Renovo Trio and the Sawyer Squeeze / Sawyer Mini water filter systems, but it would leave a pretty big void if those systems where ignored. As you’ll see, the Sawyer filters are the most similar, and yet different in many ways, systems to the Renovo Trio. Ultimately, I would say that if your in the market for either, you’d be cheating yourself not to investigate the merits of both and choose which is right for you. Hopefully, this video helps make that decision at least a little bit easier for someone out there who’s on the fence.
But hey, even if you could care less about these particular water filters, this video makes for a perfect excuse to nerd out about microns, viruses and bacteria along the way, so at the very least, we’ve got that going for us.
Specs and Water Filter Description as per Manufacturer:
UF Filter Pore Size: .05 Microns
Dimensions: 7.1″ x 1.4″
Weight: 3.5 oz.
Capacity: 1000L
Flow rate:= 200 ml/min
1. Pre-filter:
Similar to a coffee filter, the purpose of the pre-filter is to remove large particulates in the water. This enables the Trio to be used in turbid water sources. This filter element is rated at 5 microns. The Trio comes with 4 replacements of the pre-filter.
2. Renovo Trio UF hollow fiber membrane
The Ultra Filtration (UF) hollow fiber membrane is unique in a couple ways. First, it has a large surface area that enables a high flow rate. Second, the membrane has a smaller pore size than most other hollow fiber membrane filters. When the hollow fiber membrane has reduced flow, simply back flush the filter with clean water and continue use. It is recommended to back flush this element before putting in storage.
3. Renovo Trio Activated carbon tip
The last filter element is a carbon impregnated fiber. To be effective, water must be in contact with the carbon so the carbon can absorb the contaminates. Many water filters use a granular carbon that can develop pathways or channels through the medium which reduces exposure. Block carbon is by far the best method of exposing water to the medium but has a significantly low flow rate. Using a carbon impregnated fiber, the Trio is able to maximize exposure while minimizing the pathways or channels that can develop in other filters.
A note on the Packaging
The innovation does not stop with the filter technology. The Renovo Trio is packaged in a hermetically sealed bag that extends the life of the filter. Activated carbon, when exposed to air can begin the degrade and lose the effectiveness of the medium. Because of the unique packaging of the Trio, it can be stored for many years and retain the effectiveness of the filter. Each replacement filter elements come in a hermetically sealed bag as well.
is a compact, lightweight alternative to more traditional camping & backpacking water filters. Instead of using a filter, the Steripen uses ultraviolet light to kill any bacteria, cysts and other harmful microorganisms. Unlike most backpacking & survival water filters, Steripen also eliminates viruses.
, versus traditional filter based water purification systems. I’ll also demonstrate how to use a Steripen, frequently asked questions, water bottle options, common myths and concerns, and what the various indicator lights mean.
