[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My filter was only about 3 years old and used 6 times for 4-6 days at a time. Water filtered was always clear...no detritus. I cared for it per Sawyer instructions to the letter. It worked fine until it didn't. On my most recent trip the filter failed completely the first day. It would release a few drops at a time. I did have water purification tabs (I always carry these) as a back up but tabs are not recommended for use on the island. Could have boiled water but not sure there would have been enough fuel to do so for a week. So this was, clearly, a problem. Went to a neighboring camp and asked to borrow their filter and they happily agreed. A bit later the lender came over and offered to let use his filter (a Sawyer as well) for the balance of our trip. He was flying off the island the next day and didn't need it. We took his address and sent it back with a very nice bottle of whiskey after getting home. His generosity really saved our butts. We have some paying forward to do. So, moral of the story. Test your water filter before getting in the field, Sawyer or otherwise. I've been backpacking for 40 years and never had this problem but I now know better. I don't know if it would fail halfway into a trip so will be bringing a backup of some type as well. I do know that I'm done with Sawyer.
Read More
