Our Verdict
An unrivaled price-to-weight ratio in our extensive review, the Sawyer Mini takes the cake for our Best Buy award. It's inexpensive, lightweight, and small, making it the optimal option for backpacking - even if you aren't on a budget. Weighing only 1.4 ounces for the filter and costing a mere $25, you'll get a filter that Sawyer claims will last for 100,000 gallons. The similar and popular LifeStraw weighs a bit more, is four inches longer, and is less versatile than the Mini, but it does cost $5 less. We find the Mini to be the best filter for personal use in the backcountry.

Review by:
Jessica Haist
Review Editor
OutdoorGearLab


Click here to read the full comparison on OutdoorGearLab.com.  

Best Backpacking Water Filters and Treatment of 2018

Sawyer Mini water filter with squeeze pouch, cleaning plunger, and straw for outdoor use.
Sawyer Mini water filter with squeeze pouch, cleaning plunger, and straw for outdoor use.

Our Verdict
An unrivaled price-to-weight ratio in our extensive review, the Sawyer Mini takes the cake for our Best Buy award. It's inexpensive, lightweight, and small, making it the optimal option for backpacking - even if you aren't on a budget. Weighing only 1.4 ounces for the filter and costing a mere $25, you'll get a filter that Sawyer claims will last for 100,000 gallons. The similar and popular LifeStraw weighs a bit more, is four inches longer, and is less versatile than the Mini, but it does cost $5 less. We find the Mini to be the best filter for personal use in the backcountry.

Review by:
Jessica Haist
Review Editor
OutdoorGearLab


Click here to read the full comparison on OutdoorGearLab.com.  

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Gear Lab
Gear Lab
The OutdoorGearLab mission is simple: to create world’s best outdoor gear reviews.
Reviews

Best Backpacking Water Filters and Treatment of 2018

Sawyer Mini water filter with squeeze pouch, cleaning plunger, and straw for outdoor use.
Sawyer Mini water filter with squeeze pouch, cleaning plunger, and straw for outdoor use.

Our Verdict
An unrivaled price-to-weight ratio in our extensive review, the Sawyer Mini takes the cake for our Best Buy award. It's inexpensive, lightweight, and small, making it the optimal option for backpacking - even if you aren't on a budget. Weighing only 1.4 ounces for the filter and costing a mere $25, you'll get a filter that Sawyer claims will last for 100,000 gallons. The similar and popular LifeStraw weighs a bit more, is four inches longer, and is less versatile than the Mini, but it does cost $5 less. We find the Mini to be the best filter for personal use in the backcountry.

Review by:
Jessica Haist
Review Editor
OutdoorGearLab


Click here to read the full comparison on OutdoorGearLab.com.  

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Gear Lab
Gear Lab
The OutdoorGearLab mission is simple: to create world’s best outdoor gear reviews.
Reviews
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