How often should I backwash my filter?
We recommend backwashing your filter before first use, when your flow rate begins to diminish, before prolonged storage, and when you are ready to start using your filter again. Backwashing your filter after storage is a great way to re-wet the fibers and restore the flow rate before use.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how dirty the water is. With relatively clear water, backwashing may only be necessary every 1,000 gallons whereas with extremely turbid or muddy water, backwashing may be required every 10 gallons. Nevertheless, backwashing is an extremely simple process and takes only a minute.
What is the shelf life of a Sawyer Filter?
At this point we do not know what the lifetime limitations of the fibers are. We have working filters that have been in continuous use for 20+ years and have filtered hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. With proper cleaning and if stored in a cool dry place out of direct UV light, our filters should last indefinitely as Sawyer’s fibers are so robust, they can be backwashed and reused perpetually with no expensive cartridges to replace… ever.
How do I check the integrity of my Sawyer Water Filter?
There are a few videos out there on testing the integrity of your water filter, but they are incorrect. Sawyer water filters are a totally different design and cannot be integrity tested in this way.
Unfortunately, the process of integrity testing costs more than replacing the unit. For this reason, Sawyer recommends that you err on the side of caution and replace your filters if you think there is the possibility of your filter having been frozen, boiled, dropped onto a hard surface, overtightened, or if it was purchased from an unauthorized seller.
Additionally, each Sawyer filter is air tested 3 times to ensure that they will work as claimed. Not some random statistical testing, but every single filter is tested three times at three different quality control points throughout its assembly process, a claim that no other water filtration company can make. For this reason, we are very confident in the quality of our filters, which are successfully used all over the world.
How do I care for my filter during freezing weather?
Our .1 Micron Filters can withstand temperatures ranging from 32-140°F. If you are in freezing temperatures, we recommend that you store your filter in your pocket or close to your person so that your body heat can prevent freezing. When sleeping, keep it in your sleeping bag next to your body. Since there is no definitive way to tell if a filter has been damaged due to freezing after initial wetting, Sawyer recommends replacing your filter if you suspect that it has been frozen.
What if my pouch burst?
While our pouches are designed to be durable, they are certainly not indestructible and as such are not covered under the Squeeze warranty. However, replacement pouches as well as other parts are available for purchase on our website and through many of our distributors. Aside from the pouches that come with the kits, our filters are all designed to work with standard 28 mm threads found on most plastic soda bottles around the world, including brands like Smart Water, Dasani, Propel, Pepsi and premium pouches like CNOC.
Sawyer pouches are designed to withstand up to 7 PSI of pressure before bursting. This in most cases allows for a large amount of water to be used before filter cleaning is necessary. Therefore, the pouches will never burst so long as the filters are reasonably clean. However, most people are capable of generating more than 7 PSI of pressure, and if the filter is not clean, they can easily burst the pouch by squeezing too hard.
What is the difference between the Mini, Micro, and Squeeze filter?
All our filters are designed to take out the harmful pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa and cysts which are the things that make you sick from the water, but tastes, colors and odors, which are dissolved solids, will pass through the filter. This includes fluoride, chlorine, tannins, chlorophyll or anything that is in solution like coffee, sugar, salts, electrolytes, or flavorings.
Here’s how they differ. Although the Micro and the Mini are based on the Squeeze filter, the Micro is half the length of the Squeeze while the Mini is about half the width. While the Squeeze weighs ~3 oz., the Micro and the Mini weigh in at ~2 oz. each. Based on the internal fibers, the Mini will need to be backwashed more often than the Micro which will need to be backwashed more often than the Squeeze. Similarly, the flow rate of the Squeeze will be faster than the Micro which will be faster than the Mini.
The Squeeze, the Micro and the Dual-Threaded Mini all come with a flip-top cap on one end and are dual-threaded whereas the standard Mini is threaded on only one side. So, the Squeeze, the Micro and the DT Mini have more versatility as they can be used with all our adapters as well as the cleaning coupling, while the standard Mini has barbs on both sides so you don't have to have the adapter to put it inline.
What are the dimensions for the replacement parts?
For a replacement syringe, you can find a 50 ml syringe at most medical, hardware, or drug stores.
As for compatibility with tubing and threading, we are compatible with ¼ inch inner diameter tubing and 28 mm threading.
The gaskets can be found on our website under “filter accessories”. If you’re looking to find one quickly, it is 0.125 inches thick (3.15 mm) with an outer diameter of 0.985 inches (25 mm) and an inner diameter of 0.59 inches (15 mm).
Why is the intake end of my filter leaking?
If you are experiencing leaking from the intake end of the filter, it is likely due to a worn gasket. Gaskets can be easily damaged by over-tightening filters onto pouches or bottles. The threads on the filter are shorter than people might expect and can be unintentionally over-tightened in pursuit of a tight seal. The correct way to attach the filter to the pouch or bottle is to finger-tighten it, tightening just until you feel some resistance. Over-tightening can also cause a hairline crack which widens over time.
Should I use a lotion or spray repellent?
The lotions will usually last longer simply because you will have more control over how much product is used (recommended amount is .5 ounces per application). Similarly, the pump spray would last longer than the aerosol, which gives the least control, but is arguably the easiest to use.
FYI, because of the way they slow down the evaporation of the product, lotions will last approx. 2 hours longer than sprays of comparable concentrations. However, sprays have the advantage of being able to be applied to clothing and remain effective much longer on clothing than on skin. Since repellents work as a 3″ barrier, clothing applications can often protect 6″ of exposed skin and significantly reduce your usage on skin. So all things considered, whether to use a lotion or a spray is just a matter of personal preference.
If I get bit by a venomous snake and quickly use The Extractor® Pump, I’m good…Right?
The Sawyer Extractor® Pump Kit has been used successfully for over 30 years as a supplement to medical treatments of snake bite and for bee sting venom, targeting initial removal in the field. The victim should ALWAYS be taken to the closest hospital or urgent care facility for further examination and medical treatment.
Is there a truly effective solution to treat a venomous bite in the field?
The Sawyer Extractor® Pump Kit is the only medically approved device for treating snakebites. When used quickly after a bite, later treatment results may be significantly improved. Some doctors even recommend carrying and applying two pumps, one for each fang bite site.
If I am allergic to bees, can I carry The Extractor® pump in as a substitute for my Epipen®?
No. If you are known to be allergic, you should always carry an Epipen® pen. Though The Sawyer Extractor® Pump Kit is designed to achieve rapid relief from the pain or itching that comes from a bite. It is not medication.
How do I stop sunscreens from burning my eyes?
All sunscreens will burn your eyes if the lotion is rubbed into the eye area during application. Once applied to cool dry skin, the better sunscreens like our bonding base formula, will not migrate — that is, run down into the eyes from the forehead while sweating or in the water. Older formulas which were designed to work above the skin may still migrate when exposed to water or sweat.
When should I re-apply a sunscreen?
Above the skin sunscreen needs to be re-applied much more frequently than below the skin sunscreens, but replacement of each depends on several environmental factors and also the quality of the sunscreen. Keep in mind the following factors which affect sunscreen effectiveness:Type of Sunscreen: Film, Wax or Bonding BaseTime of Day: Peak Sun is 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Time of Year: Peak Sun is May though JulyPre-Tanning of the Skin: Your skin is more susceptible in the spring and early summer than it is after you have some level of tan base.Areas of Thin Skin: Nose, Ears, Forehead, Top of Head, Top of Feet, and Shoulders need extra Sunscreen and attention because they have less layers of skin to protect themselves.High Altitudes: Above 6,000 feet significantly increases your exposure to sunrays.Higher Altitudes: Above 10,000 feet offers very little natural protection at any time of the year.Low Latitudes: The closer you are to the equator the greater your ray intensity. People in Northern climates vacationing in Southern climates are particularly vulnerable.Exposure to much Rubbing or Flushing: Frequent towel drying or water skiing removes Sunscreen at a much faster pace than other activities.Profuse Sweating: May cause Sunscreen, especially above the skin Sunscreen, to migrate.Use with Insect Repellents: May cause the loss of up to 30% of the SPF protection level.If your environment includes several of the above, you may need to consider using a higher SPF level or more closely monitor your skin, especially the areas of thinner skin. If your environment includes more than several of the above, then you really need to watch your skin closely and take other precautions as well, such as more sun protecting clothing, hats, and staying out of the sun at peak times.
Do sunscreens affect athletic performance?
They can. Residual sunscreen on the skin can affect your grip and it can reduce your ability to sweat, which is your body’s mechanism to transfer heat created by your exertion. By not losing adequate heat, your internal body temperature rises, which depletes your energy levels and causes many organs to focus on heat management functions rather than normal support functions. The newer sunscreen formulations work below the skin and allow the skin to breathe and sweat much more efficiently, thereby leaving you with more energy to perform your athletic activity.
Can I wear a repellent with a sunscreen?
Yes. We would recommend applying the sunscreen first. The trick to a comfortable and effective application of sunscreen it to put it on first thing in the morning or at least 10 minutes before sun exposure to help it fully absorb into your skin. Our SPF 30 sunscreen is a bonding base formula which makes it very breathable while still very effective. You can learn more about this formula at sawyer.com/sunscreen
What SPF do I need? How much do I need for a trip?
If properly applied (1 1/4 ounces per full body coverage) you seldom need more than an SPF 15. However, most people put on only half of the recommended FDA standard. A SPF 15 applied at half rate is effectively a SPF 7, better than nothing but still not a true sunscreen. If you can discipline yourself to put on a generous amount, then after it has fully absorbed into the skin, you will benefit by having less chemicals in the skin which allows your skin to breathe easier. If you just can’t bring yourself to lather it on then jump to a SPF 30 which, when half applied, still leaves you with an effective protection of a SPF 15. If you’re sensitive to oxybensone or benzephenone then stick with the SPF 15 which generally does not include that sunscreen.In planning a trip, use the 1 1/4 ounces per person per day figure as a guideline. If you’re building a tan, or reducing your skin exposure via clothing, then reduce your anticipated need accordingly. Keep in mind that a soaked cotton shirt yields protection equivalent to only a SPF of 4 to 8 only and therefore you may need to wear a sunscreen below the shirt if exposed to water or sweat.
Do you ship international?
To avoid any confusion, Sawyer Products is not an export agent. We suggest using AIT Worldwide Logistics. Their Tampa call center office phone number is 813.247.6797. They can provide you with all the export documents you will need and handle the actual shipment for you. You will be their customer and need to contract their services separately from the purchase of the filters. We do not and can not provide the proper document service that is needed for export.However, using AIT Worldwide Logistics is not mandatory. You can use whomever you prefer and Sawyer Products will have the freight ready for their pick-up or we will ship it to their domestic location (at your expense).
Do you recommend pre-filtering the water?
Yes, and we have three recommendations for pre-filtration. One, pour the dirty water through a t-shirt or cloth before it goes into the filtration bucket. Two, cut the hole in the side of the bucket at least 1.5 inches from the bottom of the bucket to allow sediment to settle and not go down the hose. Three, allow the dirty water to settle before putting it in the filtration bucket.
What type of bucket do I need to use? Does it have to be a plastic 5 gallon bucket?
You can attach the filter to any size container you can drill a hole in. We recommend attaching the filter to a clean container that is either food grade or was previously used to transport food items. Do not attach the filter to a bucket that was used to transport chemicals. The filter will also fit into most water crocks by removing the existing valve and replacing it with the fittings supplied with the filter.For more output hook multiple filters up to a large cistern or rainwater catchment system. You will want to have the 3 foot hose option so you can raise the filter above the water level to shut off the flow.
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