Wild Camping Water Quality & Filtering | Katadyn BeFree vs Sawyer Mini Water Filter 

FYI - as a process chemist I can tell you that backflushing is a considerably more effective way to remove fouling from a filter. That is likely to be the main reason that Sawyer can quote a greater filter lifetime. Another great feature of filters is that the resultant water (in my experience) tastes better: Not only do you not have an residual hypochlorite in solution but in my experience the filter also remove almost all of the peat colloids from the water meaning that my tea tastes of tea, rather than peat. Finally, because of this flavour improvement I am now more confidence to draw water from source I would not have used before and thus I carry less water with me if I know there are plenty of sources to draw from. For me this means I now start the day with just one litre rather than two. Great review, just wanted to add this to it.

I'd just like to say that your channel is awesome! Your knowledge and experience shines through in your videos. So informative and well presented. By far the best outdoor/hiking/wildcamping channel I've subscribed to in a long time.

A really straight forward and extremely informative view on filtering water and the reasons why we all need to do it Shamus. I have the Sawyer Squeeze and absolutely love it. I don't find the flow rate a problem as I really enjoy sitting by a stream on Dartmoor and spending time taking in the scenery and enjoying the relaxing 'burbling' of the brook whilst filtering. I think the squeeze and mini versions are great pieces of kit but I religiously back flush the filter and wash out all the bags as soon as I return home. There probably isn't a need to be quite so religious but I just like to be extra careful. However, I always carry a few chlorine tablets in my First Aid Kit just in case I have a problem with the kit when in the field. Thanks again for a great no nonsense video. ATVB. Graham - Sidetsickflyer

i’ve used BeFree for a year without a problem. Any small pinprick leak or small tear can be repaired by using a Park Patch used for bike puncture repair. They are self adhesive and work well. I also like the large aperture on the bottle which helps to avoid disturbing sediment when collecting from water source. Nice channel.

Another great video Seamus. Love your videos. I’ve said it before but your presenting style is so professional. You should definitely be on TV. Keep up the good work. ATB Rob

Loving your channel and the very informative way you explain everything. Keep up the great work!

great vid mate!

Brilliant advice mate thank you im really glad i found your channel good solid advice all round, for my two penneth worth and as a military veteran who did the RAMC water duties course i check the water course for 1/4 1/2 mile for all sorts of floaters if none are present i take water and rolling boil it for 5 mins. I dont use water filters other than a mills bank bag(to take main debris out of the water)because the water filters never let you know theyve failed until your in a bad way boiling the water for 4 or more minutes makes sure your going to be ok,at a pinch if pressed for time ill use a puri tab. Just how i do it and why and your correct about the nasties like leptospirosis etc meningitus C another regular visitor to some of our water courses. Keep up the fab work mate ,thank you and hope you have a fab week .

I HAD no interest in water filtration until I watched this video. Shamus you captured my interest right from the start and held it for 17mins 40 seconds! As a content creator myself I understand the massive effort it takes to produce a video like this, so very well done. I reckon you are even scripting it as it all flows so logically. You just missed however to say to Petra that the filtered water is also "not for dogs". Tom

Hugs and pets for Petra!!! Such great information thank you again!!!!

Brilliant explanation Shamus . Extremely informative as ever.

Another great video. I have used various methods to purify water over the years (I had bacillary dysentery in Africa once, weeks away from civilisation with only rudimentary meds - absolutely horrendous!). All have pros and cons; the be free type is great if there is plenty of water available, replenishing as you go is great as you’re not carrying unnecessary weight but if water is scarce during long hot summers (ha!) it’s not so good. I had a sawyer that for some reason just refused to work despite regular back-flushing I had to boil water which was a pain because I was limited by the size of pot and it took ages to cool down before being able to be drunk. I have also used chlorine dioxide drops as I find there is no discernible chlorine taste, though there is a bit of faff with mixing the two chemicals but it’s really not that bad. As a result of the sawyer incident I keep some puritabs in my ditty bag as back up in case of failure or if I’m just out for the day and need more water. Also it’s worth mentioning that you need to be careful with the filters in very cold weather, if there is water in the hollow fibres and it freezes it can break the filter. I usually carry mine in an inside pocket or well wrapped in my pack. I also keep it in my sleeping bag overnight if camping in winter just in case.

Great video Shamus, I am an advocate of the Sawyer Mini, especially abroad. The chlorine drops are quite good now, had some in Himalayas and you cannot taste it. Hugs etc xx

Hi Shamus, great videos. I have hiked dartmoor for a long time by myself and with my 3 sons. Myself and one of my sons had the same as you two years ago, we filtered water from lower lands near farming areas. Not to be done again, we filter and boil now and carry tabs as a third option. Nothing worse than diarrhea when in the outback 😝

great video, I always used the sawyer, after first trip I switched to using a Cnoc 2litre bag for my dirty water, still carry the original bag incase of rupture.

Hi Shamus, thanks, great video, very interesting. I've watched several of your videos now, and the sharing of your knowledge and experience is much appreciated...

Love this very practical advice and the way you put you subject across, I think you deserve more subscribers. The speed of filter is not that important to me its all about personal preference Im not that much in a hurry used to use the MSR miniworks loved it until it failed on a hike dont trust it any more currently on the Sawyer micro squeeze and no issues thus far. good vid and thankyou regards Matt

Another informative vid. Thankyou ian

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comparisons of the 2 filters. We like the regular sawyer squeeze verses the mini, a faster flow rate and attaches directly to a life water 1 liter bottle. Back flushing is the only downfall, it sometimes is dificult to remember to do this on longer trips.

Great video, very informative. I use the Sawyer mini which does have a relatively slow filtration rate but I’m in no rush so don’t have a problem with it. Cheers Shamus. Subscribed. Niky.

I love your communication style. Lots of information... no condescension. I have used all types of water treatment over the years... i like the UV light solutions for safety... but have a Sawyer i use a lot ( freezing is always a worry) I wish iodine was still around - needed some vitamin C to help with taste

This has to be one of the if not the most informative video, I have seen. I would never drink water from any source unless its filtered/boiled. I use a sawyer mini. TYVM for sharing. ATB Reeco

Another great and informative video Shamus. I've got the Sawyer mini. Bag split after only a few uses which is a problem many customers complain of but thankfully it uses a standard thread so using a coke bottle works fine. The prices seem quite similar at the moment after a quick online search and the fact the katadyn only does 1,000 litres effectively makes it over 456 times more expensive than the sawyer - so I'll happily opt for a slower flow rate 😆. If it lasted longer maybe I'd also have both.

All good information Shamus. My Sawyer bag burst recently so I have been looking for a replacement and I am considering getting a CNOC Vecto bag. I have no personal experiance of it but the reviews seem positive. It has a wide opening making it much quicker and easier to fill than a standard bag.

Brilliant video as ever!

Thank you again for a great video, my daughter drinks such a lot when she is walking that I was considering getting a sawyer but will also have a look at the water to go system now after reading the comments below.

Love this…… I’m using the Katadyn pocket tactical.

Another educational video, as I have only just started wild camping I am still taking my water with me, but I am sure I will progress to the filtration method at some point.

Fabulous video always learning and very well produced.

Thanks for the info, i have been thinking of upgrading my water filtering system. I always carry chlorine but rarely use them as i dont like the taste. I usually filter with a millbank bag then boil wich works fine but it can be a pain to dry out after use.

Great info vlogg, I've learnt a lot from it. I used to go swimming lots made me thing may need another option apart from taking your own water, boiling it and tablets. The beginning was funny 🙂 thanks

Thanks...very informative video. I've had a sawyer but never used it...I walk on the coast path and saw a sign saying the water might be polluted so I've stuck to lugging bottled water.

Great experiential information. I agree totally with everything said

Very wise. Thank you

Good presentation old bean.

Very informative Shamus however from the info you have passed on I’m going to stick with beer and a drop of the Scottish water 😂 Another great video and thanks for sharing your knowledge. Stay safe 👍🏻

Your videos are always great and I learn a lot from them. I currently use a water-to-go bottle, their website says its filters out viruses but the filter looks the same as the catadyn. Based on your experience do you think it is filtering out viruses too?

Good vid .. cheers Chris & Sam

Another great video. what is the heat exchanger cup you showed toward the end?

So we just need to filter the water then boil it and we are good to go. Thank you for sharing I will now go buy a filter ❤

Great vid... I’ve been using the sawyer mini for a couple of years now it’s great! But over paranoia I still shuv half a purification tablet in a ltr just for that extra reassurance 8)

Great channel!

Sawyer es un buen amigo!!! 😍

Hi Shamus , did you say something about countless water filter reviews by “anyone and their dog”? 🤣. Not sure my “grandog” Max would be as calm as your lovely Petra! Fantastic video thanks, a water filter is one of my next purchases so particularly useful. Mike.

Hi Seamus. Thanks for the great videos. I would really like to know your thoughts on the epic nalgene ultimate and the grayl bottles as they say the also filter out viruses.

Just got a Sawyer Mini and love the simplicity. Likewise, I don't find the flow rate a problem, (maybe I will with time), but damn..... filling the plastic bag, even in fast flowing water - there must be an art to it, that I have yet to discover!

Another great video, I do love my befree, and cnoc bag. I

Well put, you certainly have a great way of explaining stuff. This is a useful video as I was looking for facts about filtration of water for backpacking. You mentioned you were in the RAF and did canoeing have you ever come across a guy called Potts? he was my boss at Northolt and loved his canoeing.

Checking upstream might reveal the spring surfacing from old mine workings with toxic substances in solution which no hollow fibre filters will remove. When on the moors I like to carry enough water to see me through or refill from known source. Enjoyed the SWW jibe...

Good presentation 👍🏽 I'll be honest I've been to Dartmoor twice, and seeing that virtually every square meter is covered in multiple animal faeces I would be loathed to collect any water from anywhere but directly from a spring source. For filtration I favour the Survivor Filter, it filters to 0.05 Microns. I don't think I'd chance something at 0.1 myself. You pays your money and takes your choice. Look forward to the next video sir. 👍🏽

Some great info there. I use an MSR Trailshot to initially filter, but then I always boil it off after.

Love your no nonsense videos. What is the Montane jacket you're wearing? 🤔

Great video Fella, have you tried the grayl geopress? be good to here your thoughts. Also, what’s your thoughts on pre filtering? Could use the other sock toe from the pair stopping your gas canister rattling around. Just to remove larger particulates going into your dirty bladder. Filter life n all that. Stay safe.

Does noby prefilter anymore to extend the life of their filter?

On expedition in malaysia we used a calcium filter and then iodine in our water 💧

Good, clear and very well presented video. I remember in my boy scout days many many years ago using water purification tablets, which gave the water an awful taste. Is this still the same if using chloride tablets?

on all my camping trips i take back up chlorine tabs (that ive never used), the sawyer mini for around camp, the lifestraw go 2 to drink on the go and i have the ability to boil it. i tend to use the lifestraw go 2 because it filters alot more out that the sawyer mini including viruses so im able to be little more less worried where i get water from. also the sawyer mini can fit on all plastic bottles but regardless of what people say and think the only change that comes to the taste/odor of the water is if you are using a two stage filter with active carbon filtration. the lifestraw go 2 is highly recommend but is a bit expensive also has a 2 stage active carbon filter too one thing you didnt cover was micro plastics, not all filters will filter micro plastics out. i dont think the sawyer does.

Hello Shamus. Really enjoying your videos, keep them coming. I've got the Sawyer Mini which I've found to be fine as long as you're ok with the slow flow. Mind you, the squeeze bag failed on me in the Lakes a couple of weeks ago, major leaks either side of the neck. I'll be looking for a more robust replacement. All the best. James

Unfortunately, most folk in the Western World take water and water cleanliness for granted. Turn on a tap, let it run and simply waste this most important life giving resource. I live in a Bulgarian Village that does not have Mains Water and the water that comes out of the ground as Springs is determined by the water authorities as not fit for drinking without further treatment. What they don't explain is what treatment is required or why the water is not fit for drinking as it is. The answer is, doing my own cheap AMAZON testing is that the water contains high concentrates of Nitrates and Nitrites. None of those water filters will remove those intensive farming impurities and also, they won't kill you either in small quantities, but in the longer term, it will be detrimental. I draw my water from my own 30 metre deep borehole, but I never drink water from my own tap. I either buy bottled water or drive to a known Mineral Water Spring and fill anything from 200-300 litres and store at home. The only way I could remove the Village water impurities is by Reverse Osmosis or by Distillation. Hence, even though I have water filters for camping SHTF scenarios, I know that I am most likely drinking water full of long-term harmful contaminants. Yes, you're absolutely right, villagers in Africa (for an example) can drink their local water and suffer no visible effect, but if an outsider drinks it, he/she will most likely be violently sick with vomiting and

I have a sawyer of the two you demo and one problem I notice with both types and which can be seen when you were drinking from the Katadyn is that drops of unclean water are released from the attachment - look at your video and you can clearly see this. I suspect this is often seen when we squeeze hard/too hard or the attachment is not fully engaged. I have bought a Grayl and seeing how I get on. Thanks for this Video of a very important topic - I agree and share with your choice and rationale to treat the water you drink. Cheers.

top post pall I use the sawyer squeeze but never like the flow rate, so i use the backflush plunger "syringe". i get a cup of water in my cup and draw up the water and then squirt the water through the sawyer into my kettle boil for three or four mins then coffee....

I liked the video, & wondered if you've thought of the SteriPEN which will kill the viruses as well through a small portable UV steriliser? They're a bit expensive I know, but 5 minutes searching on Google showed me quite a few to select from; 4 AA batteries by the look of it.

Almost first.. 😏 Fab 'opinion' thanks for sharing 😁

Hi just wondering if you have ever tried the "Drinksafe Travel tap" system? I've been reading up on them as you said and this one removes way more than hollow fibre type filters. I would be interested in your opinion?

Hi Shamus, Getting sick drinking bad water is my No1 worry when out on the Moor. I have a sensitive gut as it is Lol 😬 I do tend to filter and then sometimes as an extra measure boil water from streams if I run out of the water I carry from home. The weight penalty of carrying water from the start of the walk/camp is worth the piece of mind I think. Thanks for sharing ATB Mike StayCornish😬 #crimpedontheside

Great video without being preachy. I'm a former white water paddler and was unfortunate enough to end up with Weil's disease. NOT a great experience. I use several filters now, the Sawyer mini and its cheapo cousin by Lixada and also one by Aztrek that also filters viruses. All great products Being an ex squaddie I avoid puritabs as I always felt awful after using them when serving.

Great vid and info i go with the sawyer mini myself 😀

I have bought water filter straw and bottle with same system in. Got the filter from Chinese supply cheap,I was of opinion it was basically same as expensive version...but I don't know?

so treat boil then filter or filter boil then treat? . . because bollox to hepatitis

A lot cleaner than US tap water! Do a review on the Survivor filter. It does virii too.

It's a lot slower the Soya Mini Shamus but if you can put up with that then it does the job. I used it for 11 days recently and I was happy to meditate for 10 minutes as I filtered. Ha ha! Any way, another interesting video. Mark

I have always filtered and treated my water. You never know what’s in the water upstream.

Hi Shamus, had no idea you were up to this, heard you on Radio Devon today 25th Oct, good going be good to catch up some time Martin (ex Plym 09)

great advice , best to be safe not sorry , i use the mini and boil water .

Is there not a risk of getting drops of dirty water running down the outside of the bladder into your clean bottle or your mouth if you don't dry the bottle bag after you've dunked it. Or is that nothing to worry about?

I always have to carry water, there are too many old silver and lead mines where I hike and we have two of the most polluted rivers in Europe here.

Im new to hiking i just started this year after climbing my first mountain in scotland in july. (only waited close to 50 years silly me). Anyway i went back to scotland for 16 days hiking in october and i used a grayl. Its considered a purifier not a filter because it also protects you from virus' . It maybe considered obscenley heavy to an ultra lighter at nearly 500 grams but i just cant go to these other ones now. My adult daughter is a science nerd and told me horrific things before i decided on my weapon of choice and i cant unhear them. I guess a befree AND tablets could be an option but the grayl is easy to use and the water out of it has been crystal clear and tasty. The only place i think even using that would make me nervous is the lake district with the algae blooms causing alot of issues dog deaths, rashes and sickness in humans etc. You cant always see it and potentially you could get a rash just collecting it to filter.

I've also had the crypto, was not a good experience...thought I was going to wipe my arsehole away. What do you you purify your water with during the cold/ freezing weather as the saywer is worthless if it has frozen. I tend to carry in but my knackered knees know about it after, trying to keep the weight down.

What’s your opinions on the GRAYL geopress water purifier bottle. Is it better than these two or would you not bother with the price etc. Great vids keep then up 👍👏🏼

If the filters don’t stop viruses then doesn’t that make the filters almost redundant? How do I know if the water source does or does not contain viruses??

The Sawyer mini, clogs very easily. The regular Sawyer works better and is more reliable for a longer period. As for their bags there notorious for developing holes around the top. The catadine B free is another great filter. It also has a particle filter you can purchase to to keep debrae out of your filter.

Would you recommend filtering and then boiling the filtered water? Or would that be a bit overkill?

Sawyer squeeze is a great option and lasts longer than the BeFree.

Did you mention freezing? Also please attend morning briefings old chap! Like your videos

So a mix of chlorine tabs and the a sawyer filter would be a great set up

i think your experience is very good as you have been in the armed forces, that goes a long way with being in the know. your advice is very good indeed Shamus.

What about Grayl Geopress water purifier bottle, have you not tried that one, no other purifier rivals the speed, simplicity and effectiveness of GeoPress. In eight seconds, it makes 24 ounces (710 ml) of safe, clean drinking water anywhere...you should have a look at it, been using it for a couple of years now. I also believe that you should always filter, boil your water.

I wonder, are dogs more robust than us when it comes to drinking untreated water? I can't stop mine drinking from muddy puddles. Also, I've never thought until now that when my dog is panting but doesn't want to drink from a stream its because he doesn't like the taste or maybe senses its not pure. Should I therefore give him my water?!

I will go even further than all that. First chlorine tablets, second charcoal filter to remove chemicals, third sawyer water filter, fourth UV Steripen, and and fifth boil it. Then I can be completely sure the water is safe.

I prefer to take water myself mate, good info though 👌

Hope all ok with you? No videos for some time.

I went with a water-to-go bottle. It is 99.9% effective against bacteria, viruses, Protozoa and cysts. It also reduces or removes fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals and bad tastes & odour. It was £25 from go outdoors 😊💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I also filter the water I give to my dog as they can get things like leptospirosis too ☹️

Thanks for your video! People underestimate Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Cryptosporidium! If they don't kill you, they can.keave you with permanent liver, kidney and.otuer organ damage Great advice Seamus!

My alerts are disabled as not suitable for children? May be me but I think you had it when you first started the channel?

I filter and then boil the bejesus out of the water. I'm not in a hurry I carry a litre or more anyway. I'm out to relax, I'm not on manoeuvres or in a race. So if it takes 5 minutes it takes 5 minutes.

I enjoyed your presentation but, Jesus wept, the number of ads was ridiculous for a 17 minute video. Not sure if you are aware of this, so thought I should let you know, just in case?

Great video as always. Do you have a Twitter account?

First

0:38 You nicked this bit from Ben Elton.

For me Filters are not a thing as they freeze and become compromised as I have 6 months of freezing weather down to -30c so I have to ether boil which I do 90% of the time or use permanganate to sterilize my water..