Sawyer Mini vs Sawyer Squeeze:  Which Filter Is Best for Thru-Hiking?

The Sawyer Squeeze has been the thru-hiker’s preferred water filter for many years. It’s lightweight, efficient, and affordable. The Sawyer Mini is an even smaller, lighter, and cheaper version of the full-size Squeeze, so it must be an even better choice for weight-conscious hikers, right? Right?

Maybe not.

For once, the lightest, smallest option is probably not the best choice for hardcore backpackers. The full-size Sawyer Squeeze is a better choice for thru-hiking than the Sawyer Mini even though it’s an ounce heavier because it’s a more reliable product. Let’s compare the two filters in more detail to determine why.

Continue reading the comparison written by Kelly Floro here.

LAST UPDATED

October 26, 2024

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Kelly Floro

Oh hey there! I'm Ibex, the lead writer and content editor of this site. I mostly spend my spare time scheming new adventures and inadvertently setting my hair on fire while cooking. Appalachian Trail 2018 Wonderland Trail (+ a dozen or so other NPS trails) 2019 Colorado Trail 2020 Colorado Trail 2021.

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Much of his work centers around telling stories of underserved voices. He documents indigenous stories, especially up in the Arctic, and stories from the BIPOC community that revolve around their connection to the outdoors.

Pro Photo Supply Retail

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Get clean water during your adventures with this ultralight filter that removes 99.99999% of bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, leptospirosis, and e. Coli. It also removes 99.99999% of protozoa!

Derek Rasmussen
Marketing Director at Outdoor Vitals

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Its a project where residents are given buckets that connect with water filter, a Sawyer PointONE model, that is designed to last over 20 years, effectively removing harmful bacteria, parasites, and protozoa.

Judy Wilson
Contributing Writer