Have a Question?
We hope you were able to find the information you were looking for while browsing our site. We understand that our products are somewhat unique and use industry-leading technology which can lead to a variety of questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any additional questions @SawyerProducts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Q: ViewHow often should I backwash my filter?
We recommend backwashing your filter when you 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 filters and restore the flow rate before use.
Q: ViewHow do the Select filters and purifiers remove the heavy metals, viruses, chemicals, and pesticides?
The Foam Adsorption Technology used in these systems was developed with a partnership with Foamulations LLC to now be able to safely remove contaminants like heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and viruses while also improving taste and odor. Adsorption filtration is the process in which molecules adhere to the surface of the adsorbent foam membrane. This highly advanced filtration and purification process, combined with our 0.1 micron absolute filter will ensure that any and all particulate or pathogens above 0.1 microns are filtered out of your water, including bacteria, protozoa, cysts, dirt and sediment.
Q: ViewI just got my Select system, why is it damp?
The bottles are pre-activated during the manufacturing process to shorten the steps for your first use and your system may be a little damp when you first open it. There is no need to be alarmed here because the system is treated with a proprietary material that keeps bacteria and mold from growing. This proprietary material allows you to store water in your bottles as long as you want without bacteria growing or affecting the life of your filter.
Q: ViewWhat is Adsorption?
Adsorption is the adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid to a surface. This process creates a film of the adsorbate on the surface of the adsorbent.
Q: ViewIs Picaridin safe for pregnant women and children?
Yes. Picaridin is a fantastic topical insect repellent for the whole family and considered to be the repellent of first choice by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Canadian Advisory Committee on Tropical Medicine and Travel for travelers six months to 12 years of age.
Learn more about Picaridin in this pdf.
Q: ViewWhat is Permethrin?
Permethrin is a synthetic version of the Chrysanthemum flower’s natural insect repellent pyrethrin. The naturally occurring version breaks down rather quickly in sunlight but Sawyer’s pharmaceutical grade, synthetic Permethrin can last 6 weeks or 6 washings on clothing and other fabrics, making it a fantastic odorless barrier of protection from mosquitoes and ticks.
Q: ViewIs Picaridin just as effective as DEET?
Picaridin is perfect balance of efficacy, safety and user-friendliness. It repels a wide variety of pests including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, sand flies, gnats, chiggers, and midges. It is the longest lasting repellent with up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against a variety of flies, chiggers and gnats. It’s non-greasy, has a pleasant low odor and won’t damage plastics of synthetic coatings. All these factors combined makes Picaridin the optimal topical repellent for the entire family.
Check out the data for yourself: Picaridin Research
Q: ViewWhat is the shelf life of your insect repellent?
Our repellents don’t have an expiration date printed on them because they have a shelf life of 10 years when stored properly.
Q: ViewWhat SPF do I need? How much do I need for a trip?
If properly applied (1 1/4 ounce per full body coverage) you seldom need more than an SPF 15. See the paragraph below for when you may need more. However, most people put on only half of the recommended FDA standard. An SPF 15 applied at half rate is effectively an 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 an SPF 30 which, when half applied, still leaves you with an effective protection of an 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 ounce 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 an SPF of 4 to 8 only and therefore you may need to wear a sunscreen below the shirt if exposed to water or sweat.
Q: ViewWhat is the shelf life of your sunscreen?
Our Stay Put sunscreen doesn’t have an expiration date printed on it because it is good for 5 years when stored properly.
Q: ViewCan I wear a repellent with a sunscreen?
Yes, but with some effects. Repellents are designed to create a vapor barrier above the skin. Good sunscreens are designed to work below the skin. Wearing both usually compromises both functions especially when sprays are used. A Controlled Release Insect Repellent lotion is the most compatible topical repellent for a sunscreen.
Our recommendation is that if you need both types of protection, first apply Stay-Put® by Sawyer a bonding base sunscreen. After 10 minutes, apply Sawyer Controlled Release Insect Repellent Lotion or a composite repellent lotion. The bonded sunscreen is less susceptible to the solvents contained in the repellent, including sprays if you use them. The Sawyer Controlled Release Insect Repellent Lotion or a composite repellent in lotion form is more compatible with the sunscreen than a spray and requires less reapplication for maximum protection of both needs.
Q: ViewDo sunscreens affect athletic performance?
They can, in two ways. 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 saps 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.
Q: ViewIf 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 Extractor pump is designed to achieve rapid relief from the pain or itching that comes from a bite; it is not medication.
Q: ViewIf I get bit by a venomous snake and quickly use the Extractor Pump, I’m good…Right?
The pump 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.
Q: ViewIs there a truly effective solution to treat a venomous bite in the field?
The Extractor® pump 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.
