Review: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System
Reliability, portability, and ease of use
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System, paired with the CNOC Premium 2-Liter Bladder, is a good choice for hikers and backpackers seeking a reliable, lightweight water filtration solution. This system combines Sawyer’s proven hollow-fiber filter technology with a high-quality, durable soft water reservoir from CNOC, delivering convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind in the backcountry.
RELATED: 10 Best Water Filters and Purifiers
- Type: Squeeze or Gravity Filtration
- Sawyer Filter Weight: 2.5 oz
- Filter medium: Hollow-fiber membrane
- Filter lifetime: 100,000 gallons
- Filter pore size: 0.1 microns absolute
- Filter removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (parasites) such as Giardia and Cryptosporidia; 99.99999% of bacteria such as Salmonella, Cholera, and E.coli; and 100% of microplastics
- CNOC Bladder: TPU, BPA-free, and FDA-approved
- Bladder weight: 3.5 oz
Design and Build Quality
The Sawyer Squeeze filter is compact and weighs 2.5 ounces. It uses a hollow-fiber membrane rated at 0.1 microns, capable of removing 99.99999% of bacteria (including Salmonella, cholera, E. coli) and 99.9999% of protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium). However, it’s best used with backcountry water sources and does not filter out viruses or chemicals, so users should be aware of this limitation in areas where these are prevalent, mostly urban, international, or agricultural.
The CNOC Premium 2-Liter bladder stands out for its durability and functionality. Made from BPA-free TPU material, it resists punctures and folds flat when empty for efficient packing. The wide-mouth opening allows quick filling from natural water sources or taps, while the screw cap ensures a leak-proof seal when tightened. The 2-liter capacity strikes a good balance between carrying enough water and keeping weight manageable.
This CNOC bladder is a big upgrade from the previous blue bladders that Sawyer used to ship with the product. In addition to holding more water, they’re transparent, so you can see how much water is remaining in the bladder. They also have 1/2-liter and 8-oz markings (up to 2 L/64 oz) on the outside that show how full the bladder is. Given how flexible the bladder is, these measurements are approximate and less precise than those obtained with a rigid container like a Nalgene bottle or a graduated cookpot. But, they’re still useful for figuring out how much water you’re carrying.
Performance
One of the defining features of this system is the ease of use. The “squeeze” design allows you to fill the CNOC bladder with untreated water from streams or lakes, then squeeze it through the filter directly into your drinking container or hydration pack. The filter’s flow rate is more than sufficient, up to 1.7 liters per minute, but slower than other hollow fiber filters from Katadyn and Platypus.
When new, it takes the filter some time to become saturated, so presoak it before use and try to keep it “wet” during the season. This is as easy as screwing it onto a bladder filled with water and making sure the drinking cap snaps shut between uses. Sawyer provides instructions for drying, sterilizing, and storing the filter in the off-season.
The system also supports gravity filtration by hanging the bladder and letting water flow through the filter into another container, which is helpful when filtering larger volumes, say for a group. There is a hole in the slide that secures the dirty end of the bladder, through which you can loop a cord to hang the bladder, but it doesn’t come with the filtration system.
The water filter has a cap at the top that closes to prevent drips on your clothing or gear between uses. It also prevents the cap from becoming inadvertently contaminated with “dirty” water, which you want to avoid consuming. Between uses, it’s best to keep the “dirty” end of the filter connected to the bladder, so that end also doesn’t drip onto your clothing.
Maintenance is straightforward: the hollow-fiber filter can be backflushed with clean water using the included syringe to restore flow rate and extend filter life. With a rated lifespan of up to 100,000 gallons, this filter offers exceptional durability compared to many competitors, which typically last only 1,000 to 2,000 liters.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact: The total system is 6.0 ounces, making it ideal for ultralight backpacking.
- High filtration efficacy: Removes bacteria and protozoa effectively.
- Durable bladder: CNOC bladder is robust, leak-proof, and easy to fill.
- Fast flow rate: Up to 1.7 L/min, reducing downtime, under ideal conditions.
- Versatile use: Supports both squeeze and gravity filtration. Can also be connected to other compatible hard or soft bottles: SmartWater bottles are popular with hikers, but the filter can screw onto any bottle with a 28mm opening.
- Long filter life: Rated for up to 100,000 gallons with easy field cleaning.
Cons
- Does not remove viruses: Users traveling in areas with viral contamination risks should consider additional treatment.
- Becomes unreliable if frozen. Replace immediately if this occurs.
More recommended water filters and purifiers
| Make / Model | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sawyer Squeeze | Squeeze Filter | $65 |
| Platypus QuickDraw | Squeeze Filter | $40 |
| Katadyn BeFree 3L | Gravity & Squeeze Filter | $80 |
| Aquamira Purification Drops | Chemical Purification | $16 |
| Platypus Gravity Works | Gravity Filter | $135 |
| Katadyn Hiker | Pump Filter | $90 |
| Steripen Ultra | UV Purification | $130 |
| Grayl Geopress | Squeeze Filter | $100 |
| HydroBlu Versa Flow | Squeeze Filter | $23 |
| MSR Guardian | Pump Purifier | $400 |
Recommendation
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System with CNOC Premium 2-Liter Bladder excels as a lightweight, efficient, and reliable water treatment solution for backpackers and campers. Its blend of proven filtration technology with a high-quality hydration reservoir makes water collection, storage, and purification straightforward in the outdoors.
Whether you’re on a multi-day trek or weekend camping trip, this system minimizes your gear weight without compromising safety or convenience. The fast flow rate and long filter life make it a cost-effective investment for anyone serious about clean drinking water on the trail.
Disclosure: Sawyer donated a Squeeze for review.
SectionHiker never accepts payment for gear reviews or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, hiking and backpacking FAQs, and free hiking guides.
Platypus Quickdraw filter with 2L Cnoc has been the MVP piece of equipment for me.
Faster flow and lighter weight than Sawyer.
Quickdraw filter has a manufacturer approved method to field test if there’s concern of a freeze or other damage.
Sawyer has no such manufacturer approved method for testing filter integrity. Sawyer only recommendation is when in doubt throw it out.
Quickdraw is also easier to backflush.
Quickdraw filter is faster, lighter, and with a manufacturer approved field integrity test.
I also prefer the QuickDraw because I prefer platypus soft bottles, but that’s just a matter of preference. I also like the fact that the QuickDraw is available in obnoxiously loud colors which makes it hard to forget at the stream bank. But the sawyer has a MUCH longer lifespan and is a better value if you use the same filter across multiple years.
I have been using a Sawyer Double Threaded Mini for several years with a gravity system. That filter is essentially a Sawyer Squeeze but a bit smaller. Am very happy with it, but backflushing is a key to keeping it functioning well. Before a trip, I give it a robust backflush in my kitchen sink with the syringe. During a trip, I use it to filter two liters with my gravity system and before I put it away, I do a very quick backflush with just a few ounces using a water bottle instead of the syringe. Yes, I do that backflush after every single use. Some water bottles, like the smaller size Smart Water bottles have a flip top lid that has a nozzle that I can hold against the filter for that quick backflush instead of the syringe. Only a few ounces of water is sufficient, when done frequently. And after the trip, another robust backflush in the kitchen sink before storage. Dilute chlorine bleach solution before storage for disinfecting the filter is optional. Sawyer website has good info on their website for backflushing and disinfection.
That’s smart that Sawyer and cnoc finally teamed up to sell the combo. I bought a 3-liter ce/noc bladder several years ago and it still works flawlessly (no leaks) with the Sawyer Squeeze. It’s also very convenient to buy the blue connector to connect the filter and the bladder for hanging from a nail or a tree and letting gravity do the work. The blue connector also makes back flushing simple. The 3-liter is not bulky and weighs little more than the 2 but allows you to gather as much water as you’re going to need at a campsite for the evening and to get started the next day without another trip to the water source.
I have used CNOC bladders with my Versaflow filter by Hydroblu for a long time but dislike the rubbery taste the water gets when carried in CNOC. Has anyone else had this problem?
The Vesaflow is threaded on both ends which is great. I like it better than the Sawyer filters. No accessories require
I use CNOC with the Versa Flow – no bad taste.
Todd, I have to agree with you. I have a variety of the bladders and vesicas, and the water tastes just plain nasty… it’s enough to gag a maggot. I once called customer service, and their advice was to run some lemon juice through them, which didn’t do anything; even baking soda proved fruitless, as did bleach. Now they don’t recommend anything. If one can detect a toxic taste, that means the product is shedding bits of plastic into the water, which the filter is incapable of of removing. Perhaps charcoal would remove the god-awful taste?
I pair a Sawyer Squeeze with a Hydrapak Flux 1L. bottle. I’ve been using this system for years and it works fine for me. I filter into the lightweight aluminum bottles that you can find at thrift stores for a couple bucks.
Tried the Sawyer filter one time seemed like a great idea being small and lightweight but multiple tries with it on the trail had it clogging up almost within one bladder even with proper backflushing not to mention it was painfully slow filtering .
Tossed that one thinking it was bad and purchased another against my better judgement. Same thing even after studying the directions again. That coupled with all the extra junk you have to carry just to make it work with the syringe ,hose and special cap made it a no go in my kit.
In addition that white cap will break off its flexible hinge just like the flip caps for Smart water bottles and others.Then what do you have??
Ask me how I know on this one.
No thank you, I’ll keep life simple and stick with my Be Free by Katadyn and Platy bags with hard plastic caps. Good flow, a durable and compact bag and easy flush makes this a winner in my book.
Is it perfect ??
No ,I have to carry a cut bottom water bottle to fill the bladder in areas where there is not much ground water flow and there are no options I know of to make special connections to different bottle neck sizes.
The quick coupler on the Be Free filter ,hose and quick connect to the Platy bags make it super convenient. For hanging purposes.
As far as off season use I’ll use a drop of Chlorine in a quart of water to let the filter and hose soak .That plan has resulted in no nasty bugs. Chlorine is safe when used in very small dilution percentage.
Hope this helps.
I have the sawyer mini and regular. Had better luck with the mini. They did not last. I did everything sawyer told me to do to remedy the poor flow. Did not work. Trying platypus now.