Sawyer: Filter or Purifier?

Todd:

I and others have written numerous times about the Sawyer purifier — specifically on the need to prime the thing with a faucet before every trip — something no other purifier or filter requires. Do a search.

Thanks Ben.

I did search, just not CORRECTLY! I found other Sawyer info but missed the comparisons between the two.

So, it looks like the filter would work in conjunction w/ chemicals/bleach.

Love my Steripen, but the ability to filter (with the gravity system) water while I do other things has its appeal.

Todd

Todd:

The Sawyer products — both purifier and filter — lack carbon/charcoal elements so they will not remove chlorine taste (or any other funky taste) if that's an issue for you.

If you are going to treat with bleach, then I suggest getting the much smaller and lighter Aquamira Frontier Pro filter. This one will remove funky taste including chlorine. The FP filter does have a bigger pore size — but since you pair it with chemicals, that won't be an issue. I would NOT use the FP all by itself though.

Benjamin, have you ever tried using the chlorine neutralizers?

You use your chlorine, in whatever form, let it work, then follow it with the neutralizer. Supposedly the chlorine taste leaves.

If you think chlorine has a bad taste, try iodine.

–B.G.–

Actually, no I haven't used chlorine neutralizer. But I use the FP for more than just removing bad taste… I use it to block out bacteria and other impurities as well.

As for iodine, you are right, YUCK!! I have used iodine along with iodine neutralizer — and the two combined is OK. But I prefer chlorine to iodine. No stains, no mess.