That “Hydration Revolution” from Sawyer

[EndoftheTrail]

@terran:

FP's smaller intake nipple – I insert Platy tube over the nipple.
FP's fatter output nipple – I insert Platy tube into the nipple. Fits well enough although not super tight.

[Michael Ray]

It was me, not Colin, that had responded. I also use just plain household bleach and carry a Frontier Pro, but have never actually used it. The likelihood of cysts is quite small in reality and I try to pick wise sources. If it is suspect (valley where beavers live, nearby cattle) then I could also use the filter. Lucky so far I guess.

ClO2 is ready in 30 min for most mountain sources. I have started carrying some tablets as backup (or for poor sources).

[scree ride]

Ben, I guess the difference would be that the Geiger hydration system is under pressure. The lines have to be quite positively connected with barbed or quick connectors.

[Jeff McWilliams]

These both interest me, so I thought I'd outline the differences

Frontier Pro
Weight: 2oz
Capacity 50gal
Filter size: 3 microns
Requires secondary treatment for Bacteria and Viruses
Works inline
Works as gravity filter

Sawyer Squeeze
Weight: 3oz
Capacity: 1 million gallons
Filter size: .1 micron
No secondary treatment required for Bacteria
Works inline
Works as gravity filter

I'd personally pick the Sawyer over the Frontier Pro. Capacity of only 50 gallons is a limiting factor. I can share the Sawyer Squeeze among 2 or 3 friends. 3 of us shared one in the Adirondacks. If using the Frontier Pro, the need to also carry secondary treatment, the 30 minute treatment time requirement, and the limited filter life would be significant downsides.

I can see the attraction of the Frontier Pro for solo hikes, where that extra ounce or two really counts.

[Jerry Adams]

For Sawyer, you also have to take backwash syringe that weighs 1.2 oz if you're going to treat many gallons, depending on water quality.

[Jake D]

Did 18 day Long Trail thru hike treating water out of tiny trickles in a very dry season last year and back flushed once and really didn't notice a difference (ie probaby didn't need it). So unless you are doing one of the long thru hikes or expect really silty water i doubt most need to carry the syringe.

[John S.]

The Sawyer does not filter virus particles, so you would pre or post treat for those.

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