Real newbie Sawyer question

Inline means connecting it to a tube that connects to a hydration soft bladder like a platypus that most put inside or in an outside pocket of their pack. Gravity means connecting to a larger bladder, hanging it up higher, and letting gravity do the work instead of squeezing (as you would in the case of using the bottle bladder that comes with it), or sucking (connecting it to a platypus).

Personally, i don't find the latter two options particularly necessary or helpful for the conditions i experience, but i could see using the inline option if hiking in the desert during hot temps where you need to constantly drink to maintain hydration.

I have a Sawyer squeeze, and i either just bring one (a larger bladder bottle) or two of the bladder bottles depending and drink when taking quick stops.

Regarding scoops, its not so much a matter of the opening being small. If you're filling the bladder from a falling source like a water fall (or a faucet) you won't have any problems because the force of the water inside the bladder will push the sides out so you can fill all the available volume. If you try to dip it into a slow-moving creek or pool the pressure of the water outside the bladder will prevent it from expanding and there won't be any space in the bladder for water to go. With my Platypus bottles I can sometimes hold it in such a way that the sides don't collapse and it fills up ok but I haven't had as much luck with the Sawyer bladders. My little scoop holds about 16 oz and weighs 0.5oz. For me that's a small penalty to pay for the headache saved.

Adam

Thanks guys.

Adam, what do you use for a scoop?

I've seen this thread:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=28445

I use the lower half or so of a 1 quart plastic milk container. It's super light, flexible for scooping or pointing to pour, but sturdy enough to hold itself open. I carry it either as a "case" for my bagged first aid kit, or around the Sawyer and bags.

the nice things about the in line setup is that you only need one bladder. An extra bladder or other water container is not necessary. also once you set up camp you can use it as a gravity filter to fill up pots for cooking and fill any additional water containers you may have.

For the scoop, since you're using the Evernews and don't need the squeeze bags that came with the Sawyer, take the smallest and cut the top off straight across for a scoop.