I e-mailed a long list of questions to Sawyer and they wrote me back within a day:
1) What is the weight difference between the Mini and the Squeeze for just the filter itself (not including bags, accessories, etc.)? Is there any difference in the "wet" weight between the two models, as opposed to the weight out of the box and dry?
Answer: We do not have an exact weight for the mini yet. Yes there will be a difference in wet weights between the 2.
2) Is there a difference in what's inside the filter, or is it just a difference of housing/nipple? For example, I know it's the same hollow fiber membrane mechanism, but is it the same amount of fiber membrane?
Answer: Same great HFM material.
3) Is the flow rate any different from the Squeeze?
Answer: Yes very slightly different.
4) Assuming identical water quality and volume run through a Mini and a Squeeze, would the backflushing frequency needs be any different?
Answer: Yes more often with the mini
5) Does the nipple impede or change any of the connections that the Squeeze is able to make? Same threads, same bags to use with it, same ability to unscrew ends of the filter, same ability to attach to Platys or Evernew bladders or soda bottles? What about your faucet adapter for use at home, and your bucket adapter — will Mini work with them just as the Squeeze does? Is there complete backward compatibility with all your accessories and attachments for the Squeeze?
Answer: The input end will be the same, the exit will be different.
6) Will you be selling an All-In-One kit that has the Mini instead of the Squeeze, so that I can use the Mini with a bucket or faucet without having to buy an entirely separate kit that includes a Squeeze if I already have a Mini and don't want a second filter?
Answer: No plans for using it as a bucket kit at the present time.
7) What is the weight of the included tube/straw to allow the dirty side nipple to get water from bottles whose threads don't match up?
Answer: Not available yet.
8) Will this function as just as good a gravity or inline filter as the Squeeze? Work any differently in that regard? Does having nipples on both sides obviate the need for certain accessories for using as inline or gravity, probably?
Answer: Depends on your definition of “as good”.
9) Some people have made their own modifications or found lighter alternatives to the accessories. Two in particular interested me. Can you tell me whether the Mini would still work with both of these "hacks?" I wouldn't ask you to endorse them or say that you guarantee the filter would work properly or not be damaged if people do these things — just asking if the Mini is physically different from the Squeeze in a way that would make these hacks not work for the Mini:
– Adding a pre-filter made out of dishwasher-safe coffee filter material per directions at http://adropofrain.net/2012/08/simple-modifications-for-sawyer-squeeze-filter-prefilter-hose-adapter-evernew-water-bladder/ (This would require someone unscrewing the dirty side end of the Mini, as one can do with the Squeeze — can the Mini do that?)
Answer: Neither filter requires a prefilter.
– Very light way to backflush in the field without syringe, using caps from Smartwater bottles, described at http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=78861
Answer: This will not give your enough pressure to really clean the filter.
10) When do you expect consumers to be able to place orders for the Mini, and who from?
Answer: Dealers are already placing pre-orders with ship date in September.
11) How will the Mini be priced?
Answer: Around $20
12) It is my understanding that the Squeeze can be damaged if allowed to freeze. Is that true of the Mini also, and to the same extent? For either or both filters, is there a way to completely remove the water after use, so that it can be left outside the tent with other gear on a freezing cold night, instead of having to bring it into the tent or sleeping bag to keep it from freezing?
Answer: As with all filters, freezing will damage them.
