Sawyer Products SP140 Personal Water Bottle Filter, 34-Ounce,Blue

I recently received my Sawyer Products SP140 Personal Water Bottle with Filter.First the overall volume is listed at 1 liter ~ 33.8 oz. However, the actual volume of water you can put into the bottle with the filter is less than that. My initial guess was around 7-9 oz of water displacement from the filter. After a simple yet effective experiment, I determined that the actual displacement of placing the filter into the bottle is around 4 oz. With that to consider you can fill the bottle with approximately 30 oz of water. Considering the important job that the filter performs (filtering out any water borne contaminants from the water you're placing in the bottle) I'm not going to count that as a negative on the review, but I did want to state that for the record.Overall use of this product is simple. First fill the bottle up to the first neck then insert filter and screw cap on. It's not that complicated. There's almost no assembly needed, just slip the drinking tube on the cap and you're ready to go. You also get a few replacement drinking tubes. The cleaning plunger and cleaning/maintenance instructions are also included. They are simple to read and understand for any individual. This is huge because this filter is designed to last almost indefinitely with proper care and servicing. So follow these instructions closely and you'll be using this filter for a long time! I've been using it with my tap water here in Bryan, TX. We are known for not very good tasting tap water as most municipalities are. The filter does make the water much more palatable which completely negates my need for a Brita, Pur, ZeroWater or similar home water filter unit saving me much needed funds. I've been using this water bottle non-stop without cleaning or servicing with tap water for over a week and I have not had any issues with flow.Now for your B.O.B. (Bug Out Bag), personal survival kit, home disaster kit needs:First this bottle can provide a good amount of water for one or two persons comfortably on a daily basis. The negative space inside the bottle can provide additional storage of small items that you need to keep secure and dry such as: matches, batteries, water purification tablets, additional medical kit items like bandages, etc, lighters, fire steel rods/magnesium fire starter blocks, tinder, note taking or journal making items, printed materials like maps or basic instructions for shelters, etc. So you can see that this item would make a great addition to your B.O.B., etcKEEP IN MIND THAT THIS FILTER IS A BIOLOGICAL WATER FILTER ONLY! IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO FILTER OUT ANY NUCLEAR OR CHEMICAL COMPOUND CONTAMINANTS, ESPECIALLY COMPOUNDS THAT ARE WATER SOLUBLE! This filter will only filter out biological water contaminants and well as solid particulates. The solid particulates in the water WILL CLOG this filter. The 0.1 micron rated filter will clog if large particles are present in the water prior to drinking. So if you are filling this with "river water" for example, you will not get the clean water you think you are getting. So use a little common sense. If you are not equipped to 'pre-filter' your water, or treat the water for nuclear or chemical compounds (If you suspect that they are present) then you're going to lose the battle with dehydration. If you do not understand what I'm saying then get online and research the topic ASAP. With that being said, this filter has high ratings and Sawyer Products is one company that I would trust with my future health and survival.I hope this review was helpful and insightful, please feel free to comment with any additional info, questions, etc.

I bought this filter system for my trip to Peru. I immediately switched the actual bottle out for a standard Camelbak water bottle bought at Target (Camelbak Eddy Bottle). The lid to the Sawyer bottle will fit any standard water bottle that has the wide top. I switched the bottle out because the Sawyer bottle was a bit to wide for stuffing in my side pocket on my travel backpack. The filter work wonderfully! I filled the bottle up at any water source and I never had a worry about getting sick from the water. It saved me a bunch of money from having to buy bottled water all throughout South America. I have yet had the opportunity to use it camping but will here soon. I highly recommend it to travelers who will traveling in areas with questionable water.UPDATE:This filter is still going strong. I have now had for 2.5 years. I use it any time I am traveling as I am uncertain of the water source. I am even so lazy that I don't regularly flush it, but it still is filtering great!. I would definitely flush this if used in murky water, where there is a lot of sediment. I am so impressed with this filter, I will be buying some inline ones for my camelback.Pros: I haven't had to use any of the replaceable straws, though if I needed to, they are there. This filter has been 100% reliable for me. It is not large and is really easy to carry around.Cons: Well I am glad I switched out the bottle for a more attractive one, but I can see why the squeezable bottle may be ideal in certain situations. The suction isn't difficult, but it would be nice to squeeze water out where you don't have to suck.

I bought this for a boundary waters canoeing trip. I have since taken it on several other camping and canoeing trips. It is so incredibly convenient. I was worried that the flow would be too restrictive. It isn't. I haven't had to back flush the filter at all while on a trip. It had sustained flow to last my entire week long camping trips. After I return home, I simply follow the storage care directions. The bottle is then ready for the next trip.I read a lot of reviews prior to purchasing this particular bottle. I was considering the Grayl Legend or a Life Straw as alternatives. I opted against the life straw based on the level of filtration. The Sawyer is 0.1 micron and the Life Straw bottle is 0.2 micron. The Grayl does offer a filter that is capable of filtering down to the size of viruses. That was a strong point, but most of my travels are in areas where the water has more of a bacterial and protozoa concerns. The Grayl also looks sharp. If you want to be that guy or gal who has the best looking bottle, The Grayl beats them all hands down. It does however have one big drawback. The Grayl didn't list the ability to back flush the filter. Without the ability to back flush, the absolute filtration will plug up over time. The trail filter runs ~ $20 and the travel filter runs ~$40. While I would most likely have a backup filter anyways, I would much rather refresh the filter rather than toss it and have to put a new one in.Sawyer was the way to go for me. I love not having to carry the extra weight of fresh water, and having the confidence to know that I am not going to get sick.

I have LOTS of Sawyer filters and have used them since I was very young…but this water bottle…where to start? It seems like something made by a committee. Sure, the intent was to work but something was lost in production…I know what it is - usefulness and durability in design,The hose that you drink out does not go into the bottle (seriously - it won’t and yes, it’s supposed to) then don’t get me started on what happens when you finally (after hours) manage to get it in, it falls out within minutes of use. Minutes.So good filter - bad product. Sawyer maybe chime in here?