Ultralight Tips: Backflushing A Sawyer Filter (The Light Way)

No need to carry around that heavy syringe to backflush your Sawyer filter! Learn a lightweight and super easy way to backflush both the older model Sawyer Squeeze filters and the newer Sawyer Minis.

[asiam]

I just ordered one of your T-shirts to support your next hike and use on my own hikes this summer. I will always remember how happy it made me feel when you walked a mile for my son!

[LoNSloAT]

Thanks for all your vids I have been able to enjoy your trips but not as much as you being there. The information that you have provided is worth it's weight in gold. Now I am going back through you vids in preparing for my upcoming AT hike. Keep the info coming! Thanks Joe! 

[brucecurrie]

Great idea! Anyone who uses a bladder system can use a similar technique.If you're tight on space consider this: I carry an old empty platypus bladder which takes up zero space - until I need water - filtered through my Sawyer mini. I simply remove bite valve and attach filter output. Once bladder is full all I need to do is remove dirty bag - then a quick inversion of the bladder and I squeeze a little of the filtered water back through the filter - and hey presto backflush completed! A quick brief backflush everytime means you don't usually need to use much water for the backflush...just my way!

[twowheelunicycle]

This is a great method! Putting a pack together for a big hike coming up and wanted to know how to backflush these things, and it's super easy how you do it! The mini sawyers are only good for 5-10 gallons before it's needed to backwash so I am glad to see it's easy to clean

[chiroannecy]

Great tip, I have been looking at a way to backflush without having to bring that syringe! Much appreciated!

[KaleScown]

Apache! I gotta give ya credit for showing me this back in the desert. saved me from carrying that stupid syringe the rest of the trip. Was gona do a video of my own on this trick but then I saw yours pop up. Hope everything's going well (new websites, cdt planning) and I'll ttyl.

[Memphistiger]

I always try to support you Joe, whatever the trip is next time count me in for a resupply box again. I might even try out one of the shirts. 

[uptrail]

Great tip! I now use that cap on all 3 bottles that I go backpacking with. Good Luck on the CDT.

[sinfonianbarelytone]

Love it. Never thought of that. I'm going to change out the lid on one of my Smart water bottles right now. Always dreaded carrying the plunger. Thanks!

[SmackNC]

Another great tip the many hikers will use to help their journey by as a successful as yours.   Keep up the good work.  Look forward to seeing your website. 

[Jradeckjr]

I like the idea of carrying the flip top lid in replace of the syringe. Thanks. As for money, I'm pretty sure there is a way to create your own marketplace on Amazon where you can suggest products to others, and you get a percentage of the sale if they purchase through your site. Doesnt cost the buyer more. I'm sure you have some gear you could suggest.  Good luck on your hike and take care. 

[LonerAT]

Another great tip video Apache! Where are you filming this? The background is amazing! Can't wait to check out your two websites too. PS - your video edit skills are impressive!

[jamesbeeson]

Great tip. Will eliminate the Sawyer plunger and weight on upcoming 2016 NOBO

[AndyOnTheMountain]

So simple, yet so effective. That's why I love backpacking. It's the little things..

Your websites is great, I've been enjoying the tips and other posts. Good look on funding your hikes from it! You deserve it my friend.

I hope you can get a video up of your DIY inner mosquito net shelter some time. Are you planning on using that on the CDT?

-Andy

[briargoatkilla]

Great tip, man. Very useful. Hey, are the t-shirts cotton or like dri-fit or what? I couldn't find any material info on the site.

[starshipfantastica]

Thanks for the tip. I have the original squeeze and I want to get the smaller and lighter sawyer mini but the regular back flushing was a turn off. I also use smart bottles when hiking. Btw if you are using Gildan t shirts they make 50/50 cotton/poly t shirts. If you can't get the decals just right on the 100% synthetics at least it's a better option for hikers than 100% cotton.

[markharrington]

great tip about saving the flip cap to replace the syringe

[mattthompson]

Great tip.. and those shirts are very nice Joe

[cocacolabob]

Hey man, I have yet to try my sawyer out and am just wondering if you could effectively back flush water through by filling up your mouth with water and blowing it through if you had to?

[kristinalee]

All your videos are great! :)  Thanks for all the information...you're awesome!