[pct-l] Sawyer inline filter

[Kathryn Thompson]

Hi all,

I can't figure out how to search the archives of the list - any advice would be welcome.

In the meantime, I am interested in the Sawyer inline filter, and would very much appreciate any feedback from those who've used it.

I'm planning a thru-hike in 2013.  I will carry a 2-litre Platypus Big Zip, plus a 1-litre wide-mouth Nalgene, plus as many plastic Gatorade-style bottles as are necessary for the current conditions.

1) Is the Sawyer easy and intuitive to use?  I live overseas and would order it to arrive in the States shortly before I start in Campo, with no possibility to field-test it in advance.  Any modifications required to the Platy or the Sawyer in order to use them together?


2) Is the Sawyer practical for the desert sections?  Can it reliably handle skanky water sources on a repeated basis?  Is it possible and practical and easy to backflush it in these desert sections when necessary?  Any tips?


3) I have previous experience with filters, steripen, and chemicals - each has pros and cons!  I am possibly open to using a combination of these (and the Sawyer?), and changing methods throughout the hike.  For example, I want something pretty bomb-proof for the dry sections, but am a bit more relaxed in the Sierra.  Any general thoughts on treatment methods would be welcomed - I know there are some hikers who don't treat water at all, but that is not my style.  To me, it seems like the Sawyer might be the perfect lightweight treatment for the entire trail - but maybe it is too good to be true?


Thanks in advance!
Kat