Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filtration System (SP2129) Review
The Micro is Sawyer's middle filter, shorter and lighter than the Squeeze and faster than the Mini. It suits riders who want the smallest filter that still threads at both ends.
The verdictThe small-bag Sawyer. Lighter and shorter than the Squeeze, a little slower, and threaded at both ends where the Mini is not.
The Micro uses the same 0.1 micron hollow-fibre membrane as the rest of Sawyer's squeeze range, and carries the same removal claims for bacteria and protozoa. Sawyer gives it about 2 oz and 4 inches, half the length of the full Squeeze. It threads onto 28 mm bottle necks at both ends, so it works on a bottle, the supplied pouch or inline on a hose.
Sawyer ranks its flow between the Squeeze and the Mini, and says it needs backflushing more often than the Squeeze. FarOut's 2019 tests found it close to the Squeeze on Sawyer's own pouch but slower with other containers. On a bike the saving over the Squeeze is about 28 g by Sawyer's figures, which buys a little room in a small frame bag.
Owners on Amazon US gave it 4.6 stars from 2,030 ratings in October, with about 5 percent at one or two stars. Amazon's review summary describes flow as mixed, and the durability complaints are mostly about pouches splitting at the seam. One owner reports the O-ring falling out, so check it sits in place before each fill.
Sawyer rates its filters for 32 to 140°F and says ice may damage a wetted membrane without any sign, so a filter that may have frozen should be replaced. Keep it in a pocket by day and the sleeping bag at night once frosts start. Like every Sawyer, it does nothing about viruses or chemical contamination.
What works
- Half the length of the Squeeze, about 2 oz
- Threaded at both ends
- Faster flow than the Mini
What doesn't
- Slower than the Squeeze and needs backflushing more often
- Pouch seams are the common complaint
- A frozen membrane can fail without warning
Buy it if
Riders short on space who want a Sawyer that threads at both ends and flows better than the Mini
Skip it if
You fill large volumes at once and want the fastest flow, or ride where viruses are a risk
Others we scored in this category
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System (SP129)
Katadyn BeFree 1L Collapsible Water Filter Bottle
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System (1L)
LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Filter
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