While I like my First Need filter, some traveling situations make it less then ideal. Past trip to Quetico and exposure to a Sawyer Mini and I wound up with, CamelBak 24oz flip top bottle with internal removable (for use as gravity or straw), Mini filter. All the functions of the Mini with the ease of on the go filling.

.




Had a few flip top bottles, the filter just spliced right in. Even if bought new the combo is priced comparatively with LifeStraw, and MyBottle filter bottles with longer filter life and more usability.

Straw/flip top caps for wide mouth Nalgene style bottles can be found for less than $10 new, making a bottle filter system easy and inexpensive to make. CamelBak, Nalgene, HydroFlask, all have the same cap size and thread.

butthead

Well done.

Watched Suncatcher pack it away (Gravity system), leaving camp.
While I was dipping pictured bottle mid lake, the light bulb went off!
Get it out of the pack, put it to work on the water and trail.

butthead

Nice job Ken. I carry a mini in the saddle bag of my CCS seat pad for when I'm out and about.

Yep, a DIY version of the Sawyer Water Filter Bottle, which I have found so convenient.

One more reason to be on this forum. Great idea! I picked up a mini at the REI opening and now I know how I will use it.

Looks like I'm going to have to keep an eye out at the thrift stores for some Camelback bottles to do this with. I wish this had been posted before this past weekend as I was up in Madison, WI and saw lots of these bottles at the Goodwill stores there.

Sawyer does it for you if you are not as DIY as Butthead.

Sawyer bottle with filter and back flush syringe

quote OldFingers57: "Looks like I'm going to have to keep an eye out at the thrift stores for some Camelback bottles to do this with. I wish this had been posted before this past weekend as I was up in Madison, WI and saw lots of these bottles at the Goodwill stores there. "

Or just go with lid with straw, the cap fits on widemouth bottles like my Nalgenes and CamelBaks (I have a few HydroFlask insulated growlers).

butthead

quote butthead: "

quote OldFingers57: "Looks like I'm going to have to keep an eye out at the thrift stores for some Camelback bottles to do this with. I wish this had been posted before this past weekend as I was up in Madison, WI and saw lots of these bottles at the Goodwill stores there. "

Or just go with lid with straw, the cap fits on widemouth bottles like my Nalgenes and CamelBaks (I have a few HydroFlask insulated growlers).


butthead"

Again, Too little too late. I was at the REI garage sale this past weekend in Madison and saw a couple of these for around $1-2. Didn't know they would fit on a Nalgene as I would have gotten them. Figured they were for sized to fit on some other brand. My wife found all sorts of stuff to get clothes wise whereas all I could find was a pair of Smartwool ski socks in my size. Everything else was too small or too big.

I use the Sawyer bottle linked a few replies above. Been very happy with it. Easy to backflush in the field. The lid fits a nalgene but I've seen no reason to put it on one.

Alan

I'm sorry. I thought this was a thread about Police songs from 1979.

This is a great idea! I have a Sawyer Squeeze that will work, too!

quote Grandma L: "Sawyer does it for you if you are not as DIY as Butthead.

Sawyer bottle with filter and back flush syringe "

I forgot I had one of these until reading this post. Now I need to find it...

Our group all carries a Sawyer personal filter bottle like pictured. The irony is that I still have guys filling it up out of the Platypus.

The best method in my book is Sawyer bottles for everyone to use when underway. Platypus base camp for use in camp. No need for carrying several water bottles each when paddling that way.

quote hooky: "I'm sorry. I thought this was a thread about Police songs from 1979."

that would be "message" in a bottle. :) beat me to it.

Question....how is it to drink from. Strange question however the reason I haven't pulled the trigger on one these previously is all the negative reviews on how much suction was required to drink from real filter bottles. I tend to grab large quick drinks and paddle/fish on. I really like the idea of just dipping and drinking safely rather using my katadyn pump off and on all day.

Drinks just like sucking thru a straw, if it gets difficult back-flush the filter. Tried it and it draws about the same as my Camelbak's do. And yes the idea is not new, filter bottles are available. I had the bottles and straw caps, added a Mini filter kit for $18, cheap and multi function.

butthead

quote BnD: "Question....how is it to drink from. Strange question however the reason I haven't pulled the trigger on one these previously is all the negative reviews on how much suction was required to drink from real filter bottles. I tend to grab large quick drinks and paddle/fish on. I really like the idea of just dipping and drinking safely rather using my katadyn pump off and on all day.



"

It's harder than sucking through a plain old straw. Like you I don't generally sip my water, rather I gulp it down about 12 ounces at a time. But I took a Sawyer bottle on a 30 day trip last summer/fall and got along fine with it. It gradually gets harder and harder to suck through until you back flush it (I back flushed at 2 1/2 weeks).

The slow water uptake was only a small annoyance. I just had to remind myself to drink more often since I was taking in smaller amounts.

The original plan was to use the filter inside the bottle during the day and at night move the filter over to bags for a gravity setup in camp. I guess I got along fine with the bottle because I never bothered setting up the gravity system. Anything I drank came from the bottle and anything I cooked with came straight from the lake/river.

Alan

quote Frenchy19: "

quote Grandma L: "Sawyer does it for you if you are not as DIY as Butthead.

Sawyer bottle with filter and back flush syringe "

I forgot I had one of these until reading this post. Now I need to find it..."

The advantage of the sawyer bottle, and I've used this for the past 6 years is that the bottle is soft sided and you can squeeze it to help push water through the "straw and filter" in addition to sucking water out. I don't know if camelback and Nalgene can do that.

This looks like a DIY project that "I" might actually be able to do. My dad says I don't know which end of a hammer to use :)

I already have a mini that I use as a backup and for on the go when my water bottle goes empty. We also have some camelback bottles at our house. I may try it for my next trip. The little bag that comes with the mini was a pain to try and fill when I needed a drink on the go after I went though my main water bottle. It it works I could have a water bottle filter for on the go filtering without spending any more money.

Thanks butthead

Ken, I have a question which may sound stupid but you know me. I bought about he same system as you show in your picture and I was wondering if I put some milo drink mix in the bottle and suck it up will I taste the milo or will it just taste like lake water? I could try it at home but I don't want to damage the filter. I think the filters only take out the "bugs" and do nothing for the taste but I could be wrong. Thanks FRED

I tripped with another board member this past summer who had plugged a sawyer mini into the end of a 2 liter soda bottle. It worked really well.

quote FOG51: " was wondering if I put some milo drink mix in the bottle and suck it up will I taste the milo or will it just taste like lake water? Thanks FRED "

Did try it with Cherry KoolAid . Taste come thru filter fine as well as color, versus my FirstNeed which filters out both flavor and all color (side by side test).
I haven't used it enough to tell how long it will draw well before needing a flushing.

butthead

With the Sawyer bottle do you have to unscrew the cap to let in air every few ounces?

quote AmarilloJim: "With the Sawyer bottle do you have to unscrew the cap to let in air every few ounces?"

No, it has a one way check valve to let air in.

Alan

Well Butthead, it is all your fault -
I now have a new 1,000 ml Camelback bottle with straw - waiting for spring to be turned into a DIY filter bottle for the grandkid's trip.

I like the versatility of this compared to the Sawyer Personal Water Bottle with Filter. Couple of questions: Do you need to remove the label on the Sawyer Mini when you use it this way? And is the filter in the Sawyer Water Bottle with Filter the same as the Sawyer Mini? I've been researching to see if this is possible, and I'm wondering why there isn't more examples of this DIY project on the internet. It's a great idea. Thank you.

Yes, the Sawyer mini filter is what is in the Sawyer Water Bottle; there are no separate labels to remove, they are printed on. Essentially, this is just a way to make a Sawyer Water Filter Bottle out of a bottle you already have by putting a Sawyer mini filter in it. Like the Sawyer Water Filter Bottle, you can remove the mini filter and use it separately with the straw, the Sawyer bags, or in an easily configured gravity set up.

My son and I have used this set up exclusively on travel days for the past 2 years. It has worked very good for us. My only complaint is with the Sawyer Mini itself. The filter is a permanently bonded unit, therefore, to clean, disinfect and dry after the trip takes a loooooonnnnggggggg time. I haven't found a good way to dry them out. My Platypus Gravity Works filter has removable ends and dries in no time after cleaning and disinfecting. Anyone have a great way to completely dry out a sawyer mini?

So is it as simple as cutting a straw down inside a water bottle, such as a Camelbak Eddy, and attaching a Sawyer Mini filter to the straw to fit? No other fixes? Thanks in advance.

quote WBFox: "So is it as simple as cutting a straw down inside a water bottle, such as a Camelbak Eddy, and attaching a Sawyer Mini filter to the straw to fit? No other fixes? Thanks in advance.
"

Only works with the Camelbak bottles as other generic bottles like that use a smaller tube. Also some of the Camelbak bottles have a smaller tube to them. So watch which one you get. Check at Goodwill stores as that is where I have found my Camelbaks to do this with.

I have the Sawyer Bottle and have never done it, but I would think you'd want to use the appropriate size tubing as butthead did (see photos) rather than a straw. If you get a long enough piece of tubing, then you'll be able to rig a gravity system with the excess if you want.

"Only works with the Camelbak bottles as other generic bottles like that use a smaller tube."

Not quite. Several brand flip top lids will fit a wide mouth Camelback. Have used Nalgeen and Hydroflask bottles with Camelback and Hydroflask flip lids. Need a tube that fits tight and is somewhat rigid so it does not collapse. Made mine from extra parts and pieces that I had. Nothing a bit of trial and error work can't accomplish.


butthead

PS: I would not spend anything on making another, if you have the parts it does make a handy filter. But if you need to buy a Sawyer Mini and a bottle with lid. Other options abound. bh

quote butthead: ""Only works with the Camelbak bottles as other generic bottles like that use a smaller tube."


Not quite. Several brand flip top lids will fit a wide mouth Camelback. Have used Nalgeen and Hydroflask bottles with Camelback and Hydroflask flip lids. Need a tube that fits tight and is somewhat rigid so it does not collapse. Made mine from extra parts and pieces that I had. Nothing a bit of trial and error work can't accomplish.


butthead

PS: I would not spend anything on making another, if you have the parts it does make a handy filter. But if you need to buy a Sawyer Mini and a bottle with lid. Other options abound. bh"

Yes But I have found a lot of the bottles that are not a Camelbak, the lid will not take a tube that is the correct diameter to fit a Mini onto it. They are smaller diameter tubes and the lid takes a smaller diameter tube and you can't use a larger one on them. Camelbak lids work the best. Although I have seen some that do take a smaller size diameter tube to them too. I'm not sure if they are newer or older models. I'm just suggesting that people check the bottles out first to see if the Sawyer Mini will fit on the tubing before they buy one whether it is a Camelbak or a generic brand of lid.

Good idea!

quote boonie: "Yep, a DIY version of the Sawyer Water Filter Bottle, which I have found so convenient."

+1.

quote boonie: "Yep, a DIY version of the Sawyer Water Filter Bottle, which I have found so convenient."

Me, too. Filtering while travelling is so easy. And you can have a drink at the end of the portage...when it is most needed.

Sorry, I'm a little confused now. Do you want a Camelbak Eddy with the wider diameter tube, something that is about 7/16" outer diameter? Or is it one with the smaller size diameter tube, something that is about 5/16" outer diameter? Thank you.

Sorry, I'm a little confused now. Do you want a Camelbak Eddy with the wider diameter tube, something that is about 7/16" outer diameter? Or is it one with the smaller size diameter tube, something that is about 5/16" outer diameter? Thank you.

Sorry, I'm a little confused now. Do you want a Camelbak Eddy with the wider diameter tube, something that is about 7/16" outer diameter? Or is it one with the smaller size diameter tube, something that is about 5/16" outer diameter? Thank you.

quote WBFox: "Sorry, I'm a little confused now. Do you want a Camelbak Eddy with the wider diameter tube, something that is about 7/16" outer diameter? Or is it one with the smaller size diameter tube, something that is about 5/16" outer diameter? Thank you."

You want one with the wider tubing to it. Otherwise you won't be able to slide the filter into the tubing.

Personally, if I had to buy all the separate components, I'd not see any sense in doing that vs. just buying the Sawyer Bottle and being done with it . . . ?

This message has had HTML content edited out of it.

quote Grandma L: "Sawyer does it for you if you are not as DIY as Butthead.

Sawyer bottle with f
ilter and back flush syringe "

This is the one I have as well and it works
great. Easy to backflush too.

quote boonie: "Personally, if I had to buy all the separate components, I'd not see any sense in doing that vs. just buying the Sawyer Bottle and being done with it . . . ?"

It only cost me $1.88 for a Camelbak bottle at Goodwill store. I already had the Sawyer Mini and the tubing is with the bottle.

quote OldFingers57: "

quote boonie: "Personally, if I had to buy all the separate components, I'd not see any sense in doing that vs. just buying the Sawyer Bottle and being done with it . . . ?"

It only cost me $1.88 for a Camelbak bottle at Goodwill store. I already had the Sawyer Mini and the tubing is with the bottle. "

That's certainly worth it, if his situation is comparable to yours and he has any of the components, but if he doesn't have any of that . . . ? And can't find a cheap used bottle at Goodwill? And for the life of me, I can't figure out what he considers more versatile about it compared to the Sawyer . . . ? The question about removing the label on the Sawyer mini filter certainly leads me to believe he doesn't have that filter. I'm not trying to be argumentative - I just don't understand exactly what he's trying to do and why.

To give you more background, I'm thinking of several uses for this. Besides trips to the BWCA, I also do some hiking and flyfishing. I've been looking at some options there to be able to easily stop and fill water versus carrying it in, such as using the Katadyn BeFree water bottle/bag and filter. But it 's floppy and the filter only works with those bottles/bags. I also have an international trip coming up and want to filter the water before drinking it vs. buying bottled water. That's what caught my attention about the Sawyer Water Bottle and Filter. But I wanted more flexibility with the bottle and design and that's why I started looking for another water bottle option to use with the Sawyer Mini. Plus I can use the Sawyer Mini in other ways besides inside this water bottle. I also like to DIY solutions. Everyone has been very helpful and I appreciate the information and advice. Thank you.

You can certainly do that and have all the benefits of the Sawyer Bottle and mini, and of whatever bottle suits you better. If you have a suitable bottle or can find a cheap one like OF57, you'll also save a few bucks.

I use it for drinking on the go like you plan, instead of carrying water and/or having to stop and filter, and that is very convenient. I also use the mini as a gravity system (plenty of YouTubes on that) or squeeze system with the Sawyer bags. It also will screw onto most standard water bottles that you buy. The mini is field maintainable by back flushing and has a relatively long life.

If you buy the Sawyer Mini with the bags and syringe, the bottle of your choice, and some appropriate tubing, you should be good to go with all the flexibility you want for multiple uses.

I also took a look at the Katadyn BeFree after a recent review here, since it offered some possible benefits - smaller, lighter, easier to clean, and fill - but ultimately decided against it due to concerns about the durability of the bag, shorter filter life, and less flexibility.

Let us know how it all works out for you.

quote WBFox: "To give you more background, I'm thinking of several uses for this. Besides trips to the BWCA, I also do some hiking and flyfishing. I've been looking at some options there to be able to easily stop and fill water versus carrying it in, such as using the Katadyn BeFree water bottle/bag and filter. But it 's floppy and the filter only works with those bottles/bags. I also have an international trip coming up and want to filter the water before drinking it vs. buying bottled water. That's what caught my attention about the Sawyer Water Bottle and Filter. But I wanted more flexibility with the bottle and design and that's why I started looking for another water bottle option to use with the Sawyer Mini. Plus I can use the Sawyer Mini in other ways besides inside this water bottle. I also like to DIY solutions. Everyone has been very helpful and I appreciate the information and advice. Thank you."

You just described my intentions on putting together this filter/bottle set. And used it comfortably for a year. I had the parts.
Could have bought a Sawyer Personal Bottle Filter and had the same thing without DIY work. Now I use a MSR Trailshot, even more versatile!
thread about MSR Trailshot

butthead

Brilliant idea BH. I have one of those Sawyer filters as a backup now I know what to do with it

Going to "borrow" the wife's water bottle tomorrow.

:)

Hey Butthead, is it easy transferring the filter over the gravity mode and then back to the bottle again?

Did you have a longer tube setup for gravity?

Did the tubing wear out quickly from moving the filter back and forth?

Hey Butthead, is it easy transferring the filter over the gravity mode and then back to the bottle again?

It's as difficult as backflushing the Mini filter.

Did you have a longer tube setup for gravity?

Of couse, and a softer more flexable silicone tube

Did the tubing wear out quickly from moving the filter back and forth?

Not in my useage.

As I pointed out I do not use it since going to a Trailshot filter/pump.

butthead

Thanks Ken!

Might rig this up for my fall trip. As long as my bride doesn't notice her camelback is missing :)

have you experienced hard to clean mold in this bottle? I've amazoned it just now and lots of 1 star reviews for that reason.

quote BobDobbs: "have you experienced hard to clean mold in this bottle? I've amazoned it just now and lots of 1 star reviews for that reason."

Anything can have that happen if you don't clean it and thoroughly dry it before storing. I have never had a problem with mine.

quote OldFingers57: "

quote BobDobbs: "have you experienced hard to clean mold in this bottle? I've amazoned it just now and lots of 1 star reviews for that reason."

Anything can have that happen if you don't clean it and thoroughly dry it before storing. I have never had a problem with mine. "

are you cleaning every day? We normally trip 9-11 days and move every day. I'm wondering how much time I'd spend on cleaning something like this vs the convenience of not having to break out the gravity filter while on the move.

quote BobDobbs: "

quote OldFingers57: "

quote BobDobbs: "have you experienced hard to clean mold in this bottle? I've amazoned it just now and lots of 1 star reviews for that reason."

Anything can have that happen if you don't clean it and thoroughly dry it before storing. I have never had a problem with mine. "

are you cleaning every day? We normally trip 9-11 days and move every day. I'm wondering how much time I'd spend on cleaning something like this vs the convenience of not having to break out the gravity filter while on the move."

No I'm not cleaning it every day when out canoeing. We are usually out for 7 to10 days and I've had no problems with mold during that time. I think people are having mold prowith it from using it daily at home and work and never ever washing it. I imagine the mold is up in the inside of the rubber/silicone straw part that people drink from.

I have done 12-day trips with my Sawyer bottle and have never had a mold problem; the only cleaning I do is back flushing the filter occasionally. After the trip I follow manufacturer instructions to clean the filter and everything in a bleach solution and dry thoroughly before storing. All of this probably applies to any filtration system you would use.