Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter in test: The solution for clean water?
Test report on the Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter: Is it the ultimate solution for clean water on the go? Learn more about performance, handling, and efficiency.
From Martin Gebhardt. Check out my “About me” page.
👉 The key facts from this guide
- The Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter is a lightweight, compact, and efficient water filter specifically designed for outdoor use.
- It removes 100% of microplastics and 99.99% of all bacteria and can filter up to 100,000 US gallons (378,541 liters) of water.
- The filter is easy to use and clean, and its performance is comparable to other high-quality outdoor water filters such as the Katadyn BeFree or the MSR Guardian Purifier.
- The only downside is that the filter can easily clog depending on the quality of the water source, but this can be easily remedied by backwashing the filter.
- The Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter is not suitable for use with saltwater or in areas with high contamination levels.
- The filter can be purchased directly from the manufacturer Sawyer or from other outdoor equipment suppliers.
If you love spending time in nature, you know how important it is to have a safe water source.
In many areas, the water is not drinkable and can cause diseases such as salmonella, cholera, or diarrhea.
A water filter is therefore an essential piece of equipment for all outdoor enthusiasts.
In my test, I took a close look at the Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter to find out if it really lives up to its promises.
I examined the features, performance, and value of this product, so you can decide if this filter is the right choice for your camping and outdoor needs.
Read on to discover my comprehensive review and find out if the Sawyer PointONE MINI water filter kit is the perfect water filtration solution for you.
What is the Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter?
Manufacturer and product description
The Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter is manufactured by Sawyer and is a compact, portable water filter designed specifically for outdoor use.
Here are the facts:
- Removes 100% microplastics and 99.99% of all bacteria.
- It weighs only 100 grams and is 13.7 cm long.
- The filter has a performance up to 100,000 US gallons (378,541 liters) of water.
- The filter consists of a hollow fiber membrane (hollow fiber filter) with a pore size of 0.1 microns.
- The Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter comes with a bag in which water is collected and pushed through the filter.
Filter systems and filter performance
The Sawyer Mini PointONE Water Filter uses a hollow fiber membrane with a pore size of 0.1 micrometers to filter bacteria and protozoa.
Compared to other outdoor water filters such as the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter, the Sawyer filter's performance is impressive.
The filter can filter up to 378,541 liters of water, making it a durable companion for all outdoor activities.
Comparison with other outdoor water filters (Katadyn, MSR)
When compared with other high-quality outdoor water filters such as the Katadyn BeFree or the MSR Guardian Purifier, the Sawyer Mini PointONE Water Filter shows comparable performance.
The filter is particularly effective at removing bacteria from water. The handling and cleaning of the filter are also uncomplicated and straightforward.
My verdict on the Sawyer Mini Water Filter
The Sawyer Mini PointONE is one of the most popular outdoor water filters on the market. Does it live up to its reputation?
If you're looking for a reliable and lightweight way to filter water while camping, hiking, or engaging in outdoor activities, the Sawyer PointONE MINI Water Filter Set is an excellent choice.
It's easy to use, has a durable filter, and is extremely efficient.
The filter removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics and has been tested for up to 100,000 US gallons of water.
The only downside is that depending on the quality of the water source, the filter can easily clog. However, this can easily be remedied by backwashing the filter.
It is also very compact and therefore perfect for backpacking trips.
The only disadvantage is that the filter can easily become clogged depending on the quality of the water source. However, this can easily be fixed by backflushing the filter.
Overall, the Sawyer PointONE MINI Water Filter Set is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and lightweight way to filter water outdoors.
It is efficient, durable and can filter up to 100,000 US gallons of water, so you can be sure you will never be without clean drinking water. If you are looking for a reliable water filter, this is definitely worth considering.
Advantages and disadvantages that I noticed during my test
Pros:
- Lightweight and powerful: Perfect for anyone looking for a water filtration system for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
- Bacteria and protozoa: The filter removes 99.99999%, so you always have access to clean drinking water.
- Durable construction: Designed for quick and easy setup without tools, easy to use.
- Water bottles and drinking bags: The filter is attached with the included adapters, making it easy to take clean water anywhere.
- Durability: The filter is designed for up to 100,000 US gallons of water, so you can use it for many years.
Cons:
- Saltwater: The filter is not suitable for use and cannot be used for ocean-based activities.
- Backwashing: The filter requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to function as intended.
- Large-scale water treatment: The filter is not designed for use in groups and is not suitable for areas with high levels of contamination.
- Sediment content: The filter is not suitable for use with water that has a high turbidity level.
How good is the Sawyer Mini PointONE Water Filter in practice?
Drinking water treatment while camping
In practice, the Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a reliable choice for those who need a safe water source while camping or hiking.
The filter is easy to use and provides flawless drinking water even with heavily polluted water. Put water in the Squeeze Bag, screw on the Sawyer Mini Filter and simply drink.
I especially like its size and weight: The filter takes up little space in the backpack and is ultra-lightweight.
Performance in polluted water
In heavily polluted water, the flow rate of the Sawyer Water Filter may become slower.
To maintain filter performance, it is therefore necessary to regularly backwash the filter using the cleaning syringe.
Especially when you are outdoors, I recommend regular cleaning – this way, you will enjoy the filter for a long time.
Filtering out salmonella and cholera
The Mini Filter can also filter bacteria such as salmonella and cholera from the water. This is a great advantage as these bacteria pose a significant health risk in many areas.
How does the Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter work?
Filtering bacteria and protozoa
The Sawyer Mini water filter filters bacteria and protozoa from the water by pushing it through the hollow fiber membrane.
The pore size of 0.1 micrometers prevents bacteria and protozoa from passing through the filter with the water, thus ensuring clean, drinkable water.
It is clear that the filter also filters out sediments. Your water will be crystal clear after the filtering process.
Pro tip: Make sure to regularly clean your filter with the included cleaning syringe. This helps to keep your filter in top shape and free from any sediment build-up.
Can it filter out viruses?
Unlike many other outdoor water filters, the Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter could theoretically also filter out viruses from the water. After all, it has a 0.1 micron filter.
However, Sawyer says:
"Not suitable for saltwater, seawater, or when there is suspicion of viruses in the water."
Activated carbon and chemical filtration
The Sawyer Mini PointONE water filter does not have activated carbon or chemical filtration. Therefore, it is not able to remove harmful chemicals from the water. Activated carbon can achieve this quite well.
If you are outdoors in areas where water is heavily contaminated with chemicals, you should use an activated carbon filter or chemical filter in addition - or simply avoid the water there altogether!
Unfortunately, Sawyer currently does not offer adapters for activated carbon filters to reduce unpleasant odors or chemical pollutants in drinking water.
How do I clean the Sawyer Mini PointONE Water Filter?
Using the cleaning syringe
The Sawyer Mini PointONE Water Filter comes with a cleaning syringe used for filter cleaning.
After every use, the filter should be rinsed with the cleaning syringe to remove residue and dirt.
Maintenance and Lifespan of the Filter
When not in use, the Sawyer Mini PointONE Water Filter should always be stored dry to extend the filter's lifespan.
The filter can also be disinfected with a solution of water and bleach if necessary.
Where can I buy the Sawyer Mini PointONE Water Filter?
Sawyer company and other providers
The Sawyer Mini PointONE Water Filter can be purchased directly from the manufacturer Sawyer or from other outdoor equipment suppliers. The filter is widely available and can also be ordered online.
Here is my recommendation:
Amazon
Offer
Data updated 14 hours ago
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue
- Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic or international travel, and emergency preparedness
- High-performance 0.1 micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces; 100% of MINI units individually tested three times to performance standards by Sawyer
- Attaches to included drinking pouch, standard 28 mm disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or use the straw to drink directly from your water source
- Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria (Salmonella, Cholera, and E. coli); removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium); also removes 100% of microplastics
- Filter rated up to 100,000 gallons; Includes one Sawyer MINI filter, 16-ounce reusable squeeze pouch, 7-inch drinking straw, and cleaning plunger.
$25.78
List Price: $28.99
My review and score
My score: 93 out of 100
I recently took the Sawyer PointONE MINI Water Filter Set with me on a camping trip and my experience with it was first class.
When I opened the set for the first time, all parts were included exactly as described in the product description.
The manual provided all relevant information on how to properly set up and use the water filter for any outdoor activity.
Then it was time to start filtering. It worked surprisingly well and I had clear water in front of me in just a few minutes.
Even with heavily polluted water containing sediment, the filter delivered on its promises.
This gave me the confidence that I had chosen a high-quality, reliable filtration system.
Therefore, I can recommend the purchase with 93 out of 100 points.
Conclusion
Overall, I am really satisfied with the Sawyer PointONE MINI Water Filter Set.
It is ideal for outdoor activities such as camping and trekking, and provides you with safe drinking water free from dangerous particles. The mini filters fit in almost any pocket and its simple setup saves time.
Furthermore, its reliable filtration is one of the best among other brands, so I feel safe drinking water outside.
If you are still looking for more water filters for the outdoors, check out my water filter top list and buying guide now.
Author of the guide
Martin Gebhardt
Hey, I'm Martin. On my blog, you will learn the basics and numerous details about living in the wild. I think survival, bushcraft and the good life in nature are the keys to happiness. Find me here on Instagram or on YouTube. You can find more about my mission on the About Me page.
Since this is a gear guide, here ...
🤝8 reasons to trust my recommendation
Practical Experience: I have tested most of the products I recommend under extreme conditions myself.
Independence: As a wilderness mentor, I am not tied to any specific brands - this means my recommendations are unbiased.
Expertise: My many years of experience allow me to understand the intricacies and details of various products that a layperson might overlook.
Target group understanding: I understand the needs and challenges of outdoor enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned experts.
Quality focus: I attach great importance to quality and longevity. These are characteristics that are crucial in the wild.
Clear communication: I try to explain the pros and cons of each product clearly and understandably so that you can make an informed decision.
Currentness: I always keep my guides up to date and adapt them to new findings or products.
Community Feedback: I work in wilderness schools, teach courses myself, attend courses and am active in various outdoor and survival communities and therefore integrate the feedback and experiences of others into my recommendations.
So when I introduce the best survival knives or flashlights, you can be sure that every recommendation is based on solid experience and extensive knowledge.
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