I've happily used a Versa-Flow for the last few years, since it first came out. Seemed like a no-brainer weightless alternative to changing from my Sawyer Mini to the heavier Squeeze. (Haven't tried the Micro.) Last week I left the Versa-Flow behind on the trail, so i ordered a new one. The new upgraded design looks even more promising! I also appreciate that little window in the side. Just for the record ...... too much to remember .... "Hydroblu Versaflow". A simpler name would greatly help with marketting this product!
@troykool62755 жыл бұрын
I know it's not beloved by the UL community, but I still prefer my Katadyn Hiker Pro. I accept the additional weight because I prefer to pump water. I worry with a squeeze product that contaminated water from above will travel on the outer surface and make it into my drinking water below.
@FishingFinAddict5 жыл бұрын
Binge watched your videos this past weekend. Awesome content, sir. 👍👍 One us (Stan) did some backpacking as a scout and is getting back into it through our church. The other, me, (Carah), would like to join him on the trail. Thank you for sharing your adventures and insight. Looking forward to more.
@Chris.Young.5 жыл бұрын
While I do love the Versaflow, if you really want high flow rate you can't beat the Katadyn BeFree filters. You can filter a liter of water in like 20-30 seconds. Its unreal. The downside that I've found with the BeFree filter though is that it isn't compatible with other accessories like the Cnoc bags.
@wandering.dr3amer4 жыл бұрын
there's a new cnoc filter that's compatible with the katadyn befree
@toddroat28644 жыл бұрын
Add O-ring to Hydro to help leakage? Cant we just add a o-ring to bottom of hydro versa threads to increase seal and reduce force needed to prevent leakage?
@DanBecker5 жыл бұрын
Always thorough reviews! Also, I like the window on that filter!
@BackcountryExposure5 жыл бұрын
The window is awesome!
@bertman45 жыл бұрын
Well, I switched from Mini to Micro but with all the reports of clogging, if mine becomes bad, I'll give the Versaflow a try. Thanks for the review.
@NateT05245 жыл бұрын
This is the only filter I have ever used and I love it. Great video!
@SewGood5 жыл бұрын
Nice looking alternative to those Tom Sawyer bags!!! 😜😎🤘👍👍 Great vid! 😊
@BackcountryExposure5 жыл бұрын
TheBestBackpacker thanks dooder!
@WasatchWill5 жыл бұрын
I did a review comparing the pros and cons of this filter vs the Sawyer 'classic' I call it a free weeks ago, but too much wind killed the audio, so I'm now at a point where I'll have to reshoot if I still want to post it. I'm still frustrated with how bad the wind killed it. In it I tested the flow rates and got a liter of water filtered through the Versaflo in 6 minutes via gravity with the CNOC setup. 7 minutes on my Sawyer which is much older and has LOTS more use, being my primary filter the last few years. Interesting that you ended up over 8 minutes with both. My Mini though is basically done. I hadn't used it for years, tried to revive it for my video, and it's a no go.
@FernTheCamper5 жыл бұрын
Wow, what a detailed review! Love the breakdown of these filters, it's so helpful. Thank you again for another great video!
@BackcountryExposure5 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@anywhereroam96984 жыл бұрын
4:07 Nice nail in the tree
@hankrousseau412711 ай бұрын
That part about seeing the sediment through the window doesn't sound right- you see all the filter "straws", which can become clogged with sediment, but the water and any sediment would be inside those straws, not visible through the window. I love mine, I use a gravity setup with two 3L bags, there's no longer an excuse for getting dehydrated while camping. I'm on my second, because I let the first one freeze (if it freezes you have to throw it away because some of the little tubes will have burst and will allow dirty water right through)..
@LostAgainwithJim4 жыл бұрын
I carry one of these and Cnoc bags. Love the set up.
@the-mountainlife4 жыл бұрын
I am new to these type of filters but am trying to learn more about them. My question is when using this with like a platypus dirty water bag, or a dirty water bottle, threaded on the dirty end, how does it not create a vacuum stopping the flow rate on a gravity feed system? Several videos have also mentioned to "backflow" your filter. What exactly does this mean? Sorry to be asking the noobie questions, but I have enjoyed your videos and how you explain things. Looking forward to hearing back from you.
@jaytsilcox4 жыл бұрын
i would think that the sawyer micro takes the longest because it goes to a lower micron removing more viruses than the others. 11 min of waiting for water is fine with me when it comes to health.
@queennieniebob Жыл бұрын
I bought this with all the hype but think mine is defective... Leaks from the top like crazy. I have used at home with hyrdapak, cnoc and bottle. You have any luck chatting with company on any products. I have filled out warranty but heard nothing. Bummed since want internal gasket. Tired of losing the Sawyer o rings.
@thebackpackblazer39735 жыл бұрын
Comprehensive review. I'm a loyal squeeze user. However, i've been wanting to try the Hydroblu and plan on it after seeing this.
@BackcountryExposure5 жыл бұрын
For $25 it's a really nice kit!
@xROBxSoCalx2 жыл бұрын
Try a thick O-Ring washer of proper diameter for threading onto a bottle. My .02
@TheWasatchGearReview5 жыл бұрын
Great review! I need to get one! Thanks Dev!
@Rickstar2705 жыл бұрын
I haven’t seen that filter first hand but wouldn’t it be easy to source an o-ring that would help the sealing problem? Looks like you could get a standard thin type o-ring from a hardware store to sit into the recess. Not the flat washer type that sawyer use.
@BackcountryExposure5 жыл бұрын
Look for my video coming tomorrow or Tuesday! This may have saved me...
@JRoss7072 жыл бұрын
Anyone tried an O-ring? I like the size of this . I generally use two 1-Liter smart bottles on the JMT, no squeeze bags , but the size of the Squeeze is really cumbersome especially having it attached to your shoulder strap for easy access. Years ago I’d use two 700ml bottles on the trail which really worked perfect with the squeeze. But with these past few drought years, two 700ml bottles are just not quite enough to get between the water supplies on the trail, especially if a couple springs you usually count on are dried up.
@OttawaMikes2 жыл бұрын
Why is a higher flow rate better? Better test would include flowrate vs water quality.
@williamwalker82013 жыл бұрын
Wanting to get one.
@Oldsparkey5 жыл бұрын
I found two things that I like and it seams like no one knows about one of them. 1. The Katadyn BeFree I like because it has a strong water flow , packs up nice and small and is easy to clean. 2. The one it seams like no one knows about is the 1 Micron 4"x8" Singed Polyester Felt Filter Bag PESP3S Size 3. It's a 1 micron filter and I use it as a prefilter for really bad water. Bad or dark/dirty water with a lot of stuff/junk in it like you would find in swampy areas. I filter the water into a container with it and then with the BeFree the 2nd time. They make the bags in all different micron sizes. I make mine into a "V" Shape. When it is wet the water flow threw it is pretty good. Cleaning it is easy , let it dry , shake it and be sure to keep the dirty side up when using it A simple line with a permeate marker on it for the dirty side..
@bn95853 жыл бұрын
Could you use this as bart of a bladder system do you you think? Or does it need something to screw onto?
@ChiquitaSpeaks3 жыл бұрын
Can you use the hydro blue as a straw too?
@titanpreparedness5 жыл бұрын
Looks like my next if my micro goes out. Are the bags good for a squeeze operation or do they bust like the sawyer. Dont like the fact its hard to use on a bottle though
@BackpackingWithJason5 жыл бұрын
Nice one bro. It’s a gravity flow system. Right? No squeeze with this setup? Looks really good and Sawyer could definitely learn from its bags. Really good review. Enjoyed it👍
@BackcountryExposure5 жыл бұрын
Backpacking With Jason definitely squeeze through it or gravity. Thanks!
@BackpackingWithJason5 жыл бұрын
Backcountry Exposure awesome. I’m going to try it out. Your the first person I’ve seen with it. Thanks
@suqmacoknbals49294 жыл бұрын
Im looking to buy one of these becase my mom bought me a "lifestraw" that turned out to be from wish . Com and i drank standing water while bacpacking with it...... didnt end well
@hammondhikes77845 жыл бұрын
Nice review..But I really I like your t shirt. Where you find it?
@Traveler_Greg5 жыл бұрын
Great presentation. Nice filter. Greetings my friend and have a good weekend. 👍98
@bybrent80345 жыл бұрын
Seems odd, I always thought that the squeeze had a better flow rate than the mini but the trade off was its larger size? Why would anyone get a squeeze with these results?
@BackcountryExposure5 жыл бұрын
By Brent like I said, lots of variables could change that. The mini is notorious for clogging and poor back flushing.
@Z0MB13Redfield5 жыл бұрын
Devin have you tried the Be free? If so what do you think. I took mine on a trip to San Rafael swells and getting water from a rain puddle it clogged up quickly. Could of just been all the fine sand in Utah. I have not been able to try it again in Utah sense.
@BackcountryExposure5 жыл бұрын
Z0MB13Redfield the BeFree is one that I’ve not had time with. Can’t decide if I will at this point. I probably will though. Ha ha
@Z0MB13Redfield5 жыл бұрын
@@BackcountryExposure if you do get it cnoc sales a bag that fits it. cnocoutdoors.com/collections/2019-vectos/products/2019-vecto-42mm-orange?variant=20550088032345
@rone79274 жыл бұрын
The only negative about the filter seamed like it was bad enough to go for another brand!
@HikeCamp5 жыл бұрын
👍😀👌
@Dr.Gunsmith3 жыл бұрын
Will it filter out the arse holes in my life 😂
@JamesSmith-fy4qs4 жыл бұрын
1 to 10 how much you like fortnight
@JamesSmith-fy4qs4 жыл бұрын
Me 9
@vapensnakes71814 жыл бұрын
"great things that come out of China". Yep, Covid-19 🤣
@datraucous33513 жыл бұрын
First thought that came to mind 😂
@johnshort44214 жыл бұрын
any problems associated with sawyer filters are almost 99% the fault of the user, period. The sawyers are made in America and are the #1 used filter, these are Chinese made and production is without quality controls. They may not be bad, but I am not risking my health to a product as imnportant as water filtration.
@dustoff4994 жыл бұрын
As with any product there can be those that escape quality control. I believe that either filter will do the job, however I agree that most problems from Sawyer's filters are from the user not the filter. Expectations and reality often trigger unwarranted complaints.