This Hiker Hydration Hack Is Now a Product You Can Buy

Almost every hiker box I have ever seen after 11,000 miles on American trails has the same litter problem: the thin plastic water bags that accompany the popular Sawyer Squeeze, the most efficient and reliable water filter I have ever used. In theory, these ubiquitous black-and-blue mylar bags are a hiker’s dream, able to hold nearly a liter of water in exchange for less than an ounce of weight.

But water filters get clogged, and gear gets dropped on jagged rocks, these thin bags rip in the middle during the second scenario and burst at the seams with the first. Weight savings and water filters are useless if you don’t actually have a way to hold your water.

Continue reading to learn more about the new Sawyer Products and Cnoc collaboration, written by Grayson Haver Currin.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

February 25, 2025

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Grayson Haver Currin

Hiker, Writer

Grayson Haver Currin is Outside’s thru-hiking expert. He has written for Pitchfork, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, NPR, and The Washington Post. He and his little family are currently roaming the continent by Sprinter.

Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The Sawyer Mini can filter up to 100,000 gallons—yep, you read that right—and fits in the palm of your hand.

Mary Hunt
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

A favorite of ultralight hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is the gold standard in water filters for anyone concerned about weight and universal compatibility.

Scott Gilbertson
Senior Writer and Reviewer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

This popular repellent from Sawyer has 20% Picaridin, which protects against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.

Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor