The Sawyer Squeeze is 0.1 micron, while the GE FN XLE is 0.4 micron. The real trick here is carbon filtration, which is a big selling point. I used to run a Sawyer Mini inline with a Platypus carbon filter—cheaper and worked great for removing the taste of stagnant water.
It’s odd that General Ecology removed lab test data on chemical removal. Their claims about electrostatic filtration are also questionable since that’s typically used for air and requires power. I’m skeptical about their description of chemical absorption—it just sounds like a fancy way of saying ‘carbon filter.’
According to their product description:
“This advanced water filtration system has been independently tested to meet the EPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers, effectively removing viruses, bacteria, and waterborne cysts.”
Take that as you will. I’m just sharing my two cents.
@Paxton
I tried looking for the data sheet today, but I couldn’t find it either. Maybe they removed it altogether?
Pancakes with Kool-Aid? Now that’s a combo I wasn’t expecting.
Storm said:
Pancakes with Kool-Aid? Now that’s a combo I wasn’t expecting.
Kool-Aid cakes, maybe? That’s a new one!
This was my go-to water filter for a while! Great flow rate, so you could fill bottles quickly, and the water always tasted great—no ‘lakey’ flavor. My only gripe is the weight (1 lb), which can feel heavy for backpacking. Mine eventually broke (the pump handle snapped), so I’m debating whether to replace it or try a Platypus gravity filter. A friend of mine had one on a trip, and it seemed super convenient.
@Mackenzie
For me, that one pound is worth it. It means I can safely drink water from pretty much anywhere.
Sawyer said:
@Mackenzie
For me, that one pound is worth it. It means I can safely drink water from pretty much anywhere.
Fair point—it’s definitely reassuring. But if you’re mostly filtering alpine water, viruses aren’t usually a concern.
@Mackenzie
True, but I often use it with small streams and creeks in the woods where you never know what could be in the water.
I love this filter, but finding replacement cartridges seems to be getting harder these days.
Bell said:
I love this filter, but finding replacement cartridges seems to be getting harder these days.
They are a bit pricey, but you can still get them directly from the company’s website. 
@Sawyer
Good to know—thanks for sharing that!
It’s basically just a Brita filter.
Zeek said:
It’s basically just a Brita filter.
You don’t really know what you’re talking about, do you?
Zeek said:
It’s basically just a Brita filter.
You don’t really know what you’re talking about, do you?
Says the guy who used all the filtered water to make Kool-Aid!
@Zeek
Yup, even after making Kool-Aid, I still had clean water left. So no, it’s not ‘just a Brita.’