HydroBlu Go Flow Water Gravity Bag with Versa Flow Water Filter

Hydroblu's Go Flow Water Gravity Bag with the Versa Flow Filter is a lightweight, efficient way to filter for a group of people. Comparable to the Sawyer Mini, the Versa has an impressive flow rate.

Water filtration can be tricky to navigate. Factors like external temperature, filter flow rate, and weight might go into your choice. If you're into ultralight backpacking, chances are that you've owned a Sawyer Squeeze or a Mini. But the birth of Hydroblu's Versa Flow Filter has me intrigued. Offering many of the same benefits as the Squeeze, the Versa weighs a bit less and is competitive in cost. And the gravity system is really easy to use.

• MSRP: $39.95
• Filter Weight: 2 ounces
• Gravity Bag Weight: 6.8 ounces

With a 10L capacity, the Gravity Bag offers a really unique and efficient way to filter large amounts of water. This makes it an ideal system for casual camping. The setup is incredibly easy. The pieces fit together in a logical way, and the gravity system takes all of the work out of filtration.

The only hesitation I have regarding the Versa Flow is its versatility. While competitive products use a squeeze system, or can be placed directly on a water bottle, the Versa Flow isn't compatible with most water bottles. Depending on your intended use for this system, that might not be a problem. 

Filter Speed & Efficiency

At a flow rate of 1 gallon in 5 minutes, the Versa Flow is a pretty speedy filter.

Durability

Rated to filter as many as 20,000 gallons, the life expectancy of the Versa Flow is impressive. And you can backwash it relatively easily. But compared to the Sawyer Mini and Squeeze, which are expected to see as many as 100,000 gallons, the Versa might prove to be less durable. Ultimately, I doubt anyone will truly use these filters to their highest capacity (which makes gallon capacity arbitrary). And so far, the Versa Flow is holding up nicely. I have yet to see any leaks. 

Conditions

I was lucky enough to test the Versa Flow in Colorado's backcountry over the course of a few months. While Colorado spring water is nothing to scoff at to begin with, the Versa Flow seems to purify with ease. But I will note that the gravity bag had a plastic taste the first couple times that I used it.

Final Thoughts About the Versa Flow Gravity System

Overall, I was impressed with the filter's simplicity. The design offers a great option for anyone who might find themselves filtering a substantial amount of water on the regular. Cheap, adaptable, and efficient, I'm not disappointed in its overall performance. 

Background

As a long-distance backpacker, water filtration is a regular part of day-to-day operations. While I've predominantly hiked with Sawyer products, the Hydroblu mimics many of the same qualities and offers a competitive alternative. I've owned the Hydroblu for several months and had the chance to test it in Colorado's arid climate.