Sawyer Select S2

The Sawyer Select series is a new line of purifiers/filters that offers a variety of contaminant removal, depending on one’s needs. All three models remove chemicals to .5 ppb (parts per billion), and pesticides to .01 ppb. The S2 is designed to remove 99.99% of viruses. The Sawyer Micro Squeeze filter can be used without the purifier to a .1 Micron level. This filter system is best for travelers that aren't concerned about the very lightest products available.

Sawyer’s new Select Series is a kit that will provide potable water from virtually any freshwater source. Although this kit can be easily used in backcountry setting, it is primarily designed for front-country use.

Specifications

• Volume Capacity: 20oz
• Number of Uses: 1600
• Filter Rating: .1 Micron
• Chemical Reduction: .5 ppb
• Pesticide Reduction: .01 ppb
• Included Cleaning Plunger
• Included Cleaning Coupling

Sawyer's lab tests can be found here: 

https://sawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Sawyer-S1-Testing-Summary.pdf

Size comparison to a sticker-customized Sawyer Mini

Filling the reservoir was found to be a chore, due to very slow absorption from the foam, as well as the straining disc at the top of the reservoir. 

A closeup under the hood

Once the reservoir is filled, Sawyer directs to squeeze the bottle in an alternating motion for about ten seconds so the water is forced through the inner foam membrane. Once the filter is threaded, simply squeezing the flexible reservoir forces the water through the hollow fiber core. 

Closeup image of the foam inside the purifier

Sawyer’s proprietary treated foam inner prevents any growth inside the reservoir, but never truly dries out. Sawyer states that the reservoir never needs to be dried. Per Sawyer, there is no available information to indicate that the filter will be harmed if frozen, however replacement is recommended in these circumstances. This applies only to the hollow fiber filter, not the foam block, or silicone bottle.

Per Sawyer: "Completely drying out the the Select Bottle is not necessary. The absorption filtration technology within the foam is designed to both filter water as well as prevent growth. If you do dry it out and mold grows on the unprotected walls of the bottle, fill the bottle with water and continuously squeeze and release for approximately 3 minutes or until the mold is gone."

Sawyer Select S2 taking a break on the Appalachian Trail

Although easy to use, the reservoir is not an ideal lightweight backpacking option, unless chemicals and pesticides are suspected to be a contaminant. Otherwise, the Select Series are efficient, quick systems to use. The purifier system without water weighs in at 14.2oz, while the Micro Squeeze weighs 2.2oz by itself. The S2 will be best suited in an environment where virus exposure is a concern for international travelers. 

The svelte Sawyer Micro Squeeze


Top of filter


Bottom of filter

Hopefully Sawyer plans on marketing the Micro Squeeze as a separate  filter, as its flow rate surpasses the Mini, as well the Squeeze models.

The construction and durability of the Select S2 is of similar quality to previous Sawyer filters. Over-tightening is a common concern for Sawyer filters, which can result in leaking. This isn’t considered a fault, however care must be taken in order to prevent contaminated water from running off to the potable outlet.

The outer silicone material of the reservoir can get tacky at times, and also retain dirt and grime. Although very grippy, it was difficult at times to get the reservoir in and out of water bottle pockets. 

Conditions:

This purifier/filter system has been tested from late winter through spring 2018 in the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA. It has been on several day hikes, and several overnight backpacking trips in the region. Temperature ranges during testing was between 40°F-90°F.

Conclusion:

The Sawyer Select S2 filter/purifier is a great all-around system for those that need a broad-spectrum method to treat fresh water, regardless of location. Whether on the trail, or vacation, Sawyer Select purifiers will have you covered!

Many thanks to the people at Sawyer for the opportunity to test the Select S2 Purifier system for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps.