I read the reviews that said this clogged right away. I decided to buy it anyway. It worked well when tested at home. Out on the field, it sucked. We were using it to filter water from a faucet (rainfall, a bit murky). The first liter was ok, no go on the 2nd liter. I cleaned filter and tried again, no go. I pumped slower and still didn't work well. It's going back.

This is filter #4 for me. I have had the PUR Expedition, Katadyn Explorer, and am replacing the Vario with this one. I like that the filter is simple, and can easily be cleaned in the field, something I was used to with my old Expedition. I also like the action on the pump, compared to other straight shafted models. It helps make pumping easier. The flow rate is a little slower that I have been used to, but ultimately I am comfortable in trading off for the reliability and size of the Sweetwater. As far as clogging... I used it on about 40 L of water, without having to brush out the filter, but if water is really mirky, you could add the optional silt stopper, and that should eliminate most of the clogging particulate from entering the filter cartridge.

The Sweetwater was my pride and joy for several trips into the backcountry and it served me well.
About the 5-6th time I used it I was on an aborted hike/raft trip after all our rafts flipped us into the river at 7pm with only a few hours of daylight left. It was going to be a long night. Thank goodness I had my water filter, until, of course, the pivot system cracked on me and broke completely.

I returned it. The thing has way too many moving parts. I went to a Katydyn.

This is a good filter, when it worked. It makes good tasting water, and is easy to clean in the field. My main complaint was that it almost always failed me in the field. It would filter the first liter or two well, but after that it either pumped slow, required great force, or quite pumping all together. I have since replaced it with another brand filter, and have had no such problems with the new one. I always found a way to make it work, but it was so difficult at times that I would not recomend this filter to others.

I've had my Sweetwater filter for about 5 years now and I have filtered plenty of water with this beauty. It is a "must-have" in my pack. I really like the double action pump (pumps on the up and down stroke). There are other systems that are smaller but they filter slower (I prefer not spending all day pumping water). When you get home from your trip, put the filter canister in the freezer to prevent mold and to kill any bacteria.

This unit was my first filter, and it still serves me well. After about a gazillon gallons of water I have no complaints, well it is a little slow, but no big deal.

I really like this system. I've used it 10 or 12 times so far. I like being able to attach directly to a Nalgene and mine came with a Platypus bladder. It doesn't flow as fast as my son's Katydyn Hiker but it's not that much slower and I have peace of mind that it's getting everything. Plus the MSR is easier to clean in the back country.

I love this water filter. It is very lightweight and easy to pack. Works great and is practically hassle free. If you're looking for an affordable, lightweight filter, this is it.

I love my sweetwater pump. The water tastes great, I've never gotten sick, it never clogs and hasn't broken. The pump is very field serviceable and easy to clean.

Quite easy to operate. Little confused / paranoid about the best way to repack it on the trail to avoid cross-contamination. (I'm a microbiologist & and so always thinking about this.)

This thing is a piece of junk. Broke down in the middle of our back packing trip. The pumping mechanism just stopped working and it started leaking.

this is the second one that blew out on me. after a few trips, the pump stops working. does this mean that one should bring a second unit on a trip in case the original pump breaks? that's like the tail wagging the dog. looking for another solution. i'll give this pump a d+ ...MSR, get it together!

Don't bother. It will only get you halfway there.