Sweetwater Walkabout Review

"A small, easy-to-use water filter that basically does the job it is intended for. Cleaning fully restores the filter operation and the flow rate of pumped water is adequate (.9L / min.).

For the price of the unit, it's a good deal for a reliable unit. Also, replacement filters won't bankrupt you."

"My walk about started "weasing" as if in need of a brushing on the A.T. in October of 2002. I brushed it out and it still kept weasing. I then used too much force and snapped the mushroom-shaped pumping handle. I am not satisfied with the walkabout. My brother-in-law's gaurdian is easier to pump and hasn't broken."

"I have used my Walkabout on several trips with no complaints. All the water I have filtered has been clear stream water in the Smokies, taking care to set the intake float to keep the standard pre-filter out of the silt."

"After years of being selective of sources and boiling, I decided to be more safe and get a water filter. I bought the Sweetwater Walkabout. I've used it on only two trips...and it broke! Just like I read in another review on this site, the little mushroom head simply pulled off the stem when I was pumping! Sorry, but looking at the few tiny plastic threads that were stripped, I was shocked...talk about crap!
I won't even bother writing Sweetwater, even on a good day it was half the speed of any of my buddies filters. I must have averaged around around 100-120 strokes per liter (and no, there was no clogging to cause it!!!)"

"I dropped the first one I had and the mushroom head broke off. Sweetwater replaced it with a new filter no questions asked. I really do like this filter as it's lightweight and easy to use. On an extended Smokies trip the pump time started slowing. Cleaning the filter would have restored it's speed. Overall it's a nice little filter and a great price. All filters need to be cleaned, I don't care what you have or what the salesperson told you at the store. The only one on the market that really lasts is the PUR/Katadyn Hiker but it's heavy and in my opinion the water tastes funny. Just ask a thru-hiker some time, most will say filters clog before they ever get out of Georgia. A little side note- Gherdia and parasites are hype and not to be afraid of. I don't filter water from clear, fast-moving streams/creeks. Again, hundreds of Thru-hikers make it 2100 miles with 'selectivly' filtering/treating their water, but you won't hear the big filter companies talking about that."

"My sweetwater is about two years old and has served me well in the Olympics and in parts of Arkansas. I estimate about 30 liters have been pumped through.
Not hurrying, slow steady pumping seems to be the key. I'm usually cooling my feet while pumping so a slow job is a good thing."

"i have used a sweetwater filter one time and didn't like it at all. it really didn't feel comfortable to use and when it got just a little cloged the relief valve sent water all over the place wich wasn't very fun considering the temps where in the 30s. maybe im just used to my PUR but i wouldn't recomend this to anyone"

"I've used a Walkabout for several years now, from the Arctic to the Rockies, and across the Canadian Prairies. It needs frequent cleaning to pump effectively (at least once a day in my opinion), and the water I'm filtering is usually gin clear to start with. I haven't experienced problems with the mushroom head like some of the other reviewers, but I have had the filter body crack because it was left with a little bit of water in it on a night that got well below freezing in Nunavut last year. I bought a new body, but will likely switch to tablets or drops soon. Filters are just too much weight for what you get."

"I have used the walkabout for 3 seasons and my mushroom head also broke off. i was able to gorilla glue ot back, and is stonger now than before. pumps well. just need to go steady and easy."