Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System Review: My Experience and What You Need to Know
As someone who loves to travel, I’ve often found myself in situations where access to clean drinking water was a concern. Whether it’s a remote village in Southeast Asia or a bustling city in South America, the thought of getting sick from contaminated water always hangs over my head. I’ve always been hesitant to drink tap water in foreign countries, even if it looks clear. This fear of getting sick from contaminated water made me wish there was a way to have clean drinking water wherever I went.
- Makes bacteria contaminated tap water potable; Ideal for use in rural locations, emergency kits, boil alerts, at campgrounds, festivals, events, in RVs,...
- Filter up to 500 gallons of water per day; reusable high-performance 0.1 micron absolute inline filter fits taps 17mm to 20mm (11/16" to 3/4"); hose bibs...
- Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria (Salmonella, Cholera, and E. coli); removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium); also removes...
Things to Think About Before Buying a Water Filtration System
Water filtration systems are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They provide a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure access to clean drinking water, particularly in areas where the water quality is questionable. If you’re considering buying a water filtration system, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
* Your Travel Style: If you’re a frequent traveler, especially to developing countries, a portable water filter is essential. Look for options that are lightweight, compact, and easy to use.
* The Type of Water You’ll Be Filtering: Some filters are specifically designed for removing certain contaminants. If you’re concerned about specific contaminants, choose a filter that specifically addresses them.
* Budget: Water filtration systems come in a wide range of prices. Determine how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
Introducing the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System
The Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System is a portable water filter that’s designed to be used with faucets and hose bibs. It’s a compact and lightweight filter that can be easily packed in your luggage. It’s a significant upgrade from the previous Sawyer Mini water filter. The Sawyer SP134 promises to remove 99.99999% of bacteria, protozoa, and cysts, including E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium, which makes it a reliable choice for travelers who want to be sure they’re drinking safe water. It’s perfect for the casual traveler who wants peace of mind, but it’s also suitable for more serious adventurers and even for everyday use at home.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System:
Pros:
* Lightweight and compact: It’s easy to pack and carry.
* Effective at removing contaminants: It removes a wide range of bacteria, protozoa, and cysts.
* Easy to use: Simply attach it to a faucet or hose bib and let it run.
* Reusable: The filter can be cleaned and reused for up to 100,000 gallons of water.
Cons:
* Tap connector can be fragile: The tap connector is the weakest point of the system, and it can be easily damaged.
* The flow rate is slower than some other filters: This can be frustrating if you need to filter a lot of water at once.
* May not be suitable for all tap configurations: It’s important to check that your faucet is compatible with the filter before you buy it.
Features and Benefits of the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System
The Filter Cartridge: The Heart of the System
The Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System uses a hollow-fiber membrane filter cartridge. This technology is known for its effectiveness in removing a wide range of contaminants. The filter itself is small and light, but it’s remarkably powerful. The filter cartridge is designed to remove 99.99999% of bacteria, protozoa, and cysts, including E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. These are the common contaminants that can cause serious illnesses, so it’s important to have a filter that can remove them.
The Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System is a versatile water filter that can be used in a variety of situations. I’ve used it in both developed and developing countries, and it’s always worked flawlessly. Whether I’m staying in a hotel, camping in the wilderness, or visiting a remote village, I can always be confident that I have access to clean drinking water. The filter has given me peace of mind on all of my travels. The filter itself is also very durable and easy to clean. It’s simple to backflush the filter to remove any dirt or debris that may have built up inside. The filter can be used for up to 100,000 gallons of water, which means it will last for a long time. I’ve had my filter for a few years now, and I’ve only had to replace the cartridge once.
Tap Connector: A Point of Improvement
The tap connector is the part of the filter that attaches to the faucet. While it’s functional, it could use some design improvements. This connector is made from durable plastic, but it’s a little flimsy, and I found that it can be difficult to get a tight seal on some faucets. It has a tendency to slip under high pressure, making it difficult to ensure a leak-free connection. I’ve found that this connector is more prone to breaking if you’re using it on a faucet with a strong water pressure. I recommend that you carefully inspect the tap connector before each use and make sure it’s securely attached to the faucet.
Flow Rate: A Balancing Act
The Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System has a slower flow rate than some other water filters. While it does provide clean water, it takes a little longer to filter a full bottle or container. It’s not a major issue, but if you’re in a hurry, it can be a bit of a nuisance. You’ll need to be patient when filtering water, as it can take a few minutes to fill a bottle. I’ve learned to plan ahead and start filtering water in advance, especially if I need to fill up multiple bottles.
Ease of Use: Simplifying Clean Water
One of the things I love about the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System is how easy it is to use. The filter is very intuitive, and it doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge to use. I’ve been able to teach people who have never used a water filter before how to use it within minutes. The filter is very versatile and can be used with a variety of faucets and hose bibs. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to have clean drinking water without having to worry about complicated instructions or procedures.
Versatility: Adaptability for Travel and Everyday Use
The Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System is a versatile water filter that can be used in a variety of situations. I’ve used it to filter tap water in hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. It’s also come in handy when I’ve been camping or hiking in areas where the water sources may not be safe to drink. It’s great for filling water bottles, pitchers, and even larger containers.
I’ve even used this filter to create a temporary drinking water system in my home when the city water was contaminated. This added level of versatility has made the SP134 a true essential for me. I always keep one in my backpack or luggage, just in case I need to filter water on the go.
User Reviews: What Others Say
I did some research online to see what other people were saying about the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System, and I was happy to find that many people were very positive about it. Many users praised the filter’s effectiveness at removing contaminants and its ease of use. They also liked the fact that it’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on trips.
One user wrote: “This thing right here is the first thing I pack for trips abroad. I am a missionary that leads between 5-10 foreign mission trips a year. Over the last 5 years I have used this filter on every trip and there have been zero water-related illnesses of people using it for fresh water. It has saved our missions teams probably thousands of dollars of costs of bottled water. Simple enough to use but familiarize yourself with the instructions and follow them to keep it in good working order. Highly highly recommend. It doubles as a great post hurricane water safety assurance at our home too.”
Another user wrote: “Great little filter. I work in a Pacific atoll country where water quality can sometimes be highly questionable. This filter is great, previously we would take cartons of bottled water but the compact, portable and easy-to-use nature of this filter is a great alternative. That being said there is room for design improvement on the filter with respect to the tap connections. Currently, the filter is provided with a Tap connector that slides into the blue sealing lip on the filter, under high pressure this becomes a point of failure, additionally the material of the tap connector that is secured using a hose clamp is also susceptible to damage overtime due as you secure it over the tap. My suggestion is replace the tap current connection with a quick connect setup similar to those found on garden hoses, the coupler can be provided with threaded tap connectors to suit 3/4″ and 1/2″ threaded end taps, or else provided with a hose connector similar to what it already comes with just a change on the outlet end to a male quick connect to mate with the female end of the coupling to connect to standard taps. This will provide a more rigid connection solving the current weak point on the filter, this fitting would also likely last longer and making replacements easier to source. My filter is currently on its first use but I can already anticipate that I will need a replacement tap connector by either the 3rd or 4th use as I will be moving within a group of atoll islands. The filter is designed to be reused, it would be great if the fitting could also be designed for longevity. Overall pleased with filter performance. But loses 2 stars based on design.”
These reviews demonstrate that the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System is a reliable and effective filter that can provide you with clean drinking water wherever you go.
Final Thoughts: Why the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System Is Worth Your Consideration
If you’re looking for a way to have clean drinking water on your travels or even in your own home, the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System is a great option. It’s a compact, lightweight, and effective filter that’s easy to use. While it does have some drawbacks, like the fragile tap connector and the slower flow rate, it’s still a reliable filter that has served me well over the years. If you’re concerned about water quality, but you don’t want to carry around heavy bottles of water, this filter is a great solution.
Click here to check out the Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System and make your own judgment. I’ve found it to be an invaluable tool for travelers and adventurers.
Last update on 2025-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API