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Backwash your filter after each outing, when your flow rate begins to diminish, before prolonged storage, and when you are ready to start using your filter again. Backwashing your filter after storage is a great way to re-wet the filter fibers and restore the flow rate before use. We would recommend sanitizing occasionally, depending on how often you use, or if your filter has picked up any unpleasant smells or tastes as well as prior to storing.

If the filter is slow or blocked, soak the filter in hot water (not to exceed 135 F) for about an hour to loosen up any residual particulate built up in the filter fibers and then backflush several times with hot water as hard as possible. The trick to a successful backwashing is to be very forceful with the process.

Water will always take the path of least resistance, so in order to fully flush out the filter and restore its flow rate, make sure you are exerting as much pressure as you can, especially during the first couple of passes. If your flow rate is slow, your water source might be mineral rich, so we would suggest soaking it in plain white vinegar for an hour or more, and then repeating the process with hot water backflushes.

To sanitize the filter, we'd recommend using a weak bleach solution (one pouch capful of bleach per Liter of water). Slosh the weak bleach solution around in your pouch and run it through the filter. After the pouch and filter have been sanitized, let the filter sit upright for a few hours. Make sure to store the filter upright in a plastic bag or glass jar (with sufficient ventilation) so water can continue to seep out before storing the filter in a cool/dry location away from direct sun exposure.

There is no threat of freeze damage with an unused filter. It is during the ice expansion process in freezing conditions that a wet filter's pores can be stretched or damaged to the point where pathogens could slip through. Our filters can withstand temperatures ranging from 32-140°F.

Unfortunately, they never fully dry out, so once the filter has been used, it should never be frozen. There is no easy way to test if the filter has been damaged as the testing process costs more than replacing the unit. For this reason, we recommend that people err on the side of caution and replace their filters if they think there is the possibility of their filter having frozen.

At this point we do not know what the lifetime limitations of the fibers are. We have working filters that have been in continuous use for 20+ years and have filtered hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. With proper cleaning and if stored in a cool dry place out of direct UV light, our filters should last indefinitely as Sawyer’s fibers are so robust, they can be backwashed and reused perpetually with no expensive cartridges to replace.

Our insect repellents have a shelf life of 10+ years when properly stored in a cool/dry location away from direct UV exposure. Opening the bottle has no effect on the shelf life. If your bottle has been sitting for an extended period of time, we'd simply recommend giving it a really good shake before using.

Spray outside in a well ventilated area. Determine the wind direction, and spray with the wind. If spraying indoors, make sure to ventilate the area by opening windows/doors. Spray clothing and gear while you are not wearing it. Clothing/gear should be thoroughly dampened - doesn't need to be dripping wet, but should be more than just misted.

Let the clothing and gear dry completely before wearing/using. Retreat when necessary - lasts for 6 weeks or 6 washings and is broken down with exposure to oxygen, sunlight and agitation. Pair it with a topical repellent (Picaridin/DEET) on exposed skin for optimal repellency.

Fine for dogs, but use with caution near cats (they have a very unique and sensitive central nervous system) as it is toxic to them when damp. Toxic to aquatic life as well and should never be poured down drains.