Warning to those using Sawyer Mini or Life straw

[veezer]

I recently purchased a Katadyn BeFree filter and then learned of a little problem that could lead to really big issues for those of us that use it, the Sawyer Mini, life straw, or any filter that uses hollow fibers. It seems that hollow fiber technology works fine, until you use it and a little water gets trapped in the fibers and it gets cold. If you allow the filter to get so cold that the water in the fibers freezes, the hollow fibers burst and then the filter no longer can properly filter out the things that can make us sick.

I emailed Katadyn directly and asked if this was true. Here is their response: "Yes, hollow fiber filters are susceptible to damage from freezing, that is true."

So, be aware of this issue and if you use one of these, do not let it freeze!