**Update July 2022:** The Sawyer bucket kit is no longer available for public purchase and must now be bought directly from Sawyer.
The **Sawyer SP191 Point ZeroTwo Bucket Kit**, priced at $125-$140, is a hybrid product that straddles the gap between portable water filters and countertop home filters. It bundles a standalone portable filter with hoses and accessories, enabling users to assemble a makeshift gravity-fed system. All you need to add is a cheap plastic bucket and a container to catch the purified water.
Here’s what you should know:
- This is a solid choice if you're seeking a Berkey-like solution but want to avoid the steep price tag.
- Sawyer is a reputable brand, and we trust that their products deliver on their promises.
- The filter effectively handles most bacterial and viral threats, though it lacks the ability to remove chemicals like pesticides, unlike pricier countertop filters.
- With proper care, the filter should last far longer than you'd need in an emergency scenario.
- The kit includes everything except the bucket, with thoughtful extras like a raised wire holder and a spout protector.
- The instructions are somewhat unclear, but assembly isn't overly complicated.
- Since there's no valve on the hose/filter, expect some spills during operation.
### How Does the Point ZeroTwo Compare?
If you're eyeing a portable gravity system for a bug-out bag, the SP191 may not justify its higher cost compared to other options like the **HydroBlu Go Flow** (~$45) or **Berkey Big** ($250+). Kits like the Go Flow are more compact and versatile for portability.
Where the SP191 truly shines is as a DIY alternative to costly countertop setups like the Berkey. While Berkey systems use durable metal bodies, the SP191 relies on a simple plastic bucket. Many people prefer countertop filters for everyday use, but the SP191 is ideal for emergencies or situations where you need a quick, large-volume solution.
A key advantage over countertop filters is flexibility. You can customize the setup—imagine attaching a rainwater collection bucket to a larger storage barrel. Such creativity isn’t possible with pricier systems.
#### Filtration Details:
The filter, known as the Point ZeroTwo, has a pore size of 0.02 microns and can handle up to 170 gallons daily, provided you clean it regularly using the syringe or faucet adapter. Sawyer claims the filter removes all harmful bacteria and up to 99.997% of viruses. However, it lacks charcoal, meaning it won’t eliminate chemicals like pesticides or industrial pollutants.
While this isn’t a deal-breaker for emergency scenarios, it might matter if you’re concerned about long-term toxin exposure. During my tests, I still detected chlorine in tap water after filtering.
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### Buckets: The Missing Piece
You technically don’t *need* a specific bucket, but the Sawyer filter is optimized for one. Opt for a food-safe bucket, like those from Tractor Supply, which are affordable and widely available.
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### Setting Up the System
Opening the box reveals a mix of hoses, connectors, a syringe, and other components. The instructions aren’t great, but the process is manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Start by drilling a 13/16-inch hole in the bucket, about 1.5 inches from the bottom. I found the manual method tedious, so I switched to a drill—it’s faster and cleaner.
2. Smooth out the edges with a file or rotary tool to prevent leaks.
3. Attach the spigot (male adapter) to the bucket hole, securing it with washers and the white plastic nut.
4. Connect the hose to the spigot and twist it onto the filter inlet. Ensure the filter’s flow arrow points outward.
5. Finally, attach the faucet adapter to the filter outlet for cleaning purposes.
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### Testing the Setup
To test the system, I placed the bucket under a gutter during a storm. The rainwater filled quickly, though it appeared cloudy. After setting up the filter, I hung it above a collection container and let gravity do its job.
The filtration process was slow—filling a standard bottle took over 2.5 minutes. Spills were unavoidable due to the lack of a valve, making this system better suited for outdoor use. Despite the mess, the water tasted clean, and I consumed several liters without issue.
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### Faucet Adapter
The faucet adapter is a nifty addition. It allows the filter to connect directly to a tap, though I noticed tiny specks inside it. Sawyer confirmed these are harmless plastic particles caused by static electricity. They flushed out after initial use.
Using the adapter to clean the filter is straightforward. Simply attach it to a faucet and reverse-flush with clean water. The included syringe is equally effective for field use.
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### Final Thoughts
The **Sawyer SP191 Point ZeroTwo Bucket Kit** is a decent investment for travelers or those needing a portable backup. However, for primary home use, countertop filters like Berkey or St. Paul Mercantile offer superior performance, especially for heavily contaminated sources.
For emergency preparedness or creative setups, the SP191 is hard to beat. Its simplicity and affordability make it a practical choice for anyone looking to establish a reliable gravity-fed system.
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