Review on Optimized HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filtration System by Brent Cole

Advertised to be compatible with all water bottles. Photos in other reviews show that the Versa Flow is only threaded on one end. The one I received had threads on both. This WAS an advantage, but they appear to have changed the thread pitch on the newer filter. It appears to fit in a Coke bottle, but not in a Smart Water, Platypus hydrator, or any other cheap water bag. I was frustrated that it didn't fit in the bottle, but I find it a bit awkward turning the bottle upside down every time I need to drink, then belching for air, then ignoring the sloshing. I have mixed feelings. I really wanted to save weight and make the water structure easier. The flow rate is better than both Sawyers I have. I suppose it should just be a built in filter or some poor man's gravity filter. In connection with this, maybe this tip will be useful for someone: I made a very functional gravity filter out of a Bota wine bag by pressing the valve with oil. punch a hole with a knife, with a red-hot nail, drop a threaded piece into the bag and screw in a corresponding threaded rod from the outside. In the picture I used leftovers from a $5 Sawyer quick release kit. You could probably break open a soda bottle for the inside and slide the filter straight onto the outside for an even easier install. As shown in the picture of the clean water bag, it weighs 5.58 ounces (the green cup is tared on the scale). Minus the 3 liter clean water bag, you're looking for 3.62 ounces for a FREE gravity setup. Just use the Capri Sun bag or similar foldable bag with the top cut off for the scoop. If you're using a hydration bladder, I recommend Platypus-style bags, similar to the one pictured, with a top fill hole and a 1/4-inch ID tube from a hardware store. Bite off the valve, put in a filter (or use a $5 quick connect kit) (deflate the line once you've got everything set up, and a 3 foot drop is enough to make the bag go faster to empty than you can fill it.