OP, If I were you, I'd go with a Katadyn or MSR or Platypus filter over Sawyer, just because Sawyer has gotten in trouble for claiming that it lasts much longer than it does, and has had independent testing (by Tufts university) show that the filter has pretty limited longevity even when used correctly. MSR, Katadyn and Playpus all say how long their filters last, and their estimates are realistic.

Before the studies came out, Sawyer claimed their filters could last a million gallons. Then changed it to 100,000 gallons (378,000 liters). Then nothing, no claim or estimate anymore. Tufts university found that the Point one (squeeze) that they tested lasted about a year worth of regular use, then actually made the water DIRTIER after that, even with proper back flushing. You can look up the study if you want the exact numbers.

Meanwhile, the highest claim you'll see from any other manufacturer is the top of the line, $369 Katadyn Pocket filter, which lasts 13,000 gallons (50,000 liters). One should generally drink about 2 liters of water per day. In the tropics, maybe 4 liters. That means that if you used the Katadyn Pocket for all of your water needs every day, it would still take 34-68 years before you replace the filter. So Sawyer's claim of 100,000 gallons is ridiculous if Tufts found it was only effective for about a year's worth of use, and not everyday use, average use for recreation. 100,000 gallons is more than you would drink in 300 years*, so until someone uses a Sawyer Mini every day of their lives and their child and grandchild's life, I'm calling bullshit

(100,000 gallons is 273 years if you drink a gallon per day, which is twice the recommended average)

When the study came out and people challenged Sawyer about them, they got nasty, and started name-calling people on their website and even on reddit. They have reacted similarly to the fact that they sell a "snakebite kit", which all herpetologists (reptile scientists) agree is completely useless at best

I would suggest getting one of the cheaper MSR or Katadyn filters. I have the basic one, the Katadyn Hiker, it is supposed to last 750 liters. You can find it online for around $50. Its list price is I think $75. I really like the pump design and how it works with any water source and any water container I want to use, and I don't need a bag for dirty water, AND I don't need to backflush, but if you like the bag system, Platypus is a great option

http://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-Hiker-Microfilter/dp/B009T7IYIA http://www.backcountry.com/katadyn-hiker-water-microfilter

MSR makes great pumps too, I just happen to own a Katadyn one. The MSR Hyperflow is super lightweight, pumps very very fast, and lasts a long time. It is great. MSR also has one of only 2 portable filters that filters out viruses too, the MSR Guardian. The other option, the First Need XL, isn't huge, but it is heavy, and while it is awesome, it doesn't last as long as the Guardian. If you are going to an area where waterborne viruses are an issue, get this, or use tablets in addition to filtering:

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Water-Filter-Reviews/First-Need-XL

http://generalecology.com/category/portable/product/first_need_xle_portable_water_purifier-new

General Ecology is great because they post actual scientific info on their filter on their website. Even Katadyn doesn't do that, and they are the second most forthcoming with data and info. MSR and Platypus don't give you much info, but I trust them, and their estimates are reasonable.

(Keep in mind that outdoorgearlab is a great site, but isn't infallible. They take Sawyer's ridiculous 100,000 gallon claim at face value)