I have a Sawyer Filter and filling the squeeze pouches to the top can be a pain unless I find the perfect stream every time.  And as far as ponds, lakes or rivers well I can usually barely get them past half or three quarters full.  Maybe I’m missing something but I’ve found the best thing that works for me is a scoop cup.  I cut various water and drink bottles into cups that help with the task of filling the pouches.   They’re great because I also use the cups to store, organize and protect my Sawyer filter and pouch.

I’ve used Gatorade 20 and 30 ounce bottles, Sobe drink bottles and various water bottles on different occasions and I fasten a lanyard to them after I get them cut down so they’re easy to hang or hold on to.  I just punch a few holes in the cups with a leather punch and thread some reflective cord through them and done.

When my Sawyer squeeze pouches kick the bucket like they all do sooner or later (They develop a leak where the pouch meets the mouthpiece) I cut them down and use them for a scoop cup.  This actually makes a great water scoop because it’s super flexible and which allows me to contort it to get water from just about any flowing or still water source I can find.

Here are some pictures of various bottles I’ve used.