Water: It’s absolutely essential to human life. But unless you’re put in a position of water scarcity—maybe your backpacking trip goes longer than expected—you’re not likely to think about just how important having access to clean water is.
So when we saw LifeStraw’s new super-compact Personal Water Filter Straw, we knew we had to give it a shot. It looks like an ideal addition to any backpacking kit, and the company is a certified B corp that dedicates a lot of their work to charity.
In this review, we’ll give you the ins and outs of the Peak Series Personal Water Filter Straw based on hands-on testing and use during a weekend backpacking trip. Let’s get into it.
About LifeStraw
Development for the original LifeStraw began in 1994 under the direction of the Swiss company Vestergaard Frandsen. Its purpose was simple: To provide an affordable and effective device that could help more of the world have access to clean water.
Now over two decades old, LifeStraw is a certified B Corp—meaning that they’ve met the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, as well as complete public transparency. Or in other words: They’re the real deal, and have put a lot of effort into making sure that their business benefits the whole world (not just their pocketbooks).
What It Is
Though its components are simple, the LifeStraw’s design is what makes it unique and innovative.
A plastic case houses a membrane microfilter that can filter 500 gallons before needing to be replaced. That filter is the big draw here, as it’s capable of removing 99.99+ percent of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, rendering almost any water source safe to drink from.
Flip-top capped openings at the top and bottom of the straw help extend the filter life by not letting it dry out (more on that in a moment). All said and done, the whole system weighs about 60 grams, or a little over 2 ounces.
How It Works
When you need a drink of purified water, it’s as easy as opening the caps, dipping the bottom cap into your water source, priming the filter with a few strong sips, and then drinking through the straw.
That simplicity of design and ease of use makes the LifeStraw an easy go-to method for making sure you always have clean drinking water. But to keep it in good working order, you’ll also need to blow air through the tube regularly to prevent the filter from slowing down or clogging.
In contrast with the original LifeStraw, the new Peak Series edition can also be screwed onto a standard water bottle or gravity filtration system thanks to the universal threading on its bottom end.
“The simplicity of design and ease of use makes the LifeStraw an easy go-to method for making sure you always have clean drinking water.”
It’s also worth noting that if you’ll be storing the LifeStraw for more than about a month without using it, you’ll need to make a saltwater solution that will keep the filter from drying out (the user manual gives instructions for this). So if you’re using this only intermittently, it’s a bit less convenient than if you’re intending to use it once a week or so.
My Impressions
I took the Peak Series Personal Water Filter Straw out with me for two full days of hiking in the Caldwell Nature Center near Cincinnati, Ohio.
On day one, I brought both the LifeStraw and my usual bottle of water (just in case). After finding a couple streams and a stretch of Mill Creek, I went out the second day with just the LifeStraw in tow—relying on it for all my water needs throughout the day.
The first uses were the most difficult, as I was both getting used to drinking out of the straw’s opening and the filter needed to be primed. The instruction manual for the lifestraw advises you to take “5 quick, strong sips to get water flowing”—and that’s definitely the case, which can feel awkward until you get the hang of it.
Now that I feel comfortable using the LifeStraw, I look for opportunities to put it to use just about every weekend. It’s super portable, and really convenient to not have to worry about carrying a huge water bottle with me for full day hikes as long as I know there’s a body of water nearby.
Final Verdict
At just under 20 bucks the LifeStraw is not a break-the-bank investment, either. Plus your money is going to a company that’s actively giving back—in this case, buying a Peak Series LifeStraw means that a child in need will receive one year of safe water through the company’s Give Back Program.
Overall, I am pleasantly surprised at the simplicity and utility that the Peak Series LifeStraw has to offer. After a slightly awkward break in period, I’m convinced that it’s a worthwhile staple for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. And having it as a backup in case of any unforeseen problems is a big bonus—I’ll definitely always pack this with me while I’m traveling, just in case.
Price: $19.95
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