Can you see yourself lugging the 2-3 gallons of water per day that you’ll need for survival, cooking and safe cleaning? No, me either. Though the every federal emergency preparedness plan calls for a minimum of 1 gallon of water per person per day, that doesn’t take into account what you need for extra. That’s just minimum hydration.
The problem comes in where do you get that water if you go through your minimum 1 gallon a day? You can’t assume that the water you find in a lake or pond or stream or roadside puddle is going to be safe to drink in the safest of times much less if you’re in the middle of a major disaster. Thus, you need something to help you drink that water and not have it kill you.
Unlike other water filters that filter the water into a common container, the LifeStraw is designed to be used as a personal filtration system. You can use it like a straw – just stick it into your water source and drink. Thus you have no need for carrying large containers of water. And even if you are in a situation where there are large water sources being offered (think a Red Cross camp after a tornado), drinking from a public water source amongst folks who are sick, isn’t the best idea.
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Here are the specs on what the LifeStraw Water Filter can do:
- Removes a minimum of 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria (>LOG 6 reduction)
- Removes 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites (>LOG 3 reduction)
- Surpasses EPA guidelines for E. coli, Giardia (beaver fever), and Cryptosporidium oocysts, and many others.
- Reduces water turbidity, filters particles of approximately 0.2 microns.
- Filters up to 264 gallons (1000 liters) of contaminated water per manufacturer.
- Contains no chemicals. Does NOT contain iodinated resin (iodine): safe for your thyroid gland. BPA-free.
- Does not leave a chemical after-taste.
- Will not allow water to flow when it reaches capacity (so you’ll know when you’ve reached the end of it’s usefulness – which is about 1,000 liters).
- Can be stored and used periodically. The 5 year shelf life is not reduced if the LifeStraw is used occasionally and then put back in storage.
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Here are things the LifeStraw Water Filter cannot do:
- Remove all taste from water source
- Remove contamination from chemical contamination such as large agricultural water supply, or from industrial sources
- Filter seawater
- Filter chemically contaminated water (you don’t want to try this on water from the chemical treatment plan or a large outflow from a huge commercial farm.
- Filter out viruses
I Tried It for You! LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Review from Mom with a PrepDrink directly from a water source with LifeStraw
So what did I think about it the LifeStraw?
- It’s compact, lightweight, and easily fits into a bug out bag, a 72 hour kit, my EDC bag and most any purse or diaper bag, hiking backpack or camping gear. It only weighs 2 oz. so it extremely economical when considering bag weight for backpacking, hiking or a bug out bag.
- It is easy to use. I allowed it to prime for about 30 seconds in some water, then did a few strong sucks to get the water flowing (much easier than the Aquamira Water Filter Bottle). I tested it on some water that was obviously treated (see photo) with green food coloring and peppermint extract. *I would suck some out of the filter then spit it into a glass to see how much of the food coloring came out. It was just a small tint of green. But I could really taste the peppermint.
- I like how there is a neck strap so that you can wear it and have it with you at all times once you find yourself in need.
- It is so much easier to use than the Aquamira Bottle. While not a great direct comparison since they are two different mechanisms, I see myself going for the LifeStraw first. Not only in trying to suck the water through the filtering system, but also in being able to use it with water source and not getting contaminated just trying to gather water. You want to be able to use the filtering devices without getting contaminates in your mouth. The Aquamira bottle requires sticking the whole bottle body into the water source (or if you have another cup, pouring water into it, but still getting contaminated with how much you have to handle it before you can actually use it). With the LifeStraw, you just pop the bottom cap off (which is permanently connected, so you don’t have to worry about using it), and plunge into your water source. You then blow out when you’re finished to make sure to blow out excess water and particles to keep it useful for another go). Once you pop the bottom cap back on, you clean your hands, and don’t have to worry about the cross-contamination.
- I do wish the LifeStraw had a cap for the mouthpiece, as well, to help protect it from general grubbiness.
- Unlike the water bottle versions of filters, you can’t easily gather water and fill up other containers from the LifeStraw. it really is for personal use only.
If you want to see a review from The Sensible Prepper (one of my favorite channels and folks to follow), check out this video:
The LifeStraw is my #1 pick of an item to put in your emergency preparedness supplies. Either for your bug out bag, your everyday carry bag, your car emergency box, your 72 hour bag – whatever you use to store supplies to get you through your emergency of choice, THIS should be the very first item you buy to tuck in.
LifeStraw has released the LifeStraw Go! – a new water bottle design using LifeStraw technology that allows you to carry water with you at all times. Be on the lookout for a coupon code to purchase the LifeStraw Go! for the same prices as a LifeStraw.
Also available on the market is the LifeStraw Family, which is a gravity-fed filtration system.
The LifeStraw Family! A gravity fed water filtration system
For the price, it’s a life saving tool to have in EVERY situation!
Want to see reviews of other water filtration systems?
Aquarmira Water Bottle Filter System Review
Last update on 2024-12-14 at 08:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API