A foolproof method to ruin any camping adventure is by contracting a water-borne illness such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Giardia due to improper water filtration. Ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water is crucial when venturing outdoors, and it should be a top priority when planning your trip in the wilderness. Whether embarking on a day-long mountain bike ride or exploring Minnesota’s Boundary Waters for several weeks, I always carry a reliable water filter that I can trust.
For longer journeys or when filtering water for a group, I highly recommend using the MSR Guardian. This filter stands out for its rapid filtration process and unique automatic backflushing feature, which prevents clogging. However, it does have drawbacks such as its high price, weight, and size. Its bulkiness makes it impractical for day hikes, and its cost of over $350 makes me cautious about potentially losing or damaging it.
For short outings and individual use, I prefer the LifeStraw water filter, a product that should be a camping essential for everyone. The LifeStraw, which often sees significant discounts of up to 50% on Amazon Prime Day, is easy to use and portable. As its name suggests, it resembles a straw and has two ends—one for immersing into a water source and the other for direct consumption. Its versatility and simplicity make it intuitive to use, requiring only two steps: dipping it into a stream and drinking. Additionally, it can be used to filter water into a bottle for later use. However, caution should be exercised to avoid contaminating the straw by accidentally submerging it in the water bottle while drinking.
Weighing a mere two ounces, the LifeStraw can filter 4,000 liters (or 1,000 gallons) of water before needing a filter replacement. Its membrane microfilter removes 99.9% of bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt. Importantly, it lacks complex mechanisms prone to breakage through heavy use. Its compact size allows it to be easily brought along on mountain bike rides, short hikes, or longer backpacking trips as a complement to a larger filtration system. With its measurements of nine inches in length and just over an inch in width, it effortlessly fits into a water bottle pocket or can be secured to the outside of a backpack using a cord.
However, if you are traveling with a large group or require a significant amount of filtered water, relying solely on the LifeStraw may prove cumbersome. In such scenarios, I recommend opting for a gravity filter like the LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag or a pump filter like the MSR Guardian. These alternatives are better suited for storing sufficient clean water for your group or extended trips. While I have not personally experienced it, some friends have encountered issues with their LifeStraw clogging up during use, rendering it useless. Unlike other filters equipped with a backflushing syringe for easy cleaning, the LifeStraw lacks this feature, making it more challenging to unclog.
To mitigate this, I recommend blowing air through the straw after each use to prevent clogging. Keep this in mind if you are heavily relying on the LifeStraw as your primary source of clean water.
In conclusion, considering its $20 price point, it is difficult to dispute the cost-effectiveness of the LifeStraw. With regular usage, this filter is likely to last for many years before requiring a replacement. However, I would advise against using it extensively in remote areas, as it cannot be repaired if something goes wrong. It excels in small outings and short hikes and merits a spot in any emergency kit.
If your priorities do not involve providing water for a large group or using it extensively in the backcountry, then the LifeStraw is a must-have. Its affordable price allows you to purchase multiple filters—one for your backpack and another for your car in case of emergencies. It is user-friendly, even for young children, thanks to its straightforward straw design.
Pros: Affordable, compact size, effective filtration of water-borne illnesses
Cons: Not suitable for large groups, challenging to store filtered water, lacks repairability
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