Lifestraw review

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter: A Comprehensive Review


*All information in this post is my opinion and gathered through my own research. Please do your own research before following any information in this post. This is for information purposes only. Also consult your doctor before taking any supplements*

**This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission from any purchases that are made. This in no way changes the price for you. I am paid directly from the manufacturer.**



When it comes to finding a safe and reliable water filter, the Lifestraw is at the top of the list.

This revolutionary filtering straw has rapidly gained popularity, with many people praising its ability to turn even the dirtiest, most contaminated water into something that’s safe and clean to drink.

So, is the Lifestraw really worth all the hype? In my #1 Lifestraw review, I’ll be taking an in-depth look at this product and discussing it’s pros and cons. I’ll also be giving you my honest opinion on whether the Lifestraw is a good investment for your needs.

So, if you’re looking for a reliable water filter, this review is definitely worth reading!

Let’s dive into my Lifestraw review…..

My experience with Life Straw personal water filters…..

I originally mentioned this product in one of my earlier posts titled “Survival Water Purification Systems.” I really like these straws because they are easily portable and give you an excellent option if you come across water that needs to be purified quickly.  


I personally keep two of these straws in each of my emergency preparedness kits that I have in both my cars.  If we become stranded for any reason we can find a body of water and easily use these lightweight straws to stay hydrated.

hiker with backpack
Easily Used During Hiking


They could also be used for backpacking and would make a light weight option to carry for your water needs.

They could also be used for camping or in any situation where you might need to filter water quickly.


Life Straw brand also offers a variety of different products ranging from personal water bottles with filters on them to larger purification systems.  I personally own the straws but may look into the larger systems in the future.

Here are some features and details of some of the products available by Lifestraw.

Personal Filter
 lifestraw personal water filter


LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

  • This official LifeStraw personal water filter will filter 792 gallons of water (3,000 liters) of safe drinking water without using chemicals, iodine
  • Removes 99.9999% of bacteria including Escherichia coli (e-coli), campylobacter, vibrio cholera, pseudomonas aeruginosa, shigella, salmonella
  • What’s the shelf life of this product?
    No shelf life, can be stored indefinitely even after use

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Indefinite shelf life
  • Light weight
  • Easy to store
  • Known/reliable company known for it’s versatility

Cons

  • Can not store water
  • Doesn’t filter out viruses

  • Maybe hard for those with mobility issues to bend down to get water


****If you would like a step by step guide on how to use the Lifestraw personal water filter than you can check out my article titled: A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Lifestraw Personal Water Filter.

Water On the go
lifestraw bottle



Lifestraw Go Water Bottle

  • ADVANCED WATER FILTRATION. Protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and more; improves taste
  • MADE TO LAST. Long-lasting membrane microfilter lasts up to 4,000 liters and the activated carbon filter lasts up to 100 liters of water with proper use and maintenance
  • THOUGHTFUL AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN. 22 oz capacity. Every fill avoids single use plastic bottled water! Easy to use, easy to clean bottle and cap are dishwasher safe once the filter is removed.

Product Pros

  • Improves taste of water

  • You are able to carry water with you

  • It filters out all the things mentioned above

  • Comes in several different colors
  • It is reusable so produces less waste
  • Can be a lifesaver bottle in emergencies

Product Cons

  • It is bulkier than the personal straw water filter
  • It is heavier if you carry it with water in it
  • Have seen some complaints of the water bottle leaking
Community option
lifestraw community




LifeStraw Community

  • Removes bacteria, parasites and viruses. Removes dirt and turbidity, making water clear.
  •  Filtration flow rate 3 gallons/hour Serves about 75-100 people per day. 
  • Longevity: Filters 70,000 – 100,000 liters over lifetime. 

Product Pros

  • Removes viruses
  • Can serve 75-100 people a day
  • Can be used anywhere you need a larger amount of purified water
  • Can be used in remote communities to make drinking water safe
  • Lifestraw is a respected company

Product Cons

  • Hard to carry around if full of water
  • Can be expensive depending on your budget
  • Will take up a decent amount of space when not it use

F.A.Q…..

How does the LifeStraw work?

Lifestraw review

The LifeStraw uses a hollow fiber membrane to physically filter out contaminants from the water. As you suck through the straw, water is forced through tiny pores, capturing harmful particles and allowing clean water to pass through.

Is the LifeStraw effective against all types of contaminants?

chemicals in beekers

The LifeStraw is primarily designed to remove bacteria and parasites, making water safe to drink. It may not remove chemical pollutants or viruses, so it’s essential to use it with water sources that are not contaminated with these substances.

Can I use the LifeStraw in any water source?

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter: A Comprehensive Review

The LifeStraw is suitable for most freshwater sources like streams, lakes, and rivers.

It’s not recommended for use with saltwater, chemically contaminated water, or water sources with heavy sediment.

Does the LifeStraw require batteries or replacement parts?

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter: A Comprehensive Review

No, the LifeStraw doesn’t require batteries or replacement parts.

It’s a self-contained filtration device that can filter up to a specified volume of water before needing to be replaced.

How long does a LifeStraw last?

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter: A Comprehensive Review

The lifespan of a LifeStraw depends on the model and usage, but it generally filters anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 liters of water.

Once it reaches its capacity, it will no longer be effective and should be replaced.

Can children use the LifeStraw?

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter: A Comprehensive Review

Yes, the LifeStraw is safe for children to use. However, it’s important to supervise younger children to ensure proper usage.

Is the LifeStraw suitable for emergency preparedness?

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter: A Comprehensive Review

Yes, the LifeStraw is often recommended as part of emergency kits for outdoor activities or disaster preparedness.

It can provide a reliable source of clean drinking water when traditional sources are unavailable. Hikers can also carry them in their backpack.

Can the LifeStraw remove bad taste or odor from water?

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter: A Comprehensive Review

The LifeStraw can improve the taste and clarity of water by removing visible particles, but it may not entirely eliminate strong odors or tastes caused by chemical contaminants.

My Final Thoughts:

I feel like this is a very versatile company that  has many options depending on your needs. I personally enjoy the peace of mind that it brings me and my family, knowing that if we have these products with us then we will have the ability to get clean drinking water when we need it. We believe everyone deserves equitable access to safe water, and with products like these, it becomes easier to ensure that.

The original LifeStraw personal water filter, a great option for filtering bacteria and protozoa like giardia from dirty water sources, is a simple straw that has become the ultimate survival tool for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness.

LifeStraw is accredited by a third-party lab—they even post their results online—to certify that they meet US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards. With a lifespan of up to 1,000 gal | 4,000 L, the LifeStraw Personal Straw Filter ensures long-lasting protection against harmful contaminants. The enhanced microfilter performance of the LifeStraw also helps to reduce clogging from sand and silt, resulting in a better flow rate.

Once used, the filter of the original LifeStraw personal water filter lasts up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) – enough to last an individual for over 5 years!

When used correctly, you can trust the LifeStraw to protect you from the likes of Giardia and E.coli. LifeStraw also has gravity filters that you can easily set up at any campsite.

The simplicity and sustainability of the LifeStraw’s design allows for easy use in any situation. However, it does have a few shortcomings. Since it’s just a simple and durable straw, there’s no way to filter a large amount of water at once. LifeStraw’s effectiveness lies in its ability to provide clean drinking water through quick sips, making it a convenient and reliable choice for outdoor adventures and emergencies.

LifeStraw also offers versatility with its removable threaded bottom cap, allowing it to be attached to most water bottles and standard gravity hoses. This feature enhances its functionality and makes it even more adaptable for different scenarios.

Additionally, the LifeStraw personal water filter straw is made from high performance premium sustainable material , including durable 50% post-consumer recycled BPA free plastic, and has an unlimited shelf life, ensuring that it remains usable for extended periods of time without any concerns about expiration.

With its enhanced flow rate, users can easily sip water through the ultra lightweight LifeStraw, providing a seamless and efficient drinking experience. No backpack, pocket, emergency bag, or glove compartment should be without one. At just 2 ounces, the LifeStraw is incredibly lightweight, adding minimal weight to your backpack or emergency bag and is made of premium materials.

LifeStraw is proud to be a B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand. For every purchase, a child in need receives safe drinking water for a year.


The LifeStraw personal water filter is a great addition to your emergency go-bag, thanks to its unlimited shelf life. It is made with premium, durable 50% post-consumer recycled BPA free plastic, ensuring the safety of your drinking water.

The LifeStraw also comes with a lanyard, making it easy to carry and access during outdoor activities or emergencies.

Not lost just exploring


In modern countries, the LifeStraw will probably get the job done in North America or on tap water, but it will not take care of viruses such as norovirus which may be encountered anywhere but especially in developing countries water supplies.

As you have seen above, Lifestraw offers several different products that can help you shore up your water preparation plan, depending on your needs and situation.

Statistically we can only survive 3 days without water, so this is something that we need to take very seriously and make sure that we will have a way to get clean water if disaster strikes.

Water falling into hand

I personally look forward to seeing what new products LifeStraw comes out with next.

Other companies have come out with their own versions of personal water filters which in turn has upped the competition and made all water filter companies come up with better and improved products…

In conclusion…….

I would highly recommend checking out these products. They have been very convenient for me and my family and it is reassuring that we have these just in case an emergency arises. NOT SCARED ALWAYS PREPARED!!!!!

Thank You for taking the time to read this lifestraw review. I hope it was helpful and will help you make an informed choice in your prepping needs.

Happy Prepping!!!!!!!!!

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