Is LifeStraw Safe for Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

LifeStraw is a revolutionary water filter designed for backpacking and outdoor adventures. The filter is small, lightweight, and easy to use, so it’s perfect for any traveler looking for clean drinking water on the go.

However, while the LifeStraw is a great convenience, there are some safety concerns that should be taken into consideration before using it in the wild.

The first concern is the quality of the water being filtered. LifeStraw filters out bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from contaminated water sources, but it does not remove dissolved solids or heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

While these contaminants may not be present in many bodies of backcountry water, they can still exist in some areas. It’s important to research any area you plan on visiting to make sure that there are no sources of contaminated water.

Another issue with LifeStraw is that it requires users to drink directly from potentially dangerous water sources. While this makes it easy to get clean drinking water on the go, it also increases your risk of ingesting harmful bacteria or parasites if you don’t treat your drinking water properly before using LifeStraw.

Finally, while LifeStraw filters are designed to last up to 1,000 gallons of filtered water before needing replacement, they can become clogged with sediment and debris if not cleaned regularly. This reduces their effectiveness and could potentially lead to contamination if not addressed quickly.

Conclusion:

Overall, LifeStraw can be a great tool for backpacking trips when used properly and with caution. It’s important to stay aware of the quality of your local water sources and treat your drinking water before using LifeStraw.

Additionally, regular cleaning will help ensure that your filter remains effective over time. With these considerations in mind, LifeStraw can be a safe and convenient way to get clean drinking water on backpacking trips.