Any Opinions On "Lifestraw" Water Purification Devices?

[Safetyhit]

I was thinking of buying a number of these, especially if each can filter 264 gallons as stated. They're running a special at this venue ( http://www.mypatriotsupply.com/Artic...60&Click=59713 ) and before I buy some I was hoping for some feedback if possible.

Are they worth the $20-$25 each, and most importantly do they work?

[Grand58742]

Personally? I shy away from the straw types since you have to have a water source to sip from. The most serious drawback you are looking at is having to contaminate your water carrier source (water bladder, canteen etc) by filling from a dirty water source and filtering if you are on the go. And unfortunately you now have to decontaminate your carrier whenever you get the chance or continue to use your straw which continues to contaminate the filter and potentially clogs it depending on how muddy the water is. And if you haven't tried sucking water through one of those things? Not like sipping a Big Gulp from the local Stop-and-Go.

Personally, I'd go with the Katadyn Mini that is only six ounces more, but has 2000 gallons of purification capability, filter cleaning capability and no shelf life. Filter and fill your water carrier and move out.

Comes down to cost effectiveness. You can get 8 straws for $160 and twice the weight to get the same filtration capacity of one unit at half the weight that doesn't end up contaminating your water carrier.

[Safetyhit]

That makes a lot of sense. After looking at Katadyn's product line I think I'm sold. Three thousand gallons of drinkable water for $110 and 13,000 for $300 seems like one of the better uses for the money out there to say the least.

Of course it's tempting to wonder if they would actually still be effective after the stated amounts, but in all honesty if they did 1/3 of what they claim it would still be very well worth it, especially in an emergency.

[Grand58742]

I think there might be a typo on that site. The Katadyn web site lists it at around 2K gallons. But that's the best price I've seen so far and a good guy to deal with.

Also, different levels of dirty water is going to give you different time frames. If you are looking at completely cruddy, crap filled puddles then the filter life will probably be a little less even with cleaning it. But running water such as a creek or a stream where you can get the majority of the crud out will last longer.

[joshrunkle35]

Have you looked at the Sawyer Squeeze?

[hatidua]

I wouldn't limit myself to just one filter or one kind of filter. Lifestraw/Katadyn/Sawyer/Etc. are all just different tools in the bag. Anyone of them could go down and it'd be mighty nice to have a backup. -buy several different tools for the bag.

[6933]

I like SteriPens due to method of sterilization. One of my majors was Biology and have a minor in Microbiology. Fuucking up an organisms DNA is a sure way to render it unable to replicate inside of you; if it isn't killed outright. You may(rarely) get a live bug inside, but it isn't going to do any harm. SteriPens have an excellent rep. in the field. I just pack a clear Nalgene container, put SteriPen inside, and pack an extra set or two of batteries. If the water is extra dirty, an old rag as a prefilter works fine. Doesn't take up much space or have much weight.

[SteveS]

I was thinking of buying a number of these, especially if each can filter 264 gallons as stated. They're running a special at this venue ( http://www.mypatriotsupply.com/Artic...60&Click=59713 ) and before I buy some I was hoping for some feedback if possible.

Are they worth the $20-$25 each, and most importantly do they work?

How hard are they to suck the water through? I have used several pump filters when back packing and it is like pumping 90 wt gear oil. The good thing about the steri pen for the microbes, Though a good filter will help with the water taste.

[Moose-Knuckle]

After looking at Katadyn's product line I think I'm sold.

Katadyn is to water filters as Noveske is to AR's, they're worth every penny.

Might I suggest Amazon for the most competitive pricing on their products. This is where I have purchased mine for well below what other retailers charge (REI, Campmor, Cabela's, etc.).

[Safetyhit]

How hard are they to suck the water through? I have used several pump filters when back packing and it is like pumping 90 wt gear oil. The good thing about the steri pen for the microbes, Though a good filter will help with the water taste.

Not sure as I've never tried one, in fact I've never tried any product of the sort. But it sounds like some can be difficult to use, which is good to know.

And no Josh, I had not heard of the Sawyer Squeeze but took a look and they also seem pretty viable.