When backpacking in Utah’s backcountry, one of the most important pieces of gear you should have is a water filter, such as the LifeStraw Go. Bacteria and protozoa that live in rivers and lakes will make you very sick if you don’t treat it. Luckily there is a number of options for us to choose from, but none is as quick and convenient as the LifeStraw Go. I got to test this new filter bottle on backpacking trips in Zion National Park and have a few thoughts. But first, the details.
- Hollow-fiber filter membrane for a high flow rate and easy sipping.
- 0.2-micron filter physically removes 99.9999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera and E.coli; removes 99.9% of all protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium
- Detachable filter is effective for cleaning up to 264 gallons before needing replacement
- 22-ounce bottle is BPA-free and has a leakproof lid with flexible mouthpiece.
- Bottle includes a carabiner for easy carry
In the past, I’ve always used a hand pump to filter water into a Nalgene-type bottle while on the go. But I’ve always hated it as pumping is tedious and can take a long time. Plus, in my experience, when the filter nears the end of its life, it becomes harder and harder to pump. Often, I’ve also brought along a gravity filter, which is awesome for in-camp filtration, but not ideal for when you’re actually hiking. But I think the LifeStraw Go is now the best option when you’re on the move. Here’s why.
First, there is absolutely zero wait time before you can start drinking. Hand pumps take time, and drops or tablets like Aquamira have at least a 10-minute wait for the chemical reactions to work their bacteria-killing magic. But with the LifeStraw Go, you only have to fill and drink. LifeStraw uses an advanced hollow fiber technology which requires no chemicals and is super efficient at filtering water. When hiking the Zion Narrows, this was a very clear advantage since the entire hike is in the river, so I always had a water source at hand.
Second, the filter allows for a high flow rate, which is great because you can drink from the LifeStraw just as you would a normal straw. There is no resistance as the water works its way through the filter membrane.
Third, it’s easy to carry. I was able to attach it with the included carabiner to the waist strap of my pack for quick access.
Finally, it’s easy to clean. When I got home all I had to do is blow the water out of the straw and let dry. Other filter systems, where the membrane is encased in a closed, plastic filter tube, have to be disinfected before storage, which can a bit of a pain.
After exiting the Zion Narrows with my LifeStraw Go hanging from my hip like a gunslinger’s revolver, I was seriously impressed. Most importantly, I didn’t get sick. I absolutely be will be bringing it along on all future backpacking trips in Utah.
On a side note, LifeStraw is a company that exists not so much to make gear for outdoor recreation, but to bring clean water to impoverished people in developing countries. Their mission of humanitarian entrepreneurship is very commendable. For more information about that, you can read more about their mission.