LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

As we mentioned in our Bug Out Bag Essentials Article, water is a very important component of survival. The ability to purify water, or to filter a water supply increases your chances of survival immensely. Our favorite and most efficient personal water filter is the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter.

What is a Lifestraw?

The LifeStraw portable water filter is a device used to filter dirty water into drinkable water. It is very light, very portable, and easy to use. It contains no iodine or chemicals, and has no moving parts.

It has been used by millions around the world from Australia to The Philippines. A definite must-have addition to your bug out bag.

It is very easy to use, just like a regular straw. After about 5 seconds of sucking, drinkable water starts to flow.

How Does LifeStraw Work?

LifeStraw uses hollow fiber membranes, small tubes with even smaller pores. These pores filter any contaminants larger than .2 microns, but allows water to flow freely. After about 1000 liters, or about 264 gallons, the pores will become clogged and the water will stop flowing.

The LifeStraw will not filter out salt, chemicals, viruses, or minerals. In these circumstances, you may have to pre-treat the water with water purifying tablets beforehand.

How Do You Use The LifeStraw?

As I mentioned earlier, it’s very easy to use The LifeStraw. Just place the LifeStraw directly into a puddle, river, or whatever water source is available, or scoop up the water with a cup or bottle and place the straw in that. After a sucking on the straw, like you would with any fast food restaurant soda, for about 5 seconds, drinkable water will start flowing into your mouth. That’s it. Simple, isn’t it?