• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Loadout Room

The Loadout Room

Professional Gear Reviews

Hardcore Gear and Adventure

Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • Photoroom_20250531_143432Pyramyd AIR’s Springfield Hellcat Pro CO2 BB Pistol Is the Ultimate Dry-Fire Trainer
        • image-112d3d00Helwan Brigadier 9mm Range Report
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • m142Too Tough to Die: The M14
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • ac65a540-2ef3-4598-8d11-afdf53f46e94.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X: A Thoroughly Bright Review
        • Bluetti 2 handsfree power backpackBluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
        • The Gallagator 10 day pack on the shoreline next to a hiking trail.Day Pack – Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 – The Best Yet?
        • PXL_20240209_171721326Pic of the Day, It’s Graduation Time
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • craft holstersCraft Holsters Makarov Tuckable IWB Holster Report
        • rs3CIVIVI RS71 Review : Big Blade Energy
        • civivi2Civivi Brazen Review: The Best Budget EDC Knife under $75?
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
  • Advertise
Camping Gear

LifeStraw Steel | Quick look from Costa Rica

March 16, 2018 by Erik Meisner Leave a Comment

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, my wife and I had the opportunity to get out and hike in the jungle a bit. With several water sources on our adventure, we felt it was the perfect opportunity to test the new LifeStraw Steel. Back in 2016, Rick tested and reviewed the original LifeStraw personal water filtration system. Several notable improvements have been made to the LifeStraw Steel so I felt an additional article was in order.

The most obvious update to the original design is the Vestergaard stainless steel construction. This sturdy blue cylinder added a little weight from the original model but increased its durability in spades. Additionally, the LifeStraw Steel is now a two stage filter. Utilizing their proven hollow fiber membrane, the Steel will filter out virtually all bacteria and protozoa. But with the addition of an activated carbon capsule on the tip, chemicals such as chlorine, organic compounds, odor and bad taste are now significantly reduced.

LifeStraw Steel
Brandie taking a sip from the Costa Rican jungle water

LifeStraw Steel specifications and features courtesy of lifestraw.com

  • Removes 99.999999% of bacteria (E. coli, etc.)
  • Removes 99.999% of protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.)
  • Food grade quality activated carbon
  • Chlorine reduction
  • Bad odor and taste reduction
  • Organic chemical matter (Pesticides, Herbicides, VOC) reduction
  • Hollow fiber membrane lifetime of 4,000 litres (1,000 gallons)
  • Carbon Capsule lifetime of 100 litres (26 gallons)
  • Meets US UPS drinking water standards
  • Reduces turbidity, filtering down to 0.2 microns
  • Contains no chemicals (and is BPA-free), uses no batteries, has no moving parts
  • Very high flow rate; no after taste (because no iodine or chlorine are used)
  • Easy to clean. Can be stored and used periodically. Just keep uncapped so it can dry thoroughly
  • Very durable stainless steel construction
  • Replaceable activated carbon capsule
  • No shelf life. LifeStraw Steel can be stored indefinitely
  • Length: 9 inches
  • Width: 1 inch
  • Weight: 4.4 ounces (125 grams)
  • Construction: Food grade stainless steel. Meets US Food and Drug Administration regulations and standards
  • MSRP $54.95


Stainless steel LifeStraw water filter features 2-stage filtration system that eliminates contaminants as well as odors and tastes
Durable and compact food-grade stainless steel straw meets FDA standards and is ideal for hiking, camping, backpacking, travel, and outdoor survival
Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns; surpasses EPA filter standard
Replaceable carbon capsule provides 2-stage filtration that reduces chlorine, organic chemicals, odors and bad tastes
Filters up to 1,000 liters and does not require batteries, pumping, or chemicals; measures 9 x 1 x 1 inches and weighs 4.2 ounces
Final Thoughts: The LifeStraw Steel is a great option to pack due to it’s relatively small profile as compared to larger pump or gravity filters. Preppers will also like this as an addition to their go-bag for it’s long term durability and lack of working parts. Although the hollow fiber filter element is not replaceable, its ability to filter 1000 gallons of water still makes the LifeStraw Steel a good purchase. The Carbon capsule has a life span of 26 gallons and is user replaceable. Take a look at LifeStraw for several water storage and filtration options. And never be caught in the wilderness without enough drinking water again.

And remember, for every LifeStraw product sold, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year.

LifeStraw Steel
Floating down a Costa Rican river


Share This

About the Author

Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

See All Erik Meisner Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

About Erik Meisner

served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Primary Sidebar

Most Read

  • Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
    Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • ARES Watch Company Diver-1 & Field Watch: Unstoppable Tactical Watches for Land & Sea
    ARES Watch Company Diver-1 & Field Watch: Unstoppable Tactical Watches for Land & Sea
  • My First Single-Action Revolver Purchase: Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR Range Report
    My First Single-Action Revolver Purchase: Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR Range Report
  • The Citizen Promaster Dive: Built Like a Bunker, Priced Like a Bivouac
    The Citizen Promaster Dive: Built Like a Bunker, Priced Like a Bivouac
  • M4A1 Block I: The Special Operations Origins of an American Icon
    M4A1 Block I: The Special Operations Origins of an American Icon

Find Us on Facebook

Recent Comments

  • Ajita Sherer on Vakarian Plate Carrier Review: Elite Comfort and Modularity for Under $300
  • Josiah on Vakarian Plate Carrier Review: Elite Comfort and Modularity for Under $300
  • Woox Store on Tommy Gun Madness: The Thompson Submachine Gun

Latest From SOFREP

Military History

Medal of Honor Monday: James P. Fleming – The Huey Pilot Who Flew Into Hell and Back

News

Morning Brief: USS Harry S. Truman and USS Stout Return After Intense 8-Month Combat Deployment

News

Evening Brief: Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Strike Into Russia, Dozens Killed in Gaza Aid Incident, UK Preps for Huge Defense Spending Increase

Air Guns

Train Like a Pro: The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro CO₂ Air Pistol with Air Venturi Red Dot Sight

Military Content Group

© Copyright 2025 Military Content Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers
 

Loading Comments...