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 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.
