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LifeStraw is Your Best Emergency Personal Water Filter Review

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LifeStraw is your best emergency personal water filter, that you can bring on any adventure. I would even carry this when I have my normal basic water filter, but carry it in my go-bag or on person. This is an easy product to use to in a pinch and could buy you time in purifying water in less-than-ideal situations.

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF):

  • Filtering 99.999% of bacteria, parasites, viruses and other impurities from water without the need of chemicals or boiling
  • Amazing value for filtering 4,000L (1,000 gallons) of water
  • Small (22.9 cm in length) and light weight (56 grams)
  • Best for emergency usage in the back country, travelling in water boil advisory regions, low access to clean potable water
  • No moving or volatile components making it safe to take on flights!

Pros:

Gosh, what didn’t the BLUF sell?

  • It’s like drinking a personal tap water, from a straw
  • Ease of carry for emergencies in the back country and travelling
  • Easy to clean
  • Robust and tough – throw it around!
  • Does not require electricity (I can’t believe this is a thing…)

Cons:

  • Can be a bit difficult to get the high flow rate if you don’t prime it first
  • It cannot desalinate, but really, what are you expecting?
  • Petro-chemicals can still get through, as it mostly filters microbiological substances
LifeStraw is Your Best Emergency Personal Water Filter

Check the price for LifeStraw!

Quick specifications:

Filtration volume: 4000 Litres!

Weight: 0.1 pounds or 2 oz

Dimensions: 22.9L x 2.5W x 2.5H Centimetres

Removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns; surpasses EPA filter standards. BPA Free materials

LifeStraw is Your Best Emergency Personal Water Filter

We believe that everyone deserves access to safe water when they are adventuring and in situations you may not expect. That’s why we are reviewing LifeStraw; a product that provides clean drinking water anywhere in the worldwhich cannot come more highly recommended. This innovative design filters out 99.99% of bacteria and parasites, and it’s incredibly easy to use and doesn’t take up much room in your pack, at all. LifeStraw is your best emergency personal water filter.

The LifeStraw was born out of meeting a need in water security in the harshest conditions in the world, from refugee camps to natural disasters. LifeStraw is the best emergency water filter in these situations. Since I acquired the LifeStraw (2013), it seems they made their filtration even better in their new models! Their website boasts that LifeStraw filtration technology can filter out:

  • PFAS (PFAS are a large, complex group of manufactured chemicals that are ingredients in various everyday products. For example, they are used to keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware – source)
  • Microplastics
  • Chemicals and pesticides

On top of your normal bacteria and parasite filtration. Wow!

However, I will say, there are certain things that I feel can’t be filtered by the LifeStraw, as mentioned in the Cons, are petro-chemicals, ie oil spills, or more realistically, seepage such as engine oil into bodies of water where people would drink from. This would require very specialized equipment. Saying this, I actually don’t know if it can or not, not having access to their body of work. However, in on their website, it does say they test on the micro-biology level which leads me to believe some other petro chemical based products may not be filtered out.

If you convert 4,000 litres into 4 litres of consumption per day, it’d take 2.7 years to exhaust the filter! In my adventures, I carry my main water filter and that’s only 1,500 litres! I carry the LifeStraw on me in case something happened on a day trip away from base camp. LifeStraw is your best emergency personal water filter.

Basic Usage and Maintenance

  • User Manual explains a lot and it’s very easy.
    • Prime intake end of straw for 20 seconds
    • Drink
    • Blow back through the straw when finished
    • (Too easy!)
  • Long term storage includes storing it in saline solution
  • Membrane must be wet to have good water flow.

LifeStraw is your best emergency personal water filter. With products like LifeStraw, we can bring a safe and reliable source of drinking water no matter where you are and no matter what activity you’re doing.

MSR Autoflow Water Filter Review: Streamlining Hydration for Outdoor Adventures

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In the world of outdoor exploration, access to clean water is non-negotiable. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter is a game-changer in this regard, offering backpackers and campers a reliable solution for obtaining safe drinking water in the backcountry. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and overall value of this essential piece of gear.

In the decades of being in the back country and adventure travelling, I have always used the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter. It wasn’t only until my previous work allowed me to field test a gravity water filter did I become a convert to these types of filters. Read on below and watch the video review to see why Rob and I have to come the MSR Autoflow Water Filter as our go-to!

Bottom Line Up Front

  • Mechanical filtration can treat nearly all bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa and particulate
  • Easy use and field maintenance
  • Very robust and strong materials to prevent punctures and preserve product utility
  • Cannot be used in sub-zero temperatures

Specifications

  • Filter pore size: 0.2 microns (small enough to get rid of that pesky beaver fever, or giardia).
  • Volume of water reservoir: 10 litres or 2.64 gallons
  • Flow of filtration: 1.75 litres or 0.46 gallons per minute
  • Field maintenance: Yes; simply back flush
  • Cartridge life: 1500 Litres or 396 gallons, before replacement

Pros

  • Very compact system, fit well in backpack and not bulky
  • Made of strong material
  • Doesn’t leave a taste in water as in other systems, can taste like plastic, or iodine
  • Passive system, don’t have to continuously pump water
  • Easy system to clean: After every 10L, back lush with 1L of water

Cons

None of these cons are actually really cons, and we really had to reach for them.

  • Cannot be used in sub-zero temperatures; the filter may crack – however this is not unique to this filter and most filters will behave the same way
  • Priming the system can be tricky; we found the easiest way is to either back flush, or have the line just run, before putting the end of the hose into the water bottle
  • Over time, the mouth of the bag, where the connection points are, begin to degrade as the first thing to break down. But this is after 6 years of use and already impressed with the life span of the product

MSR Autoflow Water Filter

MSR Autoflow Water Filter (4L) in the field, with some fancy set up.

We love this product because it is easy to use and does a great job of filtering water. The MSR Autoflow water filter is designed to be used with gravity to filter large amounts of water quickly. We also appreciate the fact that it is designed to be used with gravity, which makes it much easier to use than other water filters on the market

It is ideal for use in situations where clean water is scarce, such as during natural disasters, and for those preppers, after a Sh*t Hits The Fan (SHTF) event. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter can filter up to 1.75 litres of water per minute, making it one of the fastest filters on the market. Additionally, it is made with durable materials that can withstand heavy use.

To note, again, do not use this filter in the winter as the residual water in the filter, when frozen, can expand and break the filtration mechanism inside.

How long does the filter last? Well, there’s no easy answer to that, but keep in mind the filter can last 1,500 litres. If you are 1 person, drinking and using 4 litres per day, this can last you 375 days. Yes, 10 days more than 1 year. Cleaning it should help extend the life span, but unsure for how long. From there, you may be able to calculate when to change the filter.

MSR Autoflow Water Filter Best Uses

Base camp: By far, this will be the best use at base camp, or home base, where you plan on having a few days. If you’re constantly on the move, that’s okay too! Anywhere you can hang this and let the gravity filter do it’s work.

While in the canoe, it may not be the easiest to use. But the idea is to have your water bottles filled before hitting the water. And if really need to refill, simply take a break, pull over, and filter some water. Otherwise, the hand pump MSR Miniworks will be a great back up.

Travelling will be helpful in hotel rooms should you not be able to find potable water. However, do note, that this will not filter out any chemicals and toxins, as it is only a mechanical filter. I have used the MSR Miniworks while travelling to varying degrees of success, largely due to the water filtration systems in the host country, and what remains in their water system coming out of the tap water. If you are sure your water is coming from, for example, fresh spring water, melting glacial water, or similar sources, then you may use this. To be safe, always know where your water is coming from!

Check the price for the MSR Autoflow XL 10 litres.

If you need a replacement filter, check it out here!

This MSR Autoflow Water Filter can’t come any more highly rated. One quick outing with Rob, and he was a convert and has been using it for years since. It is perfect for those who are looking for an investment gear to adventure travel, as it requires no pumps or chemicals. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter offers a reliable and efficient solution for obtaining clean water in the outdoors. With its innovative design, high-performance filtration system, and user-friendly features, it’s a must-have for backpackers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether embarking on a multi-day trek or enjoying a weekend camping trip, this versatile water filter ensures that safe hydration is always within reach. With the MSR Autoflow Water Filter by your side, you can explore with confidence, knowing that clean water is never far away.

Check out further details of the MSR Autoflow Water Filter in the video, below!

If you enjoyed this review, check out:

The North Face Storm Break 2 Review

https://explorationsevo.com/2022/07/storm-break-2-review

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The North Face Stormbreak 2 Review

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This is The North Face Stormbreak 2 review. Looking for your first tent or a new one to add to your collection that won’t break the bank? Cost of this tent is well worth the price and value!

Choosing your tent depends on your ultimate goal of what you’re looking for it to do and, to future proof your investment a bit, what you see yourself using it for (front country, back country, hiking, paddling… etc) in the medium term. My goal for this tent was 2 having a lighter smaller tent that will fit well in backcountry as my current one has suffered several challenges in finding good places to pitch.

Read on for more of the review and the video below!

Bottom Line Up Front

  • Good valued tent for under the price, but little heavy
  • Best for backpacking, runner up for car camping, not recommended for paddling.
  • Minimal gear storage in the multi-configuration and versatile vestibule, though no window
  • Large tent doors allowing for ease of access in and out of the tent
  • Footprint purchased separately
  • Waterproofness on average with other tents

Specifications (for nerds)

  • 31sq feet (2.8m2)
  • 5 lbs 5 oz (2.41kg)
  • 43 inches (109 cm) height
  • Fly: 75D Polyester, 1200mm waterproofness
  • Floor: 68D Polyester, 3000mm waterproofness

Pros

  • Tub-styled flooring with extra side walls to prevent splash back into the tent in foul weather
  • Large vestibule and tent doors to allow for great ease of access in and out of the tent
  • Extra guy line support that pulls from loops attached to guy line points
  • Fast setup with identifiable (red) tab on the footprint and tent to orientate the tent

Cons

  • Vestibule door can easily get caught on the rain flap
  • Water can collect on the pitched roof of the tent
  • Little heavier compared to other ultra-light options

Stormbreak 2 Review Comments

For the Stormbreak 2 Review, this is a good valued tent. I would put this tent on the heavier side of tents for being a 2 person tent. Comparatively, my 3 person light-weight tent, is much bigger and just slightly lighter.

Wait a minute, I heard a 3 person tent is best for 2 people, dog and gear. Why have a 2 person tent for 2 people? There are several kinds of tents out there with “built in cargo space”, allowing for extra gear sometimes. My 3 person tent is definitely a 3 person tent with cargo space, in that I could squeeze 4 people in a pinch, with gear in the vestibule to keep things dry.

So why a 2 person tent if my existing one works well? The square footage and area of the tent is too big and so sometimes I’m finding it hard to place the tent in backcountry places. These spots can sometimes barely fit a 2 person tent. Furthermore, the weight of the tent is a mild consideration, but I’m not gunning for any ultra-light options here.

A quick coffee in the vestibule of the North Face Stormbreak 2

Best Uses

I found this tent to have its home in backpacking with two people. If you have a furry friend that you don’t allow in the tent, this might be an option, depending how big your furry friend is. I say this mainly because the vestibules really can’t store that much gear. Again, I’m not concerned about weight with it being at 5lb 5 oz (2.41kg).

Generally, when you’re backpacking, you’re self sustained with two packs and the vestibule can store just that, with most your gear still packed in the pack. I took this tent out paddling and had found having life jackets, paddles, fishing rods, other packs, we fast ran out of storage space in the vestibule.

Car camping would work with this as well as most of the gear and food would be kept in the car over night.

Not paddling as I mentioned, you run out of vestibule space quick. However, if you’re one that usually sets up a tarp anyways for storage, then go nuts on this.

I may consider taking this into the low alpine, but would be wary, as it is rated for 3 seasons and I don’t believe the pole structure would be able to withstand the weight of snow and high winds. I may also consider winter camping in this tent, so long as I know I’ll be covered from winds in an appropriate camping spot.

Highlight Features

The vestibule and tent doors struck me the most. There are so many ways to configure it and even use it as an awning on days where you want to hang in your tent but still get some shade from the sun.

On the tent doors, they are some of the biggest and most accessible doors. With my 3 season tent, I constantly kneel on them when I open them, and they’re kind of in the way a lot.

Deep tent pockets right next to the door is amazing. And they store a lot. I mean, a lot. This will help keep your tent organized as much as possible.

I was pleasantly surprised (confused at first) with a glaringly single red tag on the footprint and the tent. This helps orientate the tent quickly, on set up, in case of a scramble to set up in foul weather.

That’s it for the Stormbreak 2 Review, but still check out the video below for all the details!

Stormbreak 2 Review Video

If you liked this article you’re looking for more gear talk, check out:

Paddling Gear Run Down

Paddling Gear Run Down

Rock Climbing Shoes

https://explorationsevo.com/2022/01/rock-climbing-shoes