This Filter Makes Any Water Drinking Water

We spent a week hiking with the LifeStraw Peak Series to see how it stands up to outdoor adventures.

Published March 15, 2022

Updated September 8, 2022

Brand: Lifestraw
Product:LifeStraw Peak Series Personal Water Filter Straw, LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Water Bottle Filter System; 1 L, LifeStraw Peak Series Compact Gravity Water Filter System; 3L
From: LIFESTRAW.com

We love any product that helps us go further and harder–particularly in outdoor pursuits. When it comes to hiking, camping, and other off-grid activities, the best gear lives at the intersection of durability, user-friendliness and low weight. The LifeStraw Peak Series is a perfect example: this system takes water filtration to the next level, combining ultimate versatility with rugged but lightweight and sustainable materials. Thanks to clever engineering upgrades, the latest from LifeStraw also boasts an enhanced flow rate and overall performance.

The LifeStraw Peak Series includes a Personal Water Filter Straw, a Collapsible Squeeze Water Bottle Filter System and a Gravity Water Filter System. All three products are made with tough materials that won’t puncture, tear, or burst–no matter how rugged your adventure gets. And custom, leak-proof caps keep your other supplies high and dry. Lifestraw has re-engineered the filter membrane and backwash accessory for better performance against sand and silt, and for maintaining great flow over the long haul. Every element of the system is super compact, and removable filters are easy to stow away. Plus, unlike other water filters, it’s extremely versatile. The new straw boasts threading and a hydration hose connection allowing it to be used with standard water bottles or hydration packs.

To put the Peak Series to the test we spent a week with all three products to see if they live up to the hype.

forrest with mountains and a small campsite

man drinking from lifestraw collapsible bottle

From the Brand

“With the Peak series, we spent a lot of time designing the membrane configuration within the filters to offer enhanced flow rate and performance. But we also paid a ton of attention to materials and design in order to offer a versatile, super tough, leak-proof and modular set of products that perform to the expectations of outdoorists and adventurers. We are also proud that this line contributes to our Give Back program, providing millions of kids with safe water.”

What We Like

We put the Peak Series to use during an extended hiking excursion near the Nehalem River outside of Portland, OR, meaning the Lifestraw gear was in its element: surrounded by water in need of filtration. Right away, we were impressed with how packable the Lifestraw products were. Each piece features universal threading, replaceable filters and built-in quick connectors, eliminating the need for a bunch of adaptors. Its obvious durability gave us the confidence to stuff it into a full pack without spilling on other gear. It’s that easy: fill it up, stow it in your pack, and continue on your way.

Lifestraw–especially the Peak Series–comes in handy for more than quenching your thirst on a hike. We used the filtered water for a caffeine hit too; after a long day on the trail, a hot cup of coffee was both needed and easy to make happen. Once you’ve reached a stop-off, the Compact Gravity Water Filter System can be easily hung in your campsite, allowing for easy access to water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. (And coffee–the four Cs.) And if you’re hiking with a four-legged friend, the Collapsible Squeeze Water Bottle Filter System is perfect for giving your pooch a water break as well.

Lifestraw is all about peace of mind, not only because you’ll always have access to clean water, but because there’s no need to weigh down your pack with spare hydration. That the Peak Series system is so easy to use, not to mention lightweight and packable, completely seals the deal.

Who It’s For

Lifestraw is an ideal piece of gear for any outdoor adventurer, whether that means journeying for weeks at a time in remote destinations or day trips outside your city. Regardless of your plans, there is an ideal Lifestraw product for you:

The Personal Water Filter Straw is perfect when you need a quick sip from a stream. Dip the straw into any body of water and filter it in real-time as your drink. The Straw is ultralight, so you can pack it in your pocket for backup/emergency hydration needs.

The LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Water Bottle easily fit into the side pocket of our pack even when full of freshly filtered water, making it a go-to accessory and a must-have.

The Compact Gravity Water Filter System is perfect for longer hauls. Whether it’s a longer hike or just a weekend spent at a campsite, the filter system holds three liters of water and seamlessly attaches to your campsite for easy distribution.