Gear Review: Lifestraw Go water bottle with two stage filter
This is a 650 ml water bottle with a filter inside that removes both bad taste and harmful bacteria (and other microorganisms) that can make you sick. It allows you the ultimate flexibility, to be able to access safe and good tasting water from literally anywhere.
It removes 99.9999% of bacteria from any freshwater source, meaning you can literally safely drink from any water source.
I’m a big fan of these type of filter-as-you-go water systems. They are very convenient and mean you don’t have to worry about having safe drinking water at any time, especially if you’re in a pinch. Another comparable system is the Katadyn BeFree water filtration system, which is lighter weight. The bottle, though not as portable, is more robust than the Katadyn filter bag and will be less prone to leaking since it’s thick plastic.
How it works
The two-stage filter includes two filters, a carbon filter and an advanced hollow membrane. The carbon capsule reduces chlorine, bad taste and odour. The carbon filter is good for about 100 litres. The advanced hollow fibre membrane to remove waterborne bacteria and protozoa, good for about 1000 litres. It removes about 99.9999% of e-coli and other waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites (including giardia and cryptosporidium).
The filter also reduces water turbidity to 0.2 microns, and the bottle is BPA free.
Replacement hollow fibre membrane cartridges are available, as well as replacement carbon capsules. The replacement carbon capsules are $9.95 for two and a replacement 2-stage filter (which includes a new carbon filter) costs $24.95. You will probably go through a few carbon filters before you need to buy the larger filter, which is good for about 10 times as much water.
The bottle has a straw through which you pull the water through the filter to drink. Because you’re pulling water through the filter, it takes a bit more suction to drink the water than normal, but the flow rate is pretty good.
Recommended uses
This bottle is very convenient having along where drinking water is not readily available. We used it for several weeks while paddling on Haida Gwaii. There are numerous fresh water sources on the islands, but with a large population of bears and deer, plus lots of other smaller rodents, water can easily be contaminated. After getting sick from drinking untreated water on the coast, I’m definitely not brave enough to drink untreated water anywhere other than from the high alpine in the mountains. It only takes one incident of getting that sick to really emphasize the importance of proper water filtration and treatment. With an item as convenient as this one, there is no need to go thirsty or take your chances with untreated water.
The bottle can be used anywhere: in the backcountry, camping, in the city or travelling. Use it anywhere you have concerns about water safety or taste.
How to clean
When you’re done drinking, simply back flush the filter by removing it from the bottle and blowing. The remaining water in the filter will be removed and the filter will be ready for use again.
About LifeStraw
As well as producing quality products, LifeStraw is also socially responsible. They have a program called “Follow the Liters” which gives a child in a developing country free, clean safe drinking water for an entire school year.
Disadvantages
The only feature that I didn’t really like is the carabiner attached to the bottle. Many people find these useful, but I find they can get in the way. However, this is not really an issue as the strap can be removed.
Where to Buy
The LifeStraw bottle is available from the LifeStraw store at Eartheasy.com. The bottle comes in five different colours and retails for $44.95.
Looking to purchase the bottle? You can save 15% and get free shipping at LifeStraw with our exclusive coupon code.
Next, look for our review of the LifeStraw personal water filter. It’s literally a straw you can use to drink out of any water source!
This is an unbiased review of the LifeStraw Go two-stage filter bottle. This is an unbiased review of the bottle, and no payment was taken.
- How to experience the world while isolated at home - April 21, 2020
- How to prevent and treat hypothermia - February 21, 2019
- How to layer with your down jacket - November 28, 2018