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LifeStraw ($19.95 MSRP) is a water filtering straw that allows you to drink water from a questionable source while camping or adventuring. It’s portable, and you can put it in a case (either by LifeStraw or third party) after use to keep the inside of your pack dry, and it lasts a long time (1000 gallons of water). I like this because it is compact (9 x 1.2in – 22.9 x 2.6cm, 1.6oz – 46g), it lasts almost 3 years of daily use at 1 gallon per day, and the maintenance when you get back to civilization is easy. Also, when you buy one of these, LifeStraw provides one child, one year of safe water. Pretty cool.
There are fakes and clones out there, and I do not recommend them as this is a life supporting and life saving tool. The last thing I need is for it to not work when I absolutely need it.
Now, you can boil questionable water in the wilderness and drink it, but I like filtering it even after boiling. But if I am thirsty and haven’t had water for over 24 hours, I will go to the clearest water (I have drunk through this straw where I could not see the bottom) and just sip using this straw.
This is great for a hike if there is water source during the hike, or for camping near a water source so you don’t have to pack days of water. I just pack water for cooking and coffee/tea, and drinking I use the straw. Need I say more? Just pick one for the whole family and have it in your packs. You won’t regret it, and when you need it, it comes in handy and may save your life (remember 3 days without water is bad).
I hope this helps you decide on a portable water filter for your adventuring and survival needs.