TBH, would've thought this is a good idea up until the week I spent having to filter every drop I drink.That said, it might be different for people starting with cleaner water, my problem was the constant back-washing required.
A pump type filter is certainly easier. Boiling is always a great choice however when temperatures are high boiling water just sounds bad.
Quote from: Aloha007 on January 30, 2017, 09:56:00 AMA pump type filter is certainly easier. Boiling is always a great choice however when temperatures are high boiling water just sounds bad. I don't think its the boiling per se, it seems to me that it would be the lack of cooling that would be the problem. I would think that water would stay hot for hours, at least where Gerhard went.Def
For what it is the Lifestraws seem like good products but a part of me hates them because of all the hype they seem to get for all the wrong reasons. From time to time they pop up in my social media feeds as the revolutionary way to bring water to African communities that don't have their own wells or where the water is unpotable. The problem here is of course that a Lifestraw wont give you water for cocking due to the straw design and as such it's at best a temporary solution. This might be problematic in hiking/outdoors scenarios as well if you bring freeze-dried food. But for a disaster-kit it might be very well suited (or indeed for a water bottle).
Quote from: Fortytwo on January 29, 2017, 11:00:59 PMFor what it is the Lifestraws seem like good products but a part of me hates them because of all the hype they seem to get for all the wrong reasons. From time to time they pop up in my social media feeds as the revolutionary way to bring water to African communities that don't have their own wells or where the water is unpotable. The problem here is of course that a Lifestraw wont give you water for cocking due to the straw design and as such it's at best a temporary solution. This might be problematic in hiking/outdoors scenarios as well if you bring freeze-dried food. But for a disaster-kit it might be very well suited (or indeed for a water bottle).I am not fully aware of Lifestraws activities nor if any are making a difference or not. What I can say is Lifestraw is not the best on the market for sure. I personally like the Grayl bottle filtration system however living in the US I should be fine with the one I have even not filtering viruses ( I have iodine tablets ). The Grayl is about $60 which is still decently priced considering what it can do. As mentioned I have iodine just in case and I can always boil which is always best based on this table https ://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/drinking/Backcountry_Water_Treatment.pdfAs for cooking water in the back country, I always fill a pot and boil that water for cooking ( pre filtering / disinfecting ). The reason I picked this up is because I couldn't pass on the deal. I was offered this bottle for $3.00 US. So as you can see it was a no brainer for me. I carry a hydration pack on long hikes ( half day ) and for shorter hikes ( few hours ) I carry a 40oz stainless bottle along with a platypus foldable bottle. I figured this filter system would be back up to my hydration pack for those longer hikes. I think we are also very much on the same page in terms of this being ok for emergency usage. It doesn't filter out chemicals however. I agree this filter system has limits but I feel its better IMO than the Straw version. Water disinfecting and filtration is getting easier with newer product on the market. Multiple means to accomplish it is always my approach.I appreciate your views and all views as it always helps me see clearer my direction and course of action.
I personally support charity water. I think any company willing to put money towards helping others is a good thing. Helping others is a good thing. They are certainly a company that likes the general public to know they are involved with bringing clean water to those that need it. Its not such a bad thing IMO. It can be off putting no doubt. We were told as youngsters if you help someone do it anonymously. Never bring attention to what you did but rather the cause. Interesting to note that this generation of consumers is really motivated to spend their money with companies that do something. I think I read that the millennials buying power and buying influence has surpass boomer with about 1/4 of the worlds population are millennials. They tend to buy from companies that give back. I don't know it Lifestraw is actively trying to engage them but many brands are.
Quote from: Gerhard Gerber on January 30, 2017, 09:46:42 AMTBH, would've thought this is a good idea up until the week I spent having to filter every drop I drink.That said, it might be different for people starting with cleaner water, my problem was the constant back-washing required.I imagine that would have been a real pain in the arse for sure!Still, I'll bet it was better than trying to carry 5 days' worth of water with you from the get go! BTW, if it helps any, I re-read that thread just a couple of days ago and was in awe over such a cool adventure all over again!Def
I have 2 LifeStraws that I bought during my Survivorman-phase, tested them, but never used or relied on them.It's probably a good emergency tool, but you'll probably end up with varicose veins on your cheeks if you drink through it constantly. Fish River is out this year since it's fully booked already, but there's another 90km trail we want to tackle, bit expensive but it starts 30km from town which eliminates travel and accommodation costs.Closest I've come to a game plan for next time is buying a second Sawyer.