LifeStrawMax – High Flow, High-Capacity Water Filter and Purifier for Survival, Emergencies, and Humanitarian Aid

There's not a better prepper water source around than this filter from LifeStraw.LifeStraw is famous for its filter straws--little, fountain pen-sized filters through which users suck dirty water. The straws can fit in a pocket and are used on hiking, camping and canoeing trips worldwide. Though not fine enough to filter out viruses, LifeStraw straws can handle bacteria and other contaminants, serving as a good basic source of clean water in the wilderness.This is the very opposite of the LifeStraw straws. This is a BIG water purifier containing membrane filters that, at .02 micron filtration size eliminate 99.999% of viruses as well as all bacteria. The LifeStraw Max also contains a carbon filter capable of removing pesticides, petrochemicals and other contaminants as well as a prefilter to remove coarse contaminants.The LifeStraw Max is capable of purifying up to 26,500 gallons (100,000 liters) with one set of filters. Replacement filters cost about $200 for a full set and the filters can (and should) be backwashed to achieve maximum filter lifespans. Backwashing is easily accomplished by turning the dial on the front to the backwash setting.When attached to a 1 bar pressurized water source, the LifeStraw Max is capable of purifying 40 gallons an hour--vastly more than even the best gravity-fed filters.This brings up an important point about the LifeStraw Max: to use the Max you must have water available under pressure from some source. There is a standard hose fitting on the side of the Max for introducing water into the filter. You can attach the Max to a pressurized municipal system under a boil advisory. You can attach it to a pump powered by batteries or a generator and feeding from a pool or lake. There are many ways to get water into the filter, but you need a minimum of one bar (15 psi) pressure for it to work.This is a superb system. There's really nothing else like it out there. There's a company in our area that supplies municipal water systems on a pallet for use in emergencies. This is basically that kind of system miniaturized for a house or small neighborhood. But, this thing is capable, at 40 gallons an hour, of supplying a whole neighborhood with purified drinking water in an emergency. Nothing else compares.

I wish id have known about it only working if u have running water also i wish id have bought a gravity fed one. This is for someone that has running water all the time or at least a water pump. Something to think about

Much larger than I expected, looks well organized and assembled. Housing appears sturdy, instructions are easy to understand. When I ordered this, I was thinking it would be like the hang in the tree version. I was completely wrong. This connects to a hose or pipe from a shallow well pump (or a crappy city system) and can filter over 20,000 gallons, which is awesome. Cost per gallon is good, in my opinion, and I tend to trust this brand. The box it is shipped in is the only packaging.

The threading was bad where the hose attaches to the unit. So I was losing 90% of the water before it even went into the filter. I returned the item. However, the little bit of water that did go through the filter came out crystal clear.

Such a great quality water filtration system. Instructions are straight forward and easy to understand. They give you multiple scenarios on how to back wash the system to keep it clean, and when to back wash.Other reviews mention needing water from a house or faucet and they dinged this system for that. I don’t think it was correct to do that. I have a portable pump system that works perfectly fine with this application. Doing a bit more research on what you are getting is paramount to planning for this setup.So many uses for off grid camping or emergency situations. The quality that LifeStraw offers in such a compact package is priceless. I love this system and feel secure in knowing I’ll will have fresh water when needed anytime!

It can not be said with enough emphasis. Safe drinking water is probably the most vital survival item a person will ever need in an emergency. With skill a person could forage for food. But finding clean and safe drinking water is near impossible. Unless you are carrying around a testing kit you could never know for sure. I live out in the country with well water. When the power goes out so does my water. This allows me to filter water from different sources like rain water to ensure I always have clean drinking water. And of course for cooking/meal prep. The instructions are pretty easy to follow. There is a very comprehensive video provide that demonstrates just how to use. Well worth the investment in my opinion.

This is a useful water filter if planning on using it daily. Although it can be used as a portable water filter, it not best suited for that, in my opinion. It does require a pressurized water source that greatly limits its deployment. Dry camping sites are out! Hence, that leaves areas to where there's a spigot available with ample water pressure to attach.Then there's the storage of the filters when not in use, after deployment. The proper process requires a degree in biotechnology! Or at least it feels like it!Well, if you're not planning on using this item daily, it's not worth the energy to purchase.It's best suited for a stationary camp site, that has running water you would want to ensure is clean for drinking...so, under the right scenario this could be a great item to use, but in most, it's not....

This is a 3 stage water filter, it can be had for 1/3 the price, or a 5 stage for about the same third.