I was curious what information anyone can give me on the Lifestraw water bottles. I know there are single filter lifestraw bottles and also 2-stage filter bottles. I'm sure the 2-stage filters are obviously best, but at the same time, I'm curious if they would be overkill for the boundary waters. It seems to me based on the description of the single filter water bottle that it would serve the purpose of filtering just fine, but I'd rather hear it from people who have used them in BWCA. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!

Water filters usually state the level of filtration they provide. Lifestraw, Sawyer and Katdyn all list the removal to 99.999% So, the real question is flow rate, filter vs. purify, ease of operation. I prefer Sawyer products.
The filter can be removed to setup a DIY gravity filter in camp.

I also have the Sawyer Water Filter Bottle like Grandma L and I find the filter in a bottle concept handy for drinking on the go while traveling in the BW. As she stated they all basically filter out the same level of bacteria, protozoa, and parasites. Looking at the Lifestraw website under the original single stage bottle, there's a link to comparative chart and there is no difference in their filtering capability. The difference is that the 2-stage adds a carbon filter to remove chlorine (non-existent in BW) and "bad taste". The Sawyer bottle does not have a carbon filter and I do not find that bothersome. So yes, they both filter at the same level. Neither is a purifier, but the carbon does not make it one either. The Sawyer filter can be back flushed in the field to maintain flow rate and can easily be converted to a gravity system with a couple of bags and some tubing. I do not know if these are true of the Lifestraw filter or not.

Thank you Boonie and GrandmaL. Both helpful comments. Will definitely look into the Sawyer. I like the idea that it back flushes. After a little more research I have found that the 1 filter Lifestraw would be fine.

Thanks Again!
Darin

Get the Sawyer. The filter lasts forever if you take care of it.

If you have a CamelBak eddy or similar water bottle with a straw, you can make your own by replacing the straw with a Sawyer Mini filter.

At the Midwest Expo - the Katadyn rep. stated that they have changed some of their filter - eliminating the carbon or maybe it was charcoal core that would clog quickly in the BWCA water.

I took the Lifestraw water bottle last year and was glad I had it. Was nice to dip in the lake for a nice cold drink. Much more convenient than filtering large quantities of water, or worse running out of water while on travel days. You're on to something. This is a good investment.