Thanks for the review and insight. I'm still learning about these, so the simple advice about avoiding freezing and how to test if the membranes have failed is very helpful. And like others have said, the need to pre-filter water is pretty important. On pre-filtering: of course one should only be using clear, running water, but even water with sediment (not that you should be using this if you have any possible options) will also become much more clear in an hour or so just by letting the water sit, most particles will settle out. Then use the filter to get out the microscopic contaminants.
There’s a little filter you can get for the befree that you just slide over it. It works great as a pre-filter then you just scoop the water all in your bottle and you don’t have to worry too much about it. I unfortunately couldn’t find a link to post. I wonder if people stopped making them?
Most people are too impatient and expect their filter to turn water from hell into a purest H2O from heaven in a matter of seconds. Stupid is as stupid does.
Thank you for reviewing these two. I was trying to decide which one of these when I found your review and it greatly helped my decision on the matter. Nicely done.
@@rayaankhan3834 being able to squeeze the flask helps quite a bit. The last trip that I brought it on, I did not bring the plunger that is used to back flush the filter. Towards the end of the trip, it was extremely hard to draw through. I think I might use it only when paddling in the boat and while at camp, I’ll go back to using my gravity filter.
I agree that there is always room for improvement. However, I have realized that all gear has its pluses and minuses, so I try to pick gear with minuses that I can live with for the most plusses I can't live without. Thanks for the comment. I hope you enjoyed the video and found it helpful!
Great comparison with a lot of good points made that got unsaid by the professional reviewers on UA-cam, especially your take on folks who just throw any water into their filters without pre-filtering it first. I carry a coffee sock (strainer) in my kit just for that. It does 3/4's of the work so by the time your water goes through your filters, it's just getting the micro organisms.
You could buy whatever filter you prefer and get just a replacement membrane to mix and match. Let's say you want more durable Lifestraw bag, but want that open membrane of Katadyn or vise versa. You could even just buy a replacement membrane and use with a standard bottle of your choice and save on bag.
Thank you for this, looked at the available water filtering options and hardly see anyone talking about the Lifestraw out there in comparison to the big options. I think it is a great product that sits well with the other product lineups if you don't like the Befree's system and its "proprietary" elements such as back-flushing or non-standard threading. Another option that I might be looking at is the quickdraw.
I was going to purchase the quick draw and test it out and review it, but there were so many videos about it that I decided to focus on the Life straw. Most major brands make a good filter; there’s always a pluses and minuses to everything. I have heard nothing but good stuff about the quick draw, so I think that would be a great filter. Thank you!
I liked your video. I ended up buying both...plus a grayl, and a camelback-lifestraw. Family of four and we will each use a different one for thr upcoming july trip
That’s wonderful. I haven’t really talked about it yet, but I always take two filters with me in case one fails. If the four of you have filters it gives you security if you have one fail
The BeFree is 0.1 micron, the Lifestraw is 0.2 micron. BeFree is the way to go! Also, I would go for the 600ml as it is cheaper, the size does not matter if you are using just to fill up your main water bottle.
While it sorta sounds counterintuitive due to its open caged design, I find that the BeFree clogs/slows quite a bit quicker than the other cartridge style alternatives when it comes to silty water that we often find here in the southwest. Pre-filtering can help, but I still end up with cloudy/brown water in the bag. Not sure why this is, but I know others have noticed this as well.
@@BackpackingGearNut I just purchased a Lifestraw Peak Series collapsible bottle and filter system and the air CAN be squeezed out of the bottle through the filter. I'm wondering if this is only because I haven't yet got the filter wet - it's brand new and therefore dry. I'm hoping I haven't received a faulty filter... Will have to check if this changes once it's been used and is wet... Thanks for any advice 👍
@@joannecostigan4244 look on the packaging that it came in and make sure that the micron level is .0 1 or .02 because if it’s .03 or higher, it will let air through it. oxygen requires a bigger opening then .02 microns.
@@joannecostigan4244 that shouldn’t be able to let air through it. Check and make sure everything’s nice and tight and then verify that it is coming through the membrane. And I would say take it back if that doesn’t solve your problem.
great video! thank you for explaining this so well.. i will go for the lifestraw simply because i cant hang the befree one in my backpack haha and also because i can keep out of the bag in case i find potable water, i dont want to use the filter unnecessarily.. so it is for sure that i can buy befree filters to use on the lifestraw bottle? because i cant find lifestraw filters
Nice review. Only suggestion is flow rate comparison. Yeah noticed the huge weight difference. I did get the 2L Hydrapak weighs more but helps filter faster and I don't see this bag failing.
Though it don't come with one, you can backflush the befree. Catheter tip syringes works well, but you'll need to find one that doesn't reach into the cap too far. In my experience the monoject 60 ml catheter tip syringe works perfectly, it's about $1/syringe and extended the life of my clogged filter that I've had for 2 years now. Thanks for the vid and the comparison, just got a lifestraw to try out since I feel like they've integrated the best features of a befree & a sawyer into 1 product. Though I'm still on edge about lifestraws since their original filter absolutely sucks.
Did you provide the total weight of the Lifestraw WITH the syringe? Would it be even more than 3.9 oz? You didn't compare the flow rate of either. BeFree is known to have one of the fastest flow rates for drinking ??? 🤷♂
Sorry for the slow response I didn’t provide the total weight with the syringe because I don’t carry it. I backflush with clean water from the clean bottle and that works well for me. It’s not the perfect solution for everybody but you know we all figure out what works best for us.
How dirty can the water be and still be made drinkable by these? I just bought the LifeStraw for a trip to Ecuador, and I'll probably be using it in the mountains, at relatively high elevations (3000m). The instruction booklet in the package says that it filters "flowing" water, but what does that mean?
@@BackpackingGearNut Please do and let me know. I'm just going off specs listed online. BeFree filter only is listed at 1.6oz and the Lifestraw Peak replacement filter is listed at 1.2oz. Then again, that "adapter" that goes around the Lifestraw filter to fit it on the bag may not be included and weigh more than the 0.4oz difference. I still thing it would be worth it for the versatility of the Lifestraw. I liked the BeFree, but it's pretty much a one trick pony.
@@BackpackingGearNut It was time for a new filter, so I wound up picking up the Lifestraw Peak 650 on sale at REI. I didn't realize how overbuilt the components are, even beyond the bottle. However, it's all modular so it's easy to get rid of all the unnecessarily heavy bits and swap them for lighter things. Swapped the 650ml bottle for an old 600ml BeFree bottle. Swapped the cap and spout for a SmartWater cap. Result weights 2.6 oz versus the Be Free system at 2.4 oz. An unnoticeable 7g penalty, the versatility but I'm having trouble getting a water tight seal on the BeFree bottle as the lip doesn't seem to be quite as high as the one on the Lifestraw bottle. You don't have that trouble?
I love my Sawyer products. I find that my different filters work better for me in specific situations. These bag-style filters are quick and easy for when I’m doing lots of miles. And I like the sawyer squeeze for any time I know I’m going through areas That have murky water. Because it’s relatively easy to clean quickly. I also like what they’re doing in the world to help others in the name of Jesus!
My filters tend to last me about a year, but I am careful how dirty the water is that I put in them. I also would suggest pre-filtering before it goes into the filter and that’ll help. I have most of all of the major brands of filters, and they all clog. Some of them are nice because they’re easy to backflush, but with all of them I have found that I need to take a little extra care about the water I put in. Thank you so much for your comments!
Exactly the review I needed. Ty sir!
My pleasure!
Thanks for the review and insight. I'm still learning about these, so the simple advice about avoiding freezing and how to test if the membranes have failed is very helpful. And like others have said, the need to pre-filter water is pretty important.
On pre-filtering: of course one should only be using clear, running water, but even water with sediment (not that you should be using this if you have any possible options) will also become much more clear in an hour or so just by letting the water sit, most particles will settle out. Then use the filter to get out the microscopic contaminants.
There’s a little filter you can get for the befree that you just slide over it. It works great as a pre-filter then you just scoop the water all in your bottle and you don’t have to worry too much about it. I unfortunately couldn’t find a link to post. I wonder if people stopped making them?
Most people are too impatient and expect their filter to turn water from hell into a purest H2O from heaven in a matter of seconds. Stupid is as stupid does.
Thank you for reviewing these two. I was trying to decide which one of these when I found your review and it greatly helped my decision on the matter. Nicely done.
Glad I could help!
Hi Jason, what one did you end up going with?
@@jarradrumbold I went with the life straw since weight isn’t an issue. Most of my travels are by canoe so I can carry more weight.
@@JasonCC1234 How did the flow rate turn out on the life straw? Just bought and about to take on a canoe trip
@@rayaankhan3834 being able to squeeze the flask helps quite a bit. The last trip that I brought it on, I did not bring the plunger that is used to back flush the filter. Towards the end of the trip, it was extremely hard to draw through. I think I might use it only when paddling in the boat and while at camp, I’ll go back to using my gravity filter.
I started using the B free, I dig it. There's always room for improvement.
I agree that there is always room for improvement. However, I have realized that all gear has its pluses and minuses, so I try to pick gear with minuses that I can live with for the most plusses I can't live without. Thanks for the comment. I hope you enjoyed the video and found it helpful!
Nice review!!!
Thanks
Great comparison with a lot of good points made that got unsaid by the professional reviewers on UA-cam, especially your take on folks who just throw any water into their filters without pre-filtering it first. I carry a coffee sock (strainer) in my kit just for that. It does 3/4's of the work so by the time your water goes through your filters, it's just getting the micro organisms.
Thank You!
so helpful when you actually showed detailled use, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent review. Thanks
My pleasure!
You could buy whatever filter you prefer and get just a replacement membrane to mix and match.
Let's say you want more durable Lifestraw bag, but want that open membrane of Katadyn or vise versa.
You could even just buy a replacement membrane and use with a standard bottle of your choice and save on bag.
Yes, very accurate!
Thank you for this, looked at the available water filtering options and hardly see anyone talking about the Lifestraw out there in comparison to the big options. I think it is a great product that sits well with the other product lineups if you don't like the Befree's system and its "proprietary" elements such as back-flushing or non-standard threading. Another option that I might be looking at is the quickdraw.
I was going to purchase the quick draw and test it out and review it, but there were so many videos about it that I decided to focus on the Life straw. Most major brands make a good filter; there’s always a pluses and minuses to everything. I have heard nothing but good stuff about the quick draw, so I think that would be a great filter. Thank you!
i’ve heard nothing but good stuff about the quick draw from platypus. I don’t have one as of yet to test. Thank you!
I liked your video. I ended up buying both...plus a grayl, and a camelback-lifestraw. Family of four and we will each use a different one for thr upcoming july trip
That’s wonderful. I haven’t really talked about it yet, but I always take two filters with me in case one fails. If the four of you have filters it gives you security if you have one fail
The BeFree is 0.1 micron, the Lifestraw is 0.2 micron. BeFree is the way to go! Also, I would go for the 600ml as it is cheaper, the size does not matter if you are using just to fill up your main water bottle.
Sounds like a good Plan! Thanks for your comments!
While it sorta sounds counterintuitive due to its open caged design, I find that the BeFree clogs/slows quite a bit quicker than the other cartridge style alternatives when it comes to silty water that we often find here in the southwest. Pre-filtering can help, but I still end up with cloudy/brown water in the bag. Not sure why this is, but I know others have noticed this as well.
I didn’t know about the “air can’t flow” test. Thanks. That helps so much!
You bet!
@@BackpackingGearNut I just purchased a Lifestraw Peak Series collapsible bottle and filter system and the air CAN be squeezed out of the bottle through the filter. I'm wondering if this is only because I haven't yet got the filter wet - it's brand new and therefore dry. I'm hoping I haven't received a faulty filter... Will have to check if this changes once it's been used and is wet... Thanks for any advice 👍
@@joannecostigan4244 look on the packaging that it came in and make sure that the micron level is .0 1 or .02 because if it’s .03 or higher, it will let air through it. oxygen requires a bigger opening then .02 microns.
@@BackpackingGearNut hey mate, shows 0.2 micron pore size according to the box.
@@joannecostigan4244 that shouldn’t be able to let air through it. Check and make sure everything’s nice and tight and then verify that it is coming through the membrane. And I would say take it back if that doesn’t solve your problem.
great video! thank you for explaining this so well.. i will go for the lifestraw simply because i cant hang the befree one in my backpack haha and also because i can keep out of the bag in case i find potable water, i dont want to use the filter unnecessarily.. so it is for sure that i can buy befree filters to use on the lifestraw bottle? because i cant find lifestraw filters
Glad it was helpful!
Nice review. Only suggestion is flow rate comparison. Yeah noticed the huge weight difference. I did get the 2L Hydrapak weighs more but helps filter faster and I don't see this bag failing.
Thanks for the tips! Yeah, I should’ve done the flow rate comparison. Thank you so much!
@@BackpackingGearNut What's the verdict for which has a better flow rate?? Thanks!
@@asdfpic they are both similar. I personally prefer the katadyn it’s lighter.
@@BackpackingGearNut Thanks!
@@asdfpic my pleasure
Though it don't come with one, you can backflush the befree. Catheter tip syringes works well, but you'll need to find one that doesn't reach into the cap too far. In my experience the monoject 60 ml catheter tip syringe works perfectly, it's about $1/syringe and extended the life of my clogged filter that I've had for 2 years now.
Thanks for the vid and the comparison, just got a lifestraw to try out since I feel like they've integrated the best features of a befree & a sawyer into 1 product. Though I'm still on edge about lifestraws since their original filter absolutely sucks.
Let me know how that works for you. I tried the backflush, and it worked for me.
Did you provide the total weight of the Lifestraw WITH the syringe? Would it be even more than 3.9 oz? You didn't compare the flow rate of either. BeFree is known to have one of the fastest flow rates for drinking ??? 🤷♂
Sorry for the slow response I didn’t provide the total weight with the syringe because I don’t carry it. I backflush with clean water from the clean bottle and that works well for me. It’s not the perfect solution for everybody but you know we all figure out what works best for us.
How dirty can the water be and still be made drinkable by these? I just bought the LifeStraw for a trip to Ecuador, and I'll probably be using it in the mountains, at relatively high elevations (3000m). The instruction booklet in the package says that it filters "flowing" water, but what does that mean?
It can be very dirty you just might need to clean it more often.
Does the lifestraw work with larger hydrapak softflasks like the Seeker?
I don’t have any of the soft flasks, but I imagine it would befree and Hydrapack are the same company
@@BackpackingGearNut yeah but lifestraw is not
Is it necessary to pre filter if there’s no debris in the water?
No. You do not need to pre-filter. If you feel like the water isn’t murky.
The Lifestraw filter itself is lighter than the BeFree. The lightest combo is the Lifestraw filter on the BeFree bag.
When I get home I will Weigh them and see if the life straws filter is lighter. I’ve never tried that.
@@BackpackingGearNut Please do and let me know. I'm just going off specs listed online. BeFree filter only is listed at 1.6oz and the Lifestraw Peak replacement filter is listed at 1.2oz. Then again, that "adapter" that goes around the Lifestraw filter to fit it on the bag may not be included and weigh more than the 0.4oz difference. I still thing it would be worth it for the versatility of the Lifestraw. I liked the BeFree, but it's pretty much a one trick pony.
@@BackpackingGearNut It was time for a new filter, so I wound up picking up the Lifestraw Peak 650 on sale at REI. I didn't realize how overbuilt the components are, even beyond the bottle. However, it's all modular so it's easy to get rid of all the unnecessarily heavy bits and swap them for lighter things. Swapped the 650ml bottle for an old 600ml BeFree bottle. Swapped the cap and spout for a SmartWater cap. Result weights 2.6 oz versus the Be Free system at 2.4 oz. An unnoticeable 7g penalty, the versatility but I'm having trouble getting a water tight seal on the BeFree bottle as the lip doesn't seem to be quite as high as the one on the Lifestraw bottle. You don't have that trouble?
i know you're talking about weight but would it not be better the befree filter (as it's 0.1 instead of 0.2) in the more durable lifestraw bag?
Would it brake even i clean it and dry it before winter.?
No. Water expands so if there is no water it will be fine.
Well preparedness folks seem to be more conservative, so since lifestraw is woke, guess which one I'd choose? BINGO! lol What about sawyer?
I love my Sawyer products. I find that my different filters work better for me in specific situations. These bag-style filters are quick and easy for when I’m doing lots of miles. And I like the sawyer squeeze for any time I know I’m going through areas That have murky water. Because it’s relatively easy to clean quickly. I also like what they’re doing in the world to help others in the name of Jesus!
@@BackpackingGearNut yeah i actually saw a video about what they're doing in Africa with the water. It's amazing.
Dude if you call something woke because they are against racism you must be a racist POS lmao
"Viruses in the United states isn't a big deal"
H5N1 entered the chat.
That is true.
Karadyn filter s,ck they clog up after couple months.
My filters tend to last me about a year, but I am careful how dirty the water is that I put in them. I also would suggest pre-filtering before it goes into the filter and that’ll help. I have most of all of the major brands of filters, and they all clog. Some of them are nice because they’re easy to backflush, but with all of them I have found that I need to take a little extra care about the water I put in. Thank you so much for your comments!