Do you want to buy Pure Flow Water Filter Straw? Like you, the news of the predicted Super El Niño led I and my husband into adding a water filter straw to our checklists.
You may have seen advertisements for the Pure Flow Water Filter Straw, sold on shoppureflow.net, and wondered whether it is worth buying. I was interested in it too, but when I checked on Amazon.com I saw a toprated option called LifeStraw instead.
Sold for same price with Pure Flow; $79 for 5, I immediately placed an order and it got delivered in less than five days (thanks to Amazon Prime membership). Here’s my brutally honest review
My experience using this Water Filter Straw
I and my husband took our water filter straw out for a test during a backcountry hike in the Rocky Mountains. Whenever we came across a stream or lake, we stopped to try the water. Some of the water came from melting snow, while other sources were lakes where beavers and other wildlife lived.
The water didn’t have any noticeable added taste when we drank through the filter, and neither of us became ill during or after the trip. Of course, feeling fine after a hike doesn’t prove that water is free of every possible contaminant, but the experience gave us a practical opportunity to try the filter in the kind of outdoor setting it was designed for.
One thing I noticed, though, was that drinking through this water filter straw takes some effort. You have to suck quite firmly to get the water flowing, and keeping it flowing can take a bit of work too. At higher altitudes, when you’re already getting winded from hiking, this can make drinking water more tiring than you’d expect. Our drink breaks sometimes lasted longer because of it.
Still, I think the size and weight make up for that drawback when you’re hiking through mountainous terrain. It is small enough to carry without adding much bulk to your backpack, which is exactly what I wanted from a portable filter.
What I Like About Pure Flow Water Filter Straw
The main advantage is its portability. It weighs less than two ounces, doesn’t need batteries or electricity, and can be used directly from a suitable water source. You don’t have to carry a bulky filtration system when you’re trying to keep your backpack light.
The personal filter is designed to remove bacteria, parasites such as protozoa, and microplastics. Its published filtration claims include removal of 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites. The filter is rated for up to 4,000 litres of water, although its actual lifespan depends on water conditions and proper use.
I also like that it’s relatively simple to use once you’ve prepared it according to the instructions. There is no complicated setup involving power or pumping, and blowing air back through the straw after drinking helps clear residual water.
For someone preparing an emergency kit, these features are useful. However, I’d treat it as one part of emergency preparedness rather than a complete solution to every water safety problem.
What You Should Know Before Buying
Water Filter Straw is not designed to remove everything that could make water unsafe. Its personal filter does not remove viruses, dissolved chemicals or salt, so it shouldn’t be treated as a universal purifier. Water that looks clear can still contain contaminants that the filter cannot handle.
It is also worth remembering that a straw-style filter requires you to drink directly from the water source or collect water in another container. That might be convenient on a hike, but it could be less practical during an emergency when you need to collect and store water for later.
Before using it for the first time, follow the manufacturer’s priming instructions. After use, clear the filter as directed, keep the protective caps on, and follow the storage instructions. Do not assume that a used filter can be stored indefinitely or that it will remain safe after freezing.
For emergency planning, I would also keep a supply of properly stored drinking water at home and follow local public health advice about water safety. A filter straw is a useful backup, but it should not be your only plan.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact.
- No batteries or electricity required.
- Designed to filter bacteria, protozoa and microplastics.
- Useful for hiking, travel and some emergency situations.
- Rated for up to 4,000 litres under the manufacturer’s stated conditions.
Cons
- Requires suction to draw water through the filter.
- Does not remove viruses, dissolved chemicals or salt.
Honest take
I’m glad we bought this water filter straw because our hiking trip gave us a chance to see how a portable filter works in practice. The suction required is a genuine inconvenience, but its lightweight design makes it a useful option for outdoor activities and certain emergency situations.
As my husband and I continue preparing for whatever weather challenges may come, having a portable water filter is one more practical step on our checklist. Just remember that water filter straws are a backup tool, not a replacement for stored drinking water or a comprehensive emergency water treatment plan.