TREKKING
Product 2026
Femme, Homme, Enfant
We tested the LifeStraw SIP Essential straw over several months this summer, including during photo shoots for the UTMB Europe. When carrying a heavy camera pack in the mountains, there are inevitably compromises to be made when deciding what gear to take along. Water is often one of the things sacrificed to save a few grams. Yet staying hydrated during intense activity is essential.
The LifeStraw SIP Essential allows you to drink directly from a stream, pool or water source, even close to the ground. Another option is to fill an empty soft flask or bottle and place the straw inside, filtering water that may not be safe or suitable for drinking.
The result is a filtration solution with minimal weight: just 24 grams on our scale, and 27.3 cm long for the LifeStraw SIP Essential. You can make it even lighter by leaving out the protective cap, which also allows the straw to stand upright on a table. Its low weight makes it an excellent option for activities such as trail running.
According to LifeStraw, the straw removes 99% of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, 99% of parasites, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and 99% of microplastics. Its filtration capacity is rated at up to 1,000 liters. The materials are BPA-free and FDA-approved.
In use, the LifeStraw SIP Essential offers a good flow rate, so you don’t find yourself struggling for breath when you want to take a drink. Suction is easy and comfortable. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that while the straw filters the water and makes it safe to drink, it does not remove the taste — or rather, the unpleasant tastes. So you either need to choose a water source with little or no odor, or use our trick: drink with a mint candy or mint chewing gum in your mouth.
We would have liked to see an integrated attachment system on the LifeStraw SIP Essential. For example, securing it to a backpack shoulder strap is not particularly easy.
Overall, this is a genuine ultra-lightweight water filtration option that is highly effective. At just 24 grams, it allows you to drink safer, cleaner water wherever you go. Hot Deal Award – Test4outside
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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