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MSR Trailshot  Microfilter versus LifeStraw Review

In this blog I take a look at two of the best lightweight instant water purification products that will suit long distance runners, campers and adventurers. Sometimes its not suitable or appropriate to light a fire or boil water, and carrying loads of water adds obvious weight to your pack so I took a look at the solution that allows adventurers to carry less water without the fear of getting thirsty. These are the LifeStraw and the the MSR Trailshot.

MSR Trailshot  Microfilter versus LifeStraw Review

LifeStraw – Lightweight, low cost and Great in an emergency

I’ve used the Lifestraw for about a year already. Its very lightweight at 2oz ( 56g for us Brits !) and at only about $20 really good value for money. Ive carried it round with me and used it on a few occasions. It works ‘like a straw’ with the user simply placing the side end in the source of water and the sucking from the other end.

The LifeStraw works great BUT it has 3 distinct issues I’ve never entirely been happy with. The first is that you have to get VERY CLOSE to the water supply, often to the point where the chances of you falling in the water supply are high. Secondly you have to suck VERY hard, and I mean really concentrate and lock off the seal with your tongue while you take a deep breath. It takes quite a few sucks to get the water to run all the way through the straw and its hard work to drink. That said the Lifestraw does a great job of purifying even the dirtiest of water of all sediment and all bacteria.

MSR Trailshot  Microfilter versus LifeStraw Review

My third issue with the lifestraw is it then doesn’t empower me to be able to pour pure water into one of my empty bottles, its more of a drink now not later principle.  After over a year using the LifeStraw I found it was being used as a backup for being low on water in a semi emergency rather than an integral part of my hydration set up.

MSR Trailshot  Microfilter versus LifeStraw Review

MSR Trailshot – The Great All rounder 

This week the MSR Trailshot arrived and I actually got excited.  A brief look at it in the box and it was obvious it was likely to adress all of the issues I had with the Lifestraw. The Trailshot weights in at about 5oz ( 150 grams) and comes in at about $50 but in my opinion its WELL worth it.

MSR Trailshot  Microfilter versus LifeStraw Review

The Trailshot has a long hose that you can dip easily into your water source, so you have a reduced chance of falling in, and the action of purification is powered by your hand squeezing rather than your mouth sucking. This means this little gadget BLASTS through the water and can produce a litre of water in about a minute which you can easily drink as it flows, or more importantly pour straight into your water bottle. The nozzle is even designed size wise to match a bladder or straw bottle system so you can pump straight into the bottle.

MSR Trailshot  Microfilter versus LifeStraw Review

I took both the lifestraw and the MSR Trailshot for an 18 mile trail run along the West Rock Ridge in Connecticut on a cold December day and deliberately left the house with an empty water bottle so I was forced to use the new MSR Trailshot. I was not disappointed and demonstrated me using it in the video below.

Verdict 

Both the Lifestraw and the Trailshot do a great job purifying water, but be warned they DON’T remove viruses or potential chemical pollutants necessarily. They also wont turn seawater into fresh water !

The Lifestraw is good as a lightweight and low cost emergency last resort water option whereas I will most likely work the Trailshot into part of my overall water plan when out running. Although slightly heavier and bulkier it provides far more options for me when I encounter lakes and streams so for me its the clear winner here.

So all in all both are good for different reasons and uses.

You can buy the MSR Trailshot and Lifestraw in the USA from REI.com by clicking on the links.