Individual filtering Water from a portable water filter
Individual filtering Water from a portable water filter

LifeStraw vs Sawyer MINI: Best Survival Water Filters for Off Grid, Outdoor Rec and More [2023]

Written by Robert Brannon

Most of you are probably familiar with the Survival Rule of 3. You can survive 3 hours without shelter in extreme conditions, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.

In this article, we're gonna focus on the water part.

Whether you're off-grid by necessity or in the backcountry by choice, having a portable survival water filter at the ready can literally save your life. The best options are light weight and easy to use.

Most critically, they remove dangerous bacteria, protozoa and other pathogens when your available water supply is contaminated or of questionable quality.

Hell, even in the safety of your own home, your water supply may become compromised forcing the government to issue a boil water advisory. Well, if you have one of these babies handy, you and your family have a much better chance of riding it out successfully and confidently.

Three of the most popular survival water filters are the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze and the Sawyer MINI. To make your buying decision easier, we compared the pros and cons of each product, then picked the best option for several uses:

  • SHTF and Off-Grid Situations
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Travel

Ready? Let’s get started here.

Media Mentions

Why use a plastic bag when you can simply screw on this end cap, specifically designed for Sawyer water filters?

Zoe Gates
Editor at Backpacker

Media Mentions

In future, I’ll use gravity when I can, and squeeze when I have to.

Richard, aka "LowRange
Hiker

Media Mentions

For longer hikes, it’s convenient to carry a small backcountry water filter, such as a Sawyer Mini or Micro, which allows you to replenish your water from natural sources like streams or ponds.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker