Best water filter straws for camping and hiking

Top pick: LifeStraw Original — the benchmark straw. A 0.2-micron hollow-fiber filter, about 1.6 oz, rated for roughly 1,000 gallons, and you drink straight from the source with no pumping or batteries. For most hikers it's the simplest thing that works.

Who the others suit:

• Aquamira Survival Straw — if you want a parasite filter plus antimicrobial treatment and a higher flow rate for sipping on the move.
• Practical Survival High-Capacity Straws — long trips or a group: 0.1-micron pores and a very long filter life.
• iSpring 2-pack — two straws plus spare filters, good for a family or a backup kit.
• LifeStraw with carry case — same filter, easier to keep clean and packed.
• Budget multi-packs (HOMUHOMU, Purewell) — cheap spares for car kits and kids; expect shorter filter life and less testing data.

Whatever you pick, carry a backup and don't rely on a straw alone for silty or chemically tainted water.