Have you ever dreamt about sipping glacier-chilled stream water, but seen far too many survival-shows-gone-wrong to attempt such a disastrously dangerous act?
Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or simply looking to fulfil that strange dream, let us introduce you to the straw with a built-in filter. Once the preserve of survivalists and overly enthusiastic Duke of Edinburgh participants, this curious contraption has sauntered out of the wilderness and into the handbags, glove compartments and festival rucksacks of the more hydration-conscious urbanites among us.
The idea is simple: suck in, and let the magic happen. The ‘magic’, naturally, being a labyrinth of hollow fibres, charcoal filters and chemical-free purification wizardry that removes 99.9 per cent of nasties from whatever dubious body of water you’re attempting to drink from.
But this clever tech isn’t quite as newfangled as it seems. Humans have been attempting to clean up their drinking water for millennia. The ancient Egyptians were already onto something around 1500 BCE, using sand and gravel to filter water, while Sanskrit texts describe boiling and filtering methods not entirely unlike modern ones.
Activated charcoal –the most popular of today’s water filters – has been used since at least 400 BCE, favoured for its remarkable ability to adsorb impurities and odours. In roughly 480 BCE Hippocrates developed what became known as the Hippocratic Sleeve: a cloth bag used to further purify boiled water by filtering it through cloth.
Fast forward a couple of thousand years, and we arrive at 2005, when Danish company Vestergaard introduced the now-legendary LifeStraw. Initially designed not for backpackers or influencers who can’t go two hours without a camel-coloured Stanley cup, but for emergency relief in disaster zones and refugee camps, it was a triumph of design-for-good. The original straw resembled a blue plastic flute but could filter up to 1,000 litres of contaminated water without the need for batteries or fuss.
Since then, the technology has evolved and diversified. Now, the humble filter straw (which is still priced at under £30) is just one player in a whole chorus line of hydration heroes.
There are bottles with integrated filters, countertop and under-sink options for your home, and stainless-steel numbers so sleek you could mistake them for a tech accessory. Brands like Brita, Grayl and Sawyer have thrown their caps in the ring, all offering slightly different spins on the same idea: water, purified on demand, wherever you are.
Of course, as with all gadgetry that promises life-changing ease, there’s nuance to be navigated. Not all filters are created equal—some tackle viruses, others don’t; some improve taste, some make it worse. And while you might not be planning a trek through the Amazon (unless you count your commute through Oxford Circus), choosing the right straw or bottle can still make a meaningful difference, environmentally and hygienically speaking.
So, whether you’re trying to cut down on single-use plastics, planning a summer of questionable camping trips, or simply tired of London tap tasting vaguely of regret, you might want to stick around.
Shop our top picks below
Original LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
The one that started it all. Designed in 2005 for humanitarian aid, the original LifeStraw remains a minimalist triumph: ultra-light, chemical-free, and capable of filtering up to 4,000 litres of water.
It uses a membrane microfilter with 0.2-micron pores, removing bacteria, parasites and microplastics without electricity or iodine. Ideal for emergencies, camping, or just stashing in a glovebox.
Buy now £22.95, Amazon
LifeStraw Peak Series
A refined evolution of the original, the Peak Series ups the ante with a sleeker silhouette and enhanced durability. Designed for rugged use, the filter is clog-resistant, even in silty water, and comes with a more flexible mouthpiece and cap. It still removes 99.999 per cent of bacteria, parasites and microplastics, but the construction is tighter, lighter and easier to integrate with gravity systems or hydration packs.
A modular upgrade for those going farther afield.
Buy now £32.48, Amazon
LifeStraw Sip – Reusable Stainless Steel Water Filter Drinking Straw with Carry Case
For the urban dweller with a sustainable streak, the LifeStraw Sip brings stainless steel elegance to the everyday straw. Tucked inside its smooth metal shell is a replaceable membrane filter and activated carbon capsule, which removes not only pathogens and plastics, but also chlorine and chemical aftertastes.
Its compact form and carry case make it ideal for restaurants, offices or eco-conscious travel.
Buy now £34.99, Amazon
LifeStraw Go 650ml | Tritan Renew
Function meets form in this 650ml reusable bottle, made from BPA-free Tritan Renew (a more sustainable plastic alternative). Inside, a dual-stage filter removes pathogens and unpleasant tastes alike, making it ideal for hiking, travelling or questionable tap water.
The built-in straw allows for on-the-go sipping, while the handy loop lets you hook it to any pack. A practical, self-contained solution for those who want filtration without faff.
Buy now £45.90, Amazon
Grayl UltraPress Water Purifier
One of the few consumer purifiers that effectively removes viruses as well as bacteria and protozoa, the Grayl UltraPress is a favourite among adventurers heading truly off-grid.
Its patented press system forces water through a dense purification cartridge, eliminating pathogens, particulates, and even heavy metals. The result? Potable water in just 10 seconds. Heavier and pricier, yes, but for remote travel or dodgy tap supplies abroad, it’s peace of mind in a bottle.
Buy now £84.88, Amazon
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Tiny but mighty, the Sawyer Mini weighs just 57g yet filters up to 378,000 litres—by far the highest capacity in this line-up. Using a 0.1-micron hollow fibre filter, it removes bacteria and protozoa with ease, and threads onto standard water bottles or inline hydration systems.
It’s capable of removing 99.99999 per cent of all bacteria, such as Salmonella, cholera and E. coli, and 99.9999 per cent of all protozoa, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. It doesn’t remove viruses or necessarily improve taste, but for pure filtration efficiency at a microscopic scale, it’s hard to beat.
Buy now £47.99, Amazon
Lifesaver Bottle
The gold standard in portable water purification, the Lifesaver Bottle goes well beyond filtration. With a 0.015-micron pore size, it filters out viruses as well as bacteria, cysts and microplastics, meeting NSF Protocol 231 standards (an NSF/ANSI standard for certifying microbiological water purifiers).
No chemicals, no pumping, just pressurise and drink. It holds 750ml, filters up to 6,000 litres, and comes with a replaceable carbon disc for taste and odour. The price tag reflects its uncompromising specs – this is kit-level tech for serious scenarios.
Buy now £174.99, Amazon
Larq Bottle Filtered Granite White
The Larq Bottle offers a minimalist take on everyday filtration. Its plant-based carbon filter improves taste and clarity, though it doesn’t remove pathogens—making it best for cities with treated water but suspect plumbing or flavour.
Lightweight and stylish, the double-walled stainless steel keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, and the filter lasts for up to 60 litres. Ideal for office days, pilates studios, and anyone tired of chlorinated aftertaste.
Buy now £68.00, Amazon
