Its rather amazing what modern water filtration and purification can do. Ive seen —and tried! — the hallmark demonstration of drinking water directly from tepid, brackish pond water with no ill effects. And still, I cant quite believe it.

　　But beyond the novelty, companies like LifeStraw, MSR, and Sawyer have had massive public health impacts where clean water is a luxury few can afford. Guinea worm disease, a parasitic infection every bit as unpleasant as the name suggests, was once a massive global health crisis, with 3.5 million cases in 1986.

　　Since modern filtration and purification products and campaigns began, that number plummeted to just 13 cases reported last year. In fact, the disease is on pace to become the first to be eradicated without a vaccine — and its thanks to the same gear and technology many of us use for recreation.

　　And because the technology works so well, its now becoming more commonplace and convenient to use. To that end, LifeStraw this week launched the Sip — its slimmest and, by some measures, most low-profile water filtration device to date. The Sip looks and functions like the reusable stainless steel straws that have begun to widely replace their single-use plastic counterparts.

　　In short: LifeStraws Sip filter removes parasites, bacteria, and microplastics from your water. Its extremely slim, packable, and weighs just 3 ounces. And when it has reached the end of its 1,000L life, you can disassemble and recycle it. Its likely better suited to sightseeing globetrotters than serious ultralight backpackers as an option to add an extra layer of safety for questionable water sources.

　　Looking for the ideal backpacking water filter? Check out our picks for the best choice for you.

　　LifeStraw Sip

　　Specs Weight 3 oz. Length 10 Filters (2 microns) 99.999% parasites | 99.999999% bacteria | 99.999% microplastics Capacity 1,000L Construction Stainless steel, silicon MSRP $35 Pros Slim profile is easy to pack Design looks like a normal straw for public settings High 1,000L capacity Recyclable (when disassembled) Cons Requires a separate receptacle to hold water Does not stop water-borne viruses Adam Ruggiero Check Price at REI LifeStraw Sip: Why a Steel Straw? To understand what this filtration straw does well, its helpful to first acknowledge what it doesnt do. This is not a water purification device. In other words, it will not defend against viruses. It will remove virtually all parasites, bacteria, and microplastics, however.

　　As many of us are all too aware these days, viruses tend to rear their ugly heads when there are people about. Because viruses tend to be species-specific, purification tends to be a greater concern in areas more heavily populated with people. Conversely, filtration usually works well in backcountry environments and areas not likely to be widely contaminated with human fecal matter.

　　(Photo/LifeStraw) Gross, I know —but knowledge is power. So where, then, does the LifeStraw Sip come into play? Like the namesake products that gave LifeStraw its name, the Sip is designed to filter directly at the source. For drinking water away from a river, lake, or stream, you would need a separate bottle or receptacle.

　　But LifeStraw already makes a Peak Series Straw with the same capabilities in a lighter-weight package. Ive only had the Sip for a few days, but its niche seems to be, like many modern outdoor products, trail to town. It looks almost indistinguishable from increasingly common standard reusable metal straws.

　　So while it will filter water at a mountain camp, you could casually use it at a restaurant abroad, where water treatment and safety are questionable.

　　The big caveat here is that viruses remain a concern. Think of the Sip as more practical peace of mind in a greater array of scenarios.

　　LifeStraw Sip Filtration Straw Review LifeStraw sells this Sip individually (MSRP $35) or in a three-pack ($90). It comes with a carrying case, but everything else you need is ready to go and fully assembled. The straws are all stainless steel and are available with five different colored silicone mouthpieces.

　　The only prep you need is the first draw to saturate the internal hollow fiber membrane. Fill a cup with clean, potable water, and then suck that through the straw. It will take a few draws to move water all the way through, but once you do, the straw is ready for a life of filtration.

　　Ive only used the Sip for a couple of days and have yet to take it into the backcountry. But I have used it to drink from less-than-ideal water — water that had run through a houseplant, blended with loose-leaf tea and rice. The idea was to try the filter in dirty water with noticeable flavor and sediment.

　　After a few strong draws the liquid came through. When it did, it had no trace of sediment. There was some lingering flavor, though, compared to the unfiltered control sip.

　　I also backflushed the straw, which is easy and intuitive. To clean after use, blow out through the straw to clear any debris and expel any lingering water. I also drew and backflushed with clean water, because Im somewhat obsessive about putting gear away clean.

　　I will continue testing the Sip on more typical use cases and update this review as I go.

　　Initial Impressions, Who Its For When camping, I prefer gravity filtration over pump, squeeze, and straw options. I like the added volume and passive, set-it-and-forget-it design.

　　However, its less suitable for backpacking and not practical as a travel solution. The Sip has an elegant design. It definitely fits in at restaurants or hotels abroad in place of bottled water. I would be comfortable using this like any old reusable straw to add a measure of safety.

　　That said, be mindful that it wont block viruses. So in densely trafficked areas, I would not lean on the Sip as my primary source of safe drinking water. Also, it does require a stiff effort. Its not prohibitively difficult, but sip is a more appropriate monicker than the chug.

　　Overall, I like the Sip as a water filtration choice for folks who are less focused on backcountry solutions and more keen to add a level of safety to water in more developed arenas. Its size and handsome design make it much more inconspicuous than any other filtration Ive used.

　　The Lifestraw Sip is available exclusively at REI now and will launch on LifeStraws site on May 20.

　　LifeStraw Peak Series Solo Water Filter Review: Popular Goes Pocket-SizeThe LifeStraw Peak Series Solo water filter is small, light, and effective. Read more

　　Adam Ruggiero Check Price at REI