In what may be the least conventional choice on this list, the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter offers an unorthodox method of staying hydrated while venturing outdoors. This specialized straw turns dirty water from any pond, puddle, or creek into clean drinking water instantly as you’re drinking out of it, allowing for a way to get clean water during an emergency. That may sound too good to be true, but rest assured, the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is as real as it gets.
The secret to this nifty tool’s bold claims comes down to its precise filtration technology. Housed inside the straw is a microfilter membrane with pores of 0.2 microns, which takes out 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.999% of parasites. With proper use, the straw can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water over its lifetime. It stood up to the rigorous testing of such organizations as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and the National Sanitation Foundation.
Along with receiving a stellar 4.8 out of 5-star rating average on Amazon, the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is also listed among the best camping gadgets by platforms such as Family Handyman and Esquire. You can get your hands on this one-of-a-kind buy for between $12.99 and $64.95, depending on how many you get.