The XStream Water Filter Straw

waterton national park, Alberta Canada,

For day hikers and backpackers alike, ensuring a safe and reliable source of drinking water is very important. This piece of gear offers a simple and effective solution to quench your thirst while minimizing your environmental footprint.

In this article, we’ll explore how the XStream Water Filter Straw works, how to care for it, and when to use it:

How It Works

The XStream Water Filter Straw is a small but powerful water filtration system that makes water purification on the go a breeze. Here’s how it works:

  • Dual Filtration: The XStream Water Filter Straw features a dual filtration system, combining a hollow fiber membrane and a carbon filter. This two-stage filtration process is capable of removing 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses, and 99.9% of protozoan cysts from water sources.
  • Easy Sipping: Using this straw couldn’t be simpler. Just find a fresh water source, whether it’s a stream, river, or lake, and place the straw’s tip into the water. Then, simply sip through the straw, and the advanced filtration system will do the rest. Clean, purified water will flow through the straw and into your mouth, instantly quenching your thirst.
  • The XStream Straw comes with a hand squeeze spray pump to fill water bottles and canisters and share the clean water love.
  • Long Lifespan: The XStream Water Filter Straw is designed for longevity, with a filtration capacity of up to 250 gallons (946 liters). This means you can enjoy many many trips without worrying about filter replacement, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.

Caring for Your XStream Water Filter Straw

Proper care and maintenance of your XStream Water Filter Straw ensures it continues to perform at its best. Here are some care tips:

  • Regular Cleaning: After each use, backflush the filter by blowing air into it. Or use the included cleaning syringe to remove any trapped particles and debris.
  • Dry It Out: Allow the filter to air dry thoroughly before storing it long term to prevent mold and mildew growth.
  • Avoid Freezing: Protect your straw from freezing temperatures, as this can damage the filter membrane. Store it in a warm dry place during cold seasons.

When to Use It

Knowing when to use your XStream Water Filter Straw is essential for a successful outdoor adventure:

  • Wilderness Exploration: Hiking in remote forests, trekking through mountainous terrain, and camping by a pristine lake – all of your outdoor adventures!
  • Emergency Situations: It’s not just for planned trips; the XStream Water Filter Straw can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. Keep one in your 72 hour kit or survival kit for the unexpected.
  • International Travel: If you’re an adventurer who loves exploring foreign lands, this is invaluable in regions where tap water quality may be questionable.

Video By Billy

Maybe you wanna see how it actually works? Check out Billy’s quick video giving you a visual run through on how this incredible filter works!

 

Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Hiking Carthew Alderson Trail

I’d like to share an experience that you are already one step ahead of me by having read this article! A few years ago my father and I went on a hike in Waterton National Park, Alberta, Canada.

He had completed the hike as a young man, and had forgotten how difficult it really was. Combine that with incorrect signage, the hike that should have been 15-17kms ended up actually being closer to 23kms. My father unfortunately was already pushing his limits (at 60+) doing a 15km hike.

  • FYI, I did my civic duty and called Parks Canada to inform them to update their signage

As we continued on: we ran out of food, ran out of water, and my father began moving even slower. I had a LifeStraw in my pack (which is an incredible product too), but my father is a larger man and cannot get down on the ground very well. Plus with his current state of weakening, I was concerned he wouldn’t be able to get back up. We were still in a dead zone without any service to call out for help. We did make it eventually through the experience, with many lessons learned.

When I later discovered the XStream water filter straw, the extended hose would have been incredibly helpful for him, and we could have hydrated him and provided him some safe drinking water as we worked towards completing this unexpected hike. Hydration is extremely important!

Pro tip: Be prepared! Learn from other people’s experiences and stay safe!

Conclusion:

For day hikers and backpackers, the XStream Water Filter Straw by Sagan is a game-changer in the quest for clean and safe drinking water. Grab your backpack, lace up those hiking boots, and embark on your next adventure with confidence, knowing that we have your hydration needs covered. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and keep exploring the world’s most beautiful places!

/by