LifeStraw Peak Series Solo
Specifications
| Weight | Flow Rate | Type | Capacity | Filter Life | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 oz | 3 L/min | Straw/Squeeze/Gravity | n/a | 2,000 L | $24.95 |
Filtration Rate & Capacity
The Peak Series Solo boasts an impressive flow at 3 L/min, quicker than typical squeeze filters like the Sawyer Squeeze (~1.7 L/min). This higher flow rate comes with a trade-off of lesser filtration (0.1 micron vs 0.2 micron), however for most backpackers this equates to a negligible difference. LifeStraw rates it for 2,000 L (≈500 gal) of filtration, which is strong—though not as vast as Sawyer, but again this may be an insignificant comparison at this product price point.
Filtration Capability
With a 0.2 µm membrane, it captures 99.999999% of bacteria, 99.999% of protozoa, as well as microplastics, silt, and cloudiness, meeting EPA/NSF standards. While it doesn’t remove viruses like the Grayl UltraPress, for typical U.S. backcountry use, this level of protection is more than sufficient .
Weight & Packability
The Peak Solo filter weighs only 1.7 oz and at roughly 5” with a thin narrow design, it will fit just about anywhere in your pack. The bottle packs compactly in a side pocket, and the filter itself fits comfortably in a hip belt or tiny corner of your pack.
Ease of Use
Setup is intuitive: either drink directly through the straw, squeeze filtered water into another container or squeeze bag —Thread compatibility is solid. Backflushing is straightforward with the included syringe or swap filter heads between setups. The Peak Solo is even capped on both ends of the unit to avoid leakage in your pack when not being used.
Price
Peak Solo filter retails around $25, positioning it very competitively compared to other systems — especially with performance matching or exceeding peers at a higher price range.
Quality & Materials
The filter body is made from sturdy ABS plastic with effective flip-top caps and secure threading. LifeStaw is a B Corp company, which speaks to the quality of the company .
Consumer Sentiment: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast flow rate — nearly 3 L/min
- Robust filtration with EPA-certification
- Modular and versatile — works as straw, squeeze, or gravity filter
- Compact and durable with intuitive design
Cons
- Slight vacuum-building in a squeeze bottle
- No virus filtration (if you’re you’re traveling in an area where this is needed)
- Must be protected from freezing
How It Compares to Competitors
Sawyer Squeeze: Peak Solo has a faster flow but has lower lifetime capacity. Modular, but 0.2 µm vs Sawyer’s 0.1 µm means slightly coarser filtering.
Platypus QuickDraw: Similar flow rate, but Peak Solo offers a more competitive price point at a slightly lower weight. QuickDraw is the more durable option while easier to maintain.
Katadyn BeFree: BeFree is more difficult to backflush and a slower flow, also less versatile.
Who It’s Intended For
The Peak Series is built for backpackers, thru-hikers, ultralight travelers, and trail runners who want a fast, easy, and multi-use filter system. Its combination of flow, modularity, and durability makes it ideal for both solo use and small groups at camp. It isn’t the best choice when virus protection — but for most three-season backcountry use, it is an excellent all-rounder.
