If there’s one brand name that nails it on the head, it’s LifeStraw. I mean, their filters can literally save your life when you find yourself in remote places where clean drinking water is not a given.
Their LifeStraw Peak Squeeze has certainly saved mine on more than one occasion, filtering out all the nasties from questionable water sources and keeping me hydrated when I needed it most.
In this review, I aim to give you a clear picture of the Peak Squeeze’s value, which, for me, is tremendous.
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KEY FEATURES (34 OZ)
PROS
CONS
Filter
The filter is the heart of this bottle, and it’s been working beautifully for me so far. It removes 99.999999% of bacteria (like salmonella, cholera, and E.coli) and eliminates 99.999% of parasites and microplastics. Plus, it takes care of silt, sand, and cloudiness greater than 0.2 microns.
What I especially like about my Peak Squeeze is its versatility. You can fill the bottle and squeeze it, or you can get the straw with the filter out and drink directly from the source. I use the second option surprisingly often!
The flow rate is another standout feature. It provides up to 3 liters of water per minute – a breath of fresh air after trying other filters with painfully slow rates.
Before buying my Peak Squeeze, I’d been using the Sawyer Squeeze water filter system with a flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute, but it felt even slower. With the Peak Squeeze, you get your water quickly.
However, from what I’ve noticed, the Peak Squeeze can get clogged pretty quickly, sometimes even after using it just 2-3 times. That’s why I never set out on any hike without a syringe to backflush the filter regularly.
Filter Score
★★★★☆
Taste
Before buying my Peak Squeeze, I read multiple negative reviews about a bad, plasticky taste.
What’s my take? Well, the taste does indeed have some flavor from the filter during the first few weeks, but over time this improves. It’s not the worst experience for my palate, but it’s certainly not the purest taste I’ve tried either.
While it’s not the pure taste of glass bottles, when I’m out in the wilderness, taste takes a backseat to having clean drinking water available.
Taste Score
★★★★☆
Durability
When I first saw that LifeStraw advertises the Peak Squeeze as “extremely durable with 2x thicker materials,” I raised an eyebrow. Brands love to throw around words like “extremely,” and I tend to be cautious.
But after almost a year of putting this bottle through its paces, I’d say the durability has been pretty decent.
The housing material is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is both safe and fascinating. It combines characteristics of plastic and rubber, giving it both durability AND flexibility. It can even stretch up to 500% and bend without breaking, which is quite impressive.
I’ve actually snagged this bottle on a branch or two during my hikes, and it didn’t rip apart. That says something about the sturdiness of the TPU material.
Durability Score
★★★★★
Lid & Cap Usability
The lid and cap design of the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze is straightforward. No complex elements or pieces here.
Let’s start with the cap. Opening and closing it requires four movements to unscrew and screw it back correctly. It’s connected to a retaining strap, a feature I’ve grown to love more with each cap I lose over time.
Moving on to the lid, the design starts with a spout, which is surprisingly narrow, with a diameter of only 0.35 inches (9 mm). It might just be the smallest spout I’ve ever drunk from, but that hasn’t been an obstacle in my drinking experience.
Lastly, there’s a rigid tiny carry hook, which is part of the lid. I haven’t used it yet, but it seems like it could be handy for attaching the bottle to your backpack.
Lid Usability Score
★★★★★
Portability
The LifeStraw Peak Squeeze is collapsible, which is a strong selling point for me. I absolutely love bottles that can shrink down so small you can fit them into every nook and cranny of your backpack. This bottle offers that possibility, making it even more versatile.
However, keep in mind that you’ll also need to find space for a filter and a syringe (if you plan to backflush the filter along the way), and the lid with the cap isn’t the smallest I’ve seen either.
Carrying the bottle could be more comfortable, too. When the cap is closed, the strap creates a carry loop that accommodates only one finger. If the bottle is full, carrying it by this loop can tire your finger quickly.
Sometimes I find myself wishing this loop were bigger, so it could fit at least two fingers for better comfort.
A bigger and more flexible loop would also help to prevent the collapsed bottle from springing back to its full form. This is a feature you can find in the HydraPak Flux, and it’s something I miss in the Peak Squeeze.
Despite these quirks, the entire water filter system is super light at just 3.6 ounces for the 22 oz. version. This is a blessing on longer hikes or backpacking trips. It’s easy to overlook a few minor inconveniences when you’re not lugging around extra weight!
Portability Score
★★★★★
Leakproofness
When it comes to the leakproofness of the Peak Squeeze, I have nothing but good things to say. After putting it through extensive real-life tests, this bottle has proven itself over and over again.
One of the standout features is the margin for error it offers. I’ve noticed that the water only starts to leak if you screw the cap on less than 80%. This safety net is a big plus in my book, adding bonus points to its already stellar leakproof capabilities.
Leakproofness Score
★★★★★
Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance
Maintaining the water bottle’s filter can be a bit of a pain, especially since it’s NOT dishwasher-safe.
You’ll also need to backflush the filter regularly with a syringe that comes in the package. This might sound a bit tedious, but whenever the flow rate slows down, it’s a clear sign that your filter is clogged and you need to take action.
Additionally, if you’re not planning to use your Peak Squeeze for more than a month, you need to store the filter in a saline solution. This helps keep the filter membrane at its highest performance but does add an extra step to your maintenance routine.
Ease of Cleaning Score
★★☆☆☆
Versatility
The Peak Squeeze’s versatility is on par with other collapsible bottles with filters. The biggest advantage here is its lightweight and collapsible design combined with a reliable filter.
This makes it an excellent choice for hiking, camping, or ultralight backpacking trips. You can squeeze it into the tiniest corners of your backpack, and when you need it, pop it out and fill it up.
But the utility of the Peak Squeeze doesn’t stop at the great outdoors. I, for one, find it incredibly useful for travel. Airports can be a bit of a gamble when it comes to water quality, and I prefer not to take chances.
Of course, the Peak Squeeze doesn’t have insulation. If it had that feature, it would probably be the perfect water bottle. But even without insulation, it’s still a versatile companion that I take to many places.
Versatility Score
★★★★☆
Price/Value Ratio
I bought my 22 oz. Peak Squeeze for $37.95, but if you want the bigger 34 oz. version, you’ll need to shell out $43.95. At first glance, this might seem like a hefty price tag for a water bottle, but in the market of water bottles with built-in filters, it’s not really that much.
In fact, I would say the Peak Squeeze is very reasonably priced considering the value you’re getting.
However, there’s a hiccup: the price of replacement filters. The membrane microfilter lasts up to 500 gallons (that’s 2,000 liters), but replacing it will set you back $17.95. Sure, that’s a bit pricey, but this is an expense most people can afford after a couple of years of regular use.
What about the warranty? LifeStraw offers a 3-year warranty on the Peak Squeeze, which is decent but not spectacular. Some other brands offer lifetime warranties, which would provide more long-term security.
Price/Value Ratio Score
★★★☆☆
Conclusion: Is LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Worth It?
Given all the lifesaving features of the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze, especially its beautifully working filter, my verdict is that this bottle is worth every penny.
Now, I’m usually against aggressively pushing products to readers. There are other water filter systems out there that can serve you well, HydraPak Flux and Katadyn BeFree being prime examples.
But the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze has won a special place in my heart and it’s the one I reach for most often. If you’re looking for your first bottle with a filter or you’re an advanced hiker or backpacker, the Peak Squeeze should be on top of your list.
LifeStraw Peak Squeeze |
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Final Score: 4.1/5 |
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
