I have had the original lifestraws for 5 or 6 years now.
I had them in my pack and gave 1 to my brother, nephew and daughters for their packs.
They worked well for me and I have no complaints
However about 4 years ago my marine buddy introduced me to the sawyer mini, I don't think that it filters any better than the lifestraws, but I do think it is a more convenient form factor

However neither model is good for use in below freezing weather so I have other methods available in the winter


The stripes of a tiger don't wash away. Be a man of steel not clay JYD #102