CamelBak Reservoir Filter Kit Filtered by LifeStraw

I have an older camelback that has Hydro Lock connection system. Unfortunately I didn’t know that QuickLink was a slightly different system. Don’t buy it unless you know specifically you have a QuickLink system.

The filter is to big for what I was planning to use it for but other than that is perfect. The taste of the water can’t never be compared to a bottle of water like Aquafina but is good enough for me.

This is an interesting alternative to pump filters like the Katadyn water filter or Sawyer squeeze. Anyone who has used a lifestraw before will recognize the trade-off between it and the aforementioned: drinking through a filter is a bit more work than just drinking normally. This filter is no exception. Regardless, for those who just want to fill up and go rather than messing around with filtering water into bottles or pumping, this is certainly an option.The filter itself has a three piece construction: the main chamber with glass fiber filter medium, a smaller carbon filter piece, and then the piece which you connect the tube into. This would provide for the ability to replace filter components as they wear. Camelbak states that the carbon filter has a lifespan of 25 gallons (100 liters), whereas the glass fiber filter has a lifespan of 1000 gallons (4000 gallons). That said... Camelbak does not sell replacement parts! Or if they do, I don't see any online.Despite the filter being able to broken down -- I have not experienced this, this is just conjecture -- I am slightly concerned about the potential for mold growing inside the glass fiber piece, because there is a gap around the filter and the plastic housing. After using the filter, I noticed some droplets of moisture on the inside. If you don't take the care to place it so that any water could drain out, I could easily see mold growing in that space. Given the ability to take the filter apart, I would have liked to see a screw on bottom to open up this area and ensure that no moisture collects inside.All in all, it's about what you would expect from having a lifestraw attached to your water bladder. It has its place, but I don't think it's for everyone.

Got this because I have an Osprey hydration pack that I use when we go to Disney. This fits fine on the Osprey quick connect system, a little snug if anything but no leaks. If you have ever been you know the Florida tap water tastes like a swamp. Tried it out on the tap water at home and it takes all the funky flavor out. I will buy spare carbon filters before the next trip but we will see how it holds up.

This is so much easier when you're deep in the woods and have only scattered streams or no streams to use a lifestyle. I went on a 28 mile hike and was always looking for the next stream to get a drink because my water bag was out and I was without in between. This solves my problem.