6 Awesome stocking stuffers for travelers and adventurers

Despite how well we know our friends and family, holiday shopping can still be stressful. The internal debate goes like this: Do they already have that? Will they actually use it? Is it going to break the bank? Will someone else give them the same gift? 

If you have an adventurous outdoorsy friend, safety conscious dad, home-goods loving mom, or cool traveling aunt, LifeStraw has the perfect stocking stuffer for you.

The company started out as a humanitarian brand promoting equitable access to safe water across the globe. While LifeStraw continues to prioritize global health efforts as B corp and climate neutral brand, their products have become popular among outdoor enthusiasts and also for household use.

During the holiday season when you might start to feel a guilty about overconsumption or spending money, know that purchasing LifeStraw products is a way to give to your loved ones and have a positive impact on someone across the globe. For every LifeStraw product purchased, the company provides a year of safe water to a child in need through their schools program.

Get ready to be a stocking stuffer master with these noteworthy LifeStraw products that keep giving.

1. LifeStraw Peak Series Straw

I tried LifeStraw’s Peak Series Straw for the first time at a freshwater river near Pocantico Lake, NY – a great area for running, hiking, and walking. As an outdoor lover and beginner backpacker, I’ve not only been yearning for more opportunities to engage in exciting outdoor adventures, but also to build my knowledge and inventory of essential outdoor gear. 

While spending more time outdoors, I’ve quickly learned that hydration is KEY. Whether you're hiking, backpacking, camping, or going for a walk, drinking enough water and then some is critical to keep your body healthy! On longer outdoor excursions or in backcountry areas, the less you have to carry, the better. That’s why this sleek, streamlined filtration straw is ideal to bring in any outdoor setting. It’s small enough to fit in many jacket pockets and can be clipped onto a fanny pack or backpack with a carabiner. It’s lightweight and extremely portable (which means it’s also the perfect stocking stuffer size)!

I love the LifeStraw Peak Series Straw because the 0.2 micron pore size membrane microfilter removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness – making me feel safe while quenching my thirst on-the-go or in an emergency situation. Drink straight from a body of water (like I did), attach the straw directly to a water bottle, or fill up a container and sip from there.

Before sipping directly from the source, I was admittedly a bit hesitant while staring at the leaves, dirt, and mossy rocks submerged in the water, but was amazed by how clean the water tasted– no trace of muck in my mouth! And… the gratification is instant! 

Using the straw was much simpler than waiting to boil water or popping an iodine pill in my water bottle and waiting 30 minutes for the water to be safe to drink. There was no wait time, no confusion, no mess, and no additional pieces to screw on and off. As a newbie to backcountry adventuring, it’s the non-intimidating product I need!

When finished, I blew out the backwash and snapped on the bottom and mouthpiece covers to prevent water from dripping and was on my way! Easy, simple, and effective. I’m definitely going to bring the Peak Series Straw with me on future backpacking, camping, or long fishing trips and can envision my adventurous friends and family members using it too. Since it’s so lightweight and narrow, it wouldn’t hurt to keep one in your backpack or car at all times for emergency situations.

2. LifeStraw Personal Straw Filter Carry Case

For the organized friend who always keeps their possessions in pristine condition, adding in this simple, yet sleek case is the perfect accessory item to go along with the straw. Throw it into any bag and you won’t need to worry about any scratches, bumps, or shocks to your prized new personal filter system! 

3. LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze 1L Bottle with Filter

For the athlete or on-the-go adventurer, this flexible, squeeze water bottle is compact and packable. Because this water bottle can fold, roll, and bend, it’s perfect for the runner who can easily slip the empty bottle into a pocket or the thru hiker who can remove the filter and use the bottle as a storage pack instead. The built-in, removable filter protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness. 

4. LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Filter System– 3L

For the camper, full-day barbecuer, or van-lifer, this 3L gravity filtration system is extremely useful. While protecting against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness, this gravity system allows you to collect a larger amount of water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, etc. Rather than lugging large jugs of water to and from your campsite or picnic area, save your energy to focus on the friends and family around you instead! This system also comes in an 8 Liter capacity, perfect for larger gatherings or backcountry basecamps. 

5. LifeStraw Go 1L

For the outdoorsy/environmental college student, a reusable water bottle is a must! There was rarely a day in college when I didn't have a reusable water bottle nestled into the side pocket of my backpack for easy access. These days, reusable water bottles are in and single use bottles are very much out. 

Your water bottle is often an extension of your personal style. With this go bottle that comes in multiple colors and filters out bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter, dirt, sand, and cloudiness, there’s no doubt people will be asking about it. From the classroom or office to the great outdoors, this will be your best friend! The attached carabiner is great for clipping it onto backpacks too. 

Whether you’re looking to give a great, practical gift for the adventurers in your life or want to contribute to an important humanitarian cause, you can’t go wrong with a LifeStraw product.

Trying out the personal water filter straw for the first time encouraged me to learn more about brands that make a positive difference and makes me feel more prepared for bigger adventures!

Happy giving, happy adventuring, and happy hydrating!

6. LifeStraw Home 7-Cup Glass

It’s easy to not ask any questions about the tap water you drink at home, but how much do you really know about what you’re consuming? Give someone the gift of an everyday home essential and safer, higher quality water. Although a little big to fit in a stocking, the LifeStraw Home 7-Cup Glass is the perfect gift for someone who cares about the planet and loves to entertain. This glass pitcher contains a membrane microfilter to remove bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. It also reduces lead, mercury, and chemicals including PFAS, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, etc. while retaining important minerals like magnesium and potassium. Not to mention, it can improve the taste of your water too!

Cover photo by Jessica Cho.