NatureNova Personal Water Filter Straw (3-Pack) Review 2026
The NatureNova kit provides the best out-of-the-box survival filtration experience. The included accessories (water bag + backwash syringe) mean you're field-ready without buying anything extra.
Overview
The NatureNova 3-pack distinguishes itself in the crowded filter straw market not by the straw itself — which uses the same 4-stage 0.1-micron UF membrane design found in several competitors — but by what comes in the box. Each straw ships with a foldable water bag and a backwash syringe, transforming a simple sipping straw into a complete field water purification kit. At $28.99 for three complete kits, NatureNova delivers the most accessory-rich survival filtration package we have reviewed.
The 4-stage filtration follows the same architecture as the Timain straw: PP cotton pre-filter, coconut shell activated carbon, PP fiber, and a 0.1-micron UF membrane. This combination removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of protozoa while the carbon stage improves taste and reduces chlorine. The backwash syringe is a genuinely useful inclusion — it pushes clean water backward through the membrane to dislodge trapped particles, effectively extending the usable life of each straw well beyond what you would get without maintenance.
The foldable water bag enables gravity-feed filtering: fill the bag, attach the straw, and hang it from a branch to let gravity push water through the filter into a clean container below. This is significantly more convenient than lying on your stomach to sip from a stream. It also enables you to collect water from one location and filter it at your campsite, which is how most experienced backcountry users prefer to manage their water.
Key Features & Specifications
| Filtration Stages | 4 |
| Technology | PP Cotton + Coconut Carbon + PP Fiber + 0.1μm UF Membrane |
| Micron Rating | 0.1 microns |
| Capacity | 1,500 liters per straw |
| Pack Size | 3 (includes foldable water bag + backwash syringe per straw) |
| Dimensions | 8.0 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 2.5 oz per straw (plus accessories) |
| Contaminants Removed | Bacteria (99.9999%), protozoa (99.99%), sediment, chlorine, odor, heavy metals (partial) |
The backwash syringe is the standout accessory. Most filter straws lose flow rate over time as sediment accumulates on the membrane surface. Without a way to clear this buildup, the straw becomes increasingly difficult to use and is eventually discarded. The syringe allows you to flush the membrane periodically, restoring flow rate and dramatically extending the practical life of each straw. In turbid water conditions, backwashing every 50-100 liters can double the effective capacity.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- ✓ Most complete kit — includes foldable water bag AND backwash syringe
- ✓ 4-stage filtration for comprehensive contaminant removal
- ✓ Backwash syringe extends filter life significantly
- ✓ 3-pack covers personal, vehicle, and home emergency kits
- ✓ Foldable water bag enables gravity-feed filtering
What Could Be Better
- ✗ Most expensive per straw at $9.66
- ✗ Foldable water bag is thin and prone to puncture
- ✗ Backwash syringe adds complexity compared to simpler straws
- ✗ Slightly heavier than Timain and Membrane Solutions straws
Performance & Real-World Testing
Filtration performance matches the Timain straw closely — both use similar 4-stage architectures with 0.1-micron UF membranes. Water from a clear mountain stream tasted clean with no earthy flavors, thanks to the coconut carbon stage. Flow rate through the straw was slightly slower than the Timain (the NatureNova is marginally heavier at 2.5 oz, suggesting slightly more filtration media), but the difference is negligible in practice. Using the foldable bag in gravity-feed mode, we observed approximately 0.3-0.5 liters per minute — slower than squeeze mode but hands-free.
The backwash syringe proved genuinely effective. After filtering approximately 200 liters of moderately turbid water, flow rate had dropped noticeably. A single backwash cycle restored it to near-original performance. This maintenance capability is the NatureNova's real differentiator over the Timain and Membrane Solutions straws, which lack an included backwashing tool. Across 4,200 Amazon reviews, the 4.3-star rating is solid. The most common criticism is the foldable water bag's thin material — several reviewers report punctures during rugged use, supporting our recommendation to bring a sturdier alternative for serious trips.
Value Analysis
At $9.66 per straw, the NatureNova costs more per unit than the Timain ($7.12) and roughly matches the Membrane Solutions ($9.75). However, when you factor in the included accessories — three foldable water bags and three backwash syringes — the total package value is significantly higher. Purchasing a backwash syringe separately would cost $5-8 each, and foldable water bags run $3-5 each. The accessories alone would cost $24-39 if purchased separately, making the NatureNova's $28.99 price point a genuine bargain for the complete kit.
The NatureNova is the right choice for users who want a field-ready kit without sourcing accessories separately. If you already own squeeze bottles and a syringe from a Sawyer system, the Membrane Solutions 4-pack offers more straws for a comparable total investment. If you are building an emergency preparedness kit from scratch and want everything in one box, the NatureNova delivers the best out-of-the-box experience in this category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the NatureNova filter straw kit?
How does the backwash syringe extend filter life?
Is the included foldable water bag durable enough for field use?
Does the NatureNova straw remove heavy metals from water?
Final Verdict
The NatureNova kit provides the best out-of-the-box survival filtration experience. The included accessories (water bag + backwash syringe) mean you're field-ready without buying anything extra.
Check Price on Amazon