Has Anyone used the Steri Pen water purifier?

V

Vorpal Blade

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May 26, 2005
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Seems like it could be the most convenient, fastest, most effective way to purify water in the field. Has anybody tried one out?

http://www.amazon.com/SteriPEN-Adve...DSE/ref=pd_sim_sg_title_5/102-8807163-0909763
Great for hiking and camping, this handheld water purifier destroys viruses, bacteria, and common protozoa. It weighs just 3.6 ounces with two non-rechargeable, disposable batteries (included) and purifies 16 ounces of water in 48 seconds, or 32 ounces in 90 seconds. The purifier employs ultraviolet light (UV) to destroy the DNA of microorganisms, making them unable to reproduce and cause illness. It's effective against outdoor microbes like giardia and cryptosporidium; pathogens that cause diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, and Legionnaire's Disease; household germs such as bird flu, E. coli, and salmonella; staph and strep; and natural-disaster risks like botulism, cholera, smallpox, and typhoid.
No pumping, no chemicals, no test strips, no timekeeping, no lubricating, and no replacement filters are required. All that is required is to push the water purifier's button (once for 32 ounces, twice for 16 ounces), place the pen-like lamp in clear water, and stir until an indicator light turns green. Water has no aftertaste after being purified. Measuring 6.1 inches long, the purifier comes with a nylon case and a user's guide. It exceeds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for testing microbiological water purifiers

The Adventurer from Hydro-Photon is an ultra-light UV water purifier that destroys 9999% of the bacteria, viruses and Giardia flourishing in your questionable water source Small, light and powerful, the Adventurer is exactly what you need for the trail or hostel Features: UV light demulsifies up to 16 ounces in under 1 minute Includes two non-rechargeable lithium CR123A batteries Specifications: Weight: 36 ounces Size: 61 inches Batteries: 2 x CR123 (rechargeable lithium recommended)
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I bought one the last time REI had it on sale and have used it on a few trips. I can't really say if it works or not, but I haven't been sick, so there is that...

I will definitely be taking it on floating or car camping trips, since it is a nice addition to my Sweetwater filter for that extra security. The Sweetwater is one of the best filters on the market according to the military tests, but it doesn't do anything for virii. I know that virii are not a problem in North America for the most part, but I'd rather not take that chance. I can handle waiting the extra 30 seconds.

For backpacking trips, I would not take it. The extra weight is not worth it to me. I always take the Sweetwater since I do not like drinking murky water, and can add some chlorine dioxide if I am worried about any other critters.

I have heard that it does not work well in murky water, for obvious reasons, but, like I said, I always filter first, so it is not an issue for me. I have also heard from friends that their units would inexplicably stop working and then work again a few hours later. Maybe bad contacts or something.

The battery life is pretty great on it. I used Sanyo Eneloops in mine, and it went for several days treating two people's water without needing a battery replacement.

I have some more information about the Sweetwater and Steripen at my site if you need it.
 
I travel quite a bit internationally, so I bought one not too long ago to keep the "cooties" out of my system. :barf: While I've only taken two trips since then, I used it religiously and had no troubles at all (Thailand, Zambia). I think it's well worth while.

- Mark
 
Yes! I carry one everywhere I go when traveling urban areas. Works fast. Virus is my most major concern with municipal systems. But I also carry a Sweetwater with me too!

I carry a spare set of batteries and use the A/C charger. The solar charger works but is extremely slow.
 
I've had good performance from the Aquastar Plus purifier, which employs the same UV technology. Very fast and convenient.
 
Only one thing keeps me from buying one of these. This only applies in wilderness scenarios.

With my water filters, I often stick my syphon tube end into a very small shallow crevice or depression to access water. I can't simply dunk a nalgene bottle into a creek or pond to get to water every time.

It's GETTING to the water that's often a problem for me.
A steri-pen won't help there.

Also, what about the germs that cover the outside of the bottle that you just dunked, [including the now contaminated threads]? Sure, the inside water may be clean, but the outside is bacteria city.

The weight savings is tremendous, it's the hygene factor that I haven't figured out yet.
 
Just a thought bearcut: how about putting a priming bulb in your pickup line? It should let one get raw water into the container without the worry of cross-contamination.
 
With the Aqaustar I've followed the recommended procedure of using a small amount of the purified water to rinse off the threads/cap. Invert bottle and loosen cap slightly.

I used the Aqaustar for over a week in areas known for Giardia and had no problems. Aslo used it successfully in other, more remote areas.

DancesWithKnives
 
I checked out the Steripen site and, to be honest, I was surprised NOT to see an NSF or UL certification. I believe the CSA 'certification' mentioned is simply a design approval (it is with PPE) and the EPA tests are voluntary third-party testing, not certification. I thought it was a little odd because all of the UV systems I've installed have NSF stamps. Granted, that's been in boats as part of reverse osmosis systems, but the same certification should apply.

It's also noteworthy that the World Health Organization doesn't recognize UV as an effective standalone purification technique for 'water systems and sanitation' (WS&S:D). However, it is acceptable to put visibly clear water into a clear plastic bottle and set it in full sun for several hours (six hours IIRC). I think their problem is that cysts can act as microcolloids (nanocolloids?), meaning that they provide 'shade', which increases the exposure time needed and necessitates agitating the water. Of course, without a test kit....

WHO also acknowledges that no purification method is 100%. The goal is to 'reduce morbidity and mortality from pollutants and pathogens'. I'm not putting down anyone here, but I think this category is where the anecdotal evidence belongs. Without a reliable method of field testing for potability, any company can make nebulous claims sound believable. Truth is, not getting sick is not evidence of effectiveness.

I'm not against the SteriPen but if it doesn't have the industry certification that other UV sterilization products carry, logically I ask "why not ?".

On a slightly different tack, it would be nice to see a company develop and market a user-friendly (sheeple-friendly?) test unit. But then, it's easier to sell sports equipment than safety gear, right?
 
I recieved an unit for test and evaluation this past week. I'll be carrying it to the mountains next week and will give you a report. I'll be taking a few water test kits with me to verify all results. I'll also be trying out a few other filters and purifiers.
 
bearcut said:
Only one thing keeps me from buying one of these. This only applies in wilderness scenarios.

With my water filters, I often stick my syphon tube end into a very small shallow crevice or depression to access water. I can't simply dunk a nalgene bottle into a creek or pond to get to water every time.

It's GETTING to the water that's often a problem for me.
A steri-pen won't help there.

.
Click to expand...


Never thought about that but true a lot of times for me also. A couple places I go the only source is where you drop the intake tube down beside a rock into this pool and draw it up that way.
 
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