Any Steripen users?

[jan]

I recently purchased a Steripen to use on an upcoming backpacking trip and wondered if any of you have used one. If so, have you had any problems and also how long do the batteries last? I was also wondering if you stick your Nalgene in the stream to fill it before treating with the Steripen, how do you deal with the water around the opening where you will be drinking from that doesn't get exposed to the UV light?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this and so many other subjects.

Jan

[DuctTape]

I have the original model steripen. Some problems... it can be testy at times but then I have had it for a while. It wasn't always this way. It does eat batteries like crazy except for the lithium ones. I have heard that there is a slight battery drain when it isn't on as well so I store one battery out of the device. I scoop/treat my water in a 1-qt ziploc container and then pour the treated water into my plastic water bottles or platy. One note, the uV does not work in very cloudy or tannic water, I have a few ClO2 tabs as emergency backup. I also only treat water from questionable sources (read: high human activity in area).

[Buster Bear]

I don't own a Steripen but one of my hiking buddies has one.

As DuctTape mentioned, the battery life is an issue. On our last (September) trek, he had to switch to a fresh battery set (I think it was 3 or 4 AA's) after 4 days. He didn't seem impressed with the taste either.

All UV based systems remove nothing from the water. UV doesn't kill 'em either. It simply renders them unable to reproduce. You still consume the little buggers.

I've tried many types of water purifying methods and I prefer a "pump" type filter with a ceramic/carbon cartridge. I'm able to draw water from the tiniest of sources and it ALWAYS tastes good. Some people find pumping an annoyance but I find it relaxing and sometimes a good excuse to stop and take a break.

Cheers!

[redhawk]

I recently switched to a steripen, one of the newer models. It uses lithium ion camera batteries and the battery life is good. I also bought a prefilter, which when used takes care of the problem of untreated water in the threads of the nalgene. I alternately scoop my water from the stream into a lightweight collapsable Platypus "canteen" and then pour it into the Nalgene to filter, or often I fetch camp water in a six liter water bag and pour it into the nalgene.

Right, it doesn't kill the bugs but if you're worried about that, then you best get an expensive filtration unit for your home as well as filter any liquid you buy.

I don't have a problem with the taste of the water, I always use a powdered propel mix anyway (1 envelope per quart, not two).

As with anything requiring batteries, i always make sure I have a spare set. In case of absolute failure, i can always boil the water.

I have had pump failure, pumps don't work when the temperature is below freezing, pumps have clogged on me in the past.

After years of using pumps, and every other method of filtering or "purifying water, (Try drinking the stoff out of the Mekong River!!), I love and trust the Steripen.

Plus it's small and lightweight.

Like any new technology, there will be people who are reluctant to trust it, or who are set in their ways (As I am with SOME things!) and some who think "It just ain't right" (As I also am in some things).

But for ease, weight and space saving I'll go for the steripen

I do suggest you get the newer model and a prefilter.

Hawk

[Rookie]

I've had one for 3 years.
It crapped out once after the warranty period and they replaced it for free.
4 fresh AA's ,and a back-up 4 is all I've ever needed for 3 days out with 3 guys. I carry back up tablets just in case.
If I'm solo-no back-up batteries.

I don't worry about the little bit of water that might not get treated on the rim....actually, I never thought about it...good question !
Carry a straw ?

[Kevin]

I don't worry about the little bit of water that might not get treated on the rim....actually, I never thought about it...good question !
Carry a straw ?

It's about percentages - that little bit of water isn't enough bacteria to overcome your immune system.

I'm a filter fan too. Even with a filter I sometimes don't particularly care for the taste of most wilderness water sources. I usually bring something to flavor it with if I'm going to be drinking it for days.

[fingerlakeshiker]

I use a filter and usually tablets also, but I recently read in a hunting mag claiming the steripen to be the best option.

[jan]

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts on the steripen. The one I got is the "Adventurer" which (as Redhawk said) uses a lithium camera type battery. I used to use a pump filter and this just seems so much lighter and easier, I had to try it. I will be carrying spare batteries and Micropur tablets as a backup. Will also include spare batteries in my resupply. My concern is I will be treating water for two of us (one quart at a time), and wasn't sure how long a battery set would last. I'm not sure if I should trust the manufacturers estimates since things like temperature can affect it. Unfortunately circumstances at home have kept me from getting out in the woods to give it a real good test over the course of a weekend.

Thanks again. As always I greatly appreciate your help and for sharing your expertise.

Jan

[jtbradyl]

Use a dust filter or surgical mask with the steripen

If you want to filter out the tiny particles and silt