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Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2012
I initially debated this purchase, as it's not inexpensive, but it's a total win. My debate centered around version, price, weight and fragility. I trust the science behind it.
I'm notoriously sloppy with water purification, drinking tap water in Mexico, ice cubes in Myanmar and river water in Colombia. In preparation for an expedition to cross Madagascar, where water sources would be unknown, I decided it was time to consider my health. My last big gear-buying spree was in 2005 - it's pretty amazing the advancements since. For any hardcore trip where you risk destroying water tablets, using up iodine on other activities or serious dehydration...get a SteriPEN.
Key moments I was particularly thankful for SteriPEN:
1) When porters topped off a group pot of water we'd boiled the night before, which we realized as we went to tank up for the day. Wait 30 minutes for purification tablets, or, re-purify starter bottles with two wands for immediate consumption? Easy.
2) When I ran out of water and found a river an entire village used to wash dishes, laundry and bathe. I ran through the purification process twice, just for fun, drinking within five minutes.
Since returning from this trip, I've undergone multiple blood tests- the only bacteria strain found was contracted pre-SteriPEN. Having this, I am much more likely to drink wisely on future trips.
The weight was nominal and, while you certainly want to use the included case, it's sturdy enough. I had it in the outer pocket of my pack much of the trip. I used it in multiple 40oz Kleen Kanteen metal containers, which the math was a little tricky on, but I just over-purified when in doubt. Also "works" on Camelbak sacks. I do agree with various other reviews noting it's a little awkward to ensure the wand is submerged while you're stirring (otherwise it shuts off), but it's not a big deal. The signal light is easy enough to keep an eye on, but it would be nice if placed at the end of the handle. A lot of folks warn of contamination around the lip or mouthpiece of your container. Slosh it around while you're purifying or rinse your mouthpiece off with a purified bottle. At the end of the day, my bottles were being dragged through rivers and muck so there are really only so many preventative measures one can take.
Like any tool a life might depend upon, I tested it before departing to at least verify the light remained on through a full cycle, etc. I would encourage anyone to do the same.
October 2016: I still recommend SteriPEN as your primary method of water purification. Also great for extended trips or living abroad.
I'm notoriously sloppy with water purification, drinking tap water in Mexico, ice cubes in Myanmar and river water in Colombia. In preparation for an expedition to cross Madagascar, where water sources would be unknown, I decided it was time to consider my health. My last big gear-buying spree was in 2005 - it's pretty amazing the advancements since. For any hardcore trip where you risk destroying water tablets, using up iodine on other activities or serious dehydration...get a SteriPEN.
Key moments I was particularly thankful for SteriPEN:
1) When porters topped off a group pot of water we'd boiled the night before, which we realized as we went to tank up for the day. Wait 30 minutes for purification tablets, or, re-purify starter bottles with two wands for immediate consumption? Easy.
2) When I ran out of water and found a river an entire village used to wash dishes, laundry and bathe. I ran through the purification process twice, just for fun, drinking within five minutes.
Since returning from this trip, I've undergone multiple blood tests- the only bacteria strain found was contracted pre-SteriPEN. Having this, I am much more likely to drink wisely on future trips.
The weight was nominal and, while you certainly want to use the included case, it's sturdy enough. I had it in the outer pocket of my pack much of the trip. I used it in multiple 40oz Kleen Kanteen metal containers, which the math was a little tricky on, but I just over-purified when in doubt. Also "works" on Camelbak sacks. I do agree with various other reviews noting it's a little awkward to ensure the wand is submerged while you're stirring (otherwise it shuts off), but it's not a big deal. The signal light is easy enough to keep an eye on, but it would be nice if placed at the end of the handle. A lot of folks warn of contamination around the lip or mouthpiece of your container. Slosh it around while you're purifying or rinse your mouthpiece off with a purified bottle. At the end of the day, my bottles were being dragged through rivers and muck so there are really only so many preventative measures one can take.
Like any tool a life might depend upon, I tested it before departing to at least verify the light remained on through a full cycle, etc. I would encourage anyone to do the same.
October 2016: I still recommend SteriPEN as your primary method of water purification. Also great for extended trips or living abroad.
