View Full Version : Water purifying - SteriPEN?
flyingduckmonster
08-06-2007, 16:00
Has anyone used the SteriPEN water purifier for a thru-hike? The fellow at REI seemed really excited about them, and it doesn't cost much more than a high-end filter would. Runs on AA batteries, which are pretty easy to get.
This, with a backup of a couple of iodine tablets, is what I'm thinking. But I'm curious about others' experiences...
Time To Fly 97
08-06-2007, 16:23
Mine seems to work well - haven't gotten sick with it : ) It is lighter than a Katydin Hiker filter, but way heavier than chemical purification. I had no problems in cold weather with batteries running out over a long weekend...but would be concerned about that if I was out longer. I was a little sketchy about all the disclaimers if the water is cloudy - many water sources are just that - so I prefiltered a little with a bandana. Very simple to use.
Happy hiking!
TTF
Persistent, a NOBO thru hiker this year uses one. She is past 1300 miles and hasn't complained about it yet. In fact, she only mentioned it once.
Miles of Smiles
Tom
toddhiker
08-06-2007, 22:34
Love mine after nearly a year. Search the threads here & at BPL for lots of discussion.
flyingduckmonster
08-07-2007, 17:38
Thanks, folks!
I have the old model, and that was too much weight for me, but the new model looks very compact
Are you sure the pen uses AA batteries? I have only seen the models with the flat batteries. These batteries can be found at camera stores for c. $3.
The pens have to be used with water in a container. If the water source is very small and shallow, it is hard to fill a container such as your pot. For these situations, not uncommon on the AT, it is handy to have a collapsible bowl that is pliable and can be used to scoop out the water. What are those fold up bowls and cups called? Pump filters can, of course, suck up water out of a small puddle. BTW Platypus is coming out with a two bag filter system in 2008. Fill one bag with source water and have it quickly drain through a filter to another bag. ULA-Equipment has a one bag system.
Cannibal
08-12-2007, 23:28
Yep, they use AA batteries.
I haven't used it on the AT, but I've hiked a lot of the Florida Trail with it and the water sources here can get real iffy. Swamp water tastes bad no matter how much lemonade you use! I haven't been sick once and the weight isn't too bad, but I use the same batteries for both camera and SteriPen to save a few grams. I do carry a couple of iodine tabs just for back-up in case of breakage.