View Full Version : MSR Miox v Steri Pen
I am loking at the possibility of dumping my MSR pump filter and move to either a steri-pen or MSR Miox. I know there is an argument for purification tabs- but not intereste in those.
So which of the two would work better for the light weight packer?
I am loking at the possibility of dumping my MSR pump filter and move to either a steri-pen or MSR Miox. I know there is an argument for purification tabs- but not intereste in those.
So which of the two would work better for the light weight packer?
Pakratt,
The steripen and miox work in completely different ways. One uses ultraviolet light to destroy microbes, the other produces a chemical disinfectant, which must be added to your water.
If you have an aversion to chemical purification, as suggested by your quote above, then you probably wouldn't want the miox.
The steripen has been shown to destroy viruses, bacteria and protozoa, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, in 90 seconds (1L of water). The miox destroys the same microbes, but to kill Cryptosporidium, 4 hours of treatment is needed.
Because the steripen purifies with the use of light, water must be clear enough for light to penetrate, in order to assure proper treatment. Given sufficient dose, the miox could disinfect mud, the steripen could not.
Battery type and battery life should be considered. Steripen uses AA, miox uses camera-type batteries. In addition to batteries, the miox requires salt, which must be replenished.
Like you, I am not a fan of chemical treatment. I am too impatient for the required dwell times. When I'm thirsty, I can't wait 30 minutes for chemicals to work; nevermind 4 hours to kill Crypto.
When I started hiking, there was little concern about contaminated water, in the mountains. When water is available from springs, or moving sources (aerated), I drink straight from the source, even today. Call it dumb luck, but I've never gotten sick. If I had to treat, I would use a steripen or a filter.
buckowens
08-21-2007, 13:11
I have a Miox and like it quite well. The batteries are the CR123 type that run about $9.00 for two. I used mine for 5 days this month with no issues. The salt reservoir uses common rock salt, and does not appear to use very much. I always carry one extra set of batteries, and tablets as an emergency backup. I like the size and ease of use.
grumpypickle
08-21-2007, 14:08
FYI, the SteriPEN Adventure model uses CR123 batteries
Roland's assessment about the differences between the MIOX Purifier and the SteriPen was pretty accurate. Note that I work at MIOX, so I'm very familiar with the product!
In a nutshell, the advantages of the SteriPen are that it works very rapidly and leaves no chemical taste. The disadvantages are that it is sized to treat a much smaller quantity of water, so it is less useful for a group of friends hiking or for treating water for cooking. In addition, if the water is not clear, particulate may block the UV light rays, making the purification process ineffective. (In other words, depending on the clarity of the water you're treating, you may actually have to pre-filter the water before using the Steri-Pen.)
The main disadvantage of the MIOX Purifier is the wait time, although there is some inactivation of the more resistant bugs within the initial time period. When I'm camping, if I'm in a remote area, I usually feel comfortable waiting only 30 minutes, whereas I'd be more likely to wait the full 4 hours if I were camping in the midst of a herd of cows who would surely have contaminated the water! I also often carry both a hydration bag and a small bottle of water, so I always have treated water available despite the wait time. (I'll treat the water before I go to bed, and then it's ready to use in the morning. I'll treat my hydration bag before setting off on a hike, and use my small bottle of water as a reserve of treated water. By the time I'm done with the small bottle, the big bag is ready to go.) The main advantage of the Purifier is its versatility -- it will treat any type of water (other than salt water), it can be used for larger parties (your friends with filters will love you if they can stop pumping!), and it's very rugged.
I have a comparison table of technologies that I can e-mail you if you're interested. Good luck on your decision!
Thanks,
Katie