Water Sterilization [Archive] - WhiteBlaze

HikerRanky

04-22-2010, 00:20

I have the SteriPen.... It's very nice as opposed to carrying a filter like a Hiker Pro, However, batteries do die and the UV light *COULD* get damaged, so I carry Aqua Mira as a backup to the SteriPen.

I have used a bandana as a prefilter to get the majority of the floating crud out of the water before treating it...

Randy

thepokerkid227

04-22-2010, 01:13

Have you ever had the SteriPen fail you or heard of it failing on other people while out on the AT?

Spokes

04-22-2010, 05:13

Have you ever had the SteriPen fail you or heard of it failing on other people while out on the AT?

I can tell you on last years thru hike I heard way too many hikers complaining about their SteriPENS not working or failing all together. Most involved getting red light errors even after new and correct batteries were installed. See this thread (http://www.backpacking.net/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=99738&page=1) as an example.

There were also problems with sensors in earlier SteriPEN models not working due to low conductivity issues which led to this product statement:

"On occasion, SteriPEN users have reported issues when using their device in water with a very low electrical conductivity, such as water from melted snow or ice. Since late 2008, all SteriPEN models have had their water sensors enhanced by doubling the sensor electrode voltage, thereby increasing electrical current flow in water with low conductivity to allow proper function in snowmelt and even mineral-free distilled water".

So, if you still want to risk it go for it. For me Aqua Mira is a much better solution. Not much can go wrong as long as you can measure water and count drops........

gumball

04-22-2010, 05:17

We've just switched in the last few years from our Pur filter. So far, so good, but i also have aqua mira as a backup. I carry a ladies' knee high stocking for a filter, works a little better than a bandana.

sparro

04-22-2010, 18:24

Just used a Steri-Pen for 10 days and loved it. Had no problems at all.

white_russian

04-22-2010, 18:33

"On occasion, SteriPEN users have reported issues when using their device in water with a very low electrical conductivity, such as water from melted snow or ice. Since late 2008, all SteriPEN models have had their water sensors enhanced by doubling the sensor electrode voltage, thereby increasing electrical current flow in water with low conductivity to allow proper function in snowmelt and even mineral-free distilled water".
I started using a Steripen Journey this winter and have not had any issues with melted snow.

I still prefer my Katadyn Hiker in the non-freezing months. I like the option of being able to suck water from nasty swampy puddles while I laugh at those without pumps as they try to pick up something decent.

thepokerkid227

04-22-2010, 19:04

Im pretty new to all this and on that learning curve. What exactly is Aqua Mira? A chemical treatment?

Appalachian Tater

04-22-2010, 19:21

I just did extensive testing and research on the SteriPEN. It is only effective in clean, clear water to kill organisms. If your water is cloudy with any type of particle or stained from tannin from leaves, the UV will not be effective. SteriPEN does sell prefilters designed to remove particles but you would still need a different method of treatment for tannin-stained water. I think it is ideal for people who are drinking bottled or tap water that may not be safe and it would be great for most of the water on the A.T. As far as I can tell, municipal systems that use UV also use chemicals.

If you have any specific questions about it (or want to buy the one I tested--the round Traveler model that fits in a bottle and uses lithium batteries!) please let me know.

If you do decide to buy one, be aware that they sell identical models in different colors to different markets. The Traveler is identical to the Basic which is the same as the Emergency or the lower-cost military model. Marketing!

thepokerkid227

04-22-2010, 19:24

After hearing some reviews not sure I am liking the SteriPen anymore. This is basically one of my biggest concerns for my NOBO thru-hike is getting and making my water clean. Last thing I want is to get sick from dirty water.

Appalachian Tater

04-22-2010, 19:30

No method is perfect. I am pretty happy with my Katadyn filter. It puts out great-tasting water but of course it isn't light and you have to pump.

Bear Cables

04-22-2010, 21:59

Love my steri pen, bring aqua mir tablets as a back up and I pack a spare pair of batteries. Coffee filters for filtering out stuff.

singing wind

04-22-2010, 22:07

I've been carrying the older classic model for a few years now. Nice quick option, however I have found the unit will not work properly on occasion - and carry iodine tablets as backup for when this happens. A thru-hiker said they had a similar problem and resolved it by wiping the sensors dry. This tip has helped - the thing can be darn fussy, but now I'm considering going to Aqua Mira instead - lighter and possibly cheaper in the long run.

The Old Chief

04-22-2010, 22:23

MSR now has a 7oz. pump filter for $99.00. They advertise that it will pump 3 liters per minute. The filter is pretty permanent, I think it says its good for several thousand liters of water. When it needs cleaning you backwash it and it is supposed to be as good as new. I've seen one at the local outfitter and it is light and small.

ChinMusic

04-22-2010, 22:31

Love my steri pen, bring aqua mir tablets as a back up and I pack a spare pair of batteries. Coffee filters for filtering out stuff.
+1 but I use Micropur tablets as a backup.

Have used the Steripen for years without an issue. For the AT the water has ALWAYS been clear enough for use.

As opposed to what has been posted previously in this thread the water does NOT have to be crystal clear. It just cannot be turbid. Some coloration or floaties is NOT an issue.

I use the Steripen exclusively on the AT. I use a filter for trips where I will be finding muddy water.

thepokerkid227

04-22-2010, 22:34

Was looking at the MSR SweetWater purifier system and MSR SweetWater purifier solution. Is this a decent choice?

Appalachian Tater

04-22-2010, 22:43

As opposed to what has been posted previously in this thread the water does NOT have to be crystal clear. It just cannot be turbid. Some coloration or floaties is NOT an issue.

Does the water have to be clear to have the SteriPEN be effective?
(http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:expandById%28%27faq_100631%27%29;)
We recommend that the water be clear to ensure that the ultraviolet light is exposed to all potential microbes that may be in the water. Discolored or cloudy water should be pre-filtered until clear prior to SteriPEN treatment. The SteriPEN Pre-Filter (http://www.steripen.com/pre-filter) or FitsAll (http://www.steripen.com/fitsall) Filter can be used to help clarify water. Coffee filters or a shirt can also be used in an emergency.

http://www.steripen.com/support-faq

ChinMusic

04-22-2010, 23:17

Again and this is DIRECTLY from the instructions:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/ChinMusicIHSS/Backpacking/Steripen_Turbid.jpg

Appalachian Tater

04-22-2010, 23:36

Again and this is DIRECTLY from the instructions:

That was included in the instructions when you purchased your SteriPEN.

However, the instruction sheet included with my new SteriPEN is copyright 2010 and contains the same exact statement I posted above and does NOT contain the statement you included.

It may be that they are just trying to sell filters or it may be that testing or regulation has changed.

All of the instruction sheets including the one you are posting as well as the one included with my Traveler model are available here:

http://www.steripen.com/english-guides

Do note that UV radiation must travel through the water and penetrate through the microorganism to disrupt its DNA. The UV radiation does not penetrate most plastic or glass and cannot penetrate solid particles. If the water contains particles they will block the radiation. You should be very careful to agitate the water and use the extra treatment as your instructions suggest if you decide to rely on UV to treat turbid or colored water.

ChinMusic

04-22-2010, 23:43

The EXACT wording I posted is included on every outdoor model from YOUR link.

I hope you are not intentionally attempting to mislead.

Bear Cables

04-23-2010, 00:31

+1 but I use Micropur tablets as a backup.

Have used the Steripen for years without an issue. For the AT the water has ALWAYS been clear enough for use.

As opposed to what has been posted previously in this thread the water does NOT have to be crystal clear. It just cannot be turbid. Some coloration or floaties is NOT an issue.

I use the Steripen exclusively on the AT. I use a filter for trips where I will be finding muddy water.

Since I started using the steri pen I have only used the back up tablets once when the battery ran out. But by then we had been using one steri pen to sterilize the water of 4 people for 5 days. The battery failed on day six. That's a lot of water purified! Now I carry a spare set of batteries and gave my sister a steri pen for christmas.

Appalachian Tater

04-23-2010, 01:05

The EXACT wording I posted is included on every outdoor model from YOUR link.

I hope you are intentionally attempting to mislead.

I assume you left out the "not" and I wonder why you would even think that. I pointed out a page that provides the very instructions that you posted as well as the ones included with the Traveler that I quoted. Obviously you did not read what I wrote.

You don't even seem to have read the directions you yourself have posted which clearly state that it is intended to treat and is most effective at treating clear water and that treating murky water is for emergency situations and even then only after you have tried to clarify it by filtration.

I am merely pointing out the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you don't agree with them, call SteriPEN, don't blame me. And above all, please don't endanger others by providing incorrect information!

Connie

04-23-2010, 01:46

double-post (mobile)

Connie

04-23-2010, 01:47

If you are doing a thru-hike, maybe consider what I use:

I*let*water*stand,*then*pour*off*the*top*or*prefil ter*water.*I*use*an*in-line*Sawyer*filter*with*my*own*smaller*2-Platypus*gravity*filtration*system,*for*overnight, *to*have*water*in*the*morning*and*inline*the*drink *tube*if*I*am*in*a*hurry.

I can backflush this durable gravity-fed filter.

I*have*backup:*Katadyn*Micropur.

If I were making a reasonably short hike, and, I know the water is clear, I would use a UV-water purifier.

Spokes

04-23-2010, 07:56

ChinMusic

04-23-2010, 13:14

.......... once again, why would you want to use a product with so much potential risk attached to it? Will the one you buy be a "lemon"? Will I get a red light failure? Are my batteries good? Will the UV light operate? Will my SteriPEN work on this turbid water? How thirsty are you?
ANY system can fail. Filters clog. Filters freeze and crack. Chemicals can be spilled.

THAT is why you have a backup no matter what system you choose.

I use different systems depending on that type of water source I expect to encounter. For the AT the Steripen wins easily. YMMV

ChinMusic

04-23-2010, 14:13

I don't know why I take the time to bother but when false information is posted about a product it just bugs the heck out of me. Tater made the following post:

I just did extensive testing and research on the SteriPEN. It is only effective in clean, clear water to kill organisms. If your water is cloudy with any type of particle or stained from tannin from leaves, the UV will not be effective.

I pointed out that his information was not correct and posted the documentation refuting it:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/ChinMusicIHSS/Backpacking/Steripen_Turbid.jpg

Tater then posted:

It may be that they are just trying to sell filters or it may be that testing or regulation has changed.

So I took the time to actually call Steripen to see if this is the case.

IT IS NOT. Steripen is indeed effective with some level of cloudiness. It is NOT necessary for the water to be "clear".

Steripen has not changed it's position on the treatment of Turbid, Cloudy, or Murky water.

I was directed to the following documents that detail the testing by the EPA:

http://www.steripen.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/1/02ac755595468c5da0c8d224bef3c2db/misc/a___l_labs.pdf

http://www.steripen.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/1/02ac755595468c5da0c8d224bef3c2db/misc/a___l_labs.pdf

In the first link you can see the level of cloudiness that was tested.

ChinMusic

04-23-2010, 14:39

Re: Contacts

I further enquired about the "contacts being wet and causing the unit to fail" issue:

From my phone call with tech:

The contacts, for units with non-optical (covered later in this post) contacts, must be dry for the unit to fire. The reason for this is safety. If, for example, a child was playing with it and put it in his mouth the wet contacts would not allow the unit to operate. Because of this, and other, safety needs the contacts should be dried after use. This is a common user error and has been address with our newer models (ones with optical contacts).

After the Steripen has been used the contacts should be dried and the bulb wiped of any debris. If this is done the user should not have an issue on their next use. If they do get the error message, recheck the contacts to see that they are dry.

Me now: I have an older model Steripen. If I dry the contacts as stated I have no issues whatsoever with error messages. I CAN create the error message if I intentionally leave the contacts wet. The user must read the directions and not just take it out of the packaging and use it.

Steripen told me that a VERY new model, the Adventurer Opti which has only been on the market for a month or so, uses optical sensors that makes the need to dry the contacts moot. http://www.rei.com/product/799003

http://media.rei.com/media/bb/be4dbe08-ca4f-4f28-8259-6257af8f02dc.jpg

Spokes

04-23-2010, 15:16

ANY system can fail. Filters clog. Filters freeze and crack. Chemicals can be spilled.

THAT is why you have a backup no matter what system you choose.

I use different systems depending on that type of water source I expect to encounter. For the AT the Steripen wins easily. YMMV

You're right! That's why I carry 2 sets of Aqua Mira- one within easy access in side the pack and one in the bottom of my food bag as a back-up.

Beats carrying expensive batteries or worrying about all those blinking red lights......

ChinMusic

04-23-2010, 15:29

You're right! That's why I carry 2 sets of Aqua Mira- one within easy access in side the pack and one in the bottom of my food bag as a back-up.

Beats carrying expensive batteries or worrying about all those blinking red lights......
To each his own. I never said that Aqua Mira was a bad product.......not once.

I just like the idea of zapping and drinking immediately all without taking off my pack if I choose to do so. If I'm thirsty I want to drink NOW, not in 15 minutes.

Spokes

04-23-2010, 16:01

To each his own. I never said that Aqua Mira was a bad product.......not once.

I just like the idea of zapping and drinking immediately all without taking off my pack if I choose to do so. If I'm thirsty I want to drink NOW, not in 15 minutes.[/QUOTE]

Zap, sieve, or drop......... It's all good.

I expect if I ever run out of Aqua Mira you'd let me borrow your zapper and of course, if you're ever found cussing the "evil blinking red light" you can have some of my drops.

It's just what thru-hikers do.

Spokes

04-23-2010, 16:01

To each his own. I never said that Aqua Mira was a bad product.......not once.

I just like the idea of zapping and drinking immediately all without taking off my pack if I choose to do so. If I'm thirsty I want to drink NOW, not in 15 minutes.

Zap, sieve, or drop......... It's all good.

I expect if I ever run out of Aqua Mira you'd let me borrow your zapper and of course, if you're ever found cussing the "evil blinking red light" you can have some of my drops.

It's just what thru-hikers do.

ChinMusic

04-23-2010, 16:04

I expect if I ever run out of Aqua Mira you'd let me borrow your zapper and of course, if you're ever found cussing the "evil blinking red light" you can have some of my drops.

It's just what thru-hikers do.
Absolutely. And with a smile.

thepokerkid227

04-23-2010, 16:44

After all this feedback I think I am going to buy a filter and use chemical as a backup. Saving money is not really a concern when it comes to haveing safest water possible so might as well invest in a SteriPen too. Ill have the filter then UV and chemical for backup since I cant decide lol.

ChinMusic

04-23-2010, 17:02

After all this feedback I think I am going to buy a filter and use chemical as a backup.
That choice will work great. I would suggest the MicroPur tablets over Aqua Mira if the chemical is for backup.

....so might as well invest in a SteriPen too. Ill have the filter then UV and chemical for backup since I cant decide lol.

All these choices are just tools. Many diff tools can do the job.

My contributions to this thread were to correct misinformation regarding Steripen.

I don't sell nuttin'. I'm just an end-user.......;)