steripen??

[awwstin]

I see rei has a steripen on sale tomorrow. Anyone have any advice. Positive or negative?

[ParkRat09]

What kind is it? Adventurer? Traveler? Emergency, etc?

[awwstin]

Adventure opti.

[ParkRat09]

Good that's the best one in my opinion...how much is it? What's your ques about it?

[awwstin]

It's on sale for $65 plus my 20% off rei member coupon. I just want to be sure it wont break and leave me searching for a replacement.

[ParkRat09]

No those are solid. I sell gear at a store in TN for a living and I sell a lot of those Adventurers and that's a great price. I would get it if you are wanting UV purification. But ALWAYS have backup water purification regardless. I recommend Aqua-Mira liquid drops. Also, depending on your trip length, backup CR123 batteries for it.

[awwstin]

Ok great thanks. I want a light weight way to filter. If I had learned one thing here is to always have a back up.

[ParkRat09]

Ok great thanks. I want a light weight way to filter. If I had learned one thing here is to always have a back up.

Yes that is a very big deal esp when relying on electronics. Happy trails!

[4shot]

steripens are great for short hikes (I have one). For longer hikes (6 weeks or more) not so reliable. Aqua Mira (or equivalent) is the preferred choice for long distance hikes.

[leaftye]

Ok great thanks. I want a light weight way to filter. If I had learned one thing here is to always have a back up.

Have you considered the Sawyer Squeeze kit? I'm pretty sure it's significantly lighter, and has no fuss or batteries to worry about. You do have to worry when temperatures drop below freezing...you sleep with the filter so it doesn't freeze.

[awwstin]

My dad has the sawyer squeeze. We used it two weekends ago. We had trouble filling the bags with water. Seemed like they didn't want to fill. Ended up using a plastic water bottle.

Why is a steripen not good for multi week hikes?

[leaftye]

All bladders are like that. You have to pour into them. A few of us fill it up with the cut off bottom of a Smartwater bottle.

It looks like both systems weigh the same. I was wrong about there being a weight difference.

[heavyfoot]

Why is a steripen not good for multi week hikes?

I'd like to know this, too. I take my Steripen on long hikes. Aqua Mira is my backup.

[MyName1sMud]

Am I the only one who carries a water filter on long hikes?

[q-tip]

I swear by it--my only real complaint is that when it failed on my 1/2 AT hike, they charged me a boatload to overnight it. I was really mad, but still use it and am taking it on my Colorado Trail thru in July.

[Fred G]

I've used a steripen for a few years. 1700 miles on the AT last year + miles in the Grand Canyon. New batteries may be needed in 10 -14 days, depending on how much water you're zapping. Extra batteries and Aqua Mire are my back ups--these weight as much as the steripen. Depending on the type of steripen, you may need a wide mouth bottle.

For real mucky, crappy stock ponds that are on the CDT or the AZT a filter is probably a better choice, unless you can collect some reasonably clearish water from the top of the pond.

[WalksInDark]

I bought the same device at REI about a month ago. I thought that the 20% coupons had expired?

[mmaiolo81]

Am I the only one who carries a water filter on long hikes?

I'm with you... I love my hiker pro

[awwstin]

I just got a new coupon that is valid now. Look online.

[SunnyWalker]

For lightest, isn't the Sawyer.com system lightest? Not counting weight on tablets of Aqua Mirah.