SteriPEN

Comments about Hydro-Photon, Inc.(Steripen) SteriPEN:

I have used numerous water filters all over the world, from Laos to Pakistan to Nepal to California to Morocco to Kyrgyzstan. If, and this is the big if, you use it wisely, it is IMO the best solution I have found for how I travel.

Keys to best performance:

A. Read the instructions. IMO, you MUST use rechargeable AA batteries, not disposables. Disposables work in a pinch, but provide for barely marginal amount of sterilization prior to early battery death. In contrast, rechargeable NiMH AAs work miracles. They claim some huge number of liters with four AAs, but in ice cold glacier melt, we got about 25L for each set of four. If the water and temps were warmer, I'm estimating about double that.

B. AAs are much better for international travel than their CR-123 model. CR-123s are a real pain to find overseas. Moreover, their solar charger, well, don't expect them to charge miraculously. If you insist on a solar charger, instead invest in a small solar charger for AAs, like one made by PowerFilm. That way your AAs also run your digital camera, headlamp, Garmin GPS, cellphone or satcom phone recharger, recharge your MP3 player, etc.

C. You must use the pre-filter if the water is cloudy. Again, read the manual.

Follow those rules, and take this sucker everwhere. Since I use AAs for all my gear, when I'm out for a long time from power, I just bring a few extra AAs. Then, in the guest house 20+ days later, you recharge them all and you're off again.

Comments about Hydro-Photon, Inc.(Steripen) SteriPEN:

I like that I can scoop up some water and sterilize it on the go. I hated sitting at the edge of water pumping away. The draw back I keep hearing is other consumers not liking "the unfiltered taste." Ok?? Im fine with it, especially after my experiences with using iodine. And yes, many filters suggest treating with iodine after filtering. My opinion stands with steri-pen. One thing I would like is a hard case. This would reduce the amount of worry over this product. Im always checking it see if i smashed the lamp.

Comments about Hydro-Photon, Inc.(Steripen) SteriPEN:

This is small and portable. We tested it out in the mountains of New Hampshire and will use it while deployed to Afghanistan. It's nice to know that this can be used to sterilize whatever water may be available. This one was more practical with the AA batteries over the other kinds that use watch type batteries. AA Batteries are easier to get in Afghanistan than the odd watch batteries.

Comments about Hydro-Photon, Inc.(Steripen) SteriPEN:

This product does what is says, you should get it with the cap for the nalgene bottles to make it useful for travel.

Comments about Hydro-Photon, Inc.(Steripen) SteriPEN:

A very good product, certainly beats chemical treatments. While on Rainier, it did not operate consistently after getting cold. Next time we'll protect it a bit better and it should do just fine. Recommended.