STERIPEN Classic Safe Water System

Comments about Steri Pen STERIPEN Classic Safe Water System:

Having used cumbersome filters for years, I was excited to see portable UV water treatment in action. However, this unit seems to be more of a toy than a serious product for serious adventurers.For starters, the bulb was defective right out of the box. Next, the bayonet type battery enclosure is surprisingly flimsy: One of the small plastic lugs was missing or perhaps sheared off during initial battery installation. Either way, the unit had to be returned for a replacement. As always, EMS handled the matter courteously.I do not doubt that this is legitimate and wonderful technology and that the Steripen is a clever product. The issue is quality control at the point of manufacturer: China. I really try to be fair and not allow my negative experiences with Chinese manufactured products to become self fulfilling prophesies. But Chinese made products, even very slick and technically up to date ones like the Steripen, disappoint, and worse, seem to cause real inconvenience for me time and time again.I am still looking forward to trying out the Steripen, and will try to keep an open mind. But on my next back country venture I will certainly be treating it with care and of course pack a traditional filter as a back-up.Bottom line: the manufacturer of this product, in my opinion, needs further development. At present, it appears to be one more example of Chinese style mass production, where high defect rates (and warranty claim rates) are offset by very low production costs. This is not an appropriate business model for a serious product in critical health related service. I believe any product like this needs to be manufactured according to very high standards that ensure low defect rates and thus high reliability in the field. If this unit cost [$] but was robust and reliable, it would still be a real bargain.

Comments about Steri Pen STERIPEN Classic Safe Water System:

The method is logical and simple to use. Just be careful to not break any of the equipment and be sure to clean it well.

The only downside is it requires about 6" depth of water to be quickly effective.

Comments about Steri Pen STERIPEN Classic Safe Water System:

This will not remove pesticides or heavy metals but combine this product with a good filtration system and you can drink anywhere with confidence.

Comments about Steri Pen STERIPEN Classic Safe Water System:

I used this on a recent backpacking trip, using it on clear water from fast-running creeks. It's pretty fast, and the pre-filter is decent at getting out any large particles. I didn't end up trying it on 'challenging' water (murky pond, etc), so I can't say anything about that. It's great for hiking/camping, but I'll also be bringing it with me when I travel in countries where I don't necessary trust the tap water. While the Nalgene is convenient, you can use this in any bottle that has a wide enough mouth (unfortunately not most PET bottles).

Cons: It's a good idea to spend 20 minutes with the instructions when you first get it, as it's not inherently obvious. Also, you should be conscious of what is, and what isn't, being sterilized -- if you dip the cap of your Nalgene in the river as you fill it up, for example, those drops of water will not be sterilized, and will end up mixed with the liter you did sterilize. Finally, it can be sort of finicky about starting -- you press the button, place it in the water, and instead of turning on, it gives you the blinking red light. It always ended up working on the 3-4th try, but kind of annoying.