The Steripen is a UV water purification system. Â It’s a small hand-held device that emits UV rays to purify water by killing bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Â It takes 4 AA batteries and weighs about 5 ounces. Â The Steripen UV water purification system is one of the best ways to completely purify water while camping and backpacking…although, its not perfect.
HOW TO USE THE STERIPEN UV WATER PURIFIER:
The Steripen is probably the easiest and cleanest way to completely purify water. Â Simply push the button once for 1 liter or twice for 0.5 liters and stir the pen around in your water source. Â The blue light will emite UV rays that will purify the water of any contaminants.
PROS:
- Purifies water fast and without any chemicals
- You can use it in any country because it destroys bacteria, protozoa and viruses
CONS:
- Needs batteries
- Breakable
- Adds extra weight to your pack
- Does not remove sediment
REVIEW:
Overall I love the Steripen! Â Although it can be little overkill for a lot of situations. Â If you’re doing a long trek, sometimes its just easier to carry a small bottle of iodine tablets rather than a device of this size (even though it is NOT really that big). Â But despite Iodine tablets being cheaper and easier to carry, if you don’t mind the device adding weight to your pack, you can have chemical-free water during your trek. Â Plan on getting weird looks from villages and fellow backpackers whenever you bust it out.
