Brian in Montana
Well-known member
I've used a basic Katadyn Hiker Pro for a lot of years, but the filter cartridge got clogged up, so about a year ago Holly and I went to REI to get a replacement. Holly, being far more techie than me, talked me into trying a Steripen. It seemed like an interesting device, takes 4 AA batteries, uses UV light to kill microorganisms in your water, it's compact and light weight. The next weekend she and I hiked into an alpine lake, about an 8-mile hike. We got there thirsty, of course, and we couldn't get the Steripen to work. It apparently broke somewhere between the house and the lake, but I don't remember dropping it or anything. We drank lake water for 2 days and fortunately didn't get giardia. When we got home, REI graciously replaced it.
Other than twice having dead batteries and no extras with me, it basically worked for a year. Then last weekend, I replaced the batteries and then couldn't get it to work. Then I realized it was getting very hot. I unscrewed the cap for the battery compartment and smoke was curling out of it. So anyway, I'm done with it, going back to a simple filter. I realized that even when it was working, I wound up drinking more unpurified water than ever before. Not having extra batteries in my pack in on me, but still, I don't think I really care to have to worry about that.
Anyway, I don't know if my experience w/ the Steripen is common or not, but it I simply don't have any confidence in the product. Just putting it out there. In my opinion, there are other systems for water purification that are simpler and more reliable.
Anybody have a better experience with it?
Other than twice having dead batteries and no extras with me, it basically worked for a year. Then last weekend, I replaced the batteries and then couldn't get it to work. Then I realized it was getting very hot. I unscrewed the cap for the battery compartment and smoke was curling out of it. So anyway, I'm done with it, going back to a simple filter. I realized that even when it was working, I wound up drinking more unpurified water than ever before. Not having extra batteries in my pack in on me, but still, I don't think I really care to have to worry about that.
Anyway, I don't know if my experience w/ the Steripen is common or not, but it I simply don't have any confidence in the product. Just putting it out there. In my opinion, there are other systems for water purification that are simpler and more reliable.
Anybody have a better experience with it?