Steripen?

[bluepoof]

Has anyone used a Steripen for water filtration? I'm thinking of adding one to my birthday list for camping this summer.

http://www.steripen.com/steripen_products.html

http://www.steripen.com/images/JourneyinGlass2.jpg

[Ripshod]

I plan to get one for my survival kit but I don't think I'll need one for camping. I don't normally get THAT far out in the boonies and at this point, civilization is still intact enough to assure a steady supply of safe drinking water. :-)

[Black and Blue]

Yes, we have had one for a while and used it on several occasions.
I really like it for water bottles (Naglene type) that are filled from a questionable tap.
We used it backpacking last summer when getting water from creeks in the Sierras.
And when I'm bored, its fun to wait for the little light on the tube to change.
I'm easily amused.
Better than pumping with a filter for small amounts of water, like a water bottle.

Colleen

[Mr. Guy]

From what I understand about them, they don't really filter anything, they just kill any bugs that might be in the water.

Guy

[bluepoof]

Yah, it assumes you're starting with clear water.

[Black and Blue]

Guy;

Come on, the water wasn't that murky at the Oklahoma campout;).

And your right, it just gets rid of the creepy stuff. It does nothing for the clarity.

Colleen

[Mr. Guy]

Oh, don't get me wrong, I've drank some pretty nasty looking stuff before, when on the trail (backpacking). After boiling first, of course. Just wanted to make sure everyone understood it doesn't filter out the crud, just kills the bugs. You still drink them, they're just dead.

Guy

[Yamifj1200]

Oh, don't get me wrong, I've drank some pretty nasty looking stuff before, when on the trail (backpacking). After boiling first, of course. Just wanted to make sure everyone understood it doesn't filter out the crud, just kills the bugs. You still drink them, they're just dead.

Guy

Thats not a comforting thought, chunky style water. I think a filtration system is the way to go. I have been using a sweetwater system for some time with no complaints or bowel troubles... and thats a good thing...

Eric

[Mr. Guy]

I use a Katadin Hiker Pro when on the trail, but on a bike trip, just drink whatever comes out of the tap at the campground.

Guy

[Motocentaur]

I had a mildly unpleasant experience two years ago with some river water while camping in VA near the BRP. I boiled it thoroughly, but I must have splashed some untreated water onto something that went in my mouth. Ever since then I've been carrying Aquamira drops just in case.

[Mr. Guy]

That's the hard part, keeping the clean water away from the dirty. I think that's how most people end up sick, cross contamination.

Guy