SteriPEN Traveler Handheld UV Water Purifier
SteriPEN Traveler Handheld UV Water Purifier
 |  List Price: $49.95 Sale Price: $43.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Eligible For Free Shipping   |
Product Description
Avoid traveler's diarrhea with SteriPEN(R Traveler, a handheld germicidal UV water purifier that destroys waterborne bacteria, viruses and protozoa--in seconds (4 AA batteries not included.
Details
- Compact handheld UV water purifier designed specifically for travelers
- Destroys more than 99.9 percent of harmful microorganisms, including Giardia
- Safe and effective without altering taste, pH, or other properties of water
- Purifies 200 half-liter servings of water per 4 AA batteries (not included)
- Measures 1.5 x 7.6 x 1.5 inches (W x H x D); weighs 5.7 ounces
SteriPEN Traveler Handheld UV Water Purifier 3.7 out of 5 based on 37 ratings. 343 user reviews
SteriPEN Traveler Handheld UV Water Purifier Avoid traveler's diarrhea with SteriPEN(R Traveler, a handheld germicidal UV water purifier that destroys waterborne bacteria, viruses and protozoa--in seconds (4 AA batteries not included. $49.95 http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pdbI2OZiL._SL160_.jpg
http://www.wesurviveit.com/survival-water-purification-filters/steripen-traveler-handheld-uv-water-purifier.html
Rating
I have had very good experiences with a similar SteriPEN in the past. In 2008, I traveled to Burma after the cyclone hit Rangoon and brought a SteriPEN because the storm knocked out even the basic water filtration systems available. My Burmese friends and I used SteriPEN for several days to kill any germs in the drinking water. I am still alive and didn’t get sick (well, any more than normal for a stay in Burma). I particularly liked the fact that it was easy to use. Not all of my Burmese friends speak English or are used to high-tech gadgets (even Rangoon only gets a few hours of electricity per day). With SteriPEN, you basically just press one button and you’re set (although make sure you read the instructions). I left my old SteriPEN in Burma because they liked it so much. I’m saving this new SteriPEN for my next trip.
Rating
Well The item operates as it states but you still have to trust the science of the product.And I am okay with that. The green light tells you it is ready and you swirl the pen in the water until the light turns off automatically and then it is safe to drink. The green light will flash again when you stop if the red light flashes then it was done completely.
You should know you cannot use Alkaline batteries with the item. You do get 2- two dollar off coupons that expire in July 2010 for Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. I was lucky to already have some rechargable ones here from my old camera.(I did have to charge them) They recommend the rechargeable ones if using in cold climates.
Also the water has to be clear before you use the product. They say even a shirt can be used or a coffee filter. They go to great lengths to say the container must be clean and it will not sterilize droplets on the side of a glass to wipe those away.
Then they say that expensive research has been done to prove it does kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, protoza. The statement that gave me a bit of concern is “While carefully controlled microboiological testing of SteriPen has been conducted, use of SteriPen in the field may produce results that vary from our laboratory test data.” (ie…you may get sick)
I have a bunch of bottled water that is expired and decided to use it on them and go ahead and drink them. It takes only about 30 second and there is absolutely no leakage when you turn the bottle upside down and swirl it. I am impressed.
All that taken into consideration I would use it to drink clear stream water on a hike if I run out of my bottled water as to drinking it straight. I was a microbiologist for 29yrs so I know the science. We Used UV lights in the TB work room. Our biohazard hoods had UV lights turned on when not in use.
Just keep in mind it is not 100% that you will not get sick. If traveling to a high risk area I’d also take the tablets for the water just to be double sure. Oh you get 200 uses with the lithium batteries.
Rating
Review updated 3/31/2010 – My first unit arrived with a broken battery cover, which I emailed SteriPen about. They promptly replied to my email and sent me a brand new SteriPen free of charge. I have inspected and used the new unit, and it is free of any defects and works great, so I have updated my review.
Pros:
-This device is very easy to use. Press the button once to purify 0.5-1 Liter, or twice for less than 0.5 Liters (logically, I think it should be the other way around, but it’s not a big deal), and stick the wand in your water. The water activates a sensor which switches on the fluorescent bulb, and less than a minute later you’ve got safe water to drink. The fluorescent tube emits both visible and UV light, so you can easily know when the device is activated.
-It can be used with either a standard bottled water from the store, or any other container of water (drinking glass, etc.)
Cons:
-The battery cover can be installed in 3 different orientations, but only one of them allows the device to operate. You have to be sure the little padlock symbol and the arrow are lined up when you twist the cover back on. This is something that I’m sure would cause confusion for a number of people.
-According to the manual, you shouldn’t use alkaline batteries. They recommend lithium disposable batteries or Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries, both of which are comparatively expensive. However, my SteriPen did come with two $2 off coupons for Energizer lithium AA’s.
Rating
The SteriPen is about the easiest water purification system I have tried and the fastest. It looks like it will work quite well for my traveling.
I travel in my work to all of South America and the Caribbean and also to Africa. The water is treated, but not to the same standards as in the USA. Also, there are microbes in the water supply lines that we are not used to. Every person that I have taken with me to Mexico, for example, has immediately had problems from the water. usually within 24 hours. This device looks like it will solve that problem.
What I generally use for water purification is either an iodine or chlorine based treatment. Clear iodine from the drug store (5 drops per liter) works well, followed by adding a vitamin C tablet to remove the iodine taste, after letting the iodine work for several hours. There are many products in the camping stores that are effective. The problem with these systems is that they are relatively slow and leave an unpleasant chemical taste. I usually treat my water in the evening and let the chemical work overnight, although about 30 minutes of treatment is supposed to be sufficient. The taste is never as good as I would like, though. Filtering first with a 0.2 micron water filter followed by a chemical treatment is considered a more complete solution. A LOT of trouble for drinking water!
UV treatment, on the other hand, is easy and fast. The only drawback that I can see is that the water to be treated has to be very clear and it is necessary to stir or agitate the water to make sure that the UV light is able to get to all parts of the water. This is easy to do, however, and not a significant drawback. If the water is not clear, then prefiltering would be required.
UV treatment will NOT eliminate chemical contamination (eg lake water). This would require a different type of treatment.
In preparation for this review, I talked with a friend who works as an engineer with a local water department and who is very familiar with water treatment methods. I had not realized it before, but UV treatment has actually replaced chlorination for elimination of pathogens, so it is a very effective technique! He reiterated that the water being treated MUST be clear and that all the water must pass close to the UV bulb. He also said that the UV light does not actually kill the pathogens, but rather damages their DNA so that they cannot reproduce, which is as effective as killing them. He also said that it is possible to only injure the pathogens, so adequate stirring and agitation is important as is letting the system work for the full dosage time.
I noticed that one reviewer said that with the batteries, the SteriPen is rather heavy. I didn’t weight it, but I did compare the “Feel” of its weight to a 500 ml bottle of water, the standard size that you get from a drink machine. I had to drink 2/3 of the bottle before the weights felt similar, so I don;t see the weight as a problem at all, even when hiking. If it reduces the amount of water I have to carry, it is a net savings in weight!
The SteriPen requires lithium batteries which cost about twice as much as alkaline, but they give about 10 times the life. They also are lighter weight than alkalines. The cost will be MUCH less than buying bottled water!
So, to summarize, I am very confident that the SteriPen will handle my water purification needs, especially when traveling to South America and the Caribbean. UV treatment is very effective and fast and doesn’t leave the chemical taste that other portable systems do. I’ll be taking it with me on all my travels with confidence!
Rating
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RJFJNF65XY0M7 There are a lot of reasons why you may want to purchase a SteriPEN.
- You are traveling to a country where you do not have 100% confidence in the local water supply.
- You are going backpacking and want a safe way to purify your drinking water
- For your home – as an emergency means to provide safe water in the event of water contamination (and a loss of electricity)… you never know when you have contaminated water AND you don’t have a method to boil water for safe consumption.
The SteriPen purifies water by using a safe UV light source. UV light is the method that most communities purify their drinking water. UV light is claimed to be effective in killing +99.9% of bacteria, viruses and other “Bad things” that could make you sick. One thing worth remembering is that the SteriPEN will kill things that are “Alive” but it has no effect on minerals, fertilizers, poisons and other mineral/inorganic material.
How does it work?
- SteriPEN suggests that you use 4 Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium Batteries 4 Pack (which are NOT provided). SteriPEN claims that these batteries will give you 200 purifying cycles.
- The metal probes must be able to reach the water you are treating.
- The water should be clear. Remember you are treating with a light source – too much sediment will significantly reduce the lights effectiveness. If the water is too dirty or cloudy it should be filtered using a cloth, coffee filter, or other filtering device.
- Once the light is submersed the water needs to be agitated. It is important that the water is agitated enough to bring all of the “bad things” near the light so they can be killed.
Final Verdict – While it is difficult to say that it is working – you only know if you get sick or if you don’t get sick – but the science behind the device is solid. The SteriPEN Is lightweight (it weighs about 1 pound), relatively easy to use, and has a low life-cycle cost (unlike tablets and other treatments the SteriPEN only needs a supply of new batteries). I am a big believer and I think that most homes would benefit from having the SteriPEN in both their travel and emergency kits.
5 Stars
Rating
This unit (Steripen Traveler) is larger than the similar Steripen Adventurer or Traveler Mini, since this unit uses four AA size batteries, instead of two CR123 lithium batteries. Using the AA size batteries (I use nickel metal-hydride rechargables) is an advantage because, in the long run, they are cheaper. You will pay $5.00 or so for each CR123 lithium battery, but a set of four rechargables will run about $10.00, and will recharge around 500 times.
I take it with me to restaurants to sterilize the drinking water they serve (order it without ice!). I no longer fully trust our drinking water supplies, and no longer drink soda pop (to avoid the high fructose corn syrup).
Rating
I was hoping that this water purifier was smaller and more portable. It is 7 1/2″ long with the cover on and 1 3/4″ wide, too big to fit in most pants pockets. With the batteries it weighs close to a pound. It is possible to attach a string through an eyelet near the base so it could be worn around someone’s neck or could be strung with a carry strap. The cover for the bulb fits tight but curiously has a hole at the tapered end to let the moisture drain out. This could also let some dirt in. The rubber grips around the battery compartment make the device easy to hold and hard to drop. It only requires a simple press of a button so it is easy to use. This device is perfect for anyone’s emergency preparedness kit.
Rating
I don’t travel as frequently as some, but I do periodically visit areas in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. Many of us know that in some places and under certain conditions, the water quality is not exactly what it is here in the US. Without question, I will bring the SteriPen Traveler with me the next time that I travel to one of these areas.
Every blue moon, our domestic water supply could be compromised in one way or the other. It’s nice to have a SteriPen on hand, even if I don’t always need it.
The SteriPen Traveler is compact, but a bit larger than it looks. The bulb is fragile, but the end cap provides reasonable protection. I wish it came with a case, and I’d pay a bit extra for that, but it doesn’t.
In terms of batteries, I’m using some high quality rechargable AA cells and they seem to last a long time. The SteriPen is quite easy to use and works very quickly too.
It’s really an ingenious device. I think that many should own a SteriPen if you travel, camp or “just in case”.
Rating
As soon as the SteriPEN Traveler Handheld UV Water Purifier arrived I unwrapped it, installed the batteries and ran to the alley behind my house to scoop some feted, brackish water from a pothole…….Just Kidding, but it does beg the question; how do I test this device without spending a week in the bathroom? I often take day-trips to the Fort Collins, Colorado area and go hiking along the Poudre River Trail. Many are the times I have wanted to stop along one of the crystal clear, ice cold, streams and take a huge drink rather than pull on my lukewarm plastic tasting canteen. Last time I did. I read the SteriPEN’s instructions carefully before leaving the camping area. I also loaded the Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries the company suggests (a couple of coupons in the box). I scooped up a bottle of the water, let the pen do its thing, then drank it down. I felt no ill effects afterward and used it on the same trip several more times (three sessions and the batteries did not die).
Now of course there is no way (short of laboratory tests) for me to be sure the water was contaminated in the first place, but there are warnings there about drinking it. As far as I can tell the SteriPEN does what it says it will.
Rating
I took this on a weekend kayak trip where there was no “drinking” water available. I used it to purify our drinking water which was inland lake water. No one got sick from the water so I think it really does work.
It’s very easy to use, just follow the enclosed instructions & make sure you bring the instructions with you so you don’t make a mistake.
We like to travel in parts of Asia where the drinking water & even bottled water can be suspect. I will be bringing this along since it fits over the top of most water bottles & it’s small enough to put in my daypack. I would recommend bringing along extra batteries just-in-case because this device uses AA lithium batteries (they are expensive) which may be hard to find. Yes, you can use rechargeable lithium batteries but you need a place to plug in the charger or use a solar charge panel. Alkaline batteries do not work!