SteriPEN Traveler review - using the power of Ultraviolet light to purify water {Gadling}

Jul 7th 2010 11:45PM My friend and I took along a Steripen with us last week for a trekking trip in the Andes. The device is definitely convenient as a water purifier when backpacking as it's much less bulkier than a traditional water purifier. That said, you definitely need to bring along a pre-filter and extra batteries. The Steripen we used was rated for 50 liters but due to the elevation and temperature, we were able to purify at most 20 liters before the batteries ran out. A couple of iodine tablets are useful as a backup, and for the occasional traveller, a much cheaper option – although you'll definitely want to bring along flavor packets to cover up the taste. That said, the Steripen is definitely a worthy device to consider for traveling in developing nations or if you'll have plenty of access to fairly "clean" water that requires little filtering.