Steripen with or without filter

il2gnp · Post by **il2gnp** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 2:29 pm

My husband and I will be day hiking in Glacier for two weeks this summer. While we plan to carry water it sounds like taking a steripen along would be a good idea. Would you advise getting the one with or without the filter?

Pocketlint · Post by **Pocketlint** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 2:51 pm

I'd buy the one with the filter as you may need it somewhere else...
OR if you are sqeamish about very tiny specks of whatever

in your water.(I'm not)
Most water sources in my experience in GNP are pretty clear.
It's not a big deal to carry along just in case. The filter doesn't weigh much at all.

pocketlint

trevbo · Post by **trevbo** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 3:47 pm

If you do go with a steripen, make sure you have a fresh set of batteries. On my unit, if the batteries are not full the unit will power up but it will crap out before you I get the little happy face on the LCD screen that indicates all is good.

mrcub14 · Post by **mrcub14** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 11:47 pm

I end up using the filter more for protecting the threads of the bottle from contamination. In my experience I could get by without it, but I think it's nice to have since I'm not a fan of tiny specks. I'd echo the suggestion about having fresh, or backup batteries.

mikie · Post by **mikie** » Sat Jul 06, 2013 7:42 am

Specks in the water can block the light from sterilizing the water completely.

I have been using the Camelbak All Clear this summer. I like it better then the Steripen. It has a built-in battery that will last about a week, and the battery can be recharged on the trail with a solar charger if the battery runs low. It has a life of approximately 2,000 gallons of water.

sj in cal · Post by **sj in cal** » Sat Jul 06, 2013 8:52 am

I used the Steripen for 4 years and was a big fan; because of the weight and bulk advantage even with the prefilter (I hate "floaters"). However, last summer it became unreliable and it would only function properly about half the time, even with fresh batteries. I'm giving it one more chance, but it will be in the trash if it fails to perform again.

il2gnp · Post by **il2gnp** » Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:12 pm

I can tell that 'with' filter is the way to go. Thanks! Barb

Straight Arrow · Post by **Straight Arrow** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 8:30 am

Stmarypete · Post by **Stmarypete** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 2:12 pm

Costco has the Steri-pen kit with filter and bottle for $50 right now, just got one last night.

Pocketlint · Post by **Pocketlint** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 4:11 pm

sj in cal wrote:I used the Steripen for 4 years and was a big fan; because of the weight and bulk advantage even with the prefilter (I hate "floaters"). However, last summer it became unreliable and it would only function properly about half the time, even with fresh batteries. I'm giving it one more chance, but it will be in the trash if it fails to perform again.

No floaters for you huh?

Recently I've had the same experience as you have with "intermittant" operation. VERY frustrating.
I've gone back to my trusty filter.

pocketlint

Glacier National Park Chat

Steripen with or without filter

Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter

Re: Steripen with or without filter