SteriPEN
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The SteriPEN uses UV light to disinfect drinking water by destroy viruses, bacteria and protozoa. If the SteriPEN works as advertised, it could prove itself useful in a wide variety of situations where reliably clean drinking water isn’t available including hiking or traveling abroad to places with suspect water. There are two reviews of the SteriPEN Classic on BackpackGearTest.org that give relatively positive remarks about the product here and here. Pictured to the left is the SteriPEN Adventurer which is designed with backpacking in mind. It measures a little over six inches in length and is powered by two CR123 batteries (included). The SteriPEN line ranges $99 to $130 in price and can be found from a wide variety of etailers including Amazon. |
Hey this sounds cool and useful. The only concern I have is the safety of the UV light and the amount of exposure you get by looking at it while it’s working. If you’re looking at the green light on the handle part, you’re looking in the direction of the UV radiation. UV contributes to the development of cataracts and it doesn’t seem like such a good idea to look at it while it’s working. I don’t remember how much UV radiation water actually filters out. Glass doesn’t offer much protection, plastic a little more and acrylic a little more. Maybe the combination of the water and the plastic bottle reduces the exposure. The Hydro-Photon site doesn’t say much about visual safety or protection. I guess not looking at it while it’s working would be the best protection. I still think it’s a cool way to purify drinking water.
Comment by Stomper — August 23, 2007 @ 12:26 am
The SteriPEN recently got a very positive review from Kevin Kelly who recently used the SteriPEN when he was in Africa over the summer. (bb Gadgets Referer) He didn’t address Stomper’s concerns about the safety of UV light, but he also never got sick.
Comment by roclar — September 6, 2007 @ 3:47 pm