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Steripen users advise
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Jun 6, 2011 at 7:12 am #1745459
Roger you are a brave man
and for a bloke from the land of Ozzzz
have an unusually pale bronze.I take it surfing isn't your sport?
Jun 6, 2011 at 7:39 am #1745466"Yes. People have been using the Steripen for quite some time without issue. I have the Opti and it hasn't let me down yet. One of my hiking buddies has used his for over 2 years without issue."
But with just as many reports of success, there are equal tales of failure. The technology (i.e. UV purification) may be proven, but the product has had some quality issues. A quick google search confirms this. Reminds me of the NeoAir.
Jun 6, 2011 at 7:42 am #1745468"Reminds me of the NeoAir."
The Steripen is rated to R 2.5. I don't think they're fudging those numbers…… ;-)
Jun 6, 2011 at 8:22 am #1745486Bahaha,
Jun 6, 2011 at 8:25 am #1745488I'd bet that 99% of failures (at least on most recent models) are due to users using poor quality or wrong batteries.
Jun 6, 2011 at 8:28 am #1745489There are a whole lot of things that could potentially not work in the field due to unfortunate events but I've not only used a Steripen (various versions) for a few years, I've seen and been around dozens of Steripens on various groups and trips over that span. The only issues I've seen have been related to forgetting to replace batteries before a trip or not appropriately keeping the device warm prior to use in winter (once warm, it'll work again). So there is definitely the possibility of not appropriately using a Steripen — like anything else. I have never seen a technical failure or broken device in the field.
Jun 6, 2011 at 8:46 am #1745496A group of us did a three day trip weekend before last. Everyone carried their own preferred treatment method, filter and chemicals were on the list.
After the first day, everyone was relying on my SteriPEN. Because it was quicker, easier and in the end, lighter.It was hot that weekend, we must have treated 10 gallons of water.
As of yesterday 2 other members of that trip have purchased there own SteriPENs.
Jun 7, 2011 at 12:03 am #1745881Thank you all for taking the time to answer my question. I appreciate everyone sharing their perspectives when it comes to Steripen use and reliability. The advice offered here is quite helpful, and you have convinced me that in addition to fresh batteries, the instruction manual should be read prior to use in the field. Such a high price to pay for fresh water….
Dirk
Jun 7, 2011 at 3:02 am #1745889> I take it surfing isn't your sport?
Nope.
Mountains and rock.Cheers
Jun 7, 2011 at 3:05 am #1745890> I'd bet that 99% of failures (at least on most recent models) are due to users using
> poor quality or wrong batteries.The first generation of the first designs had mechanical assembly problems. All replaced under warranty.
Very early models had a far-too-high off-state current drain. Isolate batteries between uses.
The current models have the benefit of a lot of production experience.Cheers
Jun 7, 2011 at 9:40 am #1746021Roger, do you have any experience with the Journey?
Jun 7, 2011 at 2:25 pm #1746174Even though I don't feel comfortable relying on moving parts, or electronics and batteries in this case, the size and capabilities of the Steripen –and a wholesale price– won me over…hesitantly.
I ended up with the Steripen Adventurer 3 yrs ago. I have used it on three trips. The first two were trouble free. The last trip however, the thing had to tried repeatedly before it worked. Total, I have five days on this thing. Original batteries. All these trips were short totaling 3 nights. It could be the batteries….but the indicator light did not indicate a battery issue. What ever the case, I'm now even more hesitant to use it. My brother has a newer version he took to Mexico last winter. First trip and it completely stopped working. No indication it was the batteries in his either.
To be fair, it could be a simple battery problem in both. I can't speak for my brother but I'll have to think long and hard before I take mine in a remote area again. Fresh batteries or not, I'd feel like I was in Nevada at a gambling machine every time I pushed the button.
Jun 7, 2011 at 2:42 pm #1746184Although I know what you mean about relying on batteries in the outdoors, the same can be said for other methods of water treatment. Filter elements can crack, chemicals can sometimes fail or become less effective over time.
Your always reliant on something.
When I was young, I always boiled my water, whether I was in the back woods or in a foreign country.
If my steripen should fail for some reason, I can always fall back to boiling. But I am very experienced at fire making and can usually get a liter of water boiling pretty quickly.
I could always bring a chemical treatment as backup as well.
Jun 8, 2011 at 11:52 am #1746490I want to love my Steripen. I usually travel where clear water is plentiful and don't want to carry a lot or wait on it. I have a classic. I used very good batteries. It usually works great the first day and then starts getting inconsistent. Spare batteries don't help much. I have considered purchasing a newer version but its a bit hard to purchase the new version when the original really didn't work well for me. Are the newer ones really a lot more reliable?
Sep 1, 2011 at 5:20 pm #1775191Bought on 04/12/10, used one week in Grand Gulch, died on 08/25/11 in Pecos Wilderness…..mUV's RECHARGEABLE battery would not hold charge.
USB vs magnetic clips…not the issue….it's the cheap RECHARGEABLE battery in Meridian-Design's mUV that's the weakness.
Good luck if you decide to buy the "new", "upgraded", USB mUV. Be sure to take some tablets with you!
Sep 1, 2011 at 7:49 pm #1775235Took it on a trip a couple of weeks ago. Did probably 3-4 liters a day and worked fine. I did have a time where it failed and the red light illuminated. It was within the first 15 seconds. Just hit the switch again and it went through the cycle as prescribed. I'm fine. Nice, easy light weight option. And the price was right when I got it on Sale at REI for $65.
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