Is there a SteriPEN-like device that uses a UV LED?

[Rex Sanders]

More on the LARQ in this thread:

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/is-this-a-steripen-in-a-bottle-looks-cool-to-me/

And some more from https://www.livelarq.com

… the LARQ Bottle uses a UV-C LED chip in the cap of the bottle, to eradicate up to 99.9999%* of bacteria and 99.99%* of viruses in the water and the internal surface area of the bottle itself.

* In Adventure Mode … a 3-minute cycle.

…based on 3-4 cycles a day … Adventure Mode lasts up to 10-12 days

A LARQ bottle holds “17 oz (500mL)” (which is it?)

I use about 5 liters per day backpacking depending on the weather. That would be 10 Adventure cycles daily, so a fully charged LARQ might last about 3 days. For longer trips, I’d need a USB battery bank in addition to the 13.5 ounce weight of the LARQ bottle.

Purifying 3 liters of water for a longer dry stretch would take at least 18 minutes of waiting for the Adventure cycle to complete.

LARQ claims to kill viruses, but provide no data.

Do not expose the Product to temperatures below freezing or above 90°F.

Still waiting for an LED UV purifier more practical for backpacking.

— Rex

[Roger Caffin]

That is where it is all going.

The use of an SS bottle actually enhances the effect if the inside is polished. The walls then reflect the UV-C photons around for a much longer path length.
Steripen has done this too, with the Steripen Quantum. See our review at https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/steripen-quantum-uv-water-treatment-system-roger-caffin/ Pity it is a bit heavy though.

Lack of progress with Katadyn – sigh. Transition from small agile company to cumbersome monolith.

However, IF LARQ is not quoting test results to EPA levels, then I suggest you do not touch it. Testing has to be done by EPA-certified labs – typically found at Universities. No tests – no good.

Cheers

[Eric Blumensaadt]

What Seth Brewer said – Steripen Adventurer Opti. Mins has done very well for several years.

Can’t always say that for ny original Adventurer! Kinda finicky.

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