Have you heard about Steripens but don’t know how they work? In this video I show how I use my Steripen to treat water from streams and lakes when I’m backpacking.
Want to learn more about Water Treatment?
Hiking 101: Water Treatment
Gear Review: Steripen Classic
Gear Review: Steripen Adventurer Opti
Ask Hiking Lady: Does the SteriPEN pre-filter keep the Nalgene threads bacteria free?
I’ve just noticed you started using Youtube ( I just found 2 videos)! I like it ! They are short, but straight to the point…
Any time soon we’ll see “the whole you ” ?
Still building my courage to get myself out there ( on Youtube that is )…
Hi Paul, glad you found the videos! Yes, there is now a “Hiking Lady Channel” on YouTube. I plan to post more periodically. Some things are just better explained on video
Once I start doing trail reviews and such you’ll see more of me
That’s so modern! Say goodbye to bleach drops and iodine tablets.
Hi – Nice video. I also liked your review for the Steripen Adventurer Opti. Is it safe to look at the UV light?
@David: That’s right – no more nasty tasting water!
@Carl: Yes, the light emitted by the Steripen is safe to look at. Steripens emit UV-C light, which cannot pass through containers, whether they’re glass, plastic, metal, etc.
I’ve been happily using Katadyn water filter in the past. For my three week JMT trip this summer, should I consider switching? How much do these cost? How many liters can you treat on a battery charge?
Great question! Yep, I’d consider switching because the Steripen is much smaller and lighter than a filter, including the Katadyn Pro filter.
The Steripen Adventurer Opti weighs 3.6oz including batteries vs. 11oz for the Katadyn Pro.
Using CR123 batteries you’d get 50 treatments (50 Liters) out of a set of batteries. So for 3 weeks on the trail, you’ll probably need 4-5 liters of water a day so about 84-105 Liters total. An extra set of batteries (which I always take even on short trips!) will be another 1.2oz. So even if you had 3 sets of batteries your total weight would be just 3.6oz + 2 sets of backup batteries at 1.2oz per pair = 6.0oz. Still a lot lighter than a filter!
Cost is about $100 + a few bucks for CR123 batteries.
In case you didn’t see my reviews, here are my write-ups about the Steripen Adventurer Opti and the Steripen Classic. Have fun on the JMT!
Thanks, Hiking Lady! I’m going to add it to my wish list, but down towards the bottom. I hate to spend money when I’ve already got something that works perfectly fine (albiet with more weight).
Yeah that makes sense! I end up loaning mine to friends whenever I’m not using it.