How to use SteriPen and why I switched.

[@tzavitz]

Great video. You were the first to properly show how the pre-filter gets used in its entirety to keep the rim clean on your sterilized water bottle. I got a Steripen for free and didn't have any directions for it, so your video was a big help!

[@AdventuresInReach]

Happy to hear it was helpful. Thanks for the comment.

[@Heikki_Finland]

I have a ceramic filter, but it can only be used in summer. We have plenty of freezing temperatures here up north, that would break the ceramics, so that makes me consider buying an uv-purifier.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Absolutely. Just keep in mind that the UV only works well when it's been screened first or when using water without too many floaters. The batteries also won't last as long in the cold. The best for cold weather may actually be chemical treatment.

[@lboppel]

Great video. Now, in the video, the container was immersed so there's contaminated water on the sides. After sterilizing the inside water, the prefilter gets taken off. I'm presuming there's contaminated water on the outside of the prefilter and maybe in the threads. What about the concern that the rim needs at least a wipe before you start drinking from the container?

[@AdventuresInReach]

There is contaminated water on the sides, however the threads are sealed off by a gasket both top and bottom. Steripen says they have also done testing and wiping the threads dry, if necessary, gets rid of water born parasites, etc...I'm not quite convinced, but the threads do stay dry with the pre-filter attachment.

[@lboppel]

@@AdventuresInReach great - thanks so much for the information.

[@ski3435]

I like my SteriPen. I have the Adventurer Opti model. However, the big drawback is the battery. If you don't keep it warm, the SteriPen won't work. I forgot to take it with me in my sleeping bag on one trip. The temp got down into the low 30s overnight. The next morning the battery wouldn't power the SteriPen.

[@AdventuresInReach]

I've had that issue as well, then after heating up the batteries in my pocket they worked just fine.

[@sstubbiewon6370]

The fact that it uses batteries at all is a major deal breaker for me. Life straw or any gravity filter seems like a much better option.

[@michaelkudrik4922]

This is great I had no idea such thing existed! I will definitely look into it for camping trips.

[@AdventuresInReach]

They are pretty sweet. There's a couple restrictions such as cloudy sedimented water, but are generally well suited.

[@josiahbova2088]

I love your videos keep it up and you’ll blow up on KZbin I’m sure of it. Even if you don’t I’ll still watch every one of them.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Much appreciated! I'll keep trying to learn, brainstorm, and improve to keep it interesting. Feel free to share videos to help it grow.

[@josiahbova2088]

@@AdventuresInReach If you could see the smile on my face. I personally love your sailing videos and maybe some hammock camping when spring comes would be a cool video.

[@nrenaud]

Hi there, thanks for demonstration of this filter option. What do you think about the Grayl Geopress ?

[@AdventuresInReach]

Hello. You're welcome. I have never personally used the gropress. Bob, who joined for the small sailboat flotilla around the apostle islands had one. It was incredibly fast and seemed easy to use. There are some negative reviews about it leaking and being difficult and slow to press, although that can be an issue with any filter depending on the water source. What do you plan to use your filter for? For backpacking i use a Katadyn befree. Otherwise i generally bring the steripen.

[@nrenaud]

@@AdventuresInReach Hi, thanks for reply. I was balance betwin Befree or Geopress ( for viruses) . Steripen works from clear water only, needs a little bit more manipulations and for instance user needs the prefilter for particules and a bottle fit to it. Geopress is a bottle, do filter in a simple way and faster. But for my purpose, - in local National parks area - most of time in kayak , camping or walking, I've also choose Befree. But your Steripen demonstration was fine and usefull. It would be my choice when travelling in other countries at hotels.

[@AdventuresInReach]

The steripen does require a nalgene type threaded bottle. If you have that, the prefilter process is quick and easy and you can treat most water. It's rare that I ever find myself filtering from a nasty, particulate heavy source. I've also been able to just let sediments water sit in a pot for a little bit before filtering. I would also use this traveling. The befree and the steripen have been a good combination to own.

[@MikeHoncho884]

After running the pen and taking the top off, you said that you had non-chemical water the pen doesn’t take chemicals out of the water. It kills bugs in the water. Like little bugs that would make you sick from adjusting the water. Not chemical filter.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

I rarely envy fresh water sailors, but I have to admit that a water filter or purifier weighs a lot less than hauling 5-6 gallons of water around!

[@AdventuresInReach]

That is a big perk. I've considered a few different trips with the sunfish on saltwater and would certainly have to troubleshoot how/where to carry water in addition to the gear.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

@@AdventuresInReach two of the best areas for Sunfish cruising on the east coast are Florida Bay/the Keys and Portsmouth Island, NC. Of the two, Portsmouth is the most wild. But it is rugged. People think that they know mosquitos. They don’t. And there’s no water, no fresh water you can depend on, wildly unpredictable weather, and no shade whatsoever. It can be brutal! Which, of course, is part of the allure.

[@OriginalAzaeal]

I ordered my steripen in Canada and it didn't come with a pre-filter or a holster. Starting to feel ripped off

[@AdventuresInReach]

Hmm. That seems odd to me. The prefilter seems like an essential component. Their directions even describes how it won't reliably disinfect water with a lot of dirt, debris, etc. in it. I would contact them.

[@1776Rob2012]

What size are the batteries?

[@AdventuresInReach]

These are AA. There are smaller models with lighter batteries, but this has been great for my purposes.

[@lukuscarter3563]

Umm. I thought I heard steripen personal say that it was 1 button push for 1 liter of water, and 2 pushes for half liter.

[@AdventuresInReach]

It might be different for a different model. If you zoom in on the video you can see the lights and the markings. The way I described in the video is accurate for my steripen classic.

[@lukuscarter3563]

@@AdventuresInReach absolutely. I’m not saying you’re wrong at all. Just that I’ve heard multiple people say different clicks. I do believe you when you say multi models do differently. Tks for the review

[@Myneckofthewoods7]

I don’t know if I like this thing I will have to do more research

[@AdventuresInReach]

I generally carry this for canoeing and sailing, or where there are more viruses in the water because i can use it one handed and it kills everything. I carry a Katadyn BeFree for backpacking easy of the rockies in the US.

[@BillOweninOttawa]

Shaking doesn't do anything unless the water is less than clear.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Probably not, but the directions from the company instruct shaking to ensure that it evenly reaches all contents. They also don't recommend using this as the sole water treatment if the water is murky / has particulates. They recommend using the pre-filter I showed, which seems to do a great job of getting any visible particles.

[@xymzk]

The UV reach isn't unlimited, esp since water can block it, so stirring or shaking can help to ensure the reach.

[@randyduncan1858]

Absolutely not. Time, effort, weight, low capacity, batteries etc. No thanks

[@AdventuresInReach]

Fair enough! I use this mostly when canoeing and sailing since I find it to be quicker and easier with little chance for contamination. When backpacking I generally opt for a Katadyn BeFree filter.