SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier with Solar Charging Case
$139.95
This item contains hazardous or flammable materials and is restricted to surface shipping only. Cannot be sent to Alaska, Hawaii, APO, FPO or international addresses.
Now packaged with the popular Solar Charging case, the SteriPEN Adventurer lets you travel the world without lugging around a bunch of batteries.
Solar Charging clamshell case pulls double duty, providing handy, secure storage for the purifier AND recharging its two CR123 lithium batteries
Adventurer purifier provides the same great water treatment as the original SteriPEN, but with a smaller size and even lower weight
SteriPEN Adventurer features a soft-touch coating, offering a comfortable texture in your hand and scratch resistance in harsh environments
Requires no pumping, chemicals, test strips, extended time-keeping or filters; leaves no aftertaste, will not clog and does not require lubrication
Innovative SteriPEN system uses UV light rays instead of chemicals to purify water for drinking
Ultraviolet (UV-C) light rays safely sterilize clear water by destroying protozoa (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), bacteria and even viruses
SteriPEN Adventurer is simple to use: Just press a button and gently agitate the water with a quick stir
Purifies 16 fl. oz. of water (cold or warm) in less than a minute, or 32 fl. oz. in a minute and a half
Small size fits most containers—use it in cups, mugs, water bottles and canteens; carries easily in a shirt pocket
SteriPEN Adventurer turns itself off once ultraviolet treatment is complete; light source can be used up to 5,000 times!
Watertight seals keep water away from the electronics; rubberized coating ensures secure handling in wet conditions
Low-power indicator lets you know when batteries need replacing; twist-off cap permits easy battery access
Long used by municipal water districts and bottling companies, low-level UV-C light treats water safely, and unit's light will not damage eyes or skin
Use only on clear water, as cloudy, sediment-laden water hinders effectiveness
SteriPEN Adventurer features convenient battery access, water bottle and military canteen compatibility and an embroidered nylon canvas carrying case
Solar Charging case interior is molded of soft foam for safe transport; comes with a snap-lock closure and a compartment for storing extra batteries
Batteries recharge via the external solar panel or a plug-in electrical power adaptor (included)
Integrated solar panel will recharge two batteries in two to four days, depending on solar conditions
Package includes Adventurer purifier, solar charger, two rechargeable CR123 lithium batteries, neoprene case, 110V/240V adapter and instruction manual
SteriPEN water purifiers meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for microbiological water purifiers and have been independently tested by the Oregon Health Sciences University and the universities of Arizona and Maine. For complete test results visit www.steripen.com.
s it possible to drink straight from backcountry streams and never become ill? Yes.
Is it possible to drive down a large city's main boulevard, ignore a few red lights and never have a fender-bender? Yes.
Is either practice worth the accompanying risks? In our opinion, no.
Here's a brief overview to help clean up the confusion surrounding which type of water-treatment system is right for you.
Remember the difference between a filter and a purifier. While both remove bacteria from water particles using a mechanical process of pumping then forcing water through a filtering device, only purifiers can render viruses inactive using either an additional chemical or electrostatic process.
Waterborne viruses are believed to be less common in North American wilderness waters. But if you're traveling outside of the United States or Canada, you may want to opt for the more involved, and hence perhaps more expensive, purifying system.
When comparing filters and purifiers, look for an absolute—not nomimal—pore size of 0.2 microns. This industry wide benchmark indicates the system's smallest filtering capability. No bacteria larger than 0.2 microns can get through. Though a larger pore size of 0.3 or 0.4 may suffice in most situations, why take chances with your health?
Depending on its function, a water-treatment system can have numerous parts, some of which will need to be maintained or replaced on a regular basis. If your travel plans include many nights away from a reliable water source, you will not only have to pack the filter but the back-up and replacement parts that go with it.
And finally, to get the cleanest water possible be sure to clean and dry your filtering system regularly. When in the outdoors, try to collect still, clear water. Whenever possible, boil the water before treating it. Then, just as if you were seasoning a skillet, let the first few streams of water pass before you begin collecting your treated water.
The Murky Truth About Clear Water
Free-flowing mountain streams, for all their beauty and clarity, are not always the fountains of purity we imagine them to be. Backcountry water sources — crystal-clear rivers, lakes and streams — sometimes harbor microscopic pathogens (disease-causing agents) that are tough to pronounce, difficult to spell and, for many people, awful to ingest.
Giardia lamblia. Cryptosporidium. Campylobacter jejuni. Hepatitis A. All are members of an invisible fluvial zoo that may be present in pristine-looking backcountry water.
How do they get there? When water becomes tainted by animal or human feces. What impact could such microbes have? They can leave you reeling with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, weight loss and fatigue. How long might these symptoms last? Between 4 and 6 weeks. Maybe longer. Ugh.
More details on waterborne pests, and techniques you can use to defeat them, are explained in our
Water Treatmentclinic. In this presentation our goal is to provide guidance on the water-treatment strategy favored by most wilderness travelers — using a water filter or purifier.
Explaining Water Filters and Purifiers
Portable water filters and purifiers both operate on the same mechanical principle. Using a hand pump and intake hose, both slurp up "raw" water from a lake or stream and force it through an internal element (a filtering "medium"). This medium traps suspended elements — from fine sediment to invisible microorganisms—before dispensing clean water into a container of your choice.
What's the Difference?
Some definitions:
Water filter—A microbiological device that removes bacteria (e.g., Campylobacter jejuni) and protozoan cysts (Giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium) from contaminated water.
Water purifier—A microbiological device that removes bacteria, protozoan cysts
and viruses(e.g., hepatitis A) from contaminated water.
Viruses are infinitesimal organisms too tiny to be trapped by a filter. Devices identified as "purifiers" usually cause water to interact with iodine (often in the form of iodine resins), which can render viruses inactive. Another purifier uses a positive electrostatic charge in its filter medium to capture viruses.
Viruses:
may exist in water wherever there is a reasonable chance of human fecal contamination;
are believed to be less prevalent in North American wilderness water sources than protozoan cysts or bacteria, but may be a greater threat in less developed countries.
Over time, filters have proven that they reliably protect wilderness travelers from the most common waterborne pathogens found in the North American backcountry: giardia and cryptosporidium. Still, purifiers and their antiviral feature offer an elevated level of security.
To fully disinfect suspect water using a water filter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 1) mechanically filtering the water, 2) treating it with a halogen (chlorine or an iodine solution), 3) letting it sit 15 to 60 minutes, 4) then drinking. For more details on this process, and a discussion of what pathogens may be found in backcountry water, refer to our
Water Treatment clinic.
The difference between water filters and purifiers can seem arcane.
In a
separate discussion, we examine some of the more technical points.
Part 2 of our How to Choose Water Filters and Purifiers article
continues here.
Understanding Water Treatment
You just don't know.
A clear-flowing mountain stream could have some of the cleanest, purest water on earth. Or it may carry a stray microscopic pest that, if it finds its way into your intestines, could leave you weak, nauseous, cramped, bloated or vulnerable to diarrhea and vomiting for weeks.
It's a fact of modern wilderness life: Any backcountry water source, no matter how high or remote, is susceptible to contamination due to unsanitary practices of the creatures that visit it — from birds and bears to possums and humans. Many experienced wilderness travelers recognize the need to play it safe with backcountry water and thus treat every drop before they drink.
What are the risks of drinking water in the backcountry, and how can you protect yourself? Here's an overview:
The Enemies
Whenever animal or human fecal material connects with a water source, it's possible one or more pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms could invade the water. They fall into 3 categories:
Protozoan cysts— These are hard-shelled, single-cell parasites, including the well-known Giardia lamblia (ranging in size from 5 to 15 microns) and the resilient, lesser-known Cryptosporidium parvum (2 to 5 microns).
Giardia infection occurs in the small intestine, where cysts "hatch." Symptoms (diarrhea, gas, nausea, cramps) appear within 1 to 2 weeks and last 4 to 6 weeks or longer. Symptoms of crypto (diarrhea, loose stool, cramps, upset stomach, slight fever) appear in 2 to 10 days and typically last 2 weeks.
Giardiasis can be treated with prescription drugs; so far, cryptosporidiosis cannot. People with weakened immune systems could be at risk for more serious disease, particularly with cryptosporidiosis.
Cryptosporidia are highly resistant to iodine and chlorine.
Portable filters and purifierswith fine pores (capable of trapping particles as small as 0.2 or 0.3 microns)
reliably capturethese bugs. Units should have an "absolute pore size" of 1 micron or less. (Absolute pore size indicates the largest possible opening in a filter or purifier's straining element.) UV light works by damaging the DNA of pathogens and rendering them harmless.
Bacteria— These are smaller organisms, most of them commonly associated with food poisoning: E. coli, salmonella, cholera (common in some developing countries) and others. Campylobacter jejuni has appeared with some regularity in wilderness settings.
Bacteria range in size from 0.2 to 10 microns. Symptoms of infection (diarrhea is common) may appear within 6 hours or 3 to 5 days out. They may last 4 days or longer. In healthy people, campylobacteriosis symptoms usually vanish within 5 days. Antibiotics could be used if needed.
Filters and purifiersare also
effectivein straining out or killing these organisms.
Viruses— The tiniest (0.004 to 0.1 microns) of organisms. Examples: Hepatitis A, rotavirus, Norwalk virus and polio. (To this point, hantavirus does not appear to be a waterborne disease.) Viruses are the least common pathogens found in the wilderness.
Viruses that afflict humans usually only reach backcountry water sources via human fecal matter. Animals and humans, meanwhile, are common carriers of protozoa and bacteria.
Once exposed to the environment, viral particles exhibit a short lifespan and do not reproduce in water as some bacteria do.
Viruses can slip through filtersbut can be inactivated by boiling, by UV light, by contacting the chemical component found in purifiers, or by chemical treatment either before or after filtration.
Chemicals and toxins— This fourth category includes agricultural runoff (pesticides, herbicides) and industrial runoff (metals, mine tailings). Some toxic bacteria can spawn algae in warm, shallow water and turn it green.
Filters that include an activated
carbonelement offer some protection against such materials found in water. If you believe a water source has been tainted by chemicals or toxins, either boil the water (which offers limited benefit) or, better, move on.
A Microscopic World
None of the organic microscopic critters described above is visible to the human eye. All are measured in
microns.
A
micronis 1 millionth of a meter, or .0000394 of an inch. A period at the end of a sentence is roughly 500 microns. The unaided human eye cannot see anything smaller than 50 microns. The straining ability of the pores in filters and purifiers is typically measured in microns. Often you will hear friends and salespeople recommend that you seek out a "0.2-micron" filter. In a simplistic way, this is basically sound advice.
Treat Your Water Right
You have several options for treating "raw" water found in the backcountry:
Boiling
Boiling water is considered
100 percent effectiveagainst protozoan cysts, nontoxic bacteria and viruses. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute to kill microorganisms. At elevations higher than 6,500 feet, the EPA says boiling time should be extended to 3 minutes.
Sounds like the perfect water-treatment solution. Yet some drawbacks exist:
Boiling
takes time(stove setup; heating time; waiting time for the water to cool).
Boiling
drains your fuel supply.
Sedimentin the water is not removed.
Note:Water boiled for meal preparation needs no additional treatment (chemical or mechanical filtration) before it is combined with a packaged freeze-dried meal.
Still, boiling is an ideal last resort if your filter clogs or you run out of batteries or chemical pills.
Chemical Treatment
Exposing water to halogens such as
iodineor
chlorineis believed to kill bacteria and viruses, but not all protozoan cysts. Hard-shelled cryptosporidia, as mentioned previously,
show strong resistance to iodine and chlorine.You should not expect halogens alone to be 100 percent effective against this cryptosporidia.
Note:Some manufacturers and water experts recommend combining chemical treatment with filtration for maximum effectiveness.
While simple and inexpensive, the use of halogens, particularly iodine, includes some additional potential drawbacks:
Iodized water presents a
tastesome people find objectionable.
Iodine can be unhealthful for some people, particularly for pregnant women, individuals with thyroid conditions or people who use it for periods of longer than 14 days.
Follow manufacturer instructions closely when using iodine or chlorine. Generally, 2
iodine tablets(such as Potable Aqua) purify a quart of water, though 1 tablet can be used to treat a quart at 50°F or warmer (basically, room temperature).
Wait 10-15 minutes for pills to dissolve; very cold water or cloudy water requires a waiting period of 30-60 minutes. Don't introduce powdered drink mixes (to camouflage the taste) until the waiting period is complete. (Potable Aqua offers optional neutralizing tablets.) Water treated by a saturated solution involving
iodine crystals(from Polar Pure) also requires a 15-minute (or longer) waiting period to assure efficacy.
Adding 2 drops of household laundry bleach to a quart of water can also do the job. The bleach should be 4 to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite and should be soap-free. Some experts recommend first treating "raw" water with chlorine, then filtering it, or filtering first and then adding chlorine. Chlorine is effective against bacteria and viruses.
Mixed Oxidant Treatment
This chemical-treatment variation uses a small amount of salt and an electric current to create a mixed oxidant (MIOX) solution. The resulting process of electrolysis destroys microorganisms including Giardia, cryptosporidium and even viruses. It is powered by tiny camera batteries, so it's convenient for backcountry users.
Mechanical Filtration
Cleansing water via a mechanical process — forcing it through a finely porous internal element housed within a filtering unit — has emerged as the
most popular methodof nonwinter water treatment among wilderness travelers.
Portable
filtersand
purifiersare compact, hand-pumped units that draw in water via an intake hose and physically strain out solid materials, including fine sediment and most (though not absolutely all) microorganisms.
Filtering water from a lake or stream is a relatively speedy and efficient process, though it is never as fast and easy as turning on a tap back in civilization. Filters and purifiers, in fact,
can sometimes be a chore to operate,particularly when they show signs of clogging.
When shopping, be mindful of a filter's ratings for
outputand
pump strokes per liter,and its
"pump force"(how much oomph it takes to work the pump; beware of high numbers). Ratings are supplied by the manufacturers, so be aware that "your numbers may vary." Prices range from $35 to $250.
If portability and speed are not a factor, you have another option to consider: a gravity-fed
"drip" filter. Here you pour water into a large reservoir, then let it slowly trickle through one (or more) filters to remove protozoa and bacteria. Such units are a good choice for car camping in remote locations.
What's the
differencebetween a
filterand
purifier? Both are microbiological water-treatment devices. A filter removes protozoa and bacteria from contaminated water. A purifier does the same,
plusit eliminates
virusesin 1 of 2 ways:
Through the use of an internal disinfectant (such as iodine) which inactivates (or kills) viruses — though it does not physically remove them.
By capturing them in a filter medium that carries an electrostatic charge, a nonchemical approach taken by the First Need purifier.
Does this always make purifiers superior devices? Not necessarily. For a detailed discussion of the comparative merits of water filters and purifiers, please refer to our separate clinic,
How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier.
UV Light
A more recent alternative to the above treatments, ultraviolet light rays can be used to irradiate water. Though new to campers, this process has been used for decades by commercial bottling plants and municipal water systems. The UV process works by damaging the DNA of microbes, even viruses. Without complete DNA, germs and pathogens cannot reproduce and cause harm.
The simplicity, swiftness and size of UV purifiers are appealing to travelers of all kinds. These devices exceed the EPA standard for water purifiers by killing bacteria, viruses and protozoa such as Giardia and cryptosporidium.
Downsides? UV purifiers operate best in clear water. If water is murky or has leaves or other "floaties," it needs to be prefiltered via the manufacturer's attachment (or a coffee filter will work, too). The UV method is dependent upon batteries, too, so consider using rechargeables in conjunction with a solar charger for go-anywhere convenience.
Tips for Selecting Safer Water
Avoid filtering water in area where
animal activityis obvious. Are you near signs of beaver impact? An area where the deer and the antelope have played? A meadow dotted with cow patties?
Find another placeto draw water.
The same principle applies to
human impact.Is a heavily used campsite nearby? Are you near a trail crossing? A mine? If so, go further upstream for water.
Try to select water from
still, clear watersources. Many microorganisms, particularly giardia, tend to sink in still water due to the weight of their shells; turbulence keeps them suspended.
If your only water option is
melting snowor
ice,choose ice. Ice supplies greater water content, but keep in mind many bacteria are impervious to freezing. Thus while boiling can kill pathogens in water, freezing cannot. Clean snow, though, is still a good source for water. Beware of pinkish "watermelon snow," however. This is a toxic algae that filtering will not remove. If you see it, look elsewhere for ice or clean snow.
Overnight Backpacking Checklist
(Choose items that match your trip plans and the expected weather conditions)
The 10+ Essentials
Extra clothing layer(s)
Map of area (in waterproof case)
Drinking water
Compass
Food
Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/ bulbs)
First-aid kit
Sunglasses (with retaining strap)
Pocket knife
Sunscreen
Matches (in waterproof container) and firestarter
Hiking Clothing
Quick-drying pants/shorts
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Short-sleeved shirts
Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
Long-sleeved shirts
Regular underwear
Warm pants (fleece or wool)
Quick-drying swimsuit
Fleece or wool vest
Outerwear
Rainwear (top/bottoms)
Fleece or wool gloves/mittens
Wide-brimmed rain/sun hat
Waterproof gloves/overmitts
Warm hat (fleece or wool)
Bandanna
Footwear
Hiking socks
Extra laces
Wicking liner socks
Gaiters
Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain
Camping Gear
Backpack
Funnel
Day/summit pack
Matches/lighter
Pack cover
Cook set, dishes
Tent, tarp or bivy sack
Cooking/eating utensils
Rainfly
Drinking cup
Tent stakes
Pot grabber
Footprints
Biodegradable soap
Tent broom
Pot scrubber/dish towel
Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack)
Plastic garbage bags
Compression sack
Resealable plastic bags
Sleeping pad
Water filter/purifier
Sit pad or sleeping pad chair kit
Water-purification tablets
Extra nylon stuff sacks
Water bottle(s)
Food (adequate supply for your trip)
Collapsible water container
Stove and fuel
Lantern
Personal Items
Toilet paper
Lip balm (with sun protection)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Insect repellent
Small bath towel
Head net
Brush/comb
Trowel
Other personal toiletry items
Other/Extras
Altimeter
Repair/sewing kit
Binoculars
100-foot accessory cord
Field guides
Axe/saw
Camera and film
Money
Notebook and pencil
Photo ID
Travel games
Camping/fire permits, if needed
Watch/alarm clock
Fishing license
Weather radio
Trip Plan (left with a responsible friend)
Hiking poles
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s it possible to drink straight from backcountry streams and never become ill? Yes.
Protozoan cysts— These are hard-shelled, single-cell parasites, including the well-known Giardia lamblia (ranging in size from 5 to 15 microns) and the resilient, lesser-known Cryptosporidium parvum (2 to 5 microns).
Bacteria— These are smaller organisms, most of them commonly associated with food poisoning: E. coli, salmonella, cholera (common in some developing countries) and others. Campylobacter jejuni has appeared with some regularity in wilderness settings.
Viruses— The tiniest (0.004 to 0.1 microns) of organisms. Examples: Hepatitis A, rotavirus, Norwalk virus and polio. (To this point, hantavirus does not appear to be a waterborne disease.) Viruses are the least common pathogens found in the wilderness.
Portable
filtersand
purifiersare compact, hand-pumped units that draw in water via an intake hose and physically strain out solid materials, including fine sediment and most (though not absolutely all) microorganisms.
