www.rei.com
Search REI.com
Shopping Cart
REI.comREI-OUTLET.comREI AdventuresStores & EventsGift RegistryGet Out There
Home|Shop All Categories|Shipping Info|Help|Contact Us|
1-800-426-4840
SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier with Solar Charging Case - None
noneZoomZoom image

SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier with Solar Charging Case

$139.95

1.

2. Qty

3.


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.

Imported.

Item 761905

Specification

Description

Weight(with batteries & charger) 10.6 ounces
Dimensions(Purifier) 6.1 x 1.5 x 1 / (charger) 7 x 3.75 x 1.25 inches
MaterialPlastic
Removes/DestroysProtozoa, bacteria and viruses
Output32 oz. per 90 seconds
Pump forceNA
Pump strokes per literNA
Field cleanableYes

Other items like this:

SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier

You might also like:

Duracell 123 Lithium - 2 Pack
Membership Card

Join REI and Enjoy the Benefits

Members are eligible for an annual refund on qualifying purchases. Plus, they enjoy many more benefits.
Get a lifetime membership for $20

Add an REI Membership to My Order.

How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier, Part 1

Expert Advice Image Is 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.

Expert Advice Image
Expert Advice Image
Quick Read
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

waterdip
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
Expert Advice Image Extra clothing layer(s) Expert Advice Image Map of area (in waterproof case)
Expert Advice Image Drinking water Expert Advice Image Compass
Expert Advice Image Food Expert Advice Image Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/ bulbs)
Expert Advice Image First-aid kit Expert Advice Image Sunglasses (with retaining strap)
Expert Advice Image Pocket knife Expert Advice Image Sunscreen
Expert Advice Image Matches (in waterproof container) and firestarter

Hiking Clothing
Expert Advice Image Quick-drying pants/shorts Expert Advice Image Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Expert Advice Image Short-sleeved shirts Expert Advice Image Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
Expert Advice Image Long-sleeved shirts Expert Advice Image Regular underwear
Expert Advice Image Warm pants (fleece or wool) Expert Advice Image Quick-drying swimsuit
Expert Advice Image Fleece or wool vest

Outerwear
Expert Advice Image Rainwear (top/bottoms) Expert Advice Image Fleece or wool gloves/mittens
Expert Advice Image Wide-brimmed rain/sun hat Expert Advice Image Waterproof gloves/overmitts
Expert Advice Image Warm hat (fleece or wool) Expert Advice Image Bandanna

Footwear
Expert Advice Image Hiking socks Expert Advice Image Extra laces
Expert Advice Image Wicking liner socks Expert Advice Image Gaiters
Expert Advice Image Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain

Camping Gear
Expert Advice Image Backpack Expert Advice Image Funnel
Expert Advice Image Day/summit pack Expert Advice Image Matches/lighter
Expert Advice Image Pack cover Expert Advice Image Cook set, dishes
Expert Advice Image Tent, tarp or bivy sack Expert Advice Image Cooking/eating utensils
Expert Advice Image Rainfly Expert Advice Image Drinking cup
Expert Advice Image Tent stakes Expert Advice Image Pot grabber
Expert Advice Image Footprints Expert Advice Image Biodegradable soap
Expert Advice Image Tent broom Expert Advice Image Pot scrubber/dish towel
Expert Advice Image Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack) Expert Advice Image Plastic garbage bags
Expert Advice Image Compression sack Expert Advice Image Resealable plastic bags
Expert Advice Image Sleeping pad Expert Advice Image Water filter/purifier
Expert Advice Image Sit pad or sleeping pad chair kit Expert Advice Image Water-purification tablets
Expert Advice Image Extra nylon stuff sacks Expert Advice Image Water bottle(s)
Expert Advice Image Food (adequate supply for your trip) Expert Advice Image Collapsible water container
Expert Advice Image Stove and fuel Expert Advice Image Lantern

Personal Items
Expert Advice Image Toilet paper Expert Advice Image Lip balm (with sun protection)
Expert Advice Image Toothbrush and toothpaste Expert Advice Image Insect repellent
Expert Advice Image Small bath towel Expert Advice Image Head net
Expert Advice Image Brush/comb Expert Advice Image Trowel
Expert Advice Image Other personal toiletry items

Other/Extras
Expert Advice Image Altimeter Expert Advice Image Repair/sewing kit
Expert Advice Image Binoculars Expert Advice Image 100-foot accessory cord
Expert Advice Image Field guides Expert Advice Image Axe/saw
Expert Advice Image Camera and film Expert Advice Image Money
Expert Advice Image Notebook and pencil Expert Advice Image Photo ID
Expert Advice Image Travel games Expert Advice Image Camping/fire permits, if needed
Expert Advice Image Watch/alarm clock Expert Advice Image Fishing license
Expert Advice Image Weather radio Expert Advice Image Trip Plan (left with a responsible friend)
Expert Advice Image Hiking poles

Send This to a Friend

Enter up to four e-mail addresses, separated by commas.
Text limit 500 characters.