STERIPEN CLASSIC 3
TEST SERIES BY BRIAN HARTMAN
LONG-TERM REPORT
February 02, 2015
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TESTER INFORMATION
NAME:
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Brian Hartman
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EMAIL:
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bhart1426ATyahooDOT com |
AGE:
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47
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LOCATION:
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Westfield,
Indiana |
GENDER:
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M
|
HEIGHT:
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5' 9" (1.75
m) |
WEIGHT:
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145 lb (65.80
kg) |
I have been backpacking for over
20 years throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and most recently in Western USA.
In addition to backpacking I enjoy family camping with my wife and kids and
being outdoors in general. I would describe myself as a mid-weight backpacker.
I use fairly light weight equipment and gear but still like to bring more than
the bare essentials with me while on the trail.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Hydro-Photon Year of Manufacture: 2014 Manufacturer's
Website: http://www.steripen.com/ MSRP: US
$69.95 Listed Weight: 2.9 oz (82 g) without batteries Measured Weight: 3
oz (85 g)
Other details: Size: 7.3 x 1.7 x 1.7 in (18.5 x 4.3 x 4.3
cm) including lamp cover Batteries: 4xAA lithium, alkaline, or
NiMH Battery life: Alkaline: 100 treatments (16 oz /0.5 L) or 50 treatments
(32 oz/1 L), Lithium Disposable: 200 treatments (16 oz/0.5 L) or 100 treatments
(32 oz/1 L), NiMH: 200 treatments (16 oz/0.5 L) or 100 treatments (32 oz/1
L). UV lamp life: 8000 treatments Minimum bottle diameter: 0.8 in (22
mm) 3 year limited warranty
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The SteriPEN Classic 3,
(hereafter called SteriPEN, PEN, or Classic 3) arrived in a very
professional-looking retail box, the front of which featured a large glossy
photo of the SteriPEN with the catch phrase "Safe drinking water. Anywhere.
Anytime." The box measured 8 x 4.25 x 3 inches (20 x 10.8 x 7.6 cm), almost the
same height and slightly wider and deeper than the PEN itself.
Opening
a flap on the front of the box revealed very simple 3 step instructions for
using the SteriPEN along with a paragraph stating "Cities around the world have
been using ultraviolet light (UV) to make water safe to drink for over 100
years. UV light destroys germs' ability to reproduce and make you sick. It
destroys: 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses, 99.9% of protozoa." To
substantiate this claim SteriPEN stated the following on their website: "all
products have been tested by the Water Quality Association (WQA) against the US
EPA Microbiological Water Purifier Standard. SteriPEN has received the WQA's
Gold Seal, certifying that SteriPEN purifies water safely and effectively."
Needless to say, my initial impressions of the box and packaging were
quite positive. Upon removing the SteriPEN from the box, it appeared well
designed, with a sleek, modern, polished look. The Classic 3 was slightly
larger in size and about the same weight that I imagined it would be. It
appeared simple to use with a protective cap for the UV lamp, button to activate
the device, and three LED indicator lights. Nestled next to the SteriPEN I
found the Pre-Filter, carrying case and user manual as described on the outside
of the box.
Hydro-Photon, the manufacturer of SteriPEN, offers several
different models of UV purifiers, which vary based on their overall size, type
of batteries used, and whether or not they include a Pre-Filter. The Classic 3
is their original model that was recently redesigned to be waterproof and
function with alkaline batteries. The UV lamp on all of the purifiers is
identical thus they all provide the same level of protection.
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Battery compartment |
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Water sensor pins |
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Pre-filter |
READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
The instructions for the SteriPEN
Classic 3 were simple and straight forward: 1. Remove lamp cover 2. Press
activation button 3. Submerge in clear water and stir. According to SteriPEN,
the length of time required for treatment is based on the amount of water to be
purified. 1 L (32 oz) of water requires 90 seconds for treatment while 0.5 L
(16 oz) requires 48 seconds. To treat 0.5 L (16 oz) simply push the activation
button one time, wait for LED(s) to flash green and then insert the PEN into the
bottle and stir. For 1 L (32 oz) simply push the activation button twice, which
tells the UV lamp to stay on for 90 seconds and then proceed with step 3 above.
The red LED flashes to indicate unsuccessful water treatment, no water detected,
depleted batteries, or a damaged or worn out UV lamp.
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LED's and activation button |
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LED Guide |
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Anatomy Chart |
The UV lamp is designed to remain off until the water sensor
pins are submerged in water. It is designed this way because the lamp emits
UV-C radiation, which is harmful to eyes and skin. The Pre-Filter is provided
to remove particles like sand and other debris from dirty water. It is critical
to pre-filter unclear water because microorganisms that are not exposed to the
UV light, because they are hidden behind particles, will not be destroyed. In a
pinch, the manufacturer notes that the Classic 3 can treat murky water without
filtering by doubling the treatment time.
TRYING IT OUT
Using the SteriPEN Classic 3 was
easy. I simply loaded 4 AA batteries in the device, pressed the activation
button twice and then put it a Nalgene bottle filled with water and started
stirring. After 90 seconds the green indicator light on the SteriPEN started
flashing at which point I removed it and dried it off.
SUMMARY
The SteriPEN Classic 3 appears to
be a well-designed and well-manufactured UV purifier. Based on the
manufacturer's claims and their Seal of Approval from multiple organizations
that this device will make water safe to drink, I am excited to start using it
on backpacking trips. Over the next two months I plan to test its packability,
ease of use, durability, and battery life among other things.
This
concludes my Initial Report for the SteriPEN Classic 3.
FIELD
REPORT
FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
I took the SteriPEN Classic 3 on three multi-day backpacking trips
and 2 day hikes in the two months since my Initial Report. The details of the
times that I used the SteriPEN are as follows:
Southern Indiana (IN):
2-day backpacking trip to the Hoosier National Forest. Temperatures ranged from
65 F to 77 F (18 C to 25 C) and I used the SteriPEN to purify 3 L (96 fl oz) of
clear creek water while hiking several loop trails and also doing some off-trail
bushwacking. The areas I hiked were heavily forested and hilly with elevations
ranging from 640 ft to 820 ft (195 m to 250 m).
I carried the SteriPEN
with me on a 9 mi (14.5 km) day hike in Brown County, IN. Temperatures were in
the upper 30's F (3 C) when I arrived at the trailhead in early morning but
quickly rose to the mid 50's F (13 C) by noon. During this time the skies,
which started out overcast, cleared up and I enjoyed sunshine (and gusty winds)
the rest of the day. On this trip I purified 2 L (64 fl oz) of clear stream
water.
My second overnight trip was to Oldenburg, IN where I hiked and
explored the surrounding area for two days and covered a total of 12 mi (19 km).
During this time I treated three 1 L (32 fl oz) bottles of creek water which
was stagnant due to lack of rain in the area from previous weeks. I made
certain to pre-filter this water as it had leaves and other debris in it.
My third overnight trip was to Southeastern Ohio (OH) where I spent
three days camping and hiking various trails. Temperatures on this outing
ranged from 52 F to around 74 F (11 C to 23 C) with cloudy skies and
intermittent rain on the third day. I used the SteriPEN in camp to purify water
that wasn't going to be boiled. I treated three 1 L (32 fl oz) batches of clear
stream water during this outing.
Finally, I used the SteriPEN to purify
creek water at MacGregor Park in Central IN on my second day hike of the test
period. I covered approximately 7 mi (11 km) on this trip with time allotted
for exploring nearby areas I hadn't been to in a while. The temperature was in
the low 60's F (16 C) most of the day with clear skies and relatively calm
winds. I purified 2 L (68 fl oz) of water in three separate batches on this
trip.
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
The SteriPEN Classic 3 has worked
great during this test period. I have had no trouble at all using it and it
seems to get the job done as I have had no ill effects from drinking many liters
of stream water. So far throughout field testing the SteriPEN has proven to be
reliable, easy-to-use, quick, and durable.
RELIABILITY: During this test
period I used the SteriPEN to treat thirteen 1 L (32 fl oz) bottles of stream
water and it worked reliably and predictably every time. In all instances I
used the Classic 3 with a 1L (32 fl oz) Nalgene bottle and the included
pre-filter assembly. I did this for two reasons; first, using the pre-filter
base eliminated any concerns of untreated water contaminating the bottle threads
and second, the pre-filter base forms a tight seal against the SteriPEN so that
water doesn't leak out when flipping the bottle upside down to stir it.
The SteriPEN is still operating off my original set of four rechargeable
NiMH batteries which surprised me a little given the cooler temperatures and the
fact that I didn't bother to remove the batteries from the device between
outings. Needless to say I carried an extra set of batteries with me on all of
my trips in case I needed them.
EASE-OF-USE: One of many things I like
about the SteriPEN is how easy it is to operate. The procedure for using it is
straight forward and simple. The LED's are bright and easy to see in direct
sunlight, and so far they have always come up green (which is a good thing). I
also really like that the directions are printed right above the Activation
button "press once for 1/2 L; twice for 1 L". Having said this, I am concerned
however that the LED indicator guide indicates there are four conditions during
which the red and green LED's can both light up - two where the water is safe to
drink and two where it is not. I doubt I'll remember the sequences and don't
want to carry the pocket guide with me every time I'm out. It may be that I
need to do some experimenting and see how the LED's respond to different
conditions such as device not submerged in water in time, low battery life,
water not present etc to get a feel for what might happen in the field. I'll
investigate this further during the next two months and provide an update then.
Getting back to things I like about the SteriPEN, the lamp cover is
tight, and that, in my mind, is a good thing. I can't imagine it coming loose
in my backpack and doubt it would come off even if the device accidentally fell
on the ground. As mentioned above, I also really like that the lamp makes a
tight seal against the pre-filter base while disinfecting water. This allows me
to flip the water bottle upside down and swirl it, as recommended by the
manufacturer, without spilling water everywhere.
QUICK: I really like
how quickly the SteriPEN purifies water. It is faster and easier than other
methods I've used including boiling water, using chemical tablets, and pump
filters. Certainly chemical tablets and pump filters can be used to purify
larger quantities of water but I think the SteriPEN is ideal when only 0.5 L (16
fl oz) or 1 L (32 fl oz) of water is needed at a time while backpacking solo or
with two people. Because it purifies water so quickly I don't hesitate to get
it out of my backpack and use it whenever needed. The net result is that I now
bring less water from home yet am able to travel further into the backcountry
without fear of running out of water.
TRANSPORT AND DURABILITY: The size
and weight of the Classic 3 has not been an issue for me and I really don't mind
taking my Nalgene bottle on trips as I've always done so in the past before
graduating to a hydration pack.
In regards to durability, when I first
got the SteriPEN a few months ago I was concerned about it being fragile and
consequently was very cautious when handling it. Fast forward a few months and
I treat it no differently than my GPS, cell phone or any other electronic
device. I routinely stuff it in my backpack between several layers of clothes
and, with the lamp cover securely fastened, I don't think twice about jarring
motions or even tossing my pack from one side of a creek to the other as
required.
Hydro-Photon states that the battery compartment is
water-resistant but not waterproof. In adhering with their advice I have never
purposely dropped the SteriPEN in a stream or water bottle, although it did
receive a quick accidental dunking on one outing and was no worse for wear. I
typically wipe it off with a towel or the bottom of my shirt after each use, and
am always quick to put the lamp cover back on and return it to its carrying
case. As a result it still looks brand new.
SUMMARY
The SteriPEN worked great during
my past two months of testing. It has a well thought-out design that's easy to
use and a clever pre-filter that takes the hassle out of this important first
step of the process.
I'm confident in its ability to purify water and
make it safe to drink. With clean drinking water from lakes and streams a
rarity in the Midwest, it's nice to be able to drink safe water within 48
seconds of filling my water bottle.
This concludes my Field Report for
the SteriPEN Classic 3. Please check back in two months for my Long Term
Report. Thanks to Hydro-Photon and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to
test this UV purifier.
LONG-TERM
REPORT
LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND
CONDITIONS
During the long term testing
period, I took the SteriPEN with me on two overnight trips and a day hike.
Temperatures were below freezing on all three trips and I encountered snow on
two of them. Elevations ranged from 602 ft (183 m) to approximately 900 ft (274
m).
December Backpacking Trip: Location: Hoosier National Forest -
Southern Indiana Trip Description: Off-trail bushwhacking Distance: 16 mi
(26 km) Length of Trip: 2 days/2 nights Weather Conditions: cold and
snowy Precipitation (snowfall): 2.5 in (6.4 cm) Temperature Range: 18 F
(-8 C) to 28 F (-2 C)
January Backpacking Trip: Location: Franklin
Country, Indiana Trip Description: Off-trail hiking Distance: 7.4 mi (12
km) Length of Trip: 2 days/1 nights Weather Conditions: Clear and
breezy Precipitation: None Temperature Range: 24 F (-4 C) to 30 F (-1
C)
February day hike: Location: MacGregor Park, Westfield, IN Trip
Description: On-trail hiking Distance: 5.8 mi (9 km) Length of Trip:
Morning Weather Conditions: Snowy Precipitation (snowfall): 1 in (2.5
cm) Temperature Range: 16 F (-9 C) to 22 F (-5 C)
My first trip in
early December was to the Hoosier National Forest in Southern Indiana (IN),
where I spent 2 days backpacking approximately 16 miles (26 km) in cold, snowy
weather. Thankfully the hilly terrain and thick forest kept any wind to a
minimum. During this trip I used the SteriPEN along with its pre-filter and my
Nalgene water bottle to purify water. As these three items worked well for me
during field testing, I continued using them on this outing as well as
subsequent trips. One additional item I brought with me during long term
testing, however, was a small open container for scooping up water. This
container turned out to be indispensible for getting water out of low flowing
streams when the water depth was only a few inches at most. A side benefit was
that it kept the outside of my Nalgene bottle clean and uncontaminated. In one
particular instance on this trip, the stream I planned to get water from was
completely frozen so I hiked approximately 0.5 mile (0.8 km) upstream where I
finally found running water, albeit not much. The small container worked great
to scoop out the water and pour it over the pre-filter into my Nalgene bottle.
In fact, I probably wouldn't have been able to collect even 300 ml (10 fl oz) of
water with my Nalgene bottle alone. Given the frozen stream and the small
amount of free flowing water available, I decided to take some extra time to
fill my Nalgene bottle and hydrate myself before refilling and continuing on my
way. The extra time I spent doing this only amounted to a few minutes thanks to
the SteriPEN.
To keep the batteries from draining overnight
in the 18 F (-8 C) temperature, I made sure the cap was on tight and then tucked
the SteriPEN in my sleeping bag. That night I tossed and turned as usual but
the SteriPEN still looked fine the next morning, despite me having rolled over
on it once or twice in my slumber. After breaking camp the next morning and
hiking for a few hours, I again went to use the SteriPEN and it powered up
immediately, apparently unaffected by cold weather or the weight of a person
laying on it.
In mid January I took the SteriPEN on a two day backpacking
trip to Franklin County, IN in slightly warmer, though still sub-freezing
weather. On this trip I didn't hike very far as my intention was to set up base
camp and explore during the day, with no set distance or destination in mind.
Again I carried the SteriPEN, pre-filter and my Nalgene bottle in my backpack
along with a small, open container for scooping water. As it turned out, the
only water I could access on this trip was in a frozen pond and I first had to
break through the ice to get to it. It took awhile for me to beat a hole
through the ice with a rock and unfortunately once I did the bottom was so
churned up that the water was quite murky. Not wanting to wander out to the
middle of the pond to deeper, clearer water and risk potential disaster by
falling through the ice, I decided to scoop what I could from my precarious
perch on the steep bank. Once I collected a full liter (32 fl oz) of water in
my bottle I let it sit for awhile hoping the greenish yellow color, and smell,
would go away. Although I waited what seemed like a long time, things did not
really improve. I'd like to say that I manned up and drank the whole bottle but
that simply wasn't the case. After taking a few sips I decided to hike back to
my car, where I had a one gallon milk jug of water in the back seat. Thankfully
it wasn't frozen!
My last trip for this test period was a day hike at a
nearby park. The temperature was in the mid teens F (-9 C) when I started out
and gradually increased to the low 20's F (-5 C) by mid afternoon. Not much
exciting happened on this trip other than I slipped and almost broke my tail
bone in the frozen creek while trying to get water; the good news was my fall
helped crack the ice open.
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
The SteriPEN performed admirably
during Long Term Testing. During this time I used it to purify a total of six 1
L (32 fl oz) bottles of stream and pond water with no issues whatsoever. The
green LEDs on the SteriPEN lit up after each treatment telling me that I had
successfully purified the water. Thinking back on this test my favorite thing
about the SteriPEN was how quick and easy it was to use. Of course it can't
remove the smell (or color) from grimy water or force one to drink against their
will, and it won't remove contaminates such as fertilizers, pesticides or other
industrial or agricultural chemicals. For this reason, I plan to research local
water supplies in the areas I will be traveling ahead of time and, when in
doubt, bring a liter or two of water with me in case there are issues with
runoff. All told, the SteriPEN performed very well and has been extremely
reliable, holding up quite well to the rigors of backpacking.
SUMMARY
I have really enjoyed testing the
SteriPEN during the past four months. It is lightweight, easy-to-use and has
been very reliable on all of my outings. It is a great addition to my gear list
and one which I'll continue to use on future backpacking trips and long day
hikes.
This concludes my Long Term Report for the SteriPEN Classic 3 and
this test call. My sincere thanks to Hydro-Photon and BackpackGearTest.org for
the opportunity to test this UV water purifier. This report was
created with the BackpackGearTest.org
Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.
Read more gear reviews by Brian Hartman
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