Hi all, I had meant to put this out after my Colorado trip last summer, but just now getting around to it.
Prior to last summer, my primary method of water treatment was my MSR MiniWorks pump. I like it because it has a ceramic filter with a carbon core. The bottom line is that it not only filters the particulates and bacteria/protozoa, it also removes odor and taste. I can drop a line in a muddy east texas stream and pretty much pull out what looks like bottled water.
However, it does NOT filter virals.
I ran across the SteriPen last spring and purchased one (now called the SteriPen Classic). It's an Ultraviolet treatment in a handheld "wand" type application. It's fast (completely treats a 1 Liter nalgene bottle of water in 90 seconds), and extremely thorough, killing bacteria, protozoa AND viruses.
But of course, it's not a filtration unit.
So, I know have a two stage treatment package that I pick and choose from depending on my backpacking location. If I'm in an area that I know will have "dirty" water, I'll pack both my MSR and SteriPen (the Classic only weighed about 8oz). But if I'm in an area that I know I can pretty much depend on mostly clear water, I'll just pack a little particulate filter that fits on my nalgene bottle and use the SteriPen. In Colorado, I just used the SteriPen.
About a month ago, I upgraded to the newer SteriPen Adventurer, a much smaller and lighter (4 oz) version.
Anyway, if you're looking for a really small and light unit that will totally sterilize your water, the SteriPen Adventurer is great, and many times is all you will need if the water is basically clear to begin with.
Regars,
WT
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