by Seth Levy
SteriPen Ultra
SteriPen has expanded its 2013 lineup with the Ultra, which it calls "the most advanced UV water purifier in the world."
The Ultra features a user-friendly OLED (organic LED) screen that shows a smiley face if an effective dose of UV light is delivered to your drinking water and a frowny face if the dose of UV light is interrupted — no confusion about whether that water is good to go.
The Ultra's bulb lasts for 8,000 treatments and is designed with a tapered end to fit a wide variety of containers, including commercial water bottles. Its USB-rechargeable internal battery can be recharged via computer, outlet, or portable solar panel.
Weight: 5.0 oz
Treatments per Charge: 50
UV Lamp Life: 8,000 treatments
Availability: March 2013 (at REI now)
Price: $99.95
SteriPen's Kayla Moore demonstrated the Ultra for us at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in January.
SteriPen Freedom
SteriPen also has updated its 2013 Freedom UV water purifier to include a solar panel with a built-in lithium-ion battery. Cloudy skies? Even without sunlight, the battery can charge the Freedom from a computer or outlet through a micro USB port.
The Freedom is buttonless, with instant-on water detection. It's SteriPen's (and the world’s) smallest, lightest UV water purifier. Designed for a wide range of traveling adventures, and SteriPen bills it as "sleek enough for a restaurant, rugged enough for Everest!"
Weight: 2.6 oz (Freedom), 4 oz (solar charger)
Treatments per Charge: 40
UV Lamp Life: 8,000 treatments
Availability: Now
MSRP: $99.95
