SteriPEN Classic

SteriPEN Classic

Average Rating: rated 4.00 of 5 stars
Reviewed by 17 Trailspace users

Description

The Classic is a water purifier made by SteriPEN. It has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5), based on 17 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From CampSaver.com:
"FREE! 32 oz Wide Mouth Bottle - Sea Blue WM With the purchase of UV Water Purifier.Free shipping!"

From Campmor:
"Safe drinking water anywhere- SteriPEN is the only portable batch water purifier that uses Ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy waterborne microbes. Whether your source is a clear running brook or a hotel tap, SteriPEN eliminates viruses, bacteria, and protozoa- including Giardia and Cryptosporidium- in seconds. SteriPEN is intended for use in clear water. SteriPEN purifies 16 oz. of water in less than a minute and 32 oz. of water in a minute and a half. Fast, automatic UV dose delivery scrambles the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and parasitic protozoa. Kills 99.9999% of bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Eliminates over 99.99% of viruses such as hepatitis and poliovirus. Meets the U.S. EPA protocol for Microbiological Water Purifiers. On-board microcomputer controls lamp activation, dose delivery, and water sensor. Maintenance free- battery operated, no pumping or cleaning required. 5,000 doses (approx. 1250 gallons) per UV lamp. Automatic dosage counter indicates when lamp replacement is necessary. Versatile- fits most containers- cups, mugs, water bottles and canteens. Water-resistant O-ring gasket seals battery access cap. Operates on 4 disposable or externally rechargeable AA batteries (not included). When clear water is not available, use SteriPEN Water Bottle Pre-Filter (SKU # 69479) until water is clear, then treat with SteriPEN. Not recommended for cold weather use. Instructions and carry case included. Size: 7.6" x 1.5" x 1.5". Weight: 6.5 - 8 oz. depending on battery type. Conforms to UL standard UL 61010B-1."

From Backcountry.com:
"Using similar UV treatment techniques found in water bottling plants and hospitals, the compact Hydro Photon SteriPEN Classic provides a high-tech, foolproof way to quickly purify water anywhere around the globe. Here's how it works-dip the SteriPEN in any vessel containing up to 16oz (454g) of clear water and start stirring. When the device's sensor detects water, the germicidal UV lamp comes on and administers a 38-48 second dose, destroying 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, Giardia, and other nasty little bugs. It's that simple! No messy pumps, no gross-tasting tablets-just a UV pen that could probably double as a rave accessory."

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. SteriPen Classic Handheld Water Purifier (Fall 2009) The SteriPen Classicby Hydro-Photonpurifies water using Ultraviolet (UV) light. Whether your source is a clear running brook or a hotel tap, SteriPEN Classic destroys viruses, bacteria and protozoa, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, in seconds."

User Reviews

rated 3 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Joel Chitwood, Sep 26, 2009

"We used this product in Kenya for a group of 14 people for 10 days. Never heard of it until one of our guys pulled it out, so we also used chlorine.

I think for colder lake and stream sources (Lake Superior, Rockies, etc), I'd consider using this product again."

Read the complete review »

rated 4.5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by oaeaglescout69, Aug 04, 2009

"Wonderful device, I love not having to pump water. Everyone in my hiking circle now uses one of these with very few problems."

Read the complete review »

rated 0.5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by John Hyde, Aug 03, 2009

"Do not buy one.

The Steripen is dead weight on a backpacking trip. I used it successfully for 3 days, and the lamp stopped working. I returned it, which was supposed to take 2-3 days, and it was gone for 2 weeks.

When I received it, it worked at home, but on the first day of my next trip, it only purified 3 quarts, with brand new lithium batteries, (which they recommend), before failing."

Read the complete review »

rated 4.5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by pg911a5, Jul 29, 2009

"I used it for 1 week strait and i was with 10 people we all drank about a gallon a day and the batterys (Energiser-lithium) only died once.

I found it good and fast. We didn't really need it even though we were getting the water from a stream the rangers said they didn't purify it so im not sure how it works in less than spring water but i bring it whenever i go backpacking."

Read the complete review »

rated 3 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by pineapplefish56, Jun 10, 2009

"Cautions not listed or explained in the instruction booklet.

When you dip your Nalgene bottle into the source water, the threads get contaminated and therefore the cap gets contaminated too, when you put the cap back on.

Any spillage over the top, or water droplets above the water line in the container are suspect contamination."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by monstercatambush, May 18, 2009

"This thing is like something out of science fiction! Granted I'm not doing long haul hiking through a Guatemalan jungle. My outdoors adventure mostly consist of weekend to four day camping in the Hoosier National Forest and other mid west venues.

I hike with a pair of ancient dogs that are fine drinking out of creeks and ponds when they’re available."

Read the complete review »

rated 1 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Jeremy Rowse, Feb 13, 2009

"The SteriPen was a huge waste of money. I took it on a three day pack trip as my only form of water purification (bad idea). It seemed to work fine at home with fresh batteries. Used it once on the trail with no problem.

After that it never worked correctly again."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Luis Trimino, Feb 07, 2009

"I recently use this product in a trip in South America.

I have to say that it is top notch. I had a few issues getting use to using it during the first treatments, was a little confusing first but after reading the instructions again every thing went fine.

This is way easier that a filter, pumps or messy chemicals.

I recommend this product 100%."

Read the complete review »

rated 4 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Zunahme, Nov 24, 2008

"Overall, the SteriPen is perhaps the best idea I have come across in the outdoor industry with regards to water purification. I have used pumps, pills, boiling and this is the most efficient. I previously used an MSR MiniWorks pump filter and I could never get the thing to work quite right, even after I had sent it back to MSR for repairs."

Read the complete review »

rated 4.5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Moonfra, Nov 03, 2008

"This is a great water purification device for backpacking- or any other outdoors activity where you want fresh clean drinking water.

First some of the cons. . . you need enough water that you can totally submerge a nalgene- no pump. This has only been an issue once or twice and someone in my group had a pump- and I had enough water anyways."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by TravMan, Oct 13, 2007

"Drank from sources I would classify as "questionable" and never had "a bad experience". This has been a companion of mine not only on overnight trips but also on day hikes and remote mountain bike excursions, so I don't have to carry as much water up the hill."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by culprit_foto, Sep 16, 2007

"I've drank everything from Mexican tap water to muddy streams and never gotten sick. Simplicity and lightweight are paramount. This unit delivers. I use a bandanna to filter out sediments that would otherwise compromise the sterilizing level and carry kool-aid packets to make nasty water taste better."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Brian Williams, Mar 23, 2007

"I have used it extensively in Central America and have never been sick. It does drain batteries quickly (they disclose this though) and it does not replace a filter so beware if you lack a generally particle-free source."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Ross Rodgers, Dec 01, 2006

"I used the 2006 version of SteriPen (more expensive than the end-2006 version, but both rated to work the same) for two months in Nepal in fall 2006, and it worked faultlessly for the whole period -- about 200 liters for myself, and a couple other people for the first few weeks."

Read the complete review »

rated 4 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Kara Harris, Sep 09, 2005

"I share the same thoughts as far as pros go as the other reviewers, with a special affinity towards the ease of use part. The big problem we had is when it got cold, it stopped working. The solution was to sleep with the batteries in my pocket and it worked when the tempature was below freezing."

Read the complete review »

rated 4 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Tom Williams, Nov 10, 2004

"Have used mine for the last two years and haven't gotten sick once.

Good points are that it's smaller than most water filters and as far as I know is completely effective against all waterborne bugs. Easy and quick to use. Water is without chemical taste (though since it isn't filtered, it will retain the taste of the stream or pond it comes from)."

Read the complete review »

rated 4 of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed by Werner Van Der Cruyssen, Nov 10, 2004

"Pro: 1. The technology kills EVERYTHING that might be in the water (bacteria, viruses, protozoa. . . ) unlike a lot of other purification systems.

2. No chemicals, no change in taste, no long waits (treating 32 oz of water takes about 90 secs and you can drink it right away)."

Read the complete review »

Have you owned or used a SteriPEN Classic? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Classic at 8 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

CampSaver.com
Steripen UV Water Purifier$63.96Buy Now

Campmor
Hydro-Photon SteriPEN Ultraviolet Water Purifier$79.95Buy Now

Backcountry.com
SteriPEN Classic Handheld Water Purifier$79.95Buy Now

Moosejaw
SteriPen Classic Handheld Water Purifier$79.95Buy Now

Ramsey Outdoor
SteriPEN™ Classic$79.95Buy Now

RockCreek
Classic Water Purifier$79.95Buy Now

EMS
Classic Water Purifier$79.95Buy Now

US Outdoor Store
Retail Pack$99.95Buy Now

Similar Water Treatment and Storage