Water Filter vs. Steripen

[Bry]

I will be joining ACA next July on the GDMBR in Canada / MT. They provide water filters for the group but just in case I'm alone and need to refill I want my own system for purifying water.

Most folks seem to use filters but the Steriped (uses UV light to mess up viral and bacterial DNA so they can't reproduce) seems to be a light weight and dependable device. From what I can tell, the only issue is cloudy water since UV light doesn't travel well through the haze. Otherwise, looks like a great alternative to the traditional filter.

Appreciate any thoughts or personal experiences

Thanks and Happy New Year!

[bogiesan]

Only anecdotal experience from others: just another toy that can break. lose power, or not work under all conditions. This technology is not new, UV has been used on municipal water supplies since the early 1930s. So have chorine and iodine in various forms. When I was backpacking, before pump filters were affordable, we used a product called Potable Aqua. Simple, almost foolproof, effective, light, cheap, reliable.
I say, get the filter.

[waynemyer]

Most folks seem to use filters but the Steriped (uses UV light to mess up viral and bacterial DNA so they can't reproduce) seems to be a light weight and dependable device. From what I can tell, the only issue is cloudy water since UV light doesn't travel well through the haze. Otherwise, looks like a great alternative to the traditional filter.

A pre-filter is suggested for turbid water.

Kent Peterson put the SteriPen and an inline water filter through serious testing in his GDMBR races. His system sounds like a nice variety of options, with redundancy and immediate gratification.

[Bry]

Thanks for the Kent Peterson (Mountain Turtle) link. He's a great resource and a nice guy too.

Bry
Barrington, RI

[CyclesafeSr]

On the GDMBR your most prevalent water contaminent is cow poop.  Try as you might, your water source will be surrounded.  A Steripen lacks a filter, paper to screen > 1 micron particles and activated carbon to bind organics.  Take it from me, you'll be fighting cows for water so the purer you make it the better it will "taste".

Another point.  All common gear will be abused.  It's human nature.  The consequence of drinking giardia-laced (or e. coli-laced water from those of your companions who neglect to wash their hands after) is such that it would be prudent to filter again (with your own device) the water you take from the common "filtered" water. 

Also, beware of heavy metals in Southern Colorado.  These can't be removed with any device that you can easily carry.

[BikeFreak]

2003 I did the Great Divide myself fully self supported. I had many thoughts on what type of filter to use. I decided on a Katadyn ceramic filter which I brought along. However, I never used it! I was able to buy/get water from safe places all the time and I was always able to make it to the next town. This only works if you pedal many miles each day.

But then again, I'm a type of person who does not require a lot of water even if it is hot.

Lucas