| Brianrietta | 03-14-2011 12:16 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by GabAlmighty
(Post 7342542)
Why?
| Electric stove/natural gas would likely be non-operative after a Japan-style earthquake or other major disaster, and unless you're an avid backcountry trekker or camper like me, odds are good that you wouldn't have a portable stove and more importantly fuel for one immediately available. Quote:
Originally Posted by Vansterdam
(Post 7342549)
more info on this and where can i get locally?
| SteriPens basically use ultraviolet light to render bacteria and viruses inert. They're awesomely effective in say a clear mountain stream, but become less effective the dirtier the water that you're trying to cleanse. I've been out of Vancouver for long enough that I don't know many places that would sell them but I do know that MEC carries several versions of SteriPens (main store on Broadway and another somewhere in North Van). SteriPEN SteriPen and Water Bottle Pre-Filter $68.00 SteriPEN Journey $96.00 SteriPEN Adventurer Opti $86.00 Quote:
SteriPEN
Many of us like this miniature light saber. It uses ultraviolet light to deactivate the unseen cooties (viruses included) that could be lurking in water. Short-wave UV light (specifically, UVC, which transmits "germicidal" attributes) zaps, or "disrupts," their DNA, rendering them unable to reproduce and thus cause illness. This is what my coworker's daughter took on her trip, and she returned healthy and well-pleased with its performance. The SteriPEN is typically my first-choice water-treatment item for backpacking trips, but every person has different preferences. It may or may not be the right item for you.
Pros:
* All SteriPEN models are small, simple to use and lightweight.
* No wait time is needed once water has been exposed to UV light.
* UV light imparts no taste to the water.
* The wand can be used to treat water (without ice) in individual drinking glasses, such as in hotel rooms.
* UV light is very effective against Cryptosporidium, the most treatment-resistant pest among protozoa and bacteria.
Cons:
* The quartz lamp could break.
* Batteries can run out. (The manufacturer recommends using lithium batteries.)
* Not effective in very dirty or gritty water unless it is prefiltered or clarified. Light must interact with organisms in order to be effective.
Tips:
* If water has a high particulate content, use the SteriPEN's prefilter — a screw-on cap for water bottles equipped with a 4-micron screen.
* The use of the prefilter is advised in any outdoor situation to keep water as particulate-free as possible.
* For speed and simplicity, bring a water bottle with threads that are compatible with the prefilter.
* If the water clarity is poor, give it a second or even a third dosage of UV light.
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