SteriPEN Reviewed in the Field (Verdict: Still Alive!)

The portable ultraviolet water cleansing SteriPEN isn't a new product, but I've rarely read such a glowing recommendation:

On my trip [to Uganda], often when I asked a waiter for a glass of tap water, my request would elicit a smile or a laugh. In some cases, they simply would not bring me a glass of water. Most of the time, though, I convinced them -- and then, to their amazement, I would take out the SteriPEN, push a button, and stir the water with the glowing purple UV light that always brought stares from other diners. After less than 60 seconds, I would take out the SteriPEN and drink the water, occasionally hearing gasps from other tables.

Since the author is still around to write up his plaudits, we know it works. I'd like to know if it presented all the traveler's curses, if you know what I mean.

SteriPEN [KK's Cool Tools] (Thanks, Darren!)

[#1 posted by schmod , September 5, 2007 6:43 PM]

Sounds like an infomercial testimonial, no?

[#2 posted by Anonymous , September 5, 2007 10:50 PM]

UV works by damaging the DNA of the pathogens so they cannot reproduce and infect you. It does not improve the flavor, or get rid of any nasty chemicals, like arsenic. Not a bad choice for traveling because most of the bad stuff that you cannot taste takes a long term exposure to do any harm.

[#3 posted by Anonymous , September 6, 2007 6:13 AM]

Jesus tap-dancing christ, for the price of that thing you could just have easily gotten a nice, cool, tasty bottle of water!

[#4 posted by Anonymous , September 6, 2007 7:13 AM]

I'm with anonymous: it may stop you from getting some horrible bowel churning infection, but I wouldn't use it any more than is necessary if you have reason to believe the water may be unsafe. It's not going to do much against, say, pesticides that got into the system.

Stick with the bottled water. Use this thing if you're out in the boonies and it's that or nothing.

[#5 posted by Anonymous , September 7, 2007 8:00 AM]

Yeah, I'll third that. Does nothing for lead, arsenic, cyanide, or other toxins. And though it may sterilize that fecal matter, you are still drinking it...

[#6 posted by Anonymous , September 7, 2007 4:45 PM]

I thought UV causes cancer? another B.S. product that doesn't pass the smell test.

[#7 posted by Anonymous , October 9, 2007 12:40 AM]

In some parts of the world, bottled water bottles are refilled from the local tap, so there are no guarantees with bottled water.