Grouch, welcome to the forum!

I saw somewhere a review of the Steripen solar charger that said the panel is too small and takes forever to charge batteries. Anyone know more about this?

Nurit

I also read a couple reviews that mentioned you would be better off getting an aftermarket charger.

How much water can you purify on a set of CR123 batteries in a Steripen? My MIOX pen is rated for 200L on 2 CR123s. I've never actually measured to see if that's realistic or not but if it is, I can carry 6 spares in a small case and have a backup to boiling that can handle over 750 Liters of water! That's well more than a couple of months worth.

I have a Katadyn Pocket Filter that will soon have a Sawyer SP 135 attached to the outlet, and that currently has a Katadyn Activated Carbon Cartridge attached to it. When finished I'll feel pretty secure that the water that has gone through all of it is about as safe to drink as water can be.

While I'm pumping I'm sure I'll hear "Powerhouse" by Raymond Scott... You know, that song you'd hear in old Warner Brothers cartoons when some assembly line machine was in action.

Thanks!


I've purchased one but haven't used it yet.

Re Steripen solar charger:

“According to the product literature, using solar power will take two days to fully recharge batteries under optimal conditions. Under less than ideal solar conditions, charging could take as long as 5 days (or longer under very poor conditions).”

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/...lleen%20Porter/


“I timed how long it takes to get from an exhausted battery to a fully charged one. After several tests the average time came out to 5 hours..”
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/...20Mike%20Lipay/


“I found the solar charging case to work, but very slowly – charging batteries took several days of sun exposure which was a bit disappointing. However, on an extended trip into the backcountry, two sets of batteries could be rotated between active use and charging to ensure that the SteriPEN is always ready.“
http://www.mountainproject.com/v/climbin...ifier/106072675

Sorry about the late post on this, I have a Steripen solar charger and it takes forever to recharge. I would recommend getting a fold able solar cell off or e-bay of 20 watts or greater. If you have time, click on the link below and watch the videos, it will explain what I am talking about. There is alot of useful things you can do with solar. I would also recommend a hand pump filter with a carbon filter for example
I use a steripen and a katadyn combi filter.

The reason for the katadyn combi filter is to get rid of chemicals and pesticides from the water, the steripen kills all the viruses and nasties. Now a days with the water supplies. there is high traces of pesticides and pollution in the waters around the US and boiling water and tablets, etc.. won't get rid of chemicals out of the water systems, carbon helps remove some of these chemicals out of the water. If you have a 40 watt or greater solar cell, you can run a steripen or Miox 100% without any batteries in an emergency. I love the steripen for it's purpose but it's all in your preference. Watch the video and see what you think.

Click Here and watch the video
http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.ph...true#Post126059

Thanks dweste. It was indeed backpackgeartest.org. A very useful website.

Thanks falcon5000 for reporting on actual use.

Yeah, thanks. I plan to carry regular batteries for normal use (I keep a good supply of 123's on hand anyway) and depend on the rechargeables only if a long term situation demands it. I'll pack 3-4 sets of rechargeables so that there can always be a set in the charger.