Rick,

I always carry a SteriPen with me whenever I need more than the basic EDC kit. Although I still carry other methods of water purification as a backup, my preferred method of water purification is filtering through a MillBank Bag, if the water is not clear, and then the SteriPen. The MillBank Bag is used no matter what purification system I use if the water is not clear. The other chemical purification method are adversely affected by organic matter in the water. I don’t have to worry about cold water temperatures or waiting four hours for all the pathogens to be destroyed. When I or my dogs want water, we want it now. Check the other chemical methods of purification and see what pathogens are not effected or how long it takes to kill them, especially how much water temperature affects the time of purification. I also do not have to worry about adverse chemical reactions, expiration dates, or caustic contamination of my kit when the purification chemicals are expose due to leakage.

The SteriPen can also be used in places that have supposedly clean water without offending your domestic or foreign hosts whether at a private water source or in a restaurant. They do not have clue as to what you are doing.

The type of batteries you carry will determine how many purification treatments you get, Lithium results in 130 16 oz treatments, NiMH results in 100 16 oz treatments, and Alkaline results in 20-30 16 oz treatments. NiMH batteries are recommended for cold temperatures.

I have found the SteriPen on sale for less than $100 in the winter.