Tag: SteriPEN

Mini UV Magic Wand Makes Water Safe

Water that looks good enough to drink can still present a problem. As we noted back in October, there is a way to help make the water a little safer to think while on the go. The SteriPEN Freedom is a handy gadget that can be used to “zap” water and make it safe by killing bacteria or viruses. The battery-powered wand-like device emits UV light that will destroy bacteria, viruses and protozoa, and is actually just a scaled down version of what is used to treat mass quantities of water already.

A dedicated outdoors enthusiast Miles Maiden, had been studying the uses for solar power, and noted that UV technology had been used for more than 100 years. In 1997 he founded Hydro Photon Inc. and created the first SteriPEN. At $120 it isn’t cheap, until you realize how many bottles of water you might buy while traveling, and more importantly can be used when there is no convenience store in sight. We also bring it up again as it has been garnering lots of media attention this holiday season.

SteriPEN Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Tiny UV Light ‘Wand’ Destroys Microbes in Bad Water]

USB-based Purifier Cleans Water in Under a Minute

It seems like you can do anything via USB these days – even purify water.  The SteriPEN Freedom is a tiny USB-based water purifier that uses an ultraviolet light to purify a 16-oz. glass of water in as little as 48 seconds. The device eliminates bacteria and viruses that cause waterborne illnesses making it a valuable tool for both the hiker and the world traveler – at least those who travel with a laptop! Unlike previous battery-driven models, the SteriPEN Freedom features a micro USB port for charging and can be used up to 40 times on a single charge.

Its overall lifespan is estimated at roughly 8,000 treatments, and best of all the device also doubles as a flashlight. It’ll be available next month for $119.

SteriPEN Official Website