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SteriPEN Ultra Review

A UV purification system that eliminates the threat of viruses and other pathogens
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steripen ultra backpacking water filter review
SteriPEN Ultra
Credit: SteriPEN
Price:  $130 List
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Manufacturer:   SteriPEN
By Amber King ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 6, 2019
61
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#19 of 23
  • Water Quality - 20% 5.0
  • Durability & Maintenance - 20% 3.0
  • Treatment Time - 15% 6.0
  • Weight & Packability - 15% 7.0
  • Ease of Set Up - 15% 8.0
  • Ease of Filtration - 15% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Ultra SteriPEN is a unique purification rechargeable system that utilizes UV light. The wavelengths emitted decimate the DNA in these organisms, not allowing them to reproduce. While it does seem a little like magic, pressing a button, and waving a wand, this unit has a few shortfalls. While we appreciate its lighter weight, slim profile, and fast treatment time, we wouldn't usually reach for this filter simply because of its lack of reliability that is a result of it using a battery. This is an excellent option for international travel or for sitting by the beach at your favorite resort in Mexico.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Rechargeable
Waterproof
Removes viruses and other pathogens
REASONS TO AVOID
Finicky battery life
Unreliable
Small treatment capacity

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Bottom Line A rechargeable UV purification system that is great for international travelThis lifetime guaranteed product is easy to use on the trailA solid option for collapsible bottle filtration during fast and light backcountry missionsA low maintenance, easy-to-use gravity filter that works well for everybody on the trailThe best chemical treatment option that will kill all pathogens when given enough time
Rating Categories SteriPEN Ultra Sawyer Squeeze LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Platypus GravityWorks Aquamira Treatment...
Water Quality (20%)
5.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
Durability & Maintenance (20%)
3.0
6.0
6.0
7.0
10.0
Treatment Time (15%)
6.0
9.0
6.0
9.0
2.0
Weight & Packability (15%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
9.0
Ease of Set Up (15%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
Ease of Filtration (15%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
Specs SteriPEN Ultra Sawyer Squeeze LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Platypus GravityWorks Aquamira Treatment...
Measured Weight (entire kit) 6.7 oz 5.7 oz 3.8 oz 11.5 oz 3.0 oz
Removes Particulates (sediment, microplastics)? No Yes Yes Yes No
Effective Against Viruses? Yes No No No Yes
Effective Against Chemicals? No No No No No
Effective Against Heavy Metals? No No No No No
Effective Against Bacteria? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Effective Against Protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium)? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Type of Filter/Purifier UV treatment Squeeze, in-line, on-the-go Squeeze Gravity filter Chemical treatment
Filter Media or Active Ingredient UV light Hollow fiber Hollow-core membrane microfilter Hollow fiber Chlorine dioxide
Filter Pore Size (Advertised) N/A 0.1 microns 0.2 microns 0.2 microns N/A
Number of Liters/Gallons per Lifetime (Advertised) 8000 L / 2113 gal (per bulb), 50 L / 13 gal (per charge) 378,541 L / 100,000 gal 2000 L / 500 gal 1500 L / 396 gal 114 L / 30 gal (per package)

Our Analysis and Test Results

This UV light purification system requires a power source and water to purify. It can immobilize bacteria, protozoa, and viruses with a simple whirl of the wand, just like magic. While we appreciate this technology, we question its reliability. It has a short battery life and has a reputation for not working at inopportune moments.

Performance Comparison


steripen ultra backpacking water filter review - a look at what comes with the steripen ultra.
A look at what comes with the SteriPEN Ultra.
Credit: Amber King

Water Quality


Almost like magic, you touch a button, swirl, and voila…clean water that is free of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The UV light sends out intense wavelengths that decimate these pathogens' DNA so they cannot reproduce. That means that even if they enter your system, it won't supposedly cause you any harm.

steripen ultra backpacking water filter review - the steripen ultra uses ultraviolet light to get rid of harmful...
The SteriPEN Ultra uses ultraviolet light to get rid of harmful microorganisms.
Credit: Jen Reynolds

Since this isn't a filtration system, it does not filter out particulates and sediment. If you plan on traveling where the water is full of sediment, consider a filtration system instead. Though, if you know that clear sources are what you'll primarily encounter, this unit should work like a charm.

Durability & Maintenance


This system supposedly can filter up to 50 liters per charge, though we noticed our battery running low before this claim, getting about half that, especially in colder weather. The company website says that one bulb can purify up to 8000 liters which we don't know is true or not.

It's pretty clear when the Ultra is trying to tell you that you can...
It's pretty clear when the Ultra is trying to tell you that you can drink your water.
The bulb and battery are at 100%
The bulb and battery are at 100%
The Ultra is trying to tell you something is wrong!
The Ultra is trying to tell you something is wrong!

SteriPEN offers both options that are rechargeable or with batteries. Depending on what you prefer, you should get the appropriate option. One of the most significant issues with this filter is reliability. We've experienced the SteriPEN glitching out on longer runs, leaving us without a water filtration system. If it's freezing, the battery will drain quickly. We also noticed that after several uses, the battery charge does not retain as it does at the beginning.

As a result of this lack of reliability, we can't wholeheartedly recommend it for extended backpacking trips. It's a good option where you can get back to a power source to the plugin. Even if you bring along your favorite portable solar charger, you could end up getting skunked if there's no sun. Even then, with a full charge, we've experienced the sad face for no reason, which left us frustrated and without clean water. Luckily we had a chemical treatment backup. Like everything electrical, it's not the most reliable in the backcountry and more suited for situations that won't leave you wondering if you'll survive or not.

steripen ultra backpacking water filter review - make sure you have access to a power source or you might find...
Make sure you have access to a power source or you might find yourself without a purification system.
Credit: Amber King

Treatment Time


This unit counts down your purification time. It takes 90 seconds and some swirling to purify one liter of water. There is also the option to do a half-liter which takes half the time.

steripen ultra backpacking water filter review - the ultra has simple directions on the unit, push the button once to...
The Ultra has simple directions on the unit, push the button once to treat 1 liter and twice to treat half a liter.
Credit: Jen Reynolds

Weight & Packability


The SteriPEN Ultra is a meager 6.65 ounces including its squishy carry case. Of the SteriPEN models, it's the heaviest, but it's much lighter than pump filters that treat viruses. The profile is narrow, which fits nicely into a backpacking pack or even a running pack. It's a little large for ultralightweight missions that might go for 20+ miles, but, for a trail run where you need water on the go, it works just fine.

steripen ultra backpacking water filter review - relative weight with the case.
Relative weight with the case.
Credit: Amber King
steripen ultra backpacking water filter review - a look at relative size and profile.
A look at relative size and profile.
Credit: Amber King

Ease of Set Up


The Ultra is very simple to use. Turn it on, place it in your bottle. Water retrieval depends on your storage container. If you are taking from a water source with lots of sediment, make sure to pre-filter your water or consider a filter instead.

Ease of Treatment


Treatment is also easy. Wait for 90 seconds per liter purified. Swirl it around. When you see the smiley face, your water is ready to drink! If you see a frowny face, it means either your battery isn't working, or something is wrong.

steripen ultra backpacking water filter review - the ultra takes 48 seconds to purify half a liter, which actually...
The Ultra takes 48 seconds to purify half a liter, which actually feels like a long time when you're standing there stirring the water around.
Credit: Jen Reynolds

Value


It is pricy. Given that it's not super reliable, even though it does remove viruses and other stuff, it's not our first recommendation for most things. However, if you like the idea of it, and you'll be around power consistently, it is quite convenient, fast, and easy to use.

steripen ultra backpacking water filter review - the smiley face on the ultra makes tester jessica haist smile.
The smiley face on the Ultra makes tester Jessica Haist smile.
Credit: Jen Reynolds

Conclusion


The Ultra does best for international travel or super short trips into the backcountry when it's not cold. This UV filter eliminates everything including viruses, but its short battery life and inability to treat large amounts of water does limit its use.

Amber King