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jmoney
09-10-13, 10:21
Stumbled across this the other day and thought I would get some insight from those wiser than myself.

http://www.camelbak.com/allclear

I was thinking about getting one of these to have in my pack for short 1-2 day hikes. The only issue that bothers me is the fact that it is a bulb, which seems easily breakable. Additionally, I'm not so sure how much I trust the little light to actually purify any water that I come across.

What do you guys think?
Robb Jensen
09-10-13, 11:48
They work well. But pretty dirty water tastes like ass even though it's clean. But that's normal even with tablets.
cctroupe11
09-10-13, 12:07
I second that motion.

Purification by UV or tablets doesn't remove things like filtering, so it can still come out tasting like the back end of a donkey.

But, that's where flavoring packets (Kool-Aid, crystal light, whatever) come in handy. Strawberry flavored ass is better than just ass.
jmoney
09-10-13, 12:31
thats good to know, I can deal with nasty tasting water, just not nasty water that is going to make me sick as well
EzGoingKev
09-10-13, 13:57
Strawberry flavored ass is better than just ass.

That sounds like something you got from the tossed salad man. LOL

Regarding the CamelBak unit, their site says it purify clear water. I would take this to mean that the light would need to shine completely through in order for it to work.

I take that to mean if the water was cloudy it would not work as well/at all.
tostado22
09-10-13, 14:04
There is also an All Clear Pre-Filter that can be purchased to filter out some of the crap. Maybe that would clear it out enough for the UV to be effective.

http://shop.camelbak.com/allclearprefilter/d/1150_c_324
jmoney
09-12-13, 07:40
what else would you guys recommend as a backup in case something like this would fail?
cctroupe11
09-12-13, 08:22
Katadyn filters are what I use.

Mybottle is a standard bottle size similar to the camelbak bottle you're looking at:
http://www.rei.com/product/799021/katadyn-mybottle-water-purifier

Or if you're looking to do larger quantities:

http://http://www.rei.com/product/830745/katadyn-hiker-pro-water-filter (http://www.rei.com/product/830745/katadyn-hiker-pro-water-filter)

Platypus GravityWorks is good also, but takes time:

http://www.rei.com/product/849794/platypus-gravityworks-water-filter-system-reservoir-kit-2-liter
jmnielsen
09-12-13, 09:48
I really like the platypus gravityworks, I also have a pump filter as backup but the gravity one is awesome especially for filling a lot of containers. I took it backpacking with 5 other people and they all loved it as well.
taliv
10-04-13, 10:02
the steripen has been on the market for years (i've used one for maybe 3 years?) and I like it a lot better for several reasons

it is very important to understand that if the water is not clear, the UV treatment will NOT work. you have to filter it first if it's dirty.
ra2bach
10-04-13, 13:41
coffee filters wil remove most sediment and are light to carry but like coffee, the water will not be perfectly clear...
SteveS
10-08-13, 16:28
Depends upon how thirsty you are. Like the old hunters joke my dad used to tell me here is just the punch line, it tastes like poop but it is good
jmoney
10-08-13, 21:31
the steripen has been on the market for years (i've used one for maybe 3 years?) and I like it a lot better for several reasons

it is very important to understand that if the water is not clear, the UV treatment will NOT work. you have to filter it first if it's dirty.

I will continue to use a good filter and then probably stick to the steripen as well, I trust the steripen, I just thought it would be interesting to try something different.
taliv
10-09-13, 21:51
anybody know of a steripen substitute that runs on AA batteries instead of 123?
Badger89
10-12-13, 00:18
anybody know of a steripen substitute that runs on AA batteries instead of 123?

SteriPEN Classic (http://www.steripen.com/classic/) or SteriPEN Traveler (http://www.steripen.com/traveler/)... took about 30 seconds to find on their site. ;)
birdkiller
10-30-13, 19:04
Check out the Steripen Ultra as well. I haven't had a ton of field experience with it, but I have run independent lab tests on the Ultra, MSR miniworks, Iodine tablets and Chlorine tablets. All worked, as you'd expect.

For me, it comes down to weight, and space. I can carry a Steripen easier than an MSR filter, but tablets would be easier than either. I am currently using the Steripen, because of the faster action of the Steripen than tablets and lighter weight than MSR.

Steripen vs. Allclear: I see the Steripen as being more adaptable to different environments than the Allclear. It's not tied to one type of bottle.

Cole