I have one. I've used it on day hikes mostly just to test it out. It pretty much just kills the viruses and bacteria. It doesnt make dirty water look cleaner or taste better, anything like that. I trust the science behind it and I like it better than carrying around a filtration system. But you do have to worry about breaking it (its only plastic, comes with case) and making sure you have fresh batteries in it.
I have one. I've used it on day hikes mostly just to test it out. It pretty much just kills the viruses and bacteria. It doesnt make dirty water look cleaner or taste better, anything like that. I trust the science behind it and I like it better than carrying around a filtration system. But you do have to worry about breaking it (its only plastic, comes with case) and making sure you have fresh batteries in it.
this, it doesn't clean the water it kills the stuff that gives you the shits or worse. your best bet if your water is muddy or murky is to transfer the water througha folded bandana then stick the steri pen in to kill the micro organisms. also pur makes a portable water filter that does all this at once not sure what they cost though
I myself use a Katadyn but I know someone who has this one and he swears by it just based off of the weight for long hikes. It's got pretty good reviews. His advice was to always pack extra batteries.
I know this is a stupid question because I take it the power is what helps eliminate the bacteria, etc but are there any pocket filtration systems that do not run on battery power?
Not sure if you'd qualify it as pocket sized, but google LifeStraw. No batteries, as low as $20 at BP and filters out virtually all harmful bacteria and Protozoa.