Mail Call – Mystery Dutchware Gear & Water Filter Face Off

Tips, tricks, and discussion on various Backpacking, Hiking & Camping topics.

Topics Discussed / Gear Seen

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Steripen UltraLight Water Purifier – Overview , Operation, Myths & Tips

A look at the American Red Cross Steripen UltraLight UV Water Purifier for Backpacking, Camping & Survival. 

The Steripen UltraLight is a compact, lightweight alternative to more traditional camping & backpacking water filters.  Instead of using a filter, the Steripen uses ultraviolet light to kill any bacteria, cysts and other harmful microorganisms.  Unlike most backpacking & survival water filters, Steripen also eliminates viruses.

In this video, we’ll go over the pros and cons of the Steripen UltraLight, versus traditional filter based water purification systems.  I’ll also demonstrate how to use a Steripen, frequently asked questions, water bottle options, common myths and concerns, and what the various indicator lights mean.

Specs and Features, as per the Manufacturer

  • SteriPEN ultra-violet lamp destroys over 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa
  • American red cross ultralight UV purifier quickly purifies 1.0L of water in only 90 seconds.
  • Easy to use, one-button operation provides 8,000 treatments producing up to 8,000 liters of purified water
  • Compact, lightweight at only 2.6 oz
  • American red cross ultralight UV purifier can be recharged using its USB port

Other Gear Seen

Mail Call – DIY Gear Tips, Hiking Gloves? & Filterless Backpacking Water Treatment

Tips, tricks and discussion on various Backpacking, Hiking & Camping topics.

Topics Discussed / Gear Seen

    • Thanks to everyone who supported the limited edition Sintax77 T-Shirt campaign!
    • Shirts are available on Bonfire – ordering ends Thursday, 4/19/18 after which point they’ll be retired.
    • Sara has a snack.
    • Viewer ‘Silent Paul’ makes gives a great tip for sourcing materials for DIY backpacking pot cozies.
    • The winter camping cheers debate rages on.
    • Viewers ‘Bear off the OT’ and ‘GEN2-X’ give some tips on DIY windscreens for camp stoves.
    • Viewer John R. recommends the spoon shaped Nemo sleeping bags over the traditional mummy bag shape.
    • Viewer Andrew S. gives us an update on my Kelty Salida 2 person tent.
    • Using a 3-Season tent in the winter, snow loads, temperatures, etc.
    • Adam want to know if I plan to do more “classic solo” trips and / or head back out to the Rockies for some backpacking and camping.
    • Potential for doing trip videos more often on the channel.
    • We’re heading out to the Denver, Colorado area this late summer / fall for a backpacking trip (3, maybe 4 days on the trail).  Got any suggestions for good camping, backpacking loops, burgers, etc?
    • Somebody sent a pair of Moreok Anti-Slip, Shock Absorbing gloves.
    • Thoughts on fingerless gloves for backpacking and on the trial?  Maybe good for hiking poles, camp chores, etc?
    • Viewer Doreen brings up the subject of wood burning twig stoves for backpacking and camping.  I’ve yet to use one – any thoughts out there?
    • Viewer Deb in Ohio gives a shout out and brings up the dreaded topic of a rainy forecast on your hiking dates.
    • My upcoming backpacking trip video to go along with my recent Budget Backpacking Gear List video.
    • Reason I chose the particular shelter system for my Budget Backpacking trip vs my lighter cuben fiber tarp or other options.
    • My new backpacking and camping water purification system that I’m testing, the Steripen Ultralight.