Outdoors

SteriPEN Freedom offers USB-powered water purification

SteriPEN Freedom offers USB-powered water purification
The SteriPEN Freedom is a USB-rechargeable portable UV water purifier
The SteriPEN Freedom is a USB-rechargeable portable UV water purifier
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The SteriPEN Freedom is a USB-rechargeable portable UV water purifier
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The SteriPEN Freedom is a USB-rechargeable portable UV water purifier
The SteriPEN Freedom disinfects up to 16 oz (0.5 L) of water in 48 seconds
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The SteriPEN Freedom disinfects up to 16 oz (0.5 L) of water in 48 seconds

Water purifier manufacturer SteriPEN has updated its lineup of portable products, with a UV-based unit called the SteriPEN Freedom. Billed as the smallest, lightest and first rechargeable UV water purifier on the market, it disinfects up to 16 oz (0.5 L) of water in 48 seconds.

We've previously covered numerous water purification solutions for the developing world, with LifeStraw, Moringa tree seeds, or even banana peels being notable examples. The new SteriPEN device, however, is defined as hiking and camping equipment by its manufacturer, rather than as a life-saving tool.

The Freedom features a germicidal UV light which destroys 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Forty-eight seconds is enough for the Freedom to deal with half a liter of water, while a liter simply requires repeating this operation. A green light gauge indicates when it's safe to drink the water.

Recharged via a micro USB B port from a computer, AC outlet or a compatible solar charger, the Freedom offers up to 40 treatments on a single charge. The overall battery and UV lamp life is estimated to last for 8,000 treatments of 16 oz (0.5 L). The device also serves as a flashlight.

Equipped with a removable lamp cover, the new purifier weighs in at 2.6 oz (74 g) and measures 13 x 3.5 x 2.2 cm (5.1 x 1.4 x 0.8 in). Sold with a USB cable, AC adapter and neoprene case, the SteriPEN Freedom will be available starting this fall (northern hemisphere), priced at US$119.95.

7 comments
7 comments
Carlos Grados
Sadly it won\'t remove toxins.
Jon A.
The earlier model Steripen that uses rechargeable AA batteries will get far more uses before needing to be recharged. It also costs half as much as this.
On the other hand, if you are using it for travel, charging via USB means having to carry one less charger, plus this is smaller and probably lighter.
PolishBear
$120 for a rechargable UV lamp is a bit pricey ... but this still seems like a pretty useful gadget for backpackers.
Erwin Lapschies
Not in your life would I trust UV when it is so important to realize it does nothing for heavy metals, turbidity and bacteria \"hidden\" inside \"dirt\" particles. Ceramic filters are a betetr bet for camper and hikers.
Patrick Coffey
well thats useful. im too poor to afford drinking water... luckily i have my laptop handy
houstonrahoyt
Article stated: The new SteriPEN device, however, is defined as hiking and camping equipment by its manufacturer...so if someone hikes and camps for leisure then they\'ve got a way to charge this device - a car - so don\'t fret.
kellory
coupled with a filter, and a smaller price tag, this could do well.