Thanks. I'll keep my eyes open. We do have a Costco that is close.
I am seeing several Steri-Pen models available: Adventurer Opti, Journey, Classic, Traveler, Emergency, Freedom. Which would be preferable?
.
SteriPen tends to get a bit crazy with their packaging. Most of their systems use the same bulb. Here's the rough breakdown:
Adventure - designed to be very compact for backcountry use. CR123 batts. 8,000 treatments within a bulb's optimal lifespan.
Journey - Same system as above. Has an LCD display for techno-phobes that can't read LED lights, I guess. 8,000 treatments. CR123 batts. Has a conical fitting around the bulb for use with consumer bottles, like Evian, Aquafina, bottles, etc. This is mostly a "traveler's" SteriPen for that reason.
Classic - The suckers SteriPen. This is the one people see at Costco and think it's a bargin. It is, but it only lasts 3,000 treatments before the bulb is pooped. It's now only sold as a complete kit. It has the conical fitment around the bulb like the Journey. Not a necessary feature in my opinion. It does use AA batts, which some like. Kinda bulky for backcountry travel.
The Freedom is the new tiny USB chargeable version. Verdict is out on that one. It's kind of a weird system. Designed to be tiny, but only if you have access to USB charging, which isn't usually a low size scenario.
The Emergency is effectively just a red Classic with a bulb that only lasts 3,000 treatments.
The Traveler is a blue Classic with a bulb that lasts 3,000 treatments.
The one I would recommend is the Adventure. Hands down. No question. We'll sell roughly 50 Adventure pens a year. Most Classics are bought as gifts as they're cheaper.
Lastly, I know OJ did a test of the SteriPen and more or less flunked it. I've used it extensively. Probably consumed 200 liters of backcountry water treated by a SteriPen. Works great.