If you're looking for a really unique way to filter small amount of water in a quick amount of time (16 oz in 48 second and 1 quart in 90 seconds), then the SteriPEN is definitely for you! This product allows water to be sterilized by UV rays that are produced from batteries with in the pen. The Pen uses wavelength UV waves, which destroys the DNA of microbes in seconds. Without functional DNA, microbes simply can't reproduce or make you sick. The pen itself only weighs 3.6oz with the batteries in the device. This is something that is not only convenient but also light weight, so you can carry it with you just about anywhere. This product comes in a few different models, and all the models hold different amounts of water, which allows the water to be sterilized in certain increments of time.

This is a really nice product to have if you are traveling to "at risk" countries where you may not know if you can trust the water filtration system or not. It is also a particularly good idea to take this product other places as well, such as camping, restaurants or even on cruise ships. This product can also be taken on an airplane for when you go on vacation. I know this has been a huge worry for some people with many other products, but rest assured! The SteriPEN is very easy to work as well, so there's no confusing processes to figure out or tons of buttons to configure. One of the models even comes with an LCD screen so the different functions are easy to read as well. As of now there are three models of the SteriPEN which are Classic, Adventurer and SteriPEN Journey LCD. The only difference between the Adventurer and Traveler model however, are the colors of the pen.

This product has been tested in such places as A&L Laboratory, University of Main, University of Arizona, Oregon Health Sciences and Ryerson University (located in Toronto, Canada), and the reports from these test studies are available for download on Hydro-Photon if you would like to take a look at those! If you buy a this product, guides are also available for download if you ever need them. For more information on the SteriPEN please visit Amazon, Travel Essentials or visit one of your favorite search engines online.

You can also check these purifiers and filtration systems out that aren't SteriPens brand:

- Lotus Water Treatment System LWT 100 $169

The lotus Water Treatment System uses a proprietary 2-stage process to purify and filter drinking water: Lotus protects your family from the bacteria and toxins that can sometimes seep into your tap, lake or well water. Features: Countertop system purifies tap water with a proprietary two-stage process. Enjoy great-tasting water that is safer and healthier for your family. Save a fortune compared to bottled water.

- Travel Berkey 1.5 Gal Water Purifier with Two Super Sterasyl Elements $250

This unit holds more than a gallon of filtered water at a time and produces clean drinking water very efficiently. The lower storage tank capacity is 1.5 gallons. The Travel Berkey comes with the new Black Berkey purifying elements and functions at a rate of efficiency of 2-3/4 gallons per hour.

This filters water fast.

- Katadyn Drip TRK Ceradyn Water Filtration System $199

The Katadyn TRK Drip Ceradyn free-standing gravity filter features a 10 liter water container for large quantities of water. It's ideal for the water supply for camps, cabins and homes without running water. This Ceradyn version comes with three ceramic filter elements.

- MSR Miox Water Purifier $140

Part of MSR's pump-fee water treatment series of products, the Miox Purifier represents a revolution in water treatment. It's ultralight, compact, and easy to use with no pumping, maintenance, or iodine required. Ideal for extended trips and large volumes of water, this reliable purifier will inactivate viruses, bacteria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.

Good luck! I hope you find these product as interesting and exciting as I have!