Off topic but...

[Sanders]

does anyone have any real experience with water purifiers for wilderness type backpackers? I just have a hard time believing UV light from a little steri-pen is going to do the job. I do know some water chemistry, but not to the point of purifying. Think Water cooling towers, Aquariums, and swamp coolers.

           The other Jeff
                   

[spacemonkey]

Hey Sanders, I'm with you, I would not trust a steri-pen and I am not into putting iodine tablets in my water.  I've used a First Need filter that I got at REI for years of filtering in the Boundary Waters.  http://www.rei.com/product/767831  I'd recommend it.

MSR and Katadyn also make good options.

[Vander]

I have no experience with a steri-pen...
But I have quite a bit of experience in the woods and issues with water purification.  But it really depends on where you are going.  Some places (and circumstances) you can just dip and drink.

Your biggest enemy in drinking water is giardia; so even boiling your water will work too.

Where are you going?

[Sanders]

The Mountains, the desert, the West coast and everywhere in between. I've boiled in the past, when in doubt. Much like Pscylociben its an acquired taste that I never acquired.

[Vander]

Well I'd recommend a Katadyn for general use then.  Where ever you go you will find replacement parts and filter for a Katadyn.

And I'd stay clear of the 'schrooms too...