I have used a Steripen Adventurer for at least five years and have found it to be both convenient and reliable. Regarding battery life, I have heard numerous reports that batteries will go downhill fast if you leave them in the pen. So, I take the batteries out after each use. I generally get about the advertized number of uses from batteries using this protocol. Beyond the battery trick, the most important thing with the Steripen is to read the instruction thoroughly. All of the issues I have had with mine were resolved by a re-reading of the instructions. Take your instructions with you, they are worth the fraction of an ounce of weight.

I too, like the flavor of Steripen-treated water better than either filtered or chemically treated water.