I am in the same category as heber. I use a steripen and really like it but have no PCT experience. I do not like relying on batteries for water but with chemical treatment as backup it is a good safe system. If the water has some floaties in it you can just use a bandanna or coffee filter to remove them.

I was in Washington a couple years ago and met a guy at Mt. Hood who was on a thru hike of the PCT. He showed me this wacky little gadget called a steripen. He said he had used it the entire trip and loved it. That is how I was introduced to UV purification.

Boomer - It has been done and I am sure you can make it work if its what you want to use. Happy trails!