MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter
Stash it it your pocket and forget it until you need it. The 5.2 oz. MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized water filter lets you refill your reservoir or drink directly from the source without lying in the dirt.
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- Quick-deploy performance with zero setup and simple 1-handed operation lets you fill a 1-liter bottles in as little as 60 seconds
- Tested to meet EPA drinking water standards* and NSF protocol P231 to remove 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.9% of protozoa and particulates
- Simple to clean: a few shakes help restore flow rates in the field; no tools required
Made in USA.
View all MSR Straw Water Filters| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Squeeze |
| Filter Medium | Advanced hollow fibers |
| Removes/Destroys | Protozoa And Bacteria |
| Pump Force | Unavailable |
| Pump Strokes per Liter | Unavailable |
| Output | 1 liter per minute |
| Housing Material | Silicone |
| BPA Free | Yes |
| Field Cleanable | Yes |
| Dimensions | 6 x 2.4 inches |
| Weight | 5.2 ounces |
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Quick, simple, effective
This pump works great. I just wanted to weigh-in on the reports of water that tastes like rubber/plastic. I used my TrailShot filter this weekend up in the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe and the water tasted fantastic every time. No weird flavors whatsoever. The only thing I did was to filter one pint of tap water at home when I first opened it up, then I disassembled the unit and let it dry for a day or two. Good to go.
Not as good as I had hoped.
I bought this prior to an 8 day hike in the Great Smoky Mtn NP and after reading a LOT of reviews. I tested it before I left and it seemed pretty good. I did filter quite a bit of water during the hike and most of it was very clear (estimate ~6 liters per day). I did filter some water where I had to do some digging and then let the run off take away most of the particulate. I cleaned the filter as recommended EVERY time regardless of water clarity. On the 7th day trouble started. It would not prime and my flow rate was cut in half. I was getting water but it was very disappointing. Ive reached out to the manufacturers and we'll see but I think it's going back to REI.
This Thing is So Awesome
I picked this up to complement a friend's Sawyer system for some backpacking we were doing. I figured two different methods of filtration would be ideal for different conditions. If you have the luxury, that's great, but honestly I didn't need anything more than the TrailShot. It's super small so you can leave it in an accessible pocket and pump from anything - even puddles. I didn't get sick from any of the water we drank so I have to assume the filtration did the job. It pumps quick, clean water, and you can even drink right from it if you want. Seriously can't envision a better design for a product like this. The only thing maybe would be a small/snug case for it to protect it in the bag? I dunno man. It's great.
I wanted to like it
These seems like another brilliant design from MSR, and it somewhat is. The problem that I encountered was priming. The first use, it filled fully, and pumped quickly, but subsequent uses would only yield the unit filling half full , which made pumping really slow. I've cleaned the pre filter, and performed the shake clean of the main filter, to no avail. When I returned home from my trip, I tested it again, strangely the first use filled the diaphragm fully, and pumped fast, the second use would only fill half way again ? Not sure what the issue is. I again performed the cleaning procedures, and it didn't help. Unfortunately I'll be returning this to REI, which is a bummer, because I think it's a brilliant design.
Way better than Sawyer
I owned Sawyer and used it from the stream and lake. What I don't like is many attachments and they don't hold together like MSR Trailshot. It's a pocket-sized unit to throw in your pack and in pocket. The fastest way to deploy and grab some water in a hurry. It works flawless and quick! This unit is my go-to water filter to grab along with me for backpacking, hiking, mountain cycling, and camping. For the price of this unit functions just like other water filter of the same taste. I don't see why we should pay more fancy water filter. My favorite part of this is to use it in a small shallow water that I can find. It is very easy to clean and storage away. This is the best water filter on the market right now in my own opinion. You will not regret it.
hmm...
I've had this thing for a couple years now and happened to see negative reviews on this rei app for this product. I figured I'd give my 2 cents... This simple filter has worked flawlessly for me on a few dozen trips. As of this review, the negative reviews i see are by people who don't know a couple important facts for filters. #1 don't let them freeze... ever. #2 pressure = flow rate. It needs to be applied carefully for any filter. I hope anyone who buys this product understands what the limitations are. It won't work well if you abuse it.
Lightweight and convenient
The first time I used this filter was during a week of hot day hikes in Glacier National Park in late July, 2017 (high 80s in the shade, over 100 degrees in the sun). The filter was obviously effective since neither me nor my wife had any ill effects from the treated water. However, the filter also tainted the water with a strong plastic taste, which made the treated water extremely unpalatable. After the trip I spent some time in the kitchen pumping over 100 ounces of water through the filter. That tedious exercise reduced the unsavory taint maybe 50%. I then squeezed some lemon concentrate into a glass of water, filled the tube and filter, and left it on the counter overnight. That helped some. MSR needs to test and, if necessary clean/rinse this product before packaging.
Great addition to gravel riding/bikepacking trip
I am not sure what part of this filter is slow (as I read other people's reviews). I find it very easy to use. I used to use a Sawyer squeeze kind for the price and size, but it is hard to fill the bag with small opening and to squeeze it using both hands. Each one of us had to carry our own or we stopped for almost an hour, filling out multiple bottles. And sometimes we just don't have an easy access to water. This one is just tad bigger and much much quicker to fill multiple bottles. Drop in the hose. I carry it on every gravel ride I go. I am happy with my purchase!
QA/QC issues?
Some individual reviewers appear to have luck with this filter. Ours, as with many others here, leaked where the filter cartridge meets the body. There are no threads and possibly the hard plastic grip is meant to keep the cartridge in place when squeezing water through the filter. The first time we used it we were backpacking. My bad for assuming. The second time was over our sink after a new cartridge and body were obtained. It just leaks regardless of effort made to keep filter flush with body housing. Maybe there are QA/QC problems such that some work better than others. If not, then great concept, just not well executed. Second issue with an MSR product in as many years.
not reliable
I loved the idea of a quick filter that is light and easy to pack but it is fairly slow to purify a couple liters of water and it broke after about three uses in moderately clean water. It got clogged in that environment and after following the cleaning instructions it never worked right again. Perhaps I did something wrong but when you need a water filter you really need a water filter and I didn’t find this one dependable enough to want to carry it and went back to my old bulky msr sweetwater that always worked even when I had no option but to source from some questionable water holes