Details
- Simply pump water and add the included MSR SweetWater Purifier Solution to innactivate 99.99% of waterborne viruses, bacteria and protozoan parasites
- Chlorine-based purification has no unpleasant iodine taste
- One of the easiest pumps to operate—features dual-action draw and a mechanical advantage to quickly supply you with clean water
- Sturdy lever-action pump handle provides a 4-to-1 mechanical advantage, drawing water on both the down and up stroke
- Lightweight copolyester construction is tough and durable; compact design stows easily
- Built-in filter replacement safety indicator keeps tabs on usage, filters up to 200 gal.
- Its 0.2 micron filter eliminates waterborne bacteria and protozoa such as giardia and Cryptosporidium
- SweetWater Purifier Solution is able to safely disinfect "worst case" water sources
- SweetWater Purifier Solution comes in a 2 fl. oz. bottle that treats up to 80 gal. of water
- Field serviceable and easy to clean with no small parts to lose; includes a universal bottle adapter and a cover to keep the output clean
Made in USA.
Specs
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Pump |
| Filter Medium | Silica depth matrix w/ carbon core / chlorine-based disinfectant solution |
| Removes/Destroys | Protozoa, Bacteria, and Viruses |
| Pump Force | 1.6 pounds |
| Pump Strokes Per Liter | 81.6 |
| Output | 1+ liters per minute |
| Housing Material | Copolyester |
| BPA Free | Yes |
| Field Cleanable | Yes |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 14 ounces |
Rated 1 out of
5
by
MonsieurBon from
Broke after 150 liters or so. Do not buy
After about 3 years and 150 liters or so of mostly clear glacial stream water pumped through this filter, the pump shaft separated from the plunger while we were 14 miles up in the Olympics.
Luckily we had a SteriPen and iodine as backup.
The pump failure cannot be repaired. MSR was uninterested in seeing pictures of the pump or even discussing the failure.
Also, the bottle of chlorine that makes this a "system" ate away its own cap within 6 months of purchasing this setup and leaked bleach everywhere.
I will admit that before this pump broke it was a pretty awesome pump. Keeping the clean tube clean was always a challenge, but once you get the hang of draping everything properly it was fine.
Date published: 2013-09-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DBest from
Built to last
My Sweetwater filter broke and had to get this newer model. Thing is, I did the math and realized I had my first Sweetwater filter for over 15 years. The newer model seems to perform the same way as the older version. Having 15 years experience with this filter, I can set up and break down without even thinking about it. Once you get the hang of it (suggest practicing at home before taking it into the field) you can't go wrong with it. Pumped gallon after gallon with this thing, water is always good, no sickness - what more do you want? I would highly recommend this product.
Date published: 2013-06-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
klam from
good and fast
This pump has been great for me. i have used it many times. During all seasons and in some murky water sources. Just make sure you follow the instructions and this pump wont let you down. It fills a 1 liter bottle in less then a minute. if water starts to come out of your over pressure valve good chance you need to clean the filter. This is a quick and easy processes. Make sure you do this i learned the hard way and broke my pump on the 2 day of a 4 day trip. This was not due to a equipment flaw. i was over taxing my pump and not performing the proper maintenance. luckily i had another one and remembered to clean it and had no problems after that.
Date published: 2008-12-08
Rated 1 out of
5
by
CJ30 from
Generally Disppointed
I bought this pump for a four day backpacking trip because it had great reviews and I was familiar with MSR products and found them to be high quality. Unfortunately half way through the trip, the pump became difficult to use and the change filter indicator was activated. At this point, I had probably only filtered about 20 liters of water. I used the field kit to clean the filter which improved pumping for another few liters before the indicator was activated again. I know these filters are supposed to last longer than that. I have always been pleased with REI products, so I was disappointed when this one was not up to the high standard of REI gear.
Date published: 2016-03-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
olefootball77 from
Small but Fast
This pump is great. I've had it for the best five years or so and use it constantly every summer, and have only had to replace the filter once. As long as you clean it out every trip with the provided brush, there is no reason a filter can't last ten years with normal use (I definitely consider my use much higher than normal). I also added about five to seven feet of tubing on the intake end which let's me get deeper into the water (in the Boundary Waters) which means colder water and less work for filter (longer life). I can pump about 1 liter a minute (it really doesn't get any better than that).
Date published: 2008-07-18
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Very Dependable
I've been using my Sweetwater Filter System for many years now and have found it to be a very durable and dependable filter. The best part of it is having a filter you can brush out after pumping from a lake full of sediment. I've been on many backpacking trips when other filters friends were using clogged and couldn't be cleaned making it very difficult if not impossible to pump. The MSR Sweetwater I still use was a trip saver.
Date published: 2016-07-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Tom the Dude from
MSR Sweetwater
After using this product, as well as the Katadyn Hiker Pro, I have to say as long as used properly these products should last a lifetime. The Katadyn broke on me once when me and my friend where midway through our trip, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. It was our fault. If you read the paperwork that comes with most any filter you should know (and I didn't but now I'll never forget) if you experience a lot of effort while pumping it is usually not the filter clogging up but instead it is usually a piece of dirt jammed in the housing leading to the filter. just cleaning the piece and clearing it of any debris should free it right up.
After saying that I prefer the Sweetwater over the Katadyn simply because of the pumping action. Both work great in the field and both are durable, neither leaves a bad taste and both are reasonably light and priced. All in all for what they do these pieces of equipment are invaluable in the backcountry. nothing works perfectly but for what you need and what these do, they get pretty dang close to being a perfect backcountry companion.
Always bring iodine, you never know what will happen. Also, read the instructions there is a lot of valuable info in there about maintenance in the field, including how to properly back flush the system to clear out any clogs.
Date published: 2013-02-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Works every time without fail
I have been using this filter for a little a year now and it has worked perfectly. It was recommended by a friend and after looking at the other offerings out there I felt it was the best fit for me. Its fairly light, folds up small and is easy to use. I mainly just use the filter to produce very clean tasting water. I have only used the drops once when the water was stagnant. I also recommend the prefilter if you're going to be pumping cloudy water or just want to extend the filters life. The included adapter makes it easy to fill your water bottle or MSR water bladder.
Date published: 2014-12-28
Are there any adapters for the SweetWater purification system that would allow it to be connected to a bottle or a water bag like the other filters?
Unfortunately, there is no adapter available to directly attach the filter to a water bottle.
Date published: 2017-04-07
Hi. If I have never used my MSR Sweetwater filter, and have stored it in a dry place for 10 years, do I need to be concerned with the effectiveness of the filter? Should I replace it?
The hollow fiber filter inside of the SweetWater Purifier System will be fine. We recommend removing the filter and scrubbing it with the included brush and running a couple of liters of clean tap water through the filter prior to using the SweetWater in the field.
Date published: 2017-01-27
Where is the built insafety filter indicator on the filter?
Your filter has reached the end of its life when a mesh-like black scrim, has been exposed by brushing. This is the Filter Replacement Safety Indicator.
Date published: 2017-06-27
After pumping, how long does the Chlorine-based purification liquid take to purify the water?
​The purification liquid should be mixed into the water for at least 10 seconds. You must wait at least 5 minutes before drinking.
Date published: 2017-04-02
Hi! Is the only difference between the "purification system" and the sweetwater the chlorine powder?
Yes, the Chlorine-based purification liquid changes this from a water filter to a water purification system.
Date published: 2017-05-21
I bought my system in 1997 I used it 3 times the filter has been in my freezer ever since and the drops in my basement do you think they are both fine or need replacement
We recommend ordering a replacement filter.
Date published: 2017-04-27
What is the micron retention? .1 or .2? doesn't say on ad.
The pore size of the filtering media used in the SweetWater Water Purifier System is .2 microns.
Date published: 2015-09-20
Reviews
Rated 1 out of
5
by
MonsieurBon from
Broke after 150 liters or so. Do not buy
After about 3 years and 150 liters or so of mostly clear glacial stream water pumped through this filter, the pump shaft separated from the plunger while we were 14 miles up in the Olympics.
Luckily we had a SteriPen and iodine as backup.
The pump failure cannot be repaired. MSR was uninterested in seeing pictures of the pump or even discussing the failure.
Also, the bottle of chlorine that makes this a "system" ate away its own cap within 6 months of purchasing this setup and leaked bleach everywhere.
I will admit that before this pump broke it was a pretty awesome pump. Keeping the clean tube clean was always a challenge, but once you get the hang of draping everything properly it was fine.
Date published: 2013-09-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DBest from
Built to last
My Sweetwater filter broke and had to get this newer model. Thing is, I did the math and realized I had my first Sweetwater filter for over 15 years. The newer model seems to perform the same way as the older version. Having 15 years experience with this filter, I can set up and break down without even thinking about it. Once you get the hang of it (suggest practicing at home before taking it into the field) you can't go wrong with it. Pumped gallon after gallon with this thing, water is always good, no sickness - what more do you want? I would highly recommend this product.
Date published: 2013-06-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
klam from
good and fast
This pump has been great for me. i have used it many times. During all seasons and in some murky water sources. Just make sure you follow the instructions and this pump wont let you down. It fills a 1 liter bottle in less then a minute. if water starts to come out of your over pressure valve good chance you need to clean the filter. This is a quick and easy processes. Make sure you do this i learned the hard way and broke my pump on the 2 day of a 4 day trip. This was not due to a equipment flaw. i was over taxing my pump and not performing the proper maintenance. luckily i had another one and remembered to clean it and had no problems after that.
Date published: 2008-12-08
Rated 1 out of
5
by
CJ30 from
Generally Disppointed
I bought this pump for a four day backpacking trip because it had great reviews and I was familiar with MSR products and found them to be high quality. Unfortunately half way through the trip, the pump became difficult to use and the change filter indicator was activated. At this point, I had probably only filtered about 20 liters of water. I used the field kit to clean the filter which improved pumping for another few liters before the indicator was activated again. I know these filters are supposed to last longer than that. I have always been pleased with REI products, so I was disappointed when this one was not up to the high standard of REI gear.
Date published: 2016-03-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
olefootball77 from
Small but Fast
This pump is great. I've had it for the best five years or so and use it constantly every summer, and have only had to replace the filter once. As long as you clean it out every trip with the provided brush, there is no reason a filter can't last ten years with normal use (I definitely consider my use much higher than normal). I also added about five to seven feet of tubing on the intake end which let's me get deeper into the water (in the Boundary Waters) which means colder water and less work for filter (longer life). I can pump about 1 liter a minute (it really doesn't get any better than that).
Date published: 2008-07-18
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Very Dependable
I've been using my Sweetwater Filter System for many years now and have found it to be a very durable and dependable filter. The best part of it is having a filter you can brush out after pumping from a lake full of sediment. I've been on many backpacking trips when other filters friends were using clogged and couldn't be cleaned making it very difficult if not impossible to pump. The MSR Sweetwater I still use was a trip saver.
Date published: 2016-07-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Tom the Dude from
MSR Sweetwater
After using this product, as well as the Katadyn Hiker Pro, I have to say as long as used properly these products should last a lifetime. The Katadyn broke on me once when me and my friend where midway through our trip, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. It was our fault. If you read the paperwork that comes with most any filter you should know (and I didn't but now I'll never forget) if you experience a lot of effort while pumping it is usually not the filter clogging up but instead it is usually a piece of dirt jammed in the housing leading to the filter. just cleaning the piece and clearing it of any debris should free it right up.
After saying that I prefer the Sweetwater over the Katadyn simply because of the pumping action. Both work great in the field and both are durable, neither leaves a bad taste and both are reasonably light and priced. All in all for what they do these pieces of equipment are invaluable in the backcountry. nothing works perfectly but for what you need and what these do, they get pretty dang close to being a perfect backcountry companion.
Always bring iodine, you never know what will happen. Also, read the instructions there is a lot of valuable info in there about maintenance in the field, including how to properly back flush the system to clear out any clogs.
Date published: 2013-02-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Works every time without fail
I have been using this filter for a little a year now and it has worked perfectly. It was recommended by a friend and after looking at the other offerings out there I felt it was the best fit for me. Its fairly light, folds up small and is easy to use. I mainly just use the filter to produce very clean tasting water. I have only used the drops once when the water was stagnant. I also recommend the prefilter if you're going to be pumping cloudy water or just want to extend the filters life. The included adapter makes it easy to fill your water bottle or MSR water bladder.
Date published: 2014-12-28
Questions & Answers
Are there any adapters for the SweetWater purification system that would allow it to be connected to a bottle or a water bag like the other filters?
Unfortunately, there is no adapter available to directly attach the filter to a water bottle.
Date published: 2017-04-07
Hi. If I have never used my MSR Sweetwater filter, and have stored it in a dry place for 10 years, do I need to be concerned with the effectiveness of the filter? Should I replace it?
The hollow fiber filter inside of the SweetWater Purifier System will be fine. We recommend removing the filter and scrubbing it with the included brush and running a couple of liters of clean tap water through the filter prior to using the SweetWater in the field.
Date published: 2017-01-27
Where is the built insafety filter indicator on the filter?
Your filter has reached the end of its life when a mesh-like black scrim, has been exposed by brushing. This is the Filter Replacement Safety Indicator.
Date published: 2017-06-27
After pumping, how long does the Chlorine-based purification liquid take to purify the water?
​The purification liquid should be mixed into the water for at least 10 seconds. You must wait at least 5 minutes before drinking.
Date published: 2017-04-02
Hi! Is the only difference between the "purification system" and the sweetwater the chlorine powder?
Yes, the Chlorine-based purification liquid changes this from a water filter to a water purification system.
Date published: 2017-05-21
I bought my system in 1997 I used it 3 times the filter has been in my freezer ever since and the drops in my basement do you think they are both fine or need replacement
We recommend ordering a replacement filter.
Date published: 2017-04-27
What is the micron retention? .1 or .2? doesn't say on ad.
The pore size of the filtering media used in the SweetWater Water Purifier System is .2 microns.
Date published: 2015-09-20
