MSR  MiniWorks EX Water Filter

I have had 2 MSR filters for over 8 years, (purchased 2nd due to a great sale I couldn’t pass up) . I have used these filters primarily in desert settings, Big Bend National Park multiple years, 4 rim to rim trips across the Grand Canyon, Mt St Helen’s , Colorado, Missouri, Arkansas Etc…. I don’t go anywhere without one. Hey have been “nearly” maintenance free, and have never failed to provide clean water (many trips to multiple other hikers needing water). If you’re going out where obtaining ground water will be required - you MUST have a reliable and long lasting filter - this is one of 5em and highly recommend !!!!

I have had and used this filter extensively while backpacking over the last 25 years (yes, I still use the original one). It has provided a family of four with enough clean water for drinking and cooking, during weeks at a time. It is slower when the water is murky, but it still works, and when too pluggeg, it can be cleaned on site. I gave my brother one when he started backpacking and it was very hard to pump, so he followed the instructions to take it apart and back together, and it worked perfectly after, so try that if needed ;-) Just carefully follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions, and you’ll pass this down to your grandchildren!

I absolutely loved my MSR SweetWater, and had it for 10+ years before it broke, so I thought their new version would be just as good. It’s not. 1). It is extremely slow to pump (3-5min per Nalgene), and has been since day 1 2). I frequently winter backpack here in CO and it doesn’t work in freezing weather. My SweetWater never had an issue at all with negative degree temps, but this one freezes in a couple spots while pumping and I have to pour warm water on it to get it to work again. My friend now just brings her Katadyn with us since it works no problem. I’m really bummed about this product.

I purchased this filter back in 2011 or 2012. I was introduced to them in Boy Scouts (as a leader) and purchased one for my own and family backpacking treks. I still use the original filter and cartridge although considering replacing the ceramic cartridge. I'm sure I have surpassed the 2000 liter mark by now. I have never had a problem with my filter. I drain and clean it after every trek. During treks if I filter murky water, I do clean it the best that I can in the backcountry and dry it out. I recommend this model to my clients. I have had issues with other brand filters clogging and being tricky to use, especially in low flowing water sources, but not with this filter. It's great for small group filtering.

I bought this likely 30+ years ago, the pump has a PN# 32-788, it has ben dry stored all this time. It has only been used once. Can I recondition the filter as per instructions (16-24 hours in 1oz/1ltr bleach solution) or has this filter reached its use by date? If it needs to be replaced, can you direct me the correct model number of the replacement filter to order. I now live in New Zealand, and if you recommend a NZ supplier, that would be a bonus. Thank you

Just received my MSR filter for my expedition next week, looks great and durable. I only have a question about the filtration speed; the description tells 1 liter per minute. When I tested the filter after the first cleaning I only got 200-300ml per minute, maintaining the pumping frequence of 60-70 strokes a minute. Am I doing something wrong, or is this normal when using the filter for the first time?

This is a lot faster / easier than a squeeze bottle, albeit a bit heavier. I think the ideal use case is if you have a few people in your posse sharing one purifier. Super easy to clean, and the ability to screw onto a nalgene keeps you from accidentally fumbling all your newly-filtered water onto the dirt if you're clumsy like me.

This filter is ceramic and really does the trick. very easy to use, pumps quickly. That said, you really need to familiarize yourself with field cleaning it, because it will clog and leave you boiling water if you don't.

Super easy & reliable. Used on several multi-day trips and worked great. Only be careful to not misplace the bottom nut on the filter.