MSR  Guardian Purifier

Had my pump break after a couple of years of use. It's plastic, plastic breaks. No big deal. I submitted a warranty claim asking to buy new parts. It's been six months. Nothing. I fixed the pump myself with some JB weld and a prayer. I don't think I can trust it as my main pump anymore, and it's far too heavy as a back-up. Very disappointed. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Purchased from a different vendor. Used it multiple times. I will start with my biggest complaint. There are two connected hoses with a flat float at the input end. They are oriented parallel to the pump handle but need to be perpendicular to the water they draw from. The result is that using the pump in the most comfortable position causes the hoses to twist and come out of the water. It takes a lot of trial and error to get everything positioned right, especially when collecting from running water. For the price I expect a better user experience. Seems effective in that I haven't gotten sick from water filtered through this device. Form factor is bulky and heavy. Pump action is smooth and fairly easy.

This is an amazing filter if you never plan on regular use. Small parts break and there is ZERO support from MSR. It will undoubtedly end up a $400 paper weight.

Have used this four seasons now. Excellent purifier. we’ve never had an illness on a backcountry trip. So that speaks for itself. We use it about 14 days/nights a year. Additionally on occasional long distance day hikes every year. Great for peace of mind.

Piece of mind. Very happy with this top of the line purifier. Be gentle with the pump and it will give you years of service. Never had an issue. 10,000 liters of cartridge life, thats a lifetime. I simply store it away after a trip, no need to clean. Last trip was in Baja, Mexico. A 950 mile bicycle tour. Used it mostly on toilet tanks. Never got sick. As good as bottled water. My next trip is south america. Again, just be gentle with the pump. No twisting. I just throw the floater into a stream or river. No need to position it. Awesome product

Clean , safe water is a non-negotiable. Researched the "best". Had this system for about 4 yrs. Ordered from REI. super bulky, I know the cruddy-looking water is safe; ditto the "clean" stuff; something may have died further up in the water. NEVER trust any water! I always filter. always. Had water -borne illness and it is really awful, esp in another country. Not too thrilled with the bulk and expense; but being sick in a remote in the location worse; a LOT.

The MSR Guardian Purifier has been my go-to for backpacking for the past six seasons. People often borrow it from me. It is fast and effective, so we don’t have to wait long to refill while on the go or at camp. I feel very safe drinking water in the wilderness using my MSR Guardian.

Amazon has the same model for only $272.00, not sure why its significantly more expensive at REI. Solid product just would rather not pay $400.00

Phenomenal piece of equipment for hiking. For large parties of people, it can provide clean water in suboptimal environments and in less than ideal conditions. It is heavy for short trips, but the flow rate is incredible when compared to other purifiers. For ultralight adventures, flow through filters are more ideal and better suited for weight conscious endeavors. Was used on Mt. Baker for party of 7 and it performed excellent.

The best filter I have ever used. Took to Nepal last spring. Used it on canoe trips. Excellent product. Ridge Explorations LLC Donald Langlois, owner/director 52231 SE 496th Pl. Greenwater, WA 98022 360-663-2343 drlang@tx3.net www.RidgeExplorations.***