Why We Like The MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter
The MiniWorks EX Water Filter is MSR's best-selling filter for a reason, it gives us fresh, clean water wherever our travels take us. The pump action AirSpring Accumulator allows us to filter up to one liter of water per minute, while the ceramic filter removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulates for a reliable source of clean drinking water. The carbon core removes organic material so we can drop the hose into any source and come out with water that smells and tastes delectable. The compact filter is easy to clean without any tools, perfect for long trips into the backcountry, and it screws on to a standard Nalgene bottle or any MSR dromedary bag.
Details
- Popular pump-action water filter for clean drinking water on the go
- Marathon EX carbon/ceramic filter ensures our water is clean
- AirSpring Accumulator pumps out one liter of water per minute
- Carbon core removes foul tastes and odors for a fresh taste
- Can be easily cleaned multiple times without any tools
- Lightweight, compact design easily stows in our backpack
- Made in the USA of US and imported materials
- Item #MSQ002O
- Material
- ceramic
- Purifying Element
- Marathon EX (carbon/ceramic)
- Eliminates
- particulate, bacteria (99.9999%), protozoa (99.9%), chemicals, toxins
- Filter
- Marathon EX (carbon/ceramic)
- Pore Size
- 0.2 microns
- Cartridge Life
- ~2000L
- Action
- AirSpring Accumulator (pump)
- Flow
- 1L/min
- Field Cleanable
- yes
- Includes
- filter, hoses, stuff sack, hose float, scrub pad
- Dimensions
- 2.75 x 7.5 x 5.5in
- Claimed Weight
- 1lb
- Activity
- hike & camp, travel
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 3 years
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 5 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 13, 2024
I have a vintage SweetWater Micro Filter
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
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
September 7, 2024
Do not purchase
This is the absolute worst water filter you can ever purchase. It does not work and will leave you stranded for clean water when you actually need it. It's not just a waste of money, but the part that gets me angry is that a faulty water filter is dangerous and a health risk. I followed the pre - use instructions to set up the filter prior to the trip and tested it with tap water at home. We brought it with us on our thru - hike on Vancouver island and used it to filter out clear, tarn water that was not particularly cold (not a glacial tarn with an iceberg still floating on it) that was free of bugs and debris. It stopped working after day 1. The water was pumping into the filter just fine but the filter cartilage was not working at all and no filtered water was flowing out. Yes, the covering for the spout was taken off first. This is the second time it happened. I had tested it out on a day hike a few months prior and the same problem happened. I had sent it back to MSR to get it fixed. It was sent back to me without any note or explanation of what went wrong / what was fixed, which led me to think that nothing was done to it whatsoever. So I am weary of the warranty. So of the two trips I used it on, it failed me both times. And for reference, I've only used this water filter twice (not a wear and tear / volume issue).
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
July 31, 2024
Great filter
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.
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
July 26, 2024
Perfect!
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!
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
July 19, 2024
Filter Frequence
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?
Originally reviewed on a Cascade Designs brand site
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February 23, 2025
Does this come with a bag for the purified water to go into?
Cancer - P65Warnings.ca.gov