MSR Miniworks Water Filter

[Guest SUNTZU]

For those of you looking for a water filter, I suggest the MSR Miniworks EX, coupled with the MSR Siltstopper.

Here are some links for images...

Miniworks link

http://www.msrgear.com/watertreatment/miniworks.asp

Siltstopper link

http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=132&products_id=1064

I have two of these water filters. My first one is still going strong, even after dropping it twenty feet over rocks at a stream. Needless to say, I was very happy that it didn't break.

The Miniworks has a ceramic filter, as shown in the link, that is easy to clean with the scrub sponge that comes with the kit. The siltstopper is a must have as far as I'm concerned, as I don't have to worry about stoppage when I'm backpacking, and taking the time to clean the filter itself. If you have to clean the filter, it isn't hard, I'm just lazy. The water flow is really good. I wear a 3.0 liter Camelback when I'm backpacking. I keep a Nalgene bottle, as the filter screws directly to the top of a large mouth Nalgene. I'm considering getting a MSR Dromedary water bladder, because the filter and the bladder are compatible. Right now, I fill up the bottle and pour it into the Camelback.

I have filtered water out of an open top standing spring in Frozenhead State Park. The Siltstopper was worth every penny, which is very inexpensive, BTW. I bought the second filter to keep in my Get Home Bag, or GHB (not gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid).

Hope this helps.

[Guest Astra900]

HMMMM, the price is reasonable, We might have to investigate further.

[Guest flyfishtn]

When I hike in somewhere to fish over do some trail time I always have my MSR Miniworks with me. Great filter, great price and reliable. Always keep a repair kit as well.

[Guest bang-flash]

I have owned one of these for over 10 yrs now. The little unit is great as it screws onto nalgene bottles and the MSR dromedary bags as well.

[Magiccarpetrides]

What about a Lifesaver Bottle? They appear to be pretty awesome.

[Guest EasilyObsessed]

I personally use a First Need XL purifier.

http://www.rei.com/product/767831

I used this thing all last season and it has been fantastic. I normally hike with one or two other people and this makes it much easier. It has a dual pump action which saves some effort and it can be setup for gravity feed with the included bag.

It screws onto nalgene bottles and you can pop off the bite valve from your camelback and fill the water bladder without ever having to remove your bladder from the pack.

[Magiccarpetrides]

Have any of you ever actually had water that went through these tested to see if they truly did their job? just curiousity I hate relying on manufacturers "evidence" but it seems to be the only option most of the time.

[Guest EasilyObsessed]

Have any of you ever actually had water that went through these tested to see if they truly did their job? just curiousity I hate relying on manufacturers "evidence" but it seems to be the only option most of the time.

The First Needs comes with a bottle of food coloring. They recommend putting several drops in a cup of water then filtering that cup of water. After a year of use, mine still filters out food coloring I have also run what was basically mud through it several times and the water came out crystal clear.

Unfortunately, I dont think anyone in the lab at works owes me enough of a favor yet for me to bring in my hiking gear for them to test.

[Guest tnjimbob]

This is a highly rated filter and I hope Santa brings me one in case SHTF!

[Magiccarpetrides]

The First Needs comes with a bottle of food coloring. They recommend putting several drops in a cup of water then filtering that cup of water. After a year of use, mine still filters out food coloring I have also run what was basically mud through it several times and the water came out crystal clear.

Unfortunately, I dont think anyone in the lab at works owes me enough of a favor yet for me to bring in my hiking gear for them to test.

That sounds like a pretty reasonable test...should be enough to at least get the deer poop out

[BBill_TN]

Not worried too much about the deer poop, human poop is what to really watch out for. Of course the less poop in the water the better:)

I use the MSR Sweetwater Guardian on the backpacking trips, but a nice gravity fed system would be the stuff for a SHTF system. The Guardian comes with an anti-viral solution for use when you are really worried about the source..(i.e. 3rd world/disaster)

[dralarms]

The siltstopper link was a UK link, got an american link? I can't order in euros.

[Guest EasilyObsessed]

The siltstopper link was a UK link, got an american link? I can't order in euros.

Here are the first five links that a google search turned up.

http://www.rei.com/product/611750

https://domsoutdoor.com/product.asp?pn=1-016713&bhcd2=1231896808

http://www.moontrail.com/hydration/siltstopper.html

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302696689&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441774155

http://www.gearapalooza.com/product/146347/msr-sweetwater-siltstopper-replacement-filters.html

Searching for "siltstopper msr" pulls up plenty of other pages worth of links if those dont float your boat.

[dralarms]

Here are the first five links that a google search turned up.

http://www.rei.com/product/611750

https://domsoutdoor.com/product.asp?pn=1-016713&bhcd2=1231896808

http://www.moontrail.com/hydration/siltstopper.html

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302696689&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441774155

http://www.gearapalooza.com/product/146347/msr-sweetwater-siltstopper-replacement-filters.html

Searching for "siltstopper msr" pulls up plenty of other pages worth of links if those dont float your boat.

Mant thanks, may the camels always crap in your neighbor's yard and not yours:D

[Guest SUNTZU]

I just came back from Gander Mtn. on Turkey Creek in Knoxville. They had extra filters on clearance for $7.00 each. They have about ten left.

Edited January 14, 2009 by SUNTZU
location

[dralarms]

I just came back from Gander Mtn. on Turkey Creek in Knoxville. They had extra filters on clearance for $7.00 each. They have about ten left.

Guess I'm going to gander in the morning

[Guest SUNTZU]

They are located near the corner where the classroom(?) is and on a small table.

[dralarms]

They are located near the corner where the classroom(?) is and on a small table.

Thanks

[Guest SUNTZU]

No problem. They last forever, but I bought four anyway.

[dralarms]

I just came back from Gander Mtn. on Turkey Creek in Knoxville. They had extra filters on clearance for $7.00 each. They have about ten left.

You shoulda waited 1 day. I got 8 of em for 3.50 each.

[Guest SUNTZU]

I hate you.

[dralarms]

I hate you.

Oh come on man, I left 4 of em, if you go back you can get them for 3.50:p

[Guest SUNTZU]

I'll try to get by there. I already have six altogether.

[Guest SUNTZU]

Took mine back with the receipt, they made the price right. Bought the other five that were left. Woot!

[dralarms]

Took mine back with the receipt, they made the price right. Bought the other five that were left. Woot!

Cool beans.