MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter

Weighing in at only 1.4 pounds, this water filtration kit is the best. It easily pumps one quart in less than two minutes and attaches to standard `screw cap' plastic hiking bottles. Made out of a ceramic element, it catches even the most miniscule particles and prevents passage of any kind of microscopic parasite or germ. You can actually test this by filtering dark blue dyed (RIT, i.e.) water through to crystal clear water. The core is made out of black carbon, so any odors or chemical tastes are removed. The intake pre-filter sits just two inches below the floating inlet foam to avoid junk floating on the water surface. It is easily cleaned and compact. You can take this virtually anywhere and be guaranteed clean, fresh tasting water. A must for any serious backpacker, as fluid retention is extremely important at all times.

I've owned this filter for 3 years. I've yet to do any maintenance other than cleaning it per the instructions. The filter is still in good shape and the pump mechanism is still working great.

I believe, if memory serves, it takes 35-40 pumps to fill a 32 ounce Nalgene bottle. You'll work up the need to replendish fluids just from the exertion of using it.

I guess that is my only negative, it takes a lot of pumping to fill a bottle.

Although I haven't had the chance to use this product as yet , I have read an awful lot of reviews written by people that have used this filter . After inspecting it pretty thoroughly , I believe I am safe in saying that It has all the makings of a well made water filter. After all, if it is used by our military , it must be one of the best because of the tough tests that they run them through before they are issued . I plan on using mine in emergency situations and camping trips. Only down side that I see in it is , it does not filter out viruses .

I just started to use it for several minutes, at first the water flow is very good, but after a while, water became hard to pop in and most of water came out from where it goes in, flow rate out from bottom decreased very much. When I try to open it to inspect what was going wrong, the ceramic cartridge simply broke when it came out but nothing seemed to be wrong inside. Now I have to buy a new cartridge which is another $50 waste of money

This is a great filter that I have used on many hiking trips. It pumps fast and is very handy. At 16 oz. it is not the lightest filter on the market but it's design makes it very field maintainable. This filter has one annoying weakness that can leave you in a world of hurt when deep in the wilderness. The ceramic filter element is very fragile. I have broken two with no trouble at all. At $35.00 to $40.00 a pop to replace, it is something to keep in mind, be very careful when cleaning the element.