MSR MiniWorks EX Purifier System

2025-06-12T20:00:00

Excellent product! Easy to use and pumps large volumes of water quickly. If the filtered water output decreases (it'll be obvious), it is very easy to scrub and rinse off the ceramic filter and you'll be back in action. As a multi-day hiker who likes to consume at least 4 liters per day, this pump makes it easy to fill and refill, regardless of the water source.

Donald A.

Originally posted at

2025-05-26T20:00:00

The best portable water treatment system on the market, microbiologically and practically. Under-promises and over-delivers, time after time.

Dan V.

Originally posted at

2025-03-17T20:00:00

I've had my filter since '93. Took to Banff and to Baffin Island and a Louisiana hurricane. ( we lost power and water for a week). Still working without an issue. Oh btw so is my WhisperLite never change a part. Can't say the same for fuel bottles. I seem to loose them.

P G.

Originally posted at

2024-10-12T20:00:00

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

Dougie

Originally posted at

2024-09-15T20:00:00

It was bought in 1992. Used on one camping trip then and stored until now (2024). Looks and operates like brand new except the tubing is slightly discolored from age but no big deal.

Capt M.

Originally posted at

2024-09-05T20:00:00

No problems, easy to use.

Jayne T.

Originally posted at

2024-08-19T20:00:00

I recently went back to the pump style filter by MSR, from the easy flow bags with lighter filters. I found this filter to be both easy to pack, provided great flow rate and great tasting water, plus it is just easier to use then the squeeze bags filter systems. Heading out on a longer trail trip and will take this one even with the extra weight, it just feels like a more reliable solution.

Charlie

Originally posted at

2023-10-27T20:00:00

I just used my Miniworks on a 12 day trip on the Tahoe Rim Trail and it performed with no issues. The flow is good, but not quite 1 liter per minute. I found that cleaning the cartridge about every 2 liters was necessary to keep an easy, consistent flow of water from sources that had a higher concentration of sediment. This filter is not the lightest on the market, but I've found it to be very reliable.

Chally S.

Originally posted at

2023-05-21T20:00:00

Works great. Used it while backpacking to filter water from a stream and it did the job. The water tasted fresh and clean.

Tori T.

Originally posted at

2023-03-26T20:00:00

I came here to write that I was missing parts upon purchase. I have used these purifiers in the past and they have always worked great; unfortunately after I bought this new one I did not test it before going on a trip (my fault for sure); I quickly discovered the duckbill valve was missing along with two rubber o-rings: not a great thing to discover on the first day of a weeklong trip in the backcountry! Again, it's on me for not testing the (brand new) product before the trip and we had a backup, gravity filter. A great lesson at least, always test your gear! It looks like I will be buying the maintenance kit to make up for the missing parts.

Sean M.

Originally posted at

2022-10-23T20:00:00

Love this Filter, Works really good, easy to use and clean!

Philip J.

Originally posted at

2022-07-16T20:00:00

Just used the MSR MiniWorks EX on the trail for 3 days having purchased it last week at a local outdoors store. I pumped 4 litres the first day with no issue, pumped 11 more litres the 2nd day, cleaned the filter not because it had slowed in performance, simply because I figured I should, pumped an additional 2 litres the following day with no issues. I truly can't understand where people are having problems, especially when they are claiming to be pumping from clear water sources... only thing I could imagine the problems I'm reading in these reviews is glacial streams with high volumes of rock flour... but again the complaints claim clear water...

MADCTY k.

Originally posted at

2022-07-16T20:00:00

Just used the MSR MiniWorks EX on the trail for 3 days having purchased it last week at a local outdoors store. I pumped 4 litres the first day with no issue, pumped 11 more litres the 2nd day, cleaned the filter not because it had slowed in performance, simply because I figured I should, pumped an additional 2 litres the following day with no issues. I truly can't understand where people are having problems, especially when they are claiming to be pumping from clear water sources... only thing I could imagine the problems I'm reading in these reviews is glacial streams with high volumes of rock flour... but again the complaints claim clear water...

Madcty K.

Originally posted at

2022-06-28T20:00:00

I recently sent off my Miniworks EX Purifier System for repair. It works! My unit came back a few days ago and I gave it a whirl and works like it should have out of the box.. Thanks Cascade Designs for the rebuild.! Good customer service and good turn around time.

Mark W.

Originally posted at

2022-01-30T19:00:00

Great product easy to use , quality build.

Michael W.

Originally posted at

2020-08-15T20:00:00

Components are high quality, output is good. The scrub pad is weak, I prefer to gently scrape the ceramic with a knife.

Lamplighter

Originally posted at

2020-08-15T20:00:00

Components are high quality, output is good. The scrub pad is weak, I prefer to gently scrape the ceramic with a knife.

Shmuel B.

Originally posted at

2020-08-02T20:00:00

I've owned this filter for at least 13 years now and it's still going strong. On my 2nd or 3rd cartridge. Light enough for backpacking and also use it on float trips. Maintenance is easy (they have a YouTube video these days) and you can break it down in the field without the need for tools.

Colin C.

Originally posted at

2020-07-09T20:00:00

I have not yet had an opportunity to use it but seems to be very well constructed and easy to use.

Joseph

Originally posted at

2020-05-23T20:00:00

I bought an MSR MiniWorks water filter for $60 in 1997 while working at an outdoor products retailer in Flagstaff, Arizona. All these years later and it still works like new. Same with my MSR WhisperLite stove, which I bought the same year. Talk about high-quality, dependability, affordability, and longevity. I'm a fan for life!

Bio B.

Originally posted at

2020-05-22T20:00:00

I used for few weeks hike couples of times. It was summer, so I needed much water every day. I carry with water bag of 3L. It need little work to fill 3L water bag, and sometimes it feels something stuck. But as water quality, I was very happy with.

Shojiro O.

Originally posted at

2020-04-13T20:00:00

I have used this in the field and it performs admirably. I like the fact that a single cartridge handles both chemical/biological filtration making it a very simple, compact solution. The one caveat I give to potential users is that it does need frequent cleaning to maintain the flow. I had to scrub the ceramic at least once a day on my backcountry trips, and this was using relatively clear water. As long as you don't mind doing that, this filter is a great option for the price.

Gk

Originally posted at

2019-10-25T20:00:00

Great product works as advertised

Frank C.

Originally posted at

2019-07-28T20:00:00

Works great and is easy to pack and unpack.

Amanda B.

Originally posted at

2019-06-28T20:00:00

We've used MSR MiniWorks filters for more than a decade as our sole source of water while canoe camping in Missouri and Arkansas. We take two filters, to have a backup, which we needed this month when one was lost during a capsize. We can also take only one maintenance kit, since both filters are identical. The flow rate is completely adequate. If the water is dirty / silty .... we just put it in a pan/bucket and let the sediment settle to the bottom before filtering the water. Great reliable product!

Bubba

Originally posted at

2019-05-27T20:00:00

I've used the MiniWorks for years. Sure, it is not the fastest filter, and in turbid water you need to clean it every 1.5L or so, but man it does the job and is tough!. One thing that is very unique is that it filters chemicals. For those of us doing canoe or kayak trips in the lower 48, many of our worthy rivers have that type of pollution. This is the only filter that really deals with chemicals in addition to everything else. While the new Guardian is a pretty cool filter, if Im filtering water from the Willamette River in Oregon, or the Connecticut River in MA, or the Missouri River, many lakes.... , or pick your river in your next of the woods, there is a likelihood that there are human made chemicals in it from agricultural operations, urban areas and just general runoff. The MiniWorks deals with that. If you are elsewhere where conditions are relatively pristine, then go ahead, use the faster filter. Unless Im reading the tech specs wrong, that is the reality. We've used the MiniWorks filter on silty rivers, the Boundary Waters Wilderness, the John Day in Oregon, the Sacramento River in CA and high mountain lakes backpacking - it does the job time and again. So, build up them arm muscles, it is not such a bad side affect! :~)

Riverkeeperery G.

Originally posted at

2019-04-20T20:00:00

Use: This is used a few weeks a year on kayak camping trips. Some days we are filtering silty waters. The good: Filters silty water! Peace of mind we are getting good clean water to drink. The device is light enough, fast to clean filter, and easy to maintain. Not so good: like most water filters it takes time to process water.

Jeff D.

Originally posted at

2019-02-16T19:00:00

I use the mini works once or twice a year. Each time filtering no more than 10 to 12 liters. I like the fact that it adapts to most any water bottle. I use Nalgene products. It works great. The one thing I would emphasize is that you need to keep the filter clean. Take your scrub pad with you. If it starts to slow down, or gets difficult to pump, take a minute to clean it. It makes a world of difference. Also clean and dry it after each use and before storing regardless of how much it was used.

Mr G.

Originally posted at

2019-02-16T19:00:00

I use the mini works once or twice a year. Each time filtering no more than 10 to 12 liters. I like the fact that it adapts to most any water bottle. I use Nalgene products. It works great. The one thing I would emphasize is that you need to keep the filter clean. Take your scrub pad with you. If it starts to slow down, or gets difficult to pump, take a minute to clean it. It makes a world of difference. Also clean and dry it after each use and before storing regardless of how much it was used.

Ben C.

Originally posted at

2018-08-21T20:00:00

I don't have to worry too much about viruses in the North Cascades but the tablets are just more assurance. Filter itself is plenty reliable (and field repairable if needed) and pack friendly. MSR continues to delivery!

Hockey H.

Originally posted at