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MSR MiniWorks EX Ceramic Water Filter

SKU: MSRMWN MFR: 14006
$124.95

Key Features

  • MSR MiniWorks EX filter eliminates bacteria & protozoa for safer drinking water.
  • Enjoy fast flow rate of 1 liter per minute with this lightweight water filter.
  • Durable ceramic filter ensures reliable water treatment on all your adventures.
  • Compact water filter is field-cleanable and maintainable for extended use.
  • Removes unwanted chemicals/toxins, improving water taste with carbon filtration.
  • Treat your water with confidence; this filter cartridge lasts up to 2000 liters!
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Questions & Answers

Shopper : what bottles are pump compatible?KINO Y : Any large mouth Nalgene type bottle is compatible to screw onto the filter. There is also a nipple at the bottom so you can attach a tube going into a water bladder if you have one. I use the Camelbak Hydrolink filter adapter along with the hydrolink conversion kit to fill my hydration packs.GREGG G : There are lots of bottles out there now, but I can safely say it works with a Nalgene standard 32 oz big mouth bottle. I have a clones made by Columbia and the filter does not screw on to the mouth very well. It was not cool to find that out in the the backcountry.JOSEPH B : The pump is only compatible with MSR bottles and bladders. I have had this pump for 4 years, and it work ok at best it just takes a long time to filter. A gravity filter on the other hand, I found is quite useful you can pour water in walk-away to set up camp or whatever.GREGORY P : CamelbackBENJAMIN B : It fits with a normal large screw lid Nalgene bottle. There is also adapters to smaller bottles you can purchase. I think it fits other brands as well, but I have only used the Nalgene bottle.
SCOTT M : What type of contaminants will it filter?GREGG G : This will filter out your bacteria, protozoa, and cysts, but will not be able to filter the miniscule viruses. Those sterilizers like the STeripen will kill all of the above. If you need to purify your water, if it somewhat clean to begin with, you can probably get away with the steripen, but if you need to filter out some of the particulates from turbid water, a filter might be better for you.BENJAMIN N : It will filter just about anything and everything, but it will do it very slowly. Katadyn works much better.EDWARD W : Haven't had a problem with anything in the southeast of USA: backcountry of ga,nc,tn Msr would have specs... so far I love this thing, when it starts to slow down filter rate, just clean up the element with the included brush..i trust it
Dan J : how often do i need to replace the filter?Mike W : I have a good friend with this filter. We have been on multiple trips together. All totaled this filter has been used for over 25 nights away supplying all the drinking water for up to six men for most of that time. Some of the water which has been filtered has been quite silty and at times we have had to clean the filter for every two liters pumped. And, the filter is still good, i.e. the red "C" gauge does not yet fit around the filter. In my opinion, the value of this filter far exceeds any product with a replaceable filter.JAMES Z : I am sorry that i can't answer your question to the degree that you would wish. I haven't used this filter much. I purchased it because my friend has the same filter that he uses extensively on many remote trips. He washes the filter as directed but I don't believe he has replaced it.MICHAEL S : you only need to replace the filter when the filter measuring guage which is the red "c" shaped object in the photo here and stores in the bottom fitting, slides over the filter with excessive slack. Until the, the filter can be cleansed between uses by poiling in tap water.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2024-07-30T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

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.

Susan T.

2024-07-24T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

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!

Caroline

2024-07-18T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

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?

Dirk

2024-06-27T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

25 years and still going great

I purchased my miniworks back in 1998 or 1999. Used it with no issues while working for a summer camp for a couple of years. Life took over and have been vehicle camping for years where I could take fresh water along. Fast forward to June 2024. Did a short notice 3 day hike and pulled the filter out of storage. Gave it a test the night before leaving and was having issues....but, I followed the field maintenance tips and BOOM, worked like a dream. Had no issues during the trip and was very happy with the performance! Will keep this filter as long as possible!! Thanks MSR.

Andrew

2024-01-23T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Good filter but you have to keep it clean

Bought several years ago, my not be a full liter a minute but close. I did find that i needed to take it apart and lube the o rings, and the antisyphion valve was folded over from the factory. That resulted in poor proformance out of the box. I used lip balm( beeswax based) to lube the o rings and it works well. If you have multiple bottles to fill, you may have to clean the filter while doing so. That simply means the filter is doing it job. Drain the water from the filter after use, good time for another scrub of the filter. I have used the gravity bags and will use them in camp, but who wants to carry 6l of water on their back. To be honest i have never gotten the rated number of gallon/ liters from a gravity filter, always clog up even with back flushing and very clean river/ stream water. Have a maint kit on hand, and a spare filter for long trips, as well as a back up filtration system. With a little TLC this is a great filter.

Al B.

2023-11-05T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

20 YEARS LATER!!!

I bought this product in 2004 to hike part of the Appalachian Trail. Now older with young kids that want to camp I pull this thing out (always cleaned and dried after previous uses) and it worked flawlessly. No one is sick, water tasted great, and I'm glad to see this product still on the market!

Mark J.

2023-10-15T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great product

Great product for a weeklong backcountry hike.

Richard G.

2023-08-14T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Algonquin Park

Its light, packable, fits wide mouth Nalgene bottles. Worked great for 6 day trip into the interior. No issues just clean water. I recommend this product. FYI purchase and prepare a backup filter just in case.

Kevin

2023-07-16T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great Product

Worked great once I was shipped the missing hinge. Excellent customer service

Steven W.

2023-05-02T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

MSR Airspring Accumulator

How can I buy a replacement hose?

Randy C.

2023-05-01T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

this is a back up

this is a back up for a unit that I have been using for over 15 years straight to filter all of my water, the original is still going strong but now I have a back up too, its a great product and you can bet your life on it.

william f.

2023-05-01T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

this is a back up

this is a back up for a unit that I have been using for over 15 years straight to filter all of my water, the original is still going strong but now I have a back up too, its a great product and you can bet your life on it.

William F.

2023-04-07T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Well made and effective

Had mine for 20 years. Great product. Cons- Unless water is fairly clear, you can find yourself removing the cartridge and scouring the surface clean every 2lts. Pros - easily maintained and well made, better that than something with a faster flow rate that eventually slows and you can't do anything about it in the field.

Lee

2022-12-25T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Amazing filter

Hi. I've had this for over 5 years. It has worked amazingly well for me on my extended outdoor adventures. Recently, while cleaning it out I had a bit of an accident-i lost the small plastic ball that's at the top of the filter to prevent the backflow of water.

JobJ

2022-12-25T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Amazing filter

Hi. I've had this for over 5 years. It has worked amazingly well for me on my extended outdoor adventures. Recently, while cleaning it out I had a bit of an accident-i lost the small plastic ball that's at the top of the filter to prevent the backflow of water.

Job J.

2022-11-30T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

cant beat it!

cant beat it!

Kyle B.

2022-10-11T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great filter. Had the same

Great filter. Had the same one for 20 years and just got a new one.

Kaitlin K.

2022-09-26T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Literally saved my life

We were on a hike in Adirondacks and once we went like ten miles deep in a trail we ran out of water. I literally pumped water out of the mud puddle.

Igor

2022-07-16T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good for an emergency

Good product, but I need a new piston o ring, where can I bueno it?

Alonso

2022-05-09T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great product

Amazing product. Light, reliable, works as advertised. Pumps 20+ litres from northern Ontario lakes before it starts to slow down. A quick filter scrub and it's good to go again. Avoid heavily stained (tannic) water as this seems to clog the filter much quicker. Way better than the Seychelle (clogs easily, unreliable) and is way less expensive than the Katadyn. Definitely recommend!

Jeff L.

2022-02-21T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Perfect

Great

Nick M.

2022-02-06T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Work Horse

Filter works great. No fuss no muss

nathan h.

2022-02-06T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Work Horse

Filter works great. No fuss no muss

Nathan H.

2021-08-30T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Time tested filter!

I?ve had my filter better than 10 years...... I don?t use it but for 1 or 2 canoe trips a year...... most of the problems I see people having in their reviews are directly related to the ceramic filter getting debris on the outside of the filter element, a quick scrub with a brillo pad and a rinse solves all these problems 100% of the time. This might frustrate some, but at least you have the peace of mind in knowing the bad stuff is not getting through. Over all a great product.

Trent

2021-08-23T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Must have healthy water to survive

I'm a few months from 65 and still like to test myself. I normally hike in the Missouri Ozark area but most enjoy the Tetons. My drinking water many times comes from where most people step over looking for water. I'll get out as much larvae as possible and fill my bottles and move on. I highly recommend this product to carry in every pack.

Test t.

2021-08-23T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Must have healthy water to survive

I'm a few months from 65 and still like to test myself. I normally hike in the Missouri Ozark area but most enjoy the Tetons. My drinking water many times comes from where most people step over looking for water. I'll get out as much larvae as possible and fill my bottles and move on. I highly recommend this product to carry in every pack.

Test T.

2021-05-30T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Must have healthy water to survive

I'm a few months from 65 and still like to test myself. I normally hike in the Missouri Ozark area but most enjoy the Tetons. My drinking water many times comes from where most people step over looking for water. I'll get out as much larvae as possible and fill my bottles and move on. I highly recommend this product to carry in every pack.

Bill

2021-05-23T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Proven Filter Every Time

I purchased this filter about 15 years ago and it works every time. Others in my group end up using it as well because it ends up performing better than their filtration system. Yes you need to manually pump (it's not gravity feed), but as long as you choose a decent water source, It works every time. Best of all it attaches security to a number of bottles.

Ct H.

2020-10-08T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Support

This particular MSR Miniworks is easily 20 plus years old. We used it extensively on a 4 day canoe trip on the Green River. We pumped a lot of water every day which was extremely silty (there is a reason it is called the Green River). it provided clear water, two plus gallons a day every day, no clogs, no problems. I also have a Katadyn water filter which is about the same age but did not provide the same water clarity. The real reason for this review is the MSR support. We have an old style relief valve assembly that uses a Inlet Valve Ball and is no longer manufactured by MSR. Somehow after the last use this ball came up missing. I didn't want to buy 100 6mm silicon balls so I sent an email to warranty and support to see if I could purchase this item. It took a little time but 4-5 weeks later I get a new ball and spring in the mail. No fee, no questions asked. In the days of Limited Warranties and throw away consumer designed product this outstanding service deserves a mention. Hopefully this will give us many more years of service.

Dave

2020-10-04T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

My two cents worth

I inherited this unit from a family member who was also a backpacker. Not sure how much use it got before it fell into my hands, been using it for two seasons. Easily filters 20-30 liters of water per trip without cleaning. I'm lucky to live and hike mostly in the PNW, read easy to find clear water sources. Likely would require more maintenance with cloudier water sources. If you read and follow instructions It should provide years of dependable service with easy field cleaning. I have hiking partners who have faster filters but I feel like I get a safer, better quality water with a little more effort. I plan on ordering a backup filter and a maintenance kit as this is the last filter I think I'll ever need. Love my MSR stove too.

Cascades H.

MSR MiniWorks EX Ceramic Water Filter Specifications

  • Effective against protozoa

    Yes

  • Effective against bacteria

    Yes

  • Effective against viruses

    No

  • Effective against particulate

    Yes

  • Effective against chemicals/toxins

    Yes

  • Weight

    1 lbs.

  • Width

    2.75 in.

  • Length

    7.5 in.

  • Filter media

    Ceramic Plus Carbon

  • Filter pore size

    0.2 microns

  • Flow (L/min)

    1 L per min

  • Flow (strokes per liter)

    85

  • Cartridge life

    ~2000L

  • Field cleanable

    Yes

  • Field maintainable

    Yes

  • Mechanical advantage

    Yes

  • Origin

    Made in Seattle, USA

  • Water Bottle Adapter

    Available

  • Cartridge replacement indicator

    Available

  • UPC Code

    0040818564257

About MSR MiniWorks EX Ceramic Water Filter

FEATURED REVIEWS

My filter of choice

By Richard J.

I purchased the MSR because I wanted a cleanable filter and, being a kayaker, was not concerned with weight. The filter screws onto my MSR, Reliance and Nalgene bottles which is a great help as I do not need to worry about my clean hose getting dirty. As a fanatic regarding pre-filtering, I have never had any problems and suspect that complaints about clogging are the result of the buyer trying to filter mud. So long as you use the thing properly and prefilter, the Miniworks will last forev...

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Outstanding product, even after many years

By The J.

Over 22 years and still going strong! It's not the most compact filter, and not the lightest, but it is particularly easy to maintain. Fantastic filter that tends to have very little go wrong, as long as the water is not too murky. I recommend that you let silty or muddy water settle out before pumping. Otherwise, you'll be cleaning the filter every litre. I love the ceramic filter that lasts and lasts--thousands and thousands of litres, year after year. The only time I have ever had a proble...

View full Review

MSR MiniWorks EX Ceramic Water Filter
The MSR MiniWorks EX Ceramic Water Filter is the complete filter for all your hydration necessities, when out on the road. This product's ceramic element provides a great degree of durability and ensures that you get safe and pure water, even with heavy usage. It is easy to keep up, as it can completely disassembled without the use of any tools, so you can clean it thoroughly. The AirSpring accumulator provides for immediate use, as it pumps nearly .264 gallons per minute, meaning that you've always got fresh water, even when time is at a premium. Since this product is compact, you can tuck it away with rest of your camping gear and carry it wherever you go. Thanks to the MSR MiniWorks EX Ceramic Water Filter, you've always got a supply of fresh drinking water no matter where you are.

MSR MiniWorks EX Ceramic Water Filter Features

  • The MiniWorks EX is the best-selling filter on the market, delivering long-lasting, fully field-maintainable water filtration
  • Its durable ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery, with no tools required for complete disassembly
  • The MiniWorks is also lightweight and compact
  • Its innovative AirSpring Accumulatorb makes it capable of pumping one liter of water per minute

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 36 months.

Key Features

  • MSR MiniWorks EX filter eliminates bacteria & protozoa for safer drinking water.
  • Enjoy fast flow rate of 1 liter per minute with this lightweight water filter.
  • Durable ceramic filter ensures reliable water treatment on all your adventures.
  • Compact water filter is field-cleanable and maintainable for extended use.
  • Removes unwanted chemicals/toxins, improving water taste with carbon filtration.
  • Treat your water with confidence; this filter cartridge lasts up to 2000 liters!