User Review: MSR MiniWorks EX

MSR MiniWorks EX
Above: The current MiniWorks EX, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed August 28, 2008 by Russel Limbaugh

Rating:
Price Paid: $85

I've had this filter for about a year. It's been on 6 hikes that average 2 nights each. No big complaints so far.

It removes bacteria and protozoa it but not viruses, so I treat my water with chlorine bleach in a 2 liter bag before filtering to kill the viruses. I let the water stand for half an hour before filtering into a 2 liter hydration reservoir that screws onto the bottom of the filter.

The charcoal filter in the MiniWorks filter removes the chlorine so what I get is fresh tasting purified water.

Since I'm filtering from a bag, not directly from a stream, I am usually sitting around with a group making conversation as I pump, so the flow rate isn't all that important to me. That said, the flow is pretty good.

I think it was starting to slow down on the last trip, but I'm not complaining 'cause I've never cleaned the element. I guess the flow performance depends pretty much on what's in the water you filter. Clear appearing water can still be loaded with tiny things you can't see that can clog the filter.

My only complaint is the weight. A pound is a lot for a lightweight backpacker, but no filter gets rid of viruses so I have to use chlorine, and I gotta have that charcoal to get rid of the chlorine.

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