MSR MiniWorks EX

MSR MiniWorks EX

Average Rating: rated 3.50 of 5 stars
Reviewed by 23 Trailspace users

Description

The MiniWorks EX is a water filter made by MSR. It has an average rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5), based on 23 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Campmor:
"Compact and light- perfect for day hikes. Ergonomic wider sculpted handle is more comfortable to grip and hollow to reduce weight. Duckbill valve offers more consistent performance. High compression piston filters more efficiently. Ceramic filter cartridge with AirSpring Accumulator? - this newly designed ceramic cartridge traps air in the filter housing, maintaining a constant pressure in the cartridge- pushing more water in less time. Solid block carbon eliminates odors and chemicals and improves taste. Filters up to 1 liter per minute. Thread stop design prevents over-tightening. Fully field maintainable- disassemble and maintain in the field without tools. Ceramic gauge indicates when to replace ceramic element. Wt. 16.3oz."

From Backcountry.com:
"Filter your water year after year with the MSR MiniWorks Ex Water Filter. Clean this lightweight, compact filter back to like-new condition, without any disassembly tools. The MiniWorks ceramic element ensures long-lasting protection against bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate, and the carbon core removes yucky tastes. MSR's little wonder (7.5 x 2.75in) can filter up to 1 liter per minute. As a bonus, the MiniWorks Ex Water Filter screws onto a standard Nalgene bottle or any MSR dromedary bag. *Kit includes stuff sack, hose float, scrub pad, and instructions."

From Oregon Mountain Community:
"The MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter is the best selling microfilter on the market. Backed by MSR reliabilty and fully field maintainable, this water filtration is top of the line. The durable ceramic filter is long lasting and will keep the water flowing for years to come. It can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery and requires no tools to disassemble and assemble. Equipt with the AirSpring Accumulator, it has the capabability of pumping one liter of water per minute. The MiniWorks protects you from bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate. The carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides. Being both compact and light this filter will be a great companion on day hikes and long treks all the same. Features: Removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulateFills a 1-liter container in just one minuteCarbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticidesField MaintainableAdapter base lets you screw your MSR filter directly onto wide-mouth Nalgene bottles and all MSR Hydration BagsAn inlet foam pre-filter removes large debris, and our patented inlet float keeps the intake hose off the stream bottom, extending the life of your cartridgeAn indicator gauge that lets you know when its time to replace your ceramic cartridgeBy using a bubble of trapped air, the AirSpring Accumulator pushes more water through in less time. On the handle down stroke the air bubble is compressed, storing some of the pump force, then on the up stroke, the bubble expands pushing water through the cartridge Specifications Weight: 16oz/456gDimensions: 7.5 x 2.75 in./19 x 7 cmCartridge Life: Up to 2,000 liters, depending on water conditionsIncludes: Stuff sack, hose float, scrub pad, and instructions"

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. MSR Miniworks EX Microfilter (Fall 2009) The Miniworks EX Filter by MSR is a compact easy-to-maintain filter. Great for everything from day hikes to extended trips. Specifications: Effective against: Protozoa, Bacteria, Particulate, Chemicals/Toxins. Weight: 456 g / 16 oz. Dimensions: 19 x 7 cm / 7.5 x 2.75 in Filter Matrix: Ceramic Filter Pore Size: 0.2 Micron Flow (Liter per minute): 1 Liter Per Minute Flow (Strokes per liter): 80-90 Cartridge Life: 2000 Liters Field Cleanable: Yes Field Maintainable: Yes Features: Long-Lasting: Durable ceramic element ensures protection and will filter water for years. Field-Maintainable: Can be cleaned repeatedly for full filter recovery; no tools required for complete disassembly. Fast Flow Rate: AirSpring Accumulator increases filtration speed. Mechanical pumping advantage Water Bottle Attachment Cartridge Replacement Indicator"

User Reviews

rated 4.5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by wisenber, Nov 17, 2009

"Overall, this is an excellent product. When used properly, it will do a great job of providing potable water (where viruses are not a large concern).
I've had mine for over four years now. I take it on about 10 backpacking trips each year ranging from 2-10 nights with no failures yet."

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rated 5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by JOSH TOKARSKY, Nov 02, 2009

"It is a great little filter. It pumps a little on the slow side, but seriously how fast do you really expect a handheld filter to be? It is easily cleaned in the field and I would recommend it to others."

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rated 3.5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by lars5600, Jul 24, 2009

"This filter needs lots of cleaning when you are in the field. Water tastes good and is very clean. I am going to try another brand when I go on my next outing."

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rated 3 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Erin, Jun 21, 2009

"I bought this product before going on an 8-day AT hiking trip. After using the filter for only 1 day (filtering about 9-10 liters of water), the pump got significantly slower, almost to the point of being not usable. Once we cleaned it (in the field, as per instructions), it picked up the pace again, but even at its top speed, this filter is not very quick."

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rated 3.5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by drytinder, Jun 19, 2009

"I bought this filter after my First Need Purifier crapped out after 5+ years of use. Used the MSR on two overnight camping trips. Midway through the second trip the unit became very hard to pump, with most of the water going straight back down the tube from where it came."

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rated 4.5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Kalon Perrier, Apr 20, 2009

"So far this works great. It is a little bigger than others but I just feel really confident in this product to do its job better than others. The filters are supposed to last a long time and not much seems like it could fail as far as components.

It is a little slow but the water tastes great and is nice and clear."

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rated 0 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Fred_o, Apr 14, 2009

"Worst filter ever.

We used this filter for a few canoe trips. On a long 17 day trip it quit working on day 12. Lucky for us there was another filter in the group so we used theirs for the rest of the trip. Got back and MSR said it told us it was a common problem and how to fix it but the fix was not in the instructions."

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rated 5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Mooney, Apr 06, 2009

"one of the best filters i have ever used. i wont ever leave home without it.

the only time i had problems is when the only water i could find was nasty pond water with a lot of slim in it. then it required me to clean it every few liters.

no problems since, actually i just boiled it to sterilize it and it looks brand new."

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rated 1 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Rod Harvey, Dec 26, 2008

"After using the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter for a few months here and there around the world, the ceramic cylinder cracked and some holes appears on it. Had to tape the holes and the cracks with some duck tape. . . It worked, but greatly reduced the filtering rate."

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rated 4.5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Russel Limbaugh, Aug 28, 2008

"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."

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rated 3.5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Patrick B, Aug 02, 2008

"Overall, this is an acceptable filtering system to take into the backcountry.

Pros include its ability to thread directly to Nalgene-style threading on bottles and hydration bags, rugged and simple design, adjustable float position for proper intake depth, included filter end-of-life gauge, included threaded outlet cover, and ease of field cleaning."

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rated 2 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Dave Lund, Jul 08, 2008

"After some research and recommendations from people I met in the woods, I bought an MSR Miniworks, thinking that I was set for the rest of my life. I was wrong. The bloody filter cracked the first time I pumped water from a clear, running stream in northern Minnesota, and the filter was useless for the rest of the trip."

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rated 2 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by christopher.biwer@live.com, Jul 06, 2008

"Used my buddy's in the Beartooth Mts. in Montana.

Contains many small complex pieces and malfunctions often. Pumps slowly. My Katydan Hiker worked pretty well though."

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rated 2.5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Bart, Oct 18, 2007

"This filter is okay. The bad little ex-soldier in me was attracted to it because you can easily field strip it for maintenance. Unfortunately, I find it needs a lot of this. It clogs often and pumps VERY SLOWLY, even in very clear water conditions."

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rated 2 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Maurice Harting, Aug 23, 2007

"I am not happy with the MiniWorks EX water filter. The ceramic filter itself developed cracks within a year and is very expensive to replace. It should come with a one year warranty, which I believe does not!!!"

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rated 2 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Alison F., Jul 08, 2007

"I took a brand new MiniWorks out on a 4 day, 4 person trip this weekend. The morning of day two, the filtration rate dropped precipitously. By the evening of day two, one of the valves had torn and the pump had stopped working entirely. I'm not sure if I just got a bad pump, but I was glad I'd brought backup filtration."

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rated 5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by JustinHEMI05, Apr 06, 2007

"I picked one of these up to replace an aging and broken sweet water filter. For single person or small group, this filter is great. I wouldn't want to rely on it for large groups on multi day treks. In the half dozen or so trips I have been on with this filter, it has worked perfectly."

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rated 3 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by johnquest, Dec 13, 2006

"Not as quality built as I thought it would be."

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rated 5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by edwinholt, Aug 22, 2006

"I just finished a hiking trip at Pike's Peak with my Boy Scout Troop. We used the MiniWorks for 10 Scouts and four adults for a three-day backpacking trip. I was impressed with the filtration rate and the ease of use. We just pumped water directly out of a mountain stream right into various bottles and canteens."

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rated 4 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Oregonlahar, Jul 05, 2006

"Good filter, it does the job. I used to have a SweetWater filter and I remember having occasional problems with it but it was lighter. My only beef with this filter is its weight. Works like a charm though..."

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rated 5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Kyle, Jun 29, 2006

"Great purifier. Good, clean water. Super easy to clean and comes with everything for maintenance and a nice sack for it. Good buy, I heard it's what they issue in the army too."

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rated 5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Dauphin, May 21, 2006

"Never had a problem. Four words that mean an awful lot to me. I highly recommend this product!"

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rated 5 of 5 stars MiniWorks EX
Reviewed by Herbert Eaverstanks, Sep 14, 2004

"This little guy has no problems pullin' the nasties out of the nastiest of water. I've pulled water straight from a beaver pond...and I didn't get the "squirts" or the "hot-trots." I wouldn't think about not taking this with me. It is super durable, I've dropped it a couple of times. It's easy to clean and field repair is a breeze."

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Have you owned or used a MSR MiniWorks EX? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the MiniWorks EX at 16 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Campmor
Miniworks EX Water Filter$79.97Buy Now

Backcountry.com
MiniWorks Ex Water Filter$80.96Buy Now

Oregon Mountain Community
MiniWorks EX Microfilter$76.95Buy Now

Moosejaw
Miniworks EX Microfilter$89.95Buy Now

Altrec Outdoors
MiniWorks EX Water Filter Pump$84.95Buy Now

CampSaver.com
MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter$84.95Buy Now

REI
MiniWorks EX Filter$89.95Buy Now

Ramsey Outdoor
Miniworks EX$84.95Buy Now

Mountain Hideaway
MiniWorks Ex Water Filter$89.95Buy Now

GearX.com
Miniworks Ex Waterfilter$89.95Buy Now

RockCreek
MiniWorks EX MicroFilter$89.95Buy Now

Gear for Adventure
MiniWorks EX Water Filter$84.95Buy Now

Massey's
MSR Mini Works EX$89.95Buy Now

EMS
MiniWorks EX Water Filter$89.95Buy Now

Tahoe Mountain Sports
MiniWorks EX Water Filter$79.95Buy Now

US Outdoor Store
MiniWorks Ex$89.95Buy Now

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