MSR SweetWater Microfilter

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Reviewed by 14 Trailspace users

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Description

The SweetWater Microfilter is a water filter made by MSR. It has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5), based on 14 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Backcountry.com:
"The MSR SweetWater Microfilter gives you a fast, dependable way to filter your water, and only adds 11 ounces to your backpack. This MSR water filter's lever-action pumps water on both up and down strokes for a fast 1.25-liters-per-minute flow rate, and the filter eliminates 99.99% of all waterborne bacteria and common protozoan parasites like giardia and cryptosporidia. Simple brushing restores a clogged filter, and the pump lets you know when the filter needs replacing. Fold the handle down and slip the 7.5 x 2in SweetWater Microfilter into the included stuff sack. *Also includes 80-micron stainless steel prefilter, color-coded silicone hoses, foam float, water bottle adapter, and cleaning brush."

From Oregon Mountain Community:
"The MSR SweetWater Microfilter removes waterborn bacteria and protosoan parisites including giardia and cryptosporidi. The lever-action handle has a 4-to-1 mechanical advantage and folds flat for easy storage. Being manufactured by MSR it is completely field-maintainable and quick and easy to clean with simple brushing. The Filter Replacement Safety Indicator becomes visible when it's time to replace the filter cartridge. Features: Easy-to-pump, lever-action handle folds flat when not in useField Maintainablity: Quick and easy to clean in the fieldWithstands freezing and is impact-safePressure Relief System prevents filter rupture and bacteria push through Specifications: Cartridge life up to 200 gallonsFlow Rate: 1.25 litersWeight: 11 ozDimensions: 7.5 in x 2 in"

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. MSR Sweetwater Microfilter (Spring 2009) The Sweetwater Microfilter by MSR is an easy-to-use, fast-pumping filter. A great choice for all-around backpacking. Specifications: Effective against: Protozoa, Bacteria, Particulate, Chemicals/Toxins Weight: 320 g / 11 oz. Dimensions: 19 x 5 cm / 7.5 x 2 in. Filter Matrix: Silica Depth Filter Filter Pore Size: 0.2 Micron Flow (Liters per minute): 1+ Liter Per Minute Flow (Strokes per liter): 70-80 Cartridge Life: 750 Liters Field Cleanable: Yes Features: Fast and Easy to Use: Pumps more than 1 liter per minute. Compact and Light: Handle folds flat for superior packability. Easy to Clean: Simple brushing restores flow when clogged. Mechanical pumping advantage. Water bottle attachment. Cartridge replacement indicator."

From Altrec Outdoors:
"Lightweight and compact, the SweetWater Microfilter makes water filtration fast and easy."

User Reviews

SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Majormanny, Sep 21, 2008

"Twelve of us just returned from a week backpacking/camping in Grand Gulch Primitive Area, UT. The water sources were scarce and mainly silty puddles and algae filled springs. I took along my Sweetwater that I have used for about eight years. There was one other Sweetwater and two PUR filters."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by martinac, Dec 15, 2007

"I spent a week in Canada backpacking and canoeing in the summer and we got all of our water from the lakes in Algonquin Provincial Park so the water was quite clean to begin with. Some of the other guys I went with had the MSR Miniworks filter and they had some problems getting them to work right."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Castillo, Sep 15, 2007

"This product was great when it was under the Sweet Water brand. Since MSR took over I have been experiencing problems with their filter elements clogging early (one clogged in the first 5 gallons!). Other people in my hiking group have had problems, some have had no problems."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Paul Dill, Sep 02, 2007

"I have just returned from a great trip with my MSR Sweetwater. I had an older filter, really old so it will remain nameless, and finally it broke. I read some reviews and compared it with a similar Katadyn filter.

One review out of a hundred helped me choose the Sweetwater."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Noel V., Jul 03, 2007

"PROS: Minimal weight and bulk. Relatively efficient water filter. Recommend using the sediment prefilter to prolong filter life and efficiency. Routine cleaning with the provided brush prolongs life of filter cartridge. Multi-fit water bottle outlet end."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Teledog, Jun 19, 2007

"Bought one of these before MSR took them under their wing. It pumped water fast!

Lent it to a friend who dropped it in sand. Sand got in the pumping mechanism and there is no way to clean it (ie: you're hooped on the trail)! Threw it away and bought a Miniworks!"

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Derek, May 19, 2007

"Fast, effective, and compact -- just what a filter should be. Plastic seems very durable and pick-up hose is a good length. Weighs next to nothing compared to the larger models that put out slightly more water. Pump handle is perfect design. Buy it!!!"

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Skimanjohn, May 07, 2007

"Good price for a good product. All water filters have their pros and cons but have had the least amount of problems with this one. Have no reason to buy another until this one fails. The only suggestion is buy the little prefilter to keep silt, sand and the like out of the main filter."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Pete Ricci, Mar 26, 2007

"I've had the filter for 12 years. I use it about twice a year for 2-3 weeks. After the first 5 years I've changed the filter element (used it more often then) after trying to clean with brush. I find the filter reliable and easy to pump usually add a few drops of chlorine for assurance."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Thor, Jul 29, 2006

"With a hiking family of four or five, using one filter will uncover problems quickly. We tried MSR and PUR with only hard-to-pump filters and short time frames before the clogged filters start. We have found this better than the other filters because it's light, pumps fast, easy to service and lives up to the filter life length."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by JJG, Dec 29, 2005

"I had used this filter for about three years after switching from a Hiker. It is fast, but as the filter starts to retain debris, the pumping becomes slower and the relief valve opens frequently. The add-on prefilter helps with this.

My big issue is the quality of the pumping mechanism."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Jeff DeMent, Nov 18, 2005

"I have used this filter for everything from kayaking to backpacking. It is fast, easy to use, and lightweight. I like the fact that it pumps water on both the up and down strokes. This makes it much faster than a lot of other filters. The only thing I may add to this filter is a way of screwing it onto a waterbottle or CamelBak."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Jim Hopf, Sep 09, 2005

"Used the filter on an 8-day elk hunt in Idaho. Used it at least 2-3 times/day and had no problems. Can be a bit tricky trying to work everything with only two hands -- need a third at times, but this was not a major issue. Water tasted great and certainly had no ill health effects. Also did not have any clogging problems as I have heard from others."

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SweetWater Microfilter
Reviewed by Scott Knudson, Jan 08, 2005

"Over the years I have only had a few occasions to use it, but I am very thankful for this technology. I have used it in local streams while on remote fishing trips and I have used it on some backcountry scouting trips. The water it yields is fresh, clear and tastes good."

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