MSR Mini Works EX

Andy W.
Reviewed: 29 September 2008

AN EXCELLENT PIECE OF KIT

Simplicity, user field maintainability without tools, ease of pumping and cost

It's plastic, not sure how durable it is, although others report it quite tough. Also only fitting to a wide mouth threaded water bottle is a nuisance, perhaps an adaptor needs to be made available for smaller mouthed bottles,all the popular makes, which may increase the company sales and make the filter more attractive to others.

I was after the Katadyn 'Pocket' but it's size and cost dissuaded me, Then I was after the Katadyn 'Vario', but what a size it is. I plumped for the MSR and am thoroughly happy with it, as it fulfills all my requirements and at a very reasonable price too, as it is with MSR products in general.

Smeg
Reviewed: 19 September 2007

GOOD BUT SLOW

Filters water well
Solid Build
Long lasting
Not too heavy

Flow rate is quite slow, it takes about 10 mins to fill my 2 litre bladder
Needs cleaning quite frequently

I'm quite impressed wit this, and it does the job, albeit a bit slow. If I were to invest in a a water filtration system now I would probably go for a steripen.

James Clayton
Reviewed: 04 April 2007

VERY GOOD

easy and cheap to use, very reliable

none i know of

i use it all the time when wild camping in North Wales and the Lakes. i have pumped water from trickles expecting to be ill a few days later, i havent been yet. It works very well.
Also great customer service from MSR. I lost a small part and a spring and they sent a replacement out from the USA free of charge.
One of the best and practical items i have purchased for wild camping.

Hayden Holloway
Reviewed: 25 March 2007

GOOD

Tough, easily maintained, easy to use.

You can boil the ceramic filter to kill bacteria if the filter has been used extensively or left damp for a few days without use. The bag it comes with is great especially if you strap it to the outside of you rucksac.

After a trip you have to ensure the ceramic filter is allowed to dry out completely which takes a few days.

Pumping is not as fast as you may expect.

The storage bag could do with some webbing loops to allow easier attatchment to your rucksac etc.

Good solid dependable bit of kit which will save you carrying gallons of water with you.

Jugglernick
Reviewed: 24 September 2006

SOLID AND DEPENDABLE - A GOOD PIECE OF KIT.

This is a solidly built unit, the whole thing is easily field maintainable. Comes supplied with basic tools to clean the filter and guage when it needs changing. Comes in a decent mesh-fronted storage bag which allows it to dry while it's bagged. Weighs 454g which is less than half a litre of water; while backpacking I get through a litre an hour so this is a negligible weight for what it does. The filter screws directly onto a nalgene bottle or dromedary bladder (both MSR products) which makes operation a breeze. Filter has a charcoal element which helps to remove taste if you need to treat the water with iodine for viruses etc.

Flow rate is not as rapid as the manual would have you believe - takes closer to three minutes for a litre. This is not really a problem from my point of view, I just wanted peace of mind when drinking, speed of water stops doesn't bother me. You really do need to buy a nalgene wide-mouth or a dromedary bladder to use with it, a little annoying as these are both heavy compared to standard water containers of their kind.

Water from a mountain stream tastes fantastic, none of that chlorine rubbish and it always seems to be at the right temperature. With the presence of microscopic nasties in the hills this just allows you to enjoy it without adding all the chemicals again. it is easily sturdy enough for group use and doesn't weigh you down or take up loads of space. This has made a huge difference for me with to trips to the wilder places and I can't really find fault with that.