MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter

I bought this likely 30+ years ago, the pump has a PN# 32-788, it has ben dry stored all this time. It has only been used once. Can I recondition the filter as per instructions (16-24 hours in 1oz/1ltr bleach solution) or has this filter reached its use by date? If it needs to be replaced, can you direct me the correct model number of the replacement filter to order. I now live in New Zealand, and if you recommend a NZ supplier, that would be a bonus. Thank you

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

I have honestly used my EX Miniworks unit for over 20 years. Several cartridges later and a more significant parts refresh 2 years ago, this unit has been at my side throughout. This unit is typically used by myself alone as I have convinced others to buy one. Now there is a recommendation! Treat it with respect (ie: scrub the clean the filter after every 3 days of regular use) and it is trouble-free. If there is a large group, consider bringing 2 for convenience purposes as it requires an honest little workout to fill a Nalgene. Very good quality product from MSR