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MSR MiniWorks EX

Hiking & Camping > Water TreatmentRated: **** by 23 reviews.

Massey's Outfitters

MiniWorks EX Microfilter

The MiniWorks EX is the best-selling filter on the market, delivering long-lasting, fully field-maintainable water filtration. Its durable ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery, with no tools required for complete disassembly. The MiniWorks is also lightweight, compact, and, thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator, capable of pumping one liter of water per minute.

  • Long-lasting
    Durable ceramic element ensures protection and will pump water for years.
  • Field-maintainable
    Can be cleaned repeatedly for full filter recovery; no tools required for complete disassembly.
  • Fast Flow
    AirSpring Accumulator increases filtration speed; up to 1 liter/minute.
  • Effective Protection
    Removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate.
  • Better-tasting Water
    Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides.

Weight: 16 oz./456 g
Dimensions:7.5 x 2.75 in./19 x 7 cm
Cartridge Life: Up to 2,000 liters, depending on water conditions
Includes: Stuff sack, hose float, scrub pad, and instructions

Fast Flow Rate
Fill a 1-liter container in just one minute.

Delivers Fresh Tasting Water
A solid block carbon eliminates odors, improves taste and removes iodine, chlorine and most chemicals and pesticides.

Field Maintainable
If your filter clogs, simply take it apart, clean it, and put it back together. Our new thread stop will keep you from over-tightening the parts.

User-Friendly
Our adapter base lets you screw your MSR filter directly onto wide-mouth Nalgene bottles and all MSR Hydration Bags.

Long Cartridge Life
An 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 cartridge.

Worry Free
An indicator gauge that lets you know when its time to replace your ceramic cartridge.

AirSpring Accumulator
By 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.


Tip for Virus Treatment

If you are concerned about viruses, treat the water before or after filtering with a disinfectant such as chlorine or iodine.

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:

Features:

  • Adapter base lets you screw your MSR filter directly onto wide-mouth Nalgene bottles and all MSR Hydration Bags
  • An indicator gauge that lets you know when its time to replace your ceramic cartridge
  • An 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 cartridge
  • By 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 cartridgeSpecifications
  • Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides
  • Cartridge Life: Up to 2,000 liters, depending on water conditions
  • Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.75 in./19 x 7 cm
  • Field Maintainable
  • Fills a 1-liter container in just one minute
  • Includes: Stuff sack, hose float, scrub pad, and instructions
  • Removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate
  • Weight: 16oz/456g

Rock/Creek Outfitters

The MSR MiniWorks EX is the best-selling filter on the market, delivering long-lasting, fully field-maintainable water filtration. Its durable ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery, with no tools required for complete disassembly. The MiniWorks is also lightweight, compact, and, thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator™, capable of pumping one liter of water per minute.

Features:

  • AirSpring Accumulator:By 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
  • Delivers Fresh Tasting Water:Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides
  • Effective Protection:Removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate
  • Fast Flow Rate:Fill a 1-liter container in just one minute
  • Field Maintainable:If your filter clogs, simply take it apart, clean it, and put it back together. Our new thread stop will keep you from over-tightening the parts
  • Long Cartridge Life:An 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 cartridge
  • User-Friendly:Our adapter base lets you screw your MSR filter directly onto wide-mouth Nalgene bottles and all MSR Hydration Bags
  • Worry Free:An indicator gauge that lets you know when its time to replace your ceramic cartridge

Rocky Mountain Trail

This is the worldwide best-selling microfilter, delivering long-lasting, field-maintainable water filtration in demanding environments. The MSR MiniWorks EX microfilter is the worldwide best-selling microfilter, delivering long-lasting, field-maintainable water filtration in demanding environments. Engineered for frequent and heavy use, it utilizes our workhorse Marathon EX carbon/ceramic element to ensure clean, reliable and taste-free water. Thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator, it’s capable of pumping one liter per minute and the flow rate can be renewed easily and repeatedly in the field—no tools required. It’s lightweight and compact and, most importantly, been proven reliable by thousands of adventurers just like you. Click here to view our Water Treatment FAQ Guide Reliable: Durable carbon/ceramic element ensures safe, taste-free water—even with frequent, heavy use. Field-maintainable: Can be cleaned repeatedly for full filter recovery with no tools required. Fast Flow: AirSpring Accumulator increases filtration speed; up to 1-liter per minute. Better-tasting Water: Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by organic compounds, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides. Country of Origin: Made in Seattle, USA

Features:

  • Ceramic Plus Carbon filter with a filter pore size of 0.2 microns
  • Effective against protozoa, bacteria, particulate, chemicals, and toxins.
  • Flow rate of 1 liter per minute; 85 strokes per liter; cartridge life of about 2000 liters
  • Water bottle adapter included

Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear

MiniWorks EX Microfilter
The MiniWorks EX is the best-selling filter on the market, delivering long-lasting, fully field-maintainable water filtration. Its durable ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery, with no tools required for complete disassembly. The MiniWorks is also lightweight, compact, and, thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator, capable of pumping one liter of water per minute.
* Long-lasting
Durable ceramic element ensures protection and will pump water for years.
* Field-maintainable
Can be cleaned repeatedly for full filter recovery; no tools required for complete disassembly.
* Fast Flow
AirSpring Accumulator increases filtration speed; up to 1 liter/minute.
* Effective Protection
Removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate.
* Better-tasting Water
Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides.
Weight: 16oz/456g
Dimensions:7.5 x 2.75 in./19 x 7 cm
Cartridge Life: Up to 2,000 liters, depending on water conditions
Includes: Stuff sack, hose float, scrub pad, and instructions


REI

The compact MSR MiniWorks EX filter with EX technology has been proven reliable by thousands and thousands of adventurers around the world.

  • Ceramic/carbon Marathon™ EX element effectively removes bacteria and protozoa including giardia and cryptosporidia
  • Also removes chemicals including pesticides, industrial pollutants, iodine and chlorine
  • Filter can be cleaned over and over for maximum field life with no tools required
  • AirSpring Accumulator™ increases filtration speed up to 1 liter per min.
  • Bottom screws onto an MSR Dromedary® Bag or Nalgene® water bottle for easy operation (both sold separately)
  • Easy disassembly lets you troubleshoot and maintain the MSR MiniWorks EX filter in the field


Paragon Sports

The MSR Miniworks EX Filter is compact and perfect for outdoor adventures.

Features:

  • Also removes chemicals including pesticides, industrial pollutants, iodine and chlorine plus taste and odor compounds
  • Bottom screws onto an MSR Dromedary® Bag or Nalgene® water bottle for easy operation (both sold separately)
  • Ceramic/carbon media can be cleaned over and over for maximum field life
  • Easy disassembly lets you troubleshoot and maintain filter in the field
  • Effectively removes bacteria and protozoa including giardia and cryptosporidia
  • New venturi/dampening device also has the added benefit of reducing the force required for each pump stroke

Marmot Mountain

New high flow version of the MiniWorks is 45% faster. It's a little filter that's huge on value and versatility. No other filter available offers the field maintainability of the MiniWorks filter that's why it was selected by the Amphibious Raids & Reconnaissance Division of the U.S. Marine Corp as the filter of choice for fast and light missions. The MiniWorks filter is ultra compact, light, easy to use and can go with you on short day hikes and multi month international treks.


O2GearShop.com (Spring 2009)

The MiniWorks EX is the best-selling filter on the market, delivering long-lasting, fully field-maintainable water filtration. Its durable ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery, with no tools required for complete disassembly. The MiniWorks is also lightweight, compact, and, thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator™, capable of pumping one liter of water per minute.

Features:

  • AirSpring Accumulator increases filtration speed; up to 1 liter/minute.Effective Protection
  • Can be cleaned repeatedly for full filter recovery; no tools required for complete disassembly.Fast Flow
  • Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides.
  • Cartridge Life: Up to 2,000 liters, depending on water conditions
  • Dimensions:7.5 x 2.75 in./19 x 7 cm
  • Durable ceramic element ensures protection and will pump water for years.Field-maintainable
  • Includes: Stuff sack, hose float, scrub pad, and instructions
  • Long-lasting
  • Removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate.Better-tasting Water
  • Weight: 16 oz./456 g

This description was also provided by: Ramsey Outdoor, USOutdoor.com


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Better-tasting Water:Carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides.
Cartridge Life:Up to 2,000 liters, depending on water conditions
Dimensions:7.5 x 2.75 in./19 x 7 cm
Effective Protection:Removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate.
Fast Flow:AirSpring Accumulator increases filtration speed; up to 1 liter/minute.
Field cleanable:Yes
Field-maintainable:Can be cleaned repeatedly for full filter recovery; no tools required for complete  disassembly.
Filter medium:Ceramic with carbon core
Housing material:Polyurethane
Includes:Stuff sack, hose float, scrub pad, and instructions
Long-lasting:Durable ceramic element ensures protection and will pump water for years.
Output:0.83 liters per minute
Pump force:10.4 pounds
Pump strokes per liter:72
Removes:Protozoa and bacteria
Suggested Uses:Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Hiking, Travel
Warranty:Limited Lifetime Lifetime
Weight:1 lb / 456 g

View other products from MSR classified in Hiking & Camping > Water Treatment.

View all products from MSR.
View other products classified in Hiking & Camping > Water Treatment.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

MSR MiniWorks EX Water FilterMSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter$79.95 - $89.95
MSR MiniWorks-WaterWorks Replacement FilterMSR MiniWorks-WaterWorks Replacement Filter$39.95

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Innate Fresco V2 Stainless-Steel Bottle - 29 fl. oz.Innate Fresco V2 Stainless-Steel Bottle - 29 fl. oz.
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Katadyn Hiker Pro MicrofilterKatadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter
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MSR SweetWater MicrofilterMSR SweetWater Microfilter
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silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
View other top products in this category...

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

SizeColor
Red
Red
N/A
Gray 89.90
N/A89.95 

Legend

  •     - Rocky Mountain Trail
  •     - Paragon Sports

Notes:

Oregon Mountain Community offers this product at $76.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Ramsey Outdoor offers this product at $84.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear offers this product at $89.93, but does not provide any color/size information.

Marmot Mountain offers this product at $89.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

REI offers this product at $89.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Moosejaw offers this product at $89.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Massey's Outfitters offers this product at $89.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

O2GearShop.com (Spring 2009) offers this product at $89.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

USOutdoor.com offers this product at $89.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Rock/Creek Outfitters offers this product at $89.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

MSR MiniWorks EX Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****15
****3
***3
**1
*1
To see how this product compares to others view Water Treatment Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

Around the world four times

Rating:*****
I've used this pump on trips to China, Russia, India, SE Asia, South America and right here in the good ole USA. It works!!

We've found that for a 6 to 9-month trip, one filter could get two people through the trip, pumping tap water every day. We never got sick. We saved thousands of plastic bottles that would otherwise have littered the world's cities and country side.

The filter is easy to clean. (Don't scrub hard with the scrubby that comes with the pump. You only need to brush the discoloration off the filter. We've found an old toothbrush works perfectly without scratching the ceramic surface.) You know when it's time to clean the pump when pumping gets harder to do.

Overall, we can pump a liter of water in about 2 minutes. (And build up those pecks in the process).

Disadvantages we've seen with other smaller pumps are that it takes up to 5 minutes to pump a liter. The pull to just go buy bottled water is higher when your pumping time is so long.

The pump is sturdy. We've never had a part break and we have dropped it.

One note, if the pump gets odd smelling you can boil it (place it in the water as it's being brought to a boil), or pump water with a few drops of GSE through it to keep it fresh. This has only happened to us once when we had to pump pond water.

This is a winning pump!
outbasket at REI on 09/05/2007

If you're gentle, it'll treat you right

Rating:****
I've owned this filter for about 4 years, used it on numerous trips, and learned that Sweetwater's aren't all that great after all. Everyone I backpack with owns the Sweetwater. I'm the lone Mini-works EX owner, and pretty proud of it. I set up faster, pump faster, and clean faster than my fellow packers. My only gripe is you have to be pretty careful when scrubbing the ceramic filter. I managed to crack mine when I got a little "frisky" with the scrubby pad and doing the old "indian burn" washing method to the filter. I would recommend scrubbing in an up-and-down motion, and you'll be fine.

Those members of my group who carry the Sweetwater inevitably use my Mini-Works EX because of the speed and convenience. And, if you find that it pumps too slow for your taste, then scrub the filter, you big dope! It'll work just fine for you! Geeze, some people....
authoritay at REI on 07/24/2008

Best Darn Filter I have ever had

Rating:*****
I remember Back when filters pumped in a l;inear fasion and were not fitted to nalgene bottles. When I bought My first Mini works I loved these new features. It made pumping easier because I no longer had to blance my bottle while pumping my water. It takes me half the time to fill up a quart bottle than any katedyn I have ever owned. Since I adventure in locations with various naturally occuring pollutants it is nice to have a ceramic filter that sieves out all my concerns including heavy metals. I am an avid ultra light backpacker but I am OK with having a heavier filter. I would not buy any other product period.
Yonaqua at REI on 07/15/2008

Great Water Filter used many times

Rating:*****
This is a great little filter. I love the fact that the nalgene's and MSR camel back screw right to the filter do you don't have to worry about holding the bottle your are filtering into. Also it is very easy to clean, you just unscrew it and whipe it down and rinse it off and your good to go. I have had it clog up in some silty streams but a quick cleaning made it flow good again. I have used this for the last year on over 10 different trips and never gotten sick or had problems filtering water. Use in conjunction with the Sweet Water drops
The Mad Scientist at REI on 11/10/2008

"Great filter thats worked for years"

Rating:*****
I've owned a miniworks for almost ten years now and it still work like a charm. I've used it on Isle Royale, in the Rockies, and in dozens of lakes and streams on extended fishing trips. I've never had a problem with it, only had to replace the filter once, and the water always tastes great. It is a little heavy but that will happen with such a bomb proof design. I would recomend this filter to anyone who wants to do any sort of camping from their backyard to a 30 day trip.
Eric at Moosejaw on 09/17/2009

"I just plain out love this filter!"

Rating:*****
moosejaw got this filter to me just in time for a weekend trip. I took it with me to a state pack that is loaded with water falls. it worked wonderfuly. the only complaint i have is when the water is really dirty you are going to spend some time cleaning the filter again and again but it still works like a charm. even with all the stuff kicked up by the falls all i had to do was wipe of the filter every 2-3 gallons and i was good to go!!
Michael at Moosejaw on 07/13/2009

Great filter

Rating:*****
This is yet another great product by MSR. Filters fast, water tastes great, and it can be maintained in the field which is possibly the greatest feature. It takes me longer to unpack the filter from my pack and screw my Nalgene on than it does to fill the bottle up. Only cons I would say it has is it is a little heavy, but it is well worth the weight. The stuff sack it comes with is a great way to keep everything organized. Great filter, I would buy it again.
sief at REI on 10/05/2008

"She can provide clean water to me."

Rating:*****
When you at an altitude of 3000 meters on the mountain.There is no water in the wilderness, Only the sun shining hot with me. When you are thirst and melting. Fortunately , not far away from me have a turbid water pond. When yor face to the dirty water ,and thinking drink or not.If you have MSR Microfilter that is no doubt ,it can give you a absolutely safe answer. Filter it and enjoy the water. Only one pound of weight,but it can give me a sense of security.
Shaochi at Moosejaw on 06/11/2009

MiniWorks MicroFilter

Rating:*****
This pump filters water extremely fast and with the carbon filter any tastes in the water are removed. Its is extremely easy to clean even in the field. The filter is just a tad on the bulky side, but I am willing to sacrifice that for clean water. Also the filter on it is easy to clean which allows the filter to last for a really long time. Goes well with the MSR dromedary and dromlite bags since it attaches to it.
Chris the Backpacker at Rock/Creek Outfitters on 02/17/2009

"If you want clean water get on this"

Rating:*****
I have this and the MIOX so i can almost drink nuclear effluent with this bad girl. i used it all through the porkies and the pictured rocks. i have taken it home to Australia and amd using it where i live and work in the outback. It is always in the bottom of my pack so i can have a clean drink all the time. Thanks Moosejaw Plus your at least half the price on everything than in Australia
Adam at Moosejaw on 07/05/2009

Negative Reviews:

"maybe i got a lemon...."

Rating:**
got this filter (albeit not on MJ) - and was impressed with how easy and fast it was to use. true to its claim to filter ~ 1 L/min, and filter w/ activated carbon makes for delicious clear water. unfortunately, the check valve busted during my first trip with it (probably after filtering 5-10 L total) making it utterly useless in the backcountry. have had great experience w/ MSR in the past, so maybe i got a lemon. luckily i was able to exchange it for the katadyn hiker pro which has proven much more reliable.
Rachel at Moosejaw on 07/06/2009

Built to Break

Rating:*
I had this unit out on my first trip and it broke. It began spewing water from the connection to the nalgeen bottle and my MSR blader. The bladder is awesome I got a two litre but the filter is horrible. Almost everyone I've spoken to that has owned one for any decent period of time said that this filter has problems. My friend has constant issues with ceramic filter cracking. I am going to try out the Vario by katadyn.
TruthTrekker at REI on 09/08/2008

Neutral Reviews:

Convenient, but bulky with low flow.

Rating:***
The good:

Very fast setup. There is no output hose; attach your threaded water bottle or bag to the bottom of the filter and start pumping. When finished, the intake hose conveniently wraps around the filter and you are ready to go. It is easier to avoid water contamination because of this.

The less desirable:

Compared to my MSR Sweetwater filter: The ceramic filter wears out more quickly. The throughput is far lower. More goes wrong with the pump assembly and I have to dissemble and rebuild it all of the time. The handle requires more force and must be moved more slowly. It is much bigger and heavier; traits not enduring to backpackers.
n2y2 at REI on 02/12/2008

"Really average"

Rating:***
This piece is really average. It does what it's supposed to do so functionally it's fine. Really, it breaks down to preference type stuff...it's kind of heavy and the hose is too short...you tend to get stuck filtering way to close to the shore/ stream bed, or you have to wade out to get decent water (even for the filter). The pump action is a little slow too, but comparatively, I think it still beats the Katadyn design. Either way, it does the task it's assigned, but it's not the be all end all.
Keith at Moosejaw on 05/20/2009

"Rugged and reliable"

Rating:***
If you need to filter water this isn't the smallest or fastest thing out there but it's rugged, fairly compact, you can field strip it all the way down without any tools, and it screws right onto a Nalgene bottle. Unlike its smaller cousin the Hyperflow this one does have a carbon filter core so I feel a little better using it in water that might not be 100% pristine. Just make sure to bring a scrubby pad for when the filter gets clogged.
Christopher at Moosejaw on 05/04/2009