MSR Miox Purifier

Dimensions:	(pen only) 7 x 1.25 x 1 inches
Dwell Times:	Viruses, bacteria: 15 min Giardia: 30 min Cryptosporidium: 4 hrs
Element pore size:	N/A
Field cleanable:	Yes
Filter element:	Salt / electricity
Kit Includes:	MIOX® Purifier, salt, batteries, safety-indicator strips, instruction booklet, quick-reference card, and storage sack.
Material:	Salt
Output:	NA
Output rate:	N/A
Pump force:	N/A
Pump strokes per liter:	NA
Removes/Destroys:	Protozoa, bacteria and viruses
Warranty:	Limited Lifetime Lifetime
Weight:	Pen: 3.5 oz./99 g Kit: 8 oz/227 g
Weight (kit):	8 ounces
Weight (purifier):	3.5 ounces

Size	Color
Red	N/A
Red		139.90
N/A	139.95 139.95

A Versatile Solution
Rating:
I did all the research and went back and forth as to what would serve me best in a variety of situations. I bought this over a year ago and couldn't be more pleased with it. I wanted something that didn't take much room, was light, and would work for backpacking and travel to places where the water is questionable to say the least. I decided on the MIOX because it was smaller and lighter than a filter system, with no chance of getting clogged or having to maintain it. I also decided against the UV option because it will not work if the water is dirty and the light can't penetrate (now I don't like to drink murky water, but if I had to the MIOX would actually ensure it was virus and microbe free). So long story short, it has worked wonderfully. You do need to hit the bottom of it down on to your hand to get the salt water past the screen, but it is not a real detraction. It works much faster than sitting and filtering water forever, and it leaves little to no taste (I only detect a faint taste if I over treat the water, but if I let it sit overnight, i.e. in a camelbak, there is no taste in the morning). All this said, it isn't for everyone. Nevertheless, it a very good solution for many.
Joseph at REI on 08/30/2007
Good for the Solo Hiker too
Rating:
I bought this for a long distance hike on the AT. I must say the test strips are difficult to use, but are not strictly required. The instruction pamphlet lists an "overkill option" of overdosing the water by 8X This means using the 4L option twice for each liter. I would treat water for the next day before turning in for the night, and the chlorine taste would be gone in the morning. The unit did suck down batteries far in excess of the manufactures guidelines using the overkill option, and in cold weather it takes even more juice out of the batteries. I was able to find CR123 rechargeable batteries, and they lasted the 10 days or so between resupplies. This would be a great way to do multi-week hikes. Added bonuses to using the unit: It is a good hand sanitizer, especially if you splash the water on your hands when rinsing the water bottle threads. It also serves replacement for washing that water bottle. We've all had the Nalgeene funk from Kool-aid etc in our bottles, and this does a good job at combating that. I use this to clean my pump filter when I take that instead (usually in the winter - who wants wet hands in the cold?). In short, I really recommend this product.
Leaves No Trace at REI on 09/12/2007
It works
Rating:
I've used this Miox for many, many miles. Many. The disadvantages are that it won't filter out crud - you need a bandana for that. It will taste a little like chlorine. It is also heavier than a half empty Aqua Mira, or an eyedropper of bleach. To it's advantage, its weight plus extra batteries (not including salt), is about the same weight as new Aqua Mira. It is small. The parts are easy to find. And, you can double, or even triple, treat your water, if you're so inclined. It does kill everything, too - eventually (4 hours is the usual safety window for the worst of them). So, I was able to leave my water overnight if it was particularly nasty, and feel fine about drinking it by morning. Never had any problems with temperature, like was mentioned in another review. Basic, food grade rock salt works best (though, any salt works, even that stuff you put on your driveway, or just those restaurant packets, if you're not so daring). It's quick, easy, and works. What more could a backpacker want? If only it were lighter, and didn't leave the hint of chlorine. Those are my complaints. This thing's been with me 4600 some miles, and I'll carry it with me again.
wing it at REI on 12/09/2007
a must have item!
Rating:
as an avid outdoor guy who makes his living in the military traveling around the world to places that never, ever have reliable water sources, the MIOX purifier is a must have item. i've gotten extremely sick from bad water sources in the past. if you've ever experienced such problem, you know it's not something you want to play with. i agree with others that i don't worry about the strips. i double dose everything. my MIOX uses batteries and salt rather conservatively. if you're in the military and are always having to make choices on what you're bringing along on any mission, this guy saves weight and space without a doubt. it fits in a camelbak pocket easily. it also works great for an escape and evasion kit. this is definitely must have gear. while it is expensive, its cost is worth the peace of mind of not getting sick. also keep in mind that it's not a filter. if your water source has "crunchies" in it, you'll be drinking those but they're not going to make you sick. but also keep in mind that filters do not rid your water of viruses. only a purifier can do that. the MIOX rids your water of 100% living organisms. go buy one now!
coug at REI on 09/23/2008
May be just the ticket.
Rating:
I took the MIOX on a 221-mile hike and after I got used to the taste and some of its foibles, I think it may become a replacement for my water filter. On the plus side I could treat a gallon of water in a short time when I got to camp (a whole gallon with out any pumping). On the negative side the water tasted like chlorinated tap water (but you get used to the taste) The other problem I found was when the MIOX was cold (around 3 c) the unit would not work, I would get a salt low light. I found if I kept the MIOX in my pocket where its warm the unit worked fine but I don’t think I’ll use it for my winter trips. I don’t think the batteries that came with the MIOX lasted for 200 liters but the little packet of salt that came with the MIOX was more than enough for the twenty day trip. All and all I think the MIOX is the ticket for light weight backpacking but I would still carry a back-up like iodine just in case.
Steve at Altrec on 07/25/2004
great for treating large quantities
Rating:
I've never owned a filter because they are heavy and a hassle to carry and use. Most chemical treatments have their disadvantages, too. I've settled on the Miox as the best treatment method for me. It's easy to use (I never bother with the strips) and it's great for treating large volumes of water for big groups. Since I often lead groups of 12 on week-long volunteer trail work trips, the Miox is really the only reasonable water treatment method. It does leave a slight chlorine aftertaste in the water, but this dissipates over time and in any case has never been strong enough to bother me. A fresh set of batteries generally lasts most if not all of a hiking season, which for me is about 4-6 weeks in the backcountry, treating water for groups of up to 12 people. I'm not sure how many gallons that is, but it's quite a few. At least 50. Still, it's a good idea to carry a spare set of batteries.
Cliff Rose at REI on 10/13/2007
:)
Rating:
Don't fall for the deceptive spin. This purifier is a chemical purifier no more, no less ("no nasty chemicals" right...). The electrically charge reaction essentially makes chlorine out of salt "MIOX." The solution is a chore and it is no more reliable than the UV alternative which are easier, less messy, ingredientless (save for batteries), and as light with the introduction of the SteriPen Adventurer (CR123 batts instead of AA). In my opinion this device became obsolete with the introduction of the SteriPen Adventurer for individual backpackers. For large group or base camps this unit has the advantage or rapidly preparing large volumes of water with the drawback of requiring proprietary ingredients. Check out the SteriPen Adventurer before you make any decisions. I almost bought this unit, but am very happy with my decision to go with the Adventurer. No regrets.
JingYi ZHANG at Altrec on 08/02/2008
A Solid choice
Rating:
I have had the MIOX for a year and a half now, and am satisfied with its performance. I think it is the best option for chemically treating water. Although treated water carries a faint chlorine smell, there is almost no foul taste (a welcome change from iodine). Weight and relative ease of use are the MIOX's chief advantages. Disadvantages (aside from the price) are the half hour treatment time and imperfect mixing with salt crystals that sometimes requires multiple attempts to create the right cocktail. If you also use the test strips included in the package (I don't as I am rarely all that worried about the water I drink) purifying water becomes somewhat time consuming, if not as aggravating as using a pump. Still, nothing is perfect, and the MIOX is a solid choice.
Oregon hiker at REI on 09/12/2007
All you'll need for clear water
Rating:
I bought this thing about a month ago and have used it entensively for treating questionable lake water that flows from my faucet at home. I treat 2 gallons at a time for general daily use. After a bit of practice, it's totally easy to use. Just shake the water and salt together a little longer than the directions tell you to. There is a bit of an aftertaste (chlorine taste), but it's not objectionable. I could go for months with this thing and throw my filter away...I can't really think of a downside unless your only water source is filthy with sediment and/or silt. Then you'll have to filter it after you disinfect it. I'll travel with it for years to come...
James at Altrec on 05/11/2004
Awesome
Rating:
This is an awesome product! I've used it now on two multi day backpacking trips and swear by it. It weighs next to nothing, easy to use. All you do is put salt in the chamber, add about a teaspoon of water, shake it up, and push the button a prescribed number of times. It tells you when its done and you pour the Mixed Oxidant solution into your water bottle. Weight 30 minutes and your good to go. I backpack in areas where all the mountain streams are clear water so I could see wanting a filter if your in a dirty water area.
Jimbo at Altrec on 06/21/2004

Show all positive reviews...

	MSR Miox	$139.95
	MSR MIOX Purifier Test Strips	$17.95
	MSR MIOX Purifier Replacement Test Kit	$17.95
	MSR Miox Purifier With Battery	$139.95

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MSR SweetWater Purifer System	MSR Miox	Katadyn Vario

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Product falls short of expectations
Rating:
I was initially very excited about this product; it is compact, lightweight and when used properly effective against even cryptosporidium. However, after spending several days attempting to purify water with the Miox, I would not recommend this product due to multiple shortcomings. In order to prepare the brine/oxidant mixture that will purify your water, you must have batteries, crystals and pH strips to check that you have properly completed the process. I found the crystals to diminish far more quickly than one would expect from the manufacturer's information. Furthermore, as our trip progressed, the strength of the oxidant became weaker and weaker, requiring more volume to meet the pH indicator test for potability. I would assume that this was in part due to the batteries weakening and the crystals shrinking. I eventually became so fed up that I used iodine for the last day and a half of the trip. I found function of the Miox dependent on too many factors, making it inconsistent and more hassle than it is worth.
greenback at REI on 10/22/2007
Good if counting ounces
Rating:
I've used this on about 10 week long backpacking trips and some weekend trips. Sometimes it works great - when it is warm. When it is cold it takes 2-5 tries to get enough oxidant and you end up using a lot of test strips. Also, it obviously isn't good for dirty/murky/smelly water. And like any chemical treatment you must wait 30 minutes before you can drink. The water tastes like chlorine.
Brent Miller at REI on 01/14/2009
save your time and money
Rating:
Just bought chlorine dioxide tablets for like 15 bucks. They are just as light if not lighter and you don't need batteries. If your worried about particles get a pump.
murf at Altrec on 08/04/2009

Warm Weather Only!
Rating:
Here's the deal, this thing will have problems if the water you are using is cold. The reason is simple, the rock salt that is used is in this thing has to go in solution. If it is cold it doesn't dissolve enough and it just gives you a red light saying insufficient salt. If you can warm the water up you are ok otherwise it isn't going to work. The plastic tab that goes from top to bottom is too short on mine making it way too easy to cross thread the top cover is the only other gripe. When it works great, but if the water is below about 45-50 degrees you are going to need to shake this thing a lot or it is going to do nothing.
noam at REI on 09/24/2008

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MSR Miox Purifier Reviews Summary:

Positive Reviews:

A Versatile Solution

Good for the Solo Hiker too

It works

a must have item!

May be just the ticket.

great for treating large quantities

:)

A Solid choice

All you'll need for clear water

Awesome

Negative Reviews:

Product falls short of expectations

Good if counting ounces

save your time and money

Neutral Reviews:

Warm Weather Only!