MiniWorks® EX Purifier System

  • MSR MiniWorks EX Purifier System
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MSR

MiniWorks® EX Purifier System

$144.95
$144.95
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Protection

Our most versatile and comprehensive water treatment system.
  • Effective Against: Viruses (99.99%), bacteria (99.9999%), protozoa (99.9%) and particulate. Meets U.S. EPA drinking water standards* and NSF protocol P231 testing standard.
  • Iodine-Free: Aquatabs tablets inactivate viruses without bad-tasting iodine. Includes 50 individually packaged tablets. Each tablet treats up to 2 quarts of water depending on conditions.
  • Reliable: Filter’s durable ceramic/carbon element ensures safe, taste-free water—even with frequent, heavy use.
  • Field-maintainable: Filter can be cleaned repeatedly for full flow recovery with no tools required.

    • *U.S. EPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Purifiers

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WARNING:
Important Proposition 65 Information for California residents

Description

Get the added viral protection that’s critical in popular wilderness areas and developing countries with this comprehensive purifier and microfilter system. The MiniWorks® Microfilter—our best-selling filter for demanding conditions—utilizes a ceramic/carbon element to filter out waterborne bacteria and protozoa, as well as particulate, taste and odors at 1 liter per minute. When viruses are a concern, the chlorine-based Aquatabs® purification tablets add viral defense. Together they provide the most reliable water possible in a compact, lightweight system that’s great for backpacking and international travel.

This system meets U.S. EPA requirements for microbiological water purifiers.

Tech Specs

SKU:
14007
Weight (Standard):
1 lb
Weight (Metric):
0.46 kg
Width (Standard):
2.75 in
Width (Metric):
7 cm
Length (Standard):
7.5 in
Height (Standard):
5.5 in
Effective against bacteria:
Yes
Effective against chemicals/toxins:
Yes
Effective against particulate:
Yes
Effective against protozoa:
Yes
Effective against viruses:
Yes
Filter media:
Ceramic Plus Carbon
Filter pore size (microns):
0.2
Flow (L/min):
1 liters per min
Flow (strokes per liter):
85
Cartridge life:
2000 liters
Field cleanable:
Yes
Field maintainable:
Yes
Water Bottle Adapter:
Yes
Cartridge replacement indicator:
Yes
Material(s):
Ceramic
Country of Origin:
Made in USA of US and Imported Materials

Video Gallery

FAQs and Documents

Can I upgrade my old MiniWorks with an EX filter?

Marathon™ EX ceramic cartridges are compatible with all WaterWorks and MiniWorks microfilters, old and new. Using it in a pre-2003 filter will increase a MiniWorks filter's output by approximately 25%, thanks to the new AirSpring Accumulator™.

What are the materials in the EX filters?

The Marathon ceramic element is made from diatomaceous earth that's heated to the point where it just begins to melt. Most particles are caught within about .005 inch of the surface. When it clogs, you abrade away the clogged pores, making them immediately ready for more use, with almost 100% recovery after each cleaning. Marathon ceramic provides long-lasting protection from protozoa and bacteria. A block carbon core reduces tastes, odors, some chemicals, and many pesticides. The WaterWorks microfilter also incorporates a PES (polyethersulfone) membrane filter, which passes the test for a sterilizing or pharmaceutical-grade filter. It serves as a safety net, providing a second fail-safe seal.

How long will my ceramic filter last?

How long a filter lasts will vary radically from one water source to the next. The ceramic element can last up to 2000 liters. Filter-life ratings are based on best-case scenarios because the testing is performed with clean lab water. Generally you can assume that your filter will last between 50 and 100% of the rated life.

How much water will my filter pump before clogging?

Normal conditions may allow a user to filter between 10 and 20 liters between cleaning. Please note that water quality varies a lot with the season and water source. In general, the more turbid (cloudy) the water, the more frequently your filter will require cleaning and eventually replacement. The MiniWorks is one of the most cost-effective portable treatment devices currently available.

Why is the handle on my filter so hard to push?

There are three possible causes of this. The most likely is that one of the microfilters is clogged. Review the instructions for cleaning the ceramic filter. The PES membrane (WaterWorks microfilter only) may also be clogged. It will have to be replaced or removed altogether. Lastly, the piston O-ring may be very dry, causing friction. Lubricate it with the silicone lubricant provided in the maintenance kit (or use lip balm or petroleum jelly).

Why is the handle on my water filter so hard to pull?

If the handle is hard to pull, something is obstructing the flow of water into the filter. Clean the inlet foam and remove any kinks in the inlet hose.

Why does the handle on my filter feel limp when pumping?

The most common reason for a limp handle is dirt under the umbrella valve. Remove the head of your water filter to expose the umbrella valve. Rinse under it or pull it off and rinse. Reinstall.

Why does my filter squeak when I am pumping?

The squeaking you hear is probably caused by actuation of the pressure-relief valve. This valve is designed to release when there is excessive pressure. Water goes back out the intake hose so you stay dry. You can tell if your relief valve is releasing by watching bubbles in the intake hose—if they go back and forth when you pump, the relief valve is working. It may be time to clean your ceramic filter (reference your owner's manual for complete details), or maybe you are pumping too fast. Do not pump faster than one stroke per second for best efficiency. Older MSR filters sometimes squeak in the pump head, piston pins, and bushings. You can eliminate the squeak with a tiny dab of lubricant on these parts. Newer MSR filters have the lubricant molded right into the pins and bushings, eliminating the squeak.

How should I store my EX filters?

Remove the ceramic element and air dry for 3–5 days. This will prevent growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Wash and dry other filter parts thoroughly before long-term storage.

I forgot to dry out my filter before putting it away—what should I do now?

The ceramic cartridge, which comes as standard equipment in the WaterWorks and MiniWorks, can be boiled to kill bacteria that may grow in it. Always let the water cool down before removing the ceramic cartridge from the water. Removing it early can damage the plastic end caps. (Cold water can be added to the hot water to speed this process.) Dry thoroughly before storing. FYI: Because the WaterWorks microfilter has a bacteria-proof membrane immediately downstream from the ceramic cartridge, bacteria cannot get into the water you drink even if it grows in the ceramic.

What happens if my filter freezes?

If you anticipate that you will encounter freezing temperatures, make sure you drain the filter of excess water after each use to protect it from damage. If the filter does freeze, bring it inside the tent or other warm place to thaw, or follow the directions (in the instructions) for boiling the cartridge.

Can I use the Sweetwater® Purifier Solution with the MiniWorks?

Unfortunately, no. The SweetWater Purifier System and Solution are regulated by the EPA and have undergone extensive laboratory testing to verify their efficacy as a system. SweetWater Purifier Solution is carefully formulated to inactivate viruses remaining in water that has been pumped through a SweetWater Microfilter. Filters vary in performance and it is likely that more or less disinfectant may be required to achieve purification with other filters. Along the same lines, for the solution to work independently of a filter, you would need a very strong dose—to the point of tasting offensive. The wait time would also be much longer than five minutes. Finally, cryptosporidia, which would have been removed by the filter, would not be effectively inactivated by use of the SweetWater Purifier Solution alone.

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We Believe in What We Build

At MSR, we take pride in engineering the highest-quality outdoor gear available, and we stand behind everything we make. MSR gear is built to be exceptionally durable and easily repaired. And we back it up with the best service in the industry, all to keep your gear performing for you—and out of landfills. Visit our MSR warranty page for more info.

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Overall rating: 4.2727275 / 5 from 22 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [quality, customer service, problem, filter, water, miniworks, flow, taste, weekend, purifier, lesson, turn, gear, valve, unit].

Review highlights

Reviews

Reassuring Build

"I haven't tried it yet in water but the build seems excellent quality; reassuring for use in what might be desperate circumstances. It has a feeling about it that it's been engineered well and will perform as I hope and expect."

— Roy W. (5/5)

Excellent product! Easy to use

"Excellent product! Easy to use and pumps large volumes of water quickly. If the filtered water output decreases (it’ll be obvious), it is very easy to scrub and rinse off the ceramic filter and you’ll be back in action. As a multi-day hiker who likes to consume at least 4 liters per day, this pump makes it easy to fill and refill, regardless of the water source."

— Donald A. (5/5)

Great Flow and easier to use

"I recently went back to the pump style filter by MSR, from the easy flow bags with lighter filters. I found this filter to be both easy to pack, provided great flow rate and great tasting water, plus it is just easier to use then the squeeze bags filter systems. Heading out on a longer trail trip and will take this one even with the extra weight, it just feels like a more reliable solution."

— Charlie (5/5)

Reliable and easy to clean

"I just used my Miniworks on a 12 day trip on the Tahoe Rim Trail and it performed with no issues. The flow is good, but not quite 1 liter per minute. I found that cleaning the cartridge about every 2 liters was necessary to keep an easy, consistent flow of water from sources that had a higher concentration of sediment. This filter is not the lightest on the market, but I've found it to be very reliable."

— Chally S. (4/5)

Works great. Used it while

"Works great. Used it while backpacking to filter water from a stream and it did the job. The water tasted fresh and clean."

— Tori T. (5/5)

Great Purifier, Missing parts

"I came here to write that I was missing parts upon purchase. I have used these purifiers in the past and they have always worked great; unfortunately after I bought this new one I did not test it before going on a trip (my fault for sure); I quickly discovered the duckbill valve was missing along with two rubber o-rings: not a great thing to discover on the first day of a weeklong trip in the backcountry! Again, it's on me for not testing the (brand new) product before the trip and we had a backup, gravity filter. A great lesson at least, always test your gear! It looks like I will be buying the maintenance kit to make up for the missing parts."

— Sean M. (5/5)

Great Purifier, Missing parts

"I came here to write that I was missing parts upon purchase. I have used these purifiers in the past and they have always worked great; unfortunately after I bought this new one I did not test it before going on a trip (my fault for sure); I quickly discovered the duckbill valve was missing along with two rubber o-rings: not a great thing to discover on the first day of a weeklong trip in the backcountry! Again, it's on me for not testing the (brand new) product before the trip and we had a backup, gravity filter. A great lesson at least, always test your gear! It looks like I will be buying the maintenance kit to make up for the missing parts."

— Sean M. (5/5)

Perfect Purifictaion

"Love this Filter, Works really good, easy to use and clean!"

— Philip J. (5/5)

Confused by negative reviews of this product

"Just used the MSR MiniWorks EX on the trail for 3 days having purchased it last week at a local outdoors store. I pumped 4 litres the first day with no issue, pumped 11 more litres the 2nd day, cleaned the filter not because it had slowed in performance, simply because I figured I should, pumped an additional 2 litres the following day with no issues. I truly can't understand where people are having problems, especially when they are claiming to be pumping from clear water sources... only thing I could imagine the problems I'm reading in these reviews is glacial streams with high volumes of rock flour... but again the complaints claim clear water..."

— Madcty K. (5/5)

Confused by negative reviews of this product

"Just used the MSR MiniWorks EX on the trail for 3 days having purchased it last week at a local outdoors store. I pumped 4 litres the first day with no issue, pumped 11 more litres the 2nd day, cleaned the filter not because it had slowed in performance, simply because I figured I should, pumped an additional 2 litres the following day with no issues. I truly can't understand where people are having problems, especially when they are claiming to be pumping from clear water sources... only thing I could imagine the problems I'm reading in these reviews is glacial streams with high volumes of rock flour... but again the complaints claim clear water..."

— Madcty K. (5/5)

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