I have used this filter on a couple of trips and like it a great deal. The ability to mate it to a Nalgene bottle or the MSR Dromedary bags make tanking up a snap.

Customer Service

I have corresponded with MSR via e-mail and have always gotten a prompt reply. The web site is also helpful, especially when you have misplaced the manual.

This MSR filter for me has been working terrific for the past two seasons. I use it almost every other weekend in the summer and on at least two minor expeditions.

The ability to clean the ceramic filter in the field is great, it reduces pumping pressure if you are filtering larger quantities of water for a large group. It is also easily re-buildable with kits from msr.

It is not very fast however, it typically requires several hundred pumps per container(1.5 liters).

I Love it.

This filter is the best I've tried, as long as you work to keep it clean. I carry mine around well sealed and away from dirt and sand. I do a great deal of hiking over sandy terrain and the mini can clog easily. It's a relative bargain when compared to other filters. I'd love to see a low maintenance version though. There must be a way to build it using completely sealed parts.

The MSR Miniworks is a well designed and usable product. To work properly it must be maintained and cleaned routinely. It may not be as fast as some other pumps, but this is only bothersome if one filter is supplying a large group of people. Make sure you keep the pump seal lubricated. Also watch for dirt and sand getting underneath the backpressure seal. The seal pops out and can be cleaned easily.