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MSR MiniWorks EX Backcountry Water Filter

Curated from 67 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 8, 2025

MSR MiniWorks EX Backcountry Water Filter

Brand: MSR

Price: $124

Snoop Score:

6.6

Sentiment

7.5

Popularity

7.2

Technical

6.3

Buy on Amazon for $124 See All Water Filters Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The MSR MiniWorks EX Backcountry Water Filter is a reliable microfilter pump designed for outdoor enthusiasts engaged in hiking, backpacking, and camping. Its replaceable carbon and ceramic filter efficiently removes bacteria, protozoa, and organic compounds, ensuring you have access to clean, safe drinking water in the wilderness. Consumer feedback highlights the MiniWorks EX's long-lasting performance, with users stating, "MSR makes a fantastic gravity filter. We’ve had ours for years." Many appreciate its effectiveness in purifying water and its suitability for group camping situations, noting the ability to pump large quantities quickly. However, some users have pointed out drawbacks such as slow pumping speed and compatibility issues with water bottles, stating, "Only complaint is it takes forever to fill the msr dromedary." Overall, the MSR MiniWorks EX is highly recommended for those seeking a dependable water filter for outdoor adventures, particularly for group use, despite its few limitations.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Water Filters

MSR makes a fantastic gravity filter. We’ve had ours for years.
Positive Feedback

Only complaint is it takes forever to fill the msr dromedary, like u pump for about an hour.
Negative Feedback

6.6

MSR MiniWorks EX Backcountry Water Filter

Buy on Amazon for $124

Solo Hiking & Backpacking

5 / 10

Group & Family Camping

8 / 10

Emergency & Survival Kits

6 / 10

Travel & International Use

5 / 10

See how this compares to all Water Filters

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Long-lasting performance

“MSR makes a fantastic gravity filter. We’ve had ours for years.”➕

“Your favorite water purification systems? I’m curious about folks’ go-to water purification approaches and why they are preferred ?”➕

“20-year old MSR water filter (used for maybe 20-30 days total, but hasn't been touched since 2006) - still safe to use?”➕

Effective purification

“that filter can be boiled to kill anything remaining inside.”➕

Ideal for group camping

“Pump filters are geared for larger groups instead of single person use, where the effort made is a benefit instead of a deficiency.”➕

“If you’ve got a water source a mile from camp and don’t want to hike to it twice each day, you can pump a lot quickly and carry it back to camp.”➕

Compatible replacement filters available

“I don’t want to get rid of it.”➕

“The replacement filter from MSR is compatible with both the miniworks and waterworks filters.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Slow pumping speed

“Only complaint is it takes forever to fill the msr dromedary, like u pump for about an hour.”➕

Doesn't screw onto a water bottle

“Hmm, doesn't screw onto a water bottle, isn't field maintainable, etc.”➕

Slow pumping speed compared to lighter filters

“The miniworks functions fine, but its a tank at that weight.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Membrane Solutions WS02 Water Filter Straw	$39	8.1	Details	Buy
Logest 4 Pack Water Filter Straw	$20	7.6	Details	Buy
MSR MiniWorks EX Backcountry Water Filter	$124	6.6	Details	Buy
GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle	$99	6.5	Details	Buy
Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System	$134	6.4	Details	Buy
LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle	$43	5.7	Details	Buy
TRAILGO Pro Water Purifier System for Survival	$89	4.3	Details	Buy
Logest Portable Foldable Water Filter Bag	$14	3.8	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion on the design differences of old and new filters

“The design doesn't look that different.”➕

Discussion about replacement parts for older models

“So if you lose that important little piece of your pre-2003 WaterWorks filter, or want an extra ball for your repair kit, you'll find that to be a suitable substitute.”➕

“Thank you for posting this. I think this is going to fix my old waterworks.”➕

“I'm happy I posted this then. I lost that little ball and scoured the web looking for anything like this info and couldn't find anything that helped, short of a couple references that it exists, lol.”➕

“I will be ordering a spare ball and put it in the new maintenance kit.”➕

Discussion on upgrading from older models

“it’s been a trooper but figured it’s time to upgrade after 10 years of the same filter”➕

Comparison of filter longevity and performance

“the cartridges only purify 568L (150gal) before needing replacement making it costly on a per gallon basis.”➕

Comparison of features with other filter systems

“I have a big road trip coming up this summer and I'm going to be using the filter everywhere from canyonlands national park to Yosemite national park to Olympic national park to Glacier national park to Grand Tetons to the badlands (assuming I can always find water lol).”➕

“The prefilter sounds good, might be worth it for the 7 extra oz... are there any other main features that make it stand out from the others?”➕

Discussion on the perception of new product

“I'm not a huge fan of pump filters, but it's kind of amusing how quickly people are knee-jerking against this without seeming to realize that this is a brand new product that's not even available for purchase yet.”➕

Clarification on the difference between filters and purifiers

“This purifier is a game changer.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Use of prefilters in dirty water scenarios

“I personally have never met any users, naturally that stat suffers from a somewhat limited sample size.”➕

Discussion on market targeting bladders

“I guess they're going after the bladder segment of the market with the claimed 'universal fitting.'”➕

“I could see it if you use bladders, but for those on the Smart Water bottles train, probably not a comparable alternative.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Discussion on capacity preferences

“Larger capacity would be ideal.”➕

“6L a trip is generous.”➕

“I use the capacity! In addition to my typical bottles, I'll sometimes carry a full 8L of water in the two bags for longer/hotter outings.”➕

“Custom made gravity filter utilizing sawyer.”➕

Discussion on preferred water purification methods

“I take my Sawyer Squeeze and then I have Aquamira tabs for backup in case it breaks.”➕

“I've used Sawyer with platypus bags in a drip system.”➕

“Katadyn hiker. Much greater filter area with higher throughput than the Sawyers and well worth a little additional weight, IMO.”➕

“Homemade gravity system utilizing a Sawyer filter.”➕

Maintenance tips for older models

“The instructions said to boil the filter and let dry for 2-3 days so I did and it works great.”➕

Group size impacts choice of filter

“The pump made the work easy and the water was perfect!”➕

Size considerations for backpacking trips

“Not sure how everyone feels about the size of this, but I have to say it’s the best idea I can come up with for long term water purification in a “small” package.”➕

Discussion on comparing weight and efficiency with other filters

“Could the MSR Miniworks Ex Water Filter earn its keep through reliability, or is the sawyer still recommended?”➕

“If a filter was 5 or 6 oz and somehow provided a far superior experience to the befree or squeeze I'd say that yes..it could be worth the weight.”➕

Discussion on preferred brands over Sawyer

“Water filtration system, What works best? there are so many.”➕

“I would suggest getting one of the cheaper MSR or Katadyn filters.”➕

“This is making me reconsider the Sawyer mini currently sitting in my amazon cart...”➕

Discussion on personal experiences with different models

“I originally had the katadyn hiker and loved it.”➕

Users' preferences between different brands and models

“Thought about getting the EX, but didnt like how it dispensed water.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Discussion on reliability of different water filters

“Guardian MSR vs. any water filter you like? Need a new main I currently have a guardian MSR and ive been reading reviews and its not really reliable.”➕

“Since I haven't seen it mentioned: I've used Platypus gravityworks for a couple of years and have really liked it.”➕

“I love my gravityworks. Doesn’t do viruses, but where I am that’s not an issue.”➕

“A new filter every year? Aren't they good for 10,000 filters? Just run some bleach or vinegar through it to save some money.”➕

General thoughts on water filtration systems

“a gravity system. I'm fond of the 18,000 liter capacity Lifestraw Mission as it takes out viruses which most gravity systems don't.”➕