MSR Miniworks EX Review

The Miniworks EX is a hand pump filter that simply doesn't cut it when it comes to the competition. While we appreciate its super easy field maintenance and ergonomic handle, it's slow, clogs easily, and is quite heavy to bring along on lightweight backpacking missions. While this is a popular choice because of its durable and reliable construction, it's far from the fastest or lightest hand pump on the market. Best for one or two people.

Water Quality

This filtration system comes loaded with a ceramic filter with a carbon core. The filter can remove particulates, bacteria, protozoa (Cryptosporidium, Giardia), and some chemicals.

During the water quality tests, we used this filter to pump through water, pesticides, and other dissolved chemicals through a sludge mess. While the pump could remove most of the nasty stuff from the sludge, it could not remove the material that colored the water yellow, and the smell still remained. None of the regular filters could remove that smell; only the purifiers worked in this scenario.

While other purifiers that can remove heavy chemicals were able to remove these components, this filter could not do that work. This filtration system is a nice fit for most outdoor recreationists in North America who take water from rivers and lakes in the backcountry. However, if you're worried about heavy contaminants, viruses, or other nasty things, bring additional chemical tablets or opt for a purification system.

Durability & Maintenance

This pump will deliver if you seek excellent durability and easy maintenance. The ceramic/carbon filter is very easy to maintain in the field. If it gets clogged (something that proved very likely), you simply unscrew the top and use an abrasive sponge to clean the filter off. This improves the performance immensely. The filter cartridge lasts 2,000 liters, almost twice as long as any other hand pump filter in this review. The construction is also quite durable. We've dropped it, thrown it into our packs, and tested it for many years, and it still works! Just be careful in the winter, as it can crack if frozen.

One of our biggest issues with this filter is the amount of cleaning it requires. When backpacking throughout North America, this filter consistently slows its filtration speed after three liters.

We typically would have to clean it at least twice daily for two people, which didn't happen with other filters we've tested. While this process is easy, we prefer other pump filters for this sole fact alone. Another reason it earns a lower score in this category, even though it is one of the most durable and reliable filters out there. Performance is lacking.

Treatment Time

We've owned this filter for over ten years, and treatment time is consistent. We also ordered a brand new one to ensure the newest version is the same as the older one our main tester has owned since the early 2000s. Turns out, performance is still quite similar.

We pumped 40 liters of water at the sink in our objective tests. On average, this filter would treat one liter of water in 80 seconds. MSR claims a rate of 1 liter per minute. This was true for the first few liters, but after that, it slowed considerably, even without sediment! The time for pumping ranged from 73 to 90 seconds, landing at a measured average of 80 seconds per liter with an average of 90 strokes. This will get the job done if you're seeking a serious arm workout to complement your backpacking regime. This takes about 1.5 to 2 times as long as other pump filters. So, treatment time is comparatively slow. But you probably wouldn't know the difference if you've never used any other pump filter.

Weight & Packability

This filter comes in a nice mesh carry sack that allows it to air out and keep all the pieces together. Weighing it on our scales at home, it hits 17.6 oz, which is several ounces heavier than other small hand pump filters. If light and fast are what you seek, this is not the filter to buy, as it's bulky and heavier. We appreciate that the filter does not absorb water, so it dries out relatively quickly.

Ease of Set Up

Set-up is pretty simple. Take the parts out of the bag, put the float in the water, and prepare your vessel. This filter works best with Nalgene bottles, screwing right onto them. With other types of bottles or reserves that don't have this adaptor, you'll have a harder time setting up simply because you'll find yourself holding the vessel you plan on collecting water between your knees while trying to keep the intake in the best place for water pumping. Our advice: get a Nalgene-like lid to optimize your filtration experience.

Ease of Filtration

As we mentioned, this pump will get you nice arm muscles by the end of your trip. Be prepared to pump 90 strokes for one liter of water. Pumping can be hard work, and because of its slower pumping speed, it's not recommended for large group use. It's best for one or two people. Also, be prepared to clean it after three to four liters of water to ensure it keeps pumping.

Should You Buy the MSR MiniWorks EX?

This pump is only worth the cost if you're completely sold on this hand pump's ceramic, field serviceable filter and its durability. It offers the best lifespan in the lineup, and the replacement cartridge costs the same as other competitors. This is highly valuable if you're an outfitter seeking a pump that'll last your group a long time. That being said, there are much better pumps that offer a similar level of reliability at a lower cost with faster pumping action and performance.

What Other Backpacking Water Filters Should You Consider?

If a durable and long-lasting pump filter is what you're after, the MSR Miniworks EX will deliver. Although the filter is expensive, offers a slower flow rate, and requires more maintenance than most, it is built to outlast other more affordable filters. If you're interested in more affordable hand pump options that offer higher flow rates with more limited durability, check out options like the Katadyn Hiker and Katadyn Hiker Pro. And if you want to take a break from pumping and let gravity do the work, options like the Platypus GravityWorks and LifeStraw Peak Gravity 3L are tough to beat. We especially love that the Peak Gravity filter is interchangeable with other filters within the Peak series. And if you want to squeeze instead of pump, options like the Hydrapak Flux 1.5L offer the collapsible, space-saving bottle with lasting durability and ease of use.