MSR SweetWater Microfilter

I''ve had a Sweetwater filter for years, going back to before MSR acquired the brand, and I''ve been very happy with it. On a recent long backpack I was able to compare it to the MSR Miniworks, since I tried my hiking partners'' Miniworks several times. If I had to get a new one I think I''d give the edge to the Sweetwater, but it would be close and both are excellent. (Before the Sweetwater I had a First Need, and both of these MSRs are far better.)

Filtering ability is, of course, the most important criterion, but I can''t test that and so I leave it to the lab folks. I can say that I''ve never gotten sick drinking water from either model (and given how much I sweat when hiking, I''ve swallowed a LOT of filtered water, much of it downstream from beaver habitat, so you know what that means), so for my purposes I consider the two to be functionally equal in that regard. The Sweetwater is noticeably lighter, which matters to me. The Miniworks does feel more robust (hence the extra weight), and perhaps it is, though I''ve never had anything break on my Sweetwater. Also, it''s cleverly designed to give the pump handle extra mechanical advantage to make the pumping easier (see the pictures and you''ll see what I mean, but note that the handle folds down for easy packing). For both models the ceramic filter has to be cleaned regularly which requires a bit of disassembly. The Sweetwater is cleaned by a brush that runs through the center of the cartridge, which always remains in its plastic casing. The Miniworks'' cartridge has to be fully removed to be scrubbed on its exterior, and so there''s a bit of a risk of breaking it if it''s dropped.

The Miniworks is threaded to screw directly (i.e., without using an outlet hose, although it comes with a hose for other bottles) into a standard Nalgene bottle, or into anything else, such as some hydration bladders, that have the same size and threading. This is convenient but requires that the weight of the bottle or bladder is suspended from the filter while pumping. The Sweetwater instead has an adapter on its outlet hose that fits (but does not thread into) a Nalgene and several other openings, so that the bottle or bladder can sit on the ground while it is being filled.

There are plenty of other filters out there that I haven''t tried and so I have no opinion on them, but I do think that the Sweetwater is a winner.

I have had an original "white" model of this filter for many many years and the center filter pump column cracked just a short while ago. The new filter is almost identical except for the color. I consider this filter to be my gold standard for water filters. It works flawlessly and effortlessly. I have had other filters but they are always more difficult to pump. This one has never let me down. You would also find that the company honors the lifetime warranty without question. Great company. I will go out of my way to find products by Cascade design (they have the MRS brand) now because of their great customer support. I called them and told them the center stem had cracked on my 25 year old model and they had me send in the cracked stem and sent me a new one within a week. Another customer I met in a store here told me the same story about his old filter. He also had the same experience with them honoring their warranty.

Buy MSR SweetWater Microfilter Now

I''ve seen the MSR SweetWater used by friends, and my experience with their equipment has been great. This product works as required in colder waters, whereas the ball valve in the MSR MiniWorks Ex would fail.

I purchased one of my own on Amazon since it was the lowest price I could find. Upon reception, I read the instructions and performed the initial filter scrubbing as directed. However, upon testing in my kitchen, water gushed out of the rubber seal between the filter housing and the pump. Visual inspection of the o-rings revealed a small divot in the filter housing seal, allowing pressure to force the seal apart just enough to cause the leak. Through all of my testing, not even one drop of water was filtered. I still give the product 2 stars, because for those that are functioning, I have been pleased with the product.

This is the first time I''ve used Amazon''s return system, and I was pleased with the ease. I will try the SweetWater again, but this time I''ll pay a little more at my local REI. Their "no questions asked" return policy and ability for quick returns (since I can walk into the store) will be worth the extra price. My additional inquiries to colleagues and learning of their experiences has indicated that microfilters seem to be "hit or miss" on functionality among most brands and models.

Read Best Reviews of MSR SweetWater Microfilter Here

I have been on trips with people who already had filters for years, thus I never had the need to buy one myself. I just recieved this filter as a present from my inlaws before a big trip in the smoky''s and I have to say that the price, weight, and flow fits the average adventurer. I know there are some lighter options and some faster flows as well but if you want an all around filter this fits the bill. I used to work at a gear store in college and couldn''t decide but this filter will work in any situation. Unless you have a special situation for ceramic filters or ultra light This is the way to go.

Want MSR SweetWater Microfilter Discount?

Intake nipple is cracked at base therefore it does not pump. This was the first usage. Test first is obvious, but I was busy getting ready to camp with kids. First usage in the field and it failed me. I was able to make it work by submerging the entire base in the creek. I owned one of these many years ago and it was flawless. If it were not for my previous experience with this company I would not trust my kids drinking from a filter made by a company that can''t even make the intake nipple strong enough. What other defects are there?

Apart from my sleeping bags this is my most important piece of gear. I can''t have it fail and I will remain suspect of my filter forever.

Now I have to RMA this filter to Amazon. Joy!! I expected more.