Camping Essentials | Water Filtration & StorageMsrSold by Sportsmans Guide

Msr

MSR(R) MiniWorks(R) EX Water Microfilter

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

Compact, Lightweight,

Easy-to-use water microfilter for backcountry

Lever-action Handle

Maintains steady flow and fills

Block Carbon

Core improves taste, reduces odors,

Inlet Foam

Prefilter helps keep large debris

Marathon Ceramic

Element exceeds EPA purifier requirements

$129.95
View on Sportsmans Guide

You'll be taken to Sportsmans Guide to complete your purchase.

Hunter's Outpost earns a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

SKU: WX2*0071910

Overview

Built for backcountry water treatment, this compact microfilter is suited to hunters and other outdoorsmen who need a dependable way to make questionable water more usable in camp or on the move. Its lever-action design is intended to keep water flowing steadily, and the adapter base works with most hydration bags and water bottles for added flexibility. The block carbon core is described as improving taste and reducing odors, while the inlet foam prefilter helps keep larger debris out. It is a practical addition to emergency and survival kits, though it remains a manual system that requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

Why Hunters Choose the Msr

Compact Lightweight

Survival or hunting gear

Lever-action Handle

Steady flow for filling containers

Fills Quart

Container in about 90 seconds

Block Carbon

Core improves taste and helps

Ceramic Element

Exceeds EPA purifier requirements for

Key Features

  • Compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use water microfilter for backcountry and emergency kits.
  • Lever-action handle maintains steady flow and fills a quart container in about 90 seconds.
  • Block carbon core improves taste, reduces odors, and removes many chemicals.
  • Inlet foam prefilter helps keep large debris out of the filter system.
  • Marathon ceramic element exceeds EPA purifier requirements for bacteria and protozoa removal.
  • Adapter base fits most hydration bags and water bottles.

Best Used For

  • Backcountry hunters needing a compact filter for remote camps and emergency water planning.
  • Survival-minded users building a lightweight kit for field use and preparedness.
  • Hunters filling bottles or hydration bags from questionable water sources on the move.
  • Outdoorsmen who want improved water taste and odor reduction during extended trips.
  • Users who prefer a cleanable ceramic filter for repeated use in the field.

Specifications

Adapter BaseFits most hydration bags and water bottle
Bacteria RemovalExceeds EPA purifier requirements
Block Carbon CoreYes
Chemical RemovalRemoves many chemicals
Cleanable ElementYes
Fill Time1 quart in 90 seconds
Inlet Foam PrefilterYes
Lever Action HandleYes
Marathon Ceramic ElementYes
Odor RemovalYes
Protozoa RemovalExceeds EPA purifier requirements
Taste ImprovementYes

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight for easy packing with survival or hunting gear.
  • Lever-action handle provides steady flow for filling containers.
  • Fills a quart container in about 90 seconds.
  • Block carbon core improves taste and helps reduce odors.
  • Ceramic element exceeds EPA purifier requirements for bacteria and protozoa removal.
  • Adapter base fits most hydration bags and water bottles.

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • This is a manual pump filter, so treated water production depends on user effort rather than a hands-free setup.
  • The 90-second quart fill rate is useful in the field, but it still requires pumping time when you need larger volumes.
  • The block carbon core is aimed at improving taste and reducing odors, but that benefit is separate from the ceramic element’s bacteria and protozoa removal.
  • The adapter base fits most hydration bags and water bottles, but compatibility is described as most—not all—containers.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Backpacking water filters
  • Gravity water filtration systems
  • Water purification tablets
  • Hydration reservoir accessories

Suggested Accessories

  • Replacement filter element
  • Water storage container
  • Hydration reservoir
  • Cleaning brush

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the MiniWorks EX Water Microfilter remove from water?

The product description says its Marathon ceramic element exceeds EPA purifier requirements for bacteria and protozoa removal. It also notes that the block carbon core removes many chemicals and helps improve taste and reduce odors.

How fast does it filter water?

The short description says the lever-action handle fills a quart container in about 90 seconds.

Can this filter be cleaned and reused?

Yes. The long description says the Marathon ceramic element can be cleaned time and time again.

Will it work with my hydration bag or water bottle?

The long description says the adapter base fits most hydration bags and water bottles.

Is it suitable as part of a hunting or emergency kit?

The product is described as compact, lightweight, and easy to use, and the short description says to throw it in with other survival gear. It is also presented as a water filter for emergency water supply needs.