MSR Miniworks

I purchased my first filter in the mid 1990's.  After spending considerable time exploring filters, I decided on the MSR Miniworks.  The Miniworks has been my go to filter ever since.

At the time there were basically two types of filters available to me as a backpacker.  A synthetic cartridge or a ceramic cartridge.  Neither cartridge was good for viruses, but in the area where I backpack viruses are not an issue.  Both types of cartridges were .2 micron.  The major difference, flow rate and gallons of water per cartridge.

Flow rate:  Since I am backpacking and not rushing to any destination, flow rate did not really matter.  In fact, I found that I quite enjoy the break of sitting at a stream, watching the scenery while filtering some water.

Cartridge life and replacement life: Life then became the major factor in my decision between synthetic and ceramic.  Ceramic wins in cartridge life.

Having made my decision to go with a ceramic cartridge, I then needed to decide on a filter.  At the time, the two filters available to me for purchase where either the Katadyn Pocket, or the MSR Miniworks.  The Pocket rate really high in gallons filtered per cartridge, but the cost of the Pocket and replacement cartridge was also very high.  The Miniworks was significantly cheaper, and replacement cartridges where also cheaper.  The gallons per filter were also significantly lower.

What tipped the scales was the fact that the Miniworks attaches directly to a wide mouth bottle or dromedary bag, while the Pocket requires good aim from the spout.

Now a couple of decades later, I have not had to replace the cartridge.  I have not had a failure in either the filter body or the cartridge.  The built in charcoal filter takes unwanted taste and scent from the water.  Did I make the correct choice? I believe I did.

Kings Peak and filter failure

In August of 2013 I finally managed to make the trip into Kings Peak in Utah.  During the off season I had purchased a new filter and a GPS unit.  I have always used, and preferred a ceramic cartridge filter which I had purchased in the mid 1990's.  I have never had the filter fail, and while the flow rate is somewhat slower than the synthetic filters, the ability to clean in the field, rather than replace, was a big selling point for me.  However, the new hollow fiber filters had drawn my interest.  As a result, I purchased a MSR Hyperflow.  I used it on an overnight trip prior to the three day trip into Kings Peak, and I was fairly impressed.  For the Kings Peak trip, I was not nearly as impressed.

First let me say that it was partly my fault, but I also believe that MSR needs to take some blame for building such a fragile device intended for backpacking.  Let me explain.  After my overnight trip, I disassembled the filter, as per storage instructions.  However I went one step further, I remove the "replaceable" cartridge to aid in drying.  I did not reassemble the filter until the Kings Peak trip.  What I did not know was that the flange behind the O-ring broke from pressure on the O-ring at re-insertion.  When I tried to use the filter in the field and I noticed it leaking water everywhere.  Since the water was on the "clean" side this wasn't a major issue until I needed to back flush the filter.  Back flushing the filter was next to impossible, because it was now syphoning air, not just water.

On close examination of the filter cartridge, the flange behind the O-ring is extremely thin, with no support.  That it broke so easily should not be a surprise to anyone.  But since I removed the cartridge and reinserted it, I took the blame and purchased a new cartridge.  The new cartridge came with a dry O-ring, and no lubricant to ease installation, and no instructions to be careful of the flange and O-ring.  I was able to lubricate the O-ring and insert the cartridge without breaking the flange.

I like the filter's size, weight, and that fact that I can "pump" or gravity filter water with it.  I can fill my water bladder through the drink hose using this small filter, or fill small mouthed water bottles, and/or fill wide mouth bottles or dromedary bags.  In other words, a very versatile filter.  However, I am now extremely cautious with the cartridge, and not very satisfied as a result.  I will always worry that I need to carry a spare cartridge (and lubricant) which defeats the "fast & light" advertising of the filter.

Back to the ceramic filter for me.  More on the GPS unit later

Welcome to Trailwise

I have been an avid outdoors person since a very young age.  I started attempting "leave no trace" camping, (bought my first stove), in the late seventies.  Now I know, just owning a stove does not make one a "leave no trace" camper, but my point is that my first stove was heavy, bulky, and never once failed me.  Since that time I have always been on the lookout for gear that improves my experience and lightens the load on my back.  I am not an ultralight purist, (no dis-respect intend), but like anyone, the less my pack weighs, the more enjoyable the trip.  I choose gear on not only weight, but durability as well.

My intent here is to blog about my experiences, and about the gear that I have used, gear that I continue to use, and gear that is now sitting on my shelf for one reason or another.  I will be candid about what I believe works, and what does not work.  Things that I believe would improve the gear and or the experience.

I am in the process of planning a two week hike, (without resupply), at about 11,000 ft elevation and I will blog about my journey to find gear that is lightweight and durable.  Two attributes that seem to be at odds with each other.