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- #MSR MINIWORKS EX WATER FILTER VIRUSES FULL#
- #MSR MINIWORKS EX WATER FILTER VIRUSES PORTABLE#
- #MSR MINIWORKS EX WATER FILTER VIRUSES FREE#
It also works fast: the output of 2L/min is incredibly fast for a filter with these features.ĭownsides to all these great features are the weight and bulk (almost twice as big/heavy as the Katadyn Hiker Pro) and of course the price. For comparison, most filters have a pore size of 0.1 to 0.2 microns, including the models we carry from Katadyn and the competitively-priced offerings from MSR. Third, the 0.02 micron pore size makes it one of the only packable water filters that will clean water of viruses. The Guardian is the only filter on the market that can be used in muddy water without first settling out particulates or constantly backflushing.
#MSR MINIWORKS EX WATER FILTER VIRUSES FULL#
Performing a backflush only takes a few minutes, but can require extra parts or tools (for some filters) and can be extremely tedious when filtering muddy water that might require a full backflush after each liter filtered. Most filters will clog up very quickly if used in turbid water, and require backflushing to maintain flow.
#MSR MINIWORKS EX WATER FILTER VIRUSES FREE#
Second, the continuous self-backflushing system ensures that the filter pores remain free of sediment, allowing the filter to be used in very turbid (murky) water with little maintenance. No more spending the night with your filter in your sleeping bag.
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The Guardian is designed to avoid this type of damage. With most water filters it is critical to avoid freezing them because the water trapped within the filter will expand and tear through the filter membranes when it freezes. First, it cannot be damaged by freezing, unlike every other filter on the market. This filter stands out in a few unique ways. Let’s dive into what makes it different, which will also help us understand the limitations of ‘standard’ water filters.
#MSR MINIWORKS EX WATER FILTER VIRUSES PORTABLE#
Why pay a lot more for a less portable water filter? A good example is the MSR Guardian, which retails for $350. But some filters cost much, much more, and are heavier and bulkier as well. Most filters are between $30 and $150, and offer similar features. Or better yet, just boil all of your drinking water. If you’re super concerned about waterborne illness, or you’re traveling abroad, the best option is to filter your water and then treat it chemically. And cryptosporidium is much less of a concern than in some other parts of the world.
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Luckily, here in the wild landscapes of North America we don’t have to worry too much about waterborne viral illness, so filtration is just fine. cryptosporidium) that are protected by a cyst (a kind of hard shell that iodine cannot penetrate).īoiling is the only treatment method that is 100% effective against all waterborne pathogens - any other method will be a compromise. Iodine, on the other hand, kills both viruses and bacteria but cannot kill some protozoa (e.x. Filtration, for example, is very effective against protozoa and bacteria, but the majority of commercially-available filters cannot remove viruses from water* (since viruses are small enough to fit through most consumer-grade filters). The nuances are important because there are a wide range of pathogens that can occur in surface water, and most treatment methods are most effective against a specific category of pathogen. The chart below, from the CDC, provides a great overview of the pros and cons of each water treatment method. Potable Aqua)Ĭhlorine Dioxide (liquid or tablets, e.x. Each strategy has pros and cons, and within each category there are many methods and technologies that accomplish the goal of killing or removing the nasty stuff in your water. In broad terms, there are two water treatment strategies: killing the microorganisms in the water (boiling or chemical treatment) or physically removing them from the water (filtration). There are several ways to make water safe to drink. Although the likelihood of actually getting sick from drinking untreated water here in Southwest Colorado is extremely low, the consequences (violent illness for many days or weeks) are so high that you should always play it safe and treat your water. When you’re in the backcountry, it’s generally a good idea to avoid drinking any surface water (from lakes, streams, etc.) because unlike treated tap water, it might contain pathogens and microorganisms that could make you sick.