Thanks for the break down. There is a ceramic MSR now, with a charcoal core too. I am watching all of the videos where these filtration systems are concerned, and the ceramic MSR (although requiring a little more care) seems to be the most effective, and durable. Thanks for the video. The information helped a lot. ~Wolf
The filter has a carbon element inside of the ceramic cylinder... the siltstopper attachment that you put on doesn't. I believe that is simply a 40/50 micrometer pre-filter to catch, well, silt!
Good review..!!! Have you tried the Katadyn Hiker Pro..? 100g lighter, but a 0.3 micron filter. A 5 minute min. rolling boil should kill the little bugs or a Steripen U.V. treatment will also help for good clean water.
Are you still using this filter today, 03-03-10? I am thinking of through hiking in 1 year, and I wanted to see your thoughts on using this filter the WHOLE trail. I dont like the chemicals. Let me know.
It wont take out most viruses. The smallest virus is 25 nanometers, that's several times smaller than the .2 microns pore size of this ceramic filer (which is about 200 nanometers).
So, you will still need to boil or use chemicals if you want to take out viruses in the field. That is unless you use some of the filters that claim to be able to filter down to a few nm (the "lifesaver bottle" claims to have a pore size of 15nm).
In the USA, you probably don't have to worry about viruses as much. I think viruses in water are rare here (though not unheard of). In other countries, especially developing countries, you will definitely want the ability to filter viruses. Usually this means boiling or using chemicals (unless you have RO or distillation options).
Ceramic filters might remove some of the larger viruses, but there are viruses as small as 20nm.
@minibulldesign You should be worried animals can give you viruses just the same as people and since alot use the water you drink for the same plus they go to the bathroom in and to clean them selves off you can catch worse then you will around people you can even get many stomach viruses, flu's and even hepatitis A.
@minibulldesign Absolutely. Even crystal clear mountain streams have biological micro-organisms, that need to be eliminated. The MSR, with a Seri-pen (or water tabs, etc.) is a complete system. The filter alone, is not sufficient enough to keep you from getting some pretty nasty intestinal difficulties on the trail. But if you have both systems working together (a charcoal core is recommended for taste and smell), you can reasonably drink out of a pothole.
I think this came from Campmor and is a product sold by the company that makes PUR water filters ---as an add on. I think my filter came with a free one.
thanks tinny, I see so many toys and yet what does work simplest and gets the job done is always he question. That jandle looks annoying as you stated, but better'n dysentary.
gosh we have this same filter and love it but for some reason we've never really taken it apart! I cleaned it out tonight after seeing your video and glad we did!!! Now i can take better care of our filter :) keep up the good work and thanks for sharing
Ugh! Mine will not purge when upright! It is brand new and the instructions clearly state DO NOT INVERT TO PURGE FILTER.... WTF am I suppose to do? I am not impressed that this thing won't purge upright... its 2009 for F sakes.
I have a couple of tips. I own that exact same filter and the manufacture recommends that after your done using it you set the ceramic filter out to dry for a few days (this will prevent mold from growing on the filter it self ) Also It's a good Idea to make sure that the O ring is properly seated in the casing. I usually carry chap stick with me and apply a little on the O ring to insure it seals properly, but wax, or even spit will work. Thanks and great video.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
You're more likely to get sick if you filter your water then if you don't...Always drink water closest to it's source if you can..Water filters are a gimmick. Dont buy them.. You've been warned.
when you're pumping, you can screw the clean side cover on to the lid of your nalgene bottle (or a dromedary bag, in my case). It helps prevent cross contamination and lessens the chance of losing it
The literature says the unit has an activated carbon core to remove bad taste and chemicals inside the ceramic filter element, yet the video says this is not so... was this an oversite, an older unit, misleading info, or what?
Good question. My EX is about 3 years old, and the original ceramic filter it came with had the carbon filter core. I was curious enough that I decided to waste $40 and break it open to see it. If I'm in a dirty or cloudy water area, I ALWAYS use this filter because it does remove odor and taste. Recently I've added the SteriPen Ultraviolet sterilizer to make 100% certain that I've killed everything, and if I'm in clear water country, I'll only use the SteriPen.
Thanks for the review I bought one just like it tonight it also recommends you carry an additional ceramic should you go on an extended trip like a missionary would go so if you happen to chip the cerammic rendering it non functioning you have the backup. Need to get the charcoal filter too didn't think to get that when @ bass pro. Saw the stirie pen but figured not to get it hoping the filter is good enough. My wife said if we need to filter water &shoot critters she will probably not make it.
God this is an amazing review, one of the best I have ever seen. What do you mean you are no expert, you are ridiculous and know exactly what you are talking about.
I have a quick question, more like just asking your opinion. Down here, the MSR miniworks is $85 but for this week they have the Katadyn Vario on sale for $45. Do you think that it would be a good filter, or should I stick with the MSR? I would appreciate your comments. Thank you and take care.
I've used the K pro hiker with good effect. I got sick on the first five days out of Springer, twice, with Seychelle gravity filters. 600 miles on the AT with the Katadyn hiker pro, the filter started to get harder to pump, so I always knew when to get a new filter. $30.00 though! Ouch!
And the information about purfiers vs filters was an eye opener!
I do beliefe that "FIRET NEED PURFIERS" has a filter replacement cartridge that can be put in line after your water filter to make it a purfier. And it will work with gravity also.Ill check it out and let you know.
Yes --I beleive this is exactly the filter I use. It can be unscrewed and refilled with charcoal. You can get the charcoal from a sporting good store or from a tropical fish store--they use it to filter the tropical fish tank water
I took one of these on a 4 week trip in the Adirondacks. It cleaned water for 8 thirsty guys. What made it good was the fact that I could clean it and keep going. (It needed cleaning about once a week) The bad thing about it is once the ceramic filter is waterlogged, you can't get the water weight out of it. Once used, it weighs about half as much as a liter of water! It is great for durability and long trips, but I try to stick to light and cheap iodine pills for my short stuff.
Iodine pills are not good for your liver and you have to wait 4 hours before you can drink the water --so you will have to carry this water in your pack for 4 hours. This water is much heavier than the 15 oz filter. I don't know about you but I like to drink when I get thirsty not wait 4 hours. I won't even address the taste of iodine.
You must have an updated design. Mine was purchased in 1999 and was green. (not that the color matters) Iodine kills most bacteria in 20min. Bever fever is the only one it takes 4 hours to kill. How do you feel about the UV pen?
A J-cloth is a disposable/reusable cloth that you can buy at your local grocery or Walmart type retailer. Inexpensive, and now contain microban, which is supposed to inhibit bacterial growth. Using one as a prefilter just saves you from cleaning your ceramic filter as often in certain conditions.
good explanation.. thank's for this lesson..
waterfiltersystems1 6 months ago
Great review. Thanks
VanceMarks 1 year ago
Thanks for the break down. There is a ceramic MSR now, with a charcoal core too. I am watching all of the videos where these filtration systems are concerned, and the ceramic MSR (although requiring a little more care) seems to be the most effective, and durable. Thanks for the video. The information helped a lot. ~Wolf
FatDaddy4Fun 1 year ago
The filter has a carbon element inside of the ceramic cylinder... the siltstopper attachment that you put on doesn't. I believe that is simply a 40/50 micrometer pre-filter to catch, well, silt!
Antioch18x 1 year ago
Real Good Review
Thanks
OldManGlitch 1 year ago
how much are the replacement filters and were do you get them from
iloveiphone93 1 year ago
Good review..!!! Have you tried the Katadyn Hiker Pro..? 100g lighter, but a 0.3 micron filter. A 5 minute min. rolling boil should kill the little bugs or a Steripen U.V. treatment will also help for good clean water.
401Hammer 1 year ago
Are you still using this filter today, 03-03-10? I am thinking of through hiking in 1 year, and I wanted to see your thoughts on using this filter the WHOLE trail. I dont like the chemicals. Let me know.
jeeping32810 1 year ago
Thanks tinny, great review.
nsgrossman 1 year ago
Thanks Tinny, I was looking at buying one of these but like to see a little more info on things beforehand. I like it. Keep up the good work!
USMarineMOS1833 2 years ago
It wont take out most viruses. The smallest virus is 25 nanometers, that's several times smaller than the .2 microns pore size of this ceramic filer (which is about 200 nanometers).
So, you will still need to boil or use chemicals if you want to take out viruses in the field. That is unless you use some of the filters that claim to be able to filter down to a few nm (the "lifesaver bottle" claims to have a pore size of 15nm).
b1naryd1g1t5 2 years ago
I am not worried about viruses in the wild away from people.---should I be?
minibulldesign 2 years ago 3
In the USA, you probably don't have to worry about viruses as much. I think viruses in water are rare here (though not unheard of). In other countries, especially developing countries, you will definitely want the ability to filter viruses. Usually this means boiling or using chemicals (unless you have RO or distillation options).
Ceramic filters might remove some of the larger viruses, but there are viruses as small as 20nm.
b1naryd1g1t5 2 years ago
@minibulldesign You should be worried animals can give you viruses just the same as people and since alot use the water you drink for the same plus they go to the bathroom in and to clean them selves off you can catch worse then you will around people you can even get many stomach viruses, flu's and even hepatitis A.
STRIKER520 1 year ago
@minibulldesign Absolutely. Even crystal clear mountain streams have biological micro-organisms, that need to be eliminated. The MSR, with a Seri-pen (or water tabs, etc.) is a complete system. The filter alone, is not sufficient enough to keep you from getting some pretty nasty intestinal difficulties on the trail. But if you have both systems working together (a charcoal core is recommended for taste and smell), you can reasonably drink out of a pothole.
FatDaddy4Fun 1 year ago
Tinny would you say this filter is a better filter than the Katadyn Hiker Pro?
jons4real 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Water purification is becoming such an important topic! I am doing a series on water that really adds to what you are saying. Surf on over!
QuantumHD 2 years ago
Tinny, where do you get the charcoal filter to attach to the water filter to make the water taste better? By the way, I like your videos....thanks.
389Lee 2 years ago
I think this came from Campmor and is a product sold by the company that makes PUR water filters ---as an add on. I think my filter came with a free one.
minibulldesign 2 years ago
thanks tinny, I see so many toys and yet what does work simplest and gets the job done is always he question. That jandle looks annoying as you stated, but better'n dysentary.
Swazooli 2 years ago
gosh we have this same filter and love it but for some reason we've never really taken it apart! I cleaned it out tonight after seeing your video and glad we did!!! Now i can take better care of our filter :) keep up the good work and thanks for sharing
neakerizm 2 years ago
Ugh! Mine will not purge when upright! It is brand new and the instructions clearly state DO NOT INVERT TO PURGE FILTER.... WTF am I suppose to do? I am not impressed that this thing won't purge upright... its 2009 for F sakes.
SB20330 2 years ago
If you contact the maker they are offering a new and more open filter replacement cartridge for the hyperflow for free
minibulldesign 2 years ago
I have a couple of tips. I own that exact same filter and the manufacture recommends that after your done using it you set the ceramic filter out to dry for a few days (this will prevent mold from growing on the filter it self ) Also It's a good Idea to make sure that the O ring is properly seated in the casing. I usually carry chap stick with me and apply a little on the O ring to insure it seals properly, but wax, or even spit will work. Thanks and great video.
draconiandevil01 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You're more likely to get sick if you filter your water then if you don't...Always drink water closest to it's source if you can..Water filters are a gimmick. Dont buy them.. You've been warned.
northwoodsdude 2 years ago
Comment removed
edwyrd 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Would you mind backing that statement up with something better then, "you've been warned."
Stats, white papers, reports, Etc, not hearsay, or personal experience on how you got sick, but actual verifiable sources, please.
edwyrd 2 years ago
northwoodsdude.....you are wrong fucktard...so stfu...water filters work better than you stupid ass thinks...so shut the fuck up.
tigerboyav 2 years ago
Hello. I'm assuming you still use tablets or drops after pumping/filtering your water.....right?
JSmithPhoto 2 years ago
With a filter format of 0.2 micron there is no need to poison your self with a bunch of liver damaging chemicals---that is the whole idea
minibulldesign 2 years ago
when you're pumping, you can screw the clean side cover on to the lid of your nalgene bottle (or a dromedary bag, in my case). It helps prevent cross contamination and lessens the chance of losing it
ahkinzero 3 years ago
i've been thinkin about buyin' one of those. thanks for the advise
CreamPie9uy 3 years ago
The literature says the unit has an activated carbon core to remove bad taste and chemicals inside the ceramic filter element, yet the video says this is not so... was this an oversite, an older unit, misleading info, or what?
devronl 3 years ago
Good question. My EX is about 3 years old, and the original ceramic filter it came with had the carbon filter core. I was curious enough that I decided to waste $40 and break it open to see it. If I'm in a dirty or cloudy water area, I ALWAYS use this filter because it does remove odor and taste. Recently I've added the SteriPen Ultraviolet sterilizer to make 100% certain that I've killed everything, and if I'm in clear water country, I'll only use the SteriPen.
upupaepops 3 years ago
depends on what filter it comes with they made more then 1 modle and filter type but the one i got is that one and it has a carbon core in it
haha48 2 years ago
Thanks for the review I bought one just like it tonight it also recommends you carry an additional ceramic should you go on an extended trip like a missionary would go so if you happen to chip the cerammic rendering it non functioning you have the backup. Need to get the charcoal filter too didn't think to get that when @ bass pro. Saw the stirie pen but figured not to get it hoping the filter is good enough. My wife said if we need to filter water &shoot critters she will probably not make it.
cdltpx 3 years ago
God this is an amazing review, one of the best I have ever seen. What do you mean you are no expert, you are ridiculous and know exactly what you are talking about.
I have a quick question, more like just asking your opinion. Down here, the MSR miniworks is $85 but for this week they have the Katadyn Vario on sale for $45. Do you think that it would be a good filter, or should I stick with the MSR? I would appreciate your comments. Thank you and take care.
aimusleh 3 years ago
The ceramic filters are all very good the only real difference is water per pump or speed to filter
minibulldesign 3 years ago
nice review. I'll buy this.
gm0042oidos 3 years ago
excellent informative video tinny
ROCKsquareANORACK 3 years ago
Do you find that the ceramic unit breaks easily?
redtortoise76 4 years ago
no it is very durable
minibulldesign 4 years ago
You should add the MSR PES filter on there so you have 2 filters.
ArmyRanger10 4 years ago
Because you have to filter the water to a clear state to use the UV pen I think I would just as soon use this filter and be sure my water was safe
minibulldesign 4 years ago
I've used the K pro hiker with good effect. I got sick on the first five days out of Springer, twice, with Seychelle gravity filters. 600 miles on the AT with the Katadyn hiker pro, the filter started to get harder to pump, so I always knew when to get a new filter. $30.00 though! Ouch!
TogetherinParis 4 years ago
The danger is catching a virus because this filter does not have an iodine pack
minibulldesign 4 years ago
Get sweetwater chlorine drops to add to the filtered water.
ArmyRanger10 3 years ago
Thanks for the great video!
I hope you do more like it.
And the information about purfiers vs filters was an eye opener!
I do beliefe that "FIRET NEED PURFIERS" has a filter replacement cartridge that can be put in line after your water filter to make it a purfier. And it will work with gravity also.Ill check it out and let you know.
donfachabella 4 years ago
Yes --I beleive this is exactly the filter I use. It can be unscrewed and refilled with charcoal. You can get the charcoal from a sporting good store or from a tropical fish store--they use it to filter the tropical fish tank water
minibulldesign 4 years ago
What kind of charcoal filter do you use?
Its a great idea
donfachabella 4 years ago
I am using a charcoal filter that came with an old PUR water filter
minibulldesign 4 years ago
Tinny check this out it looks like the same water filter,great video, Don
Katadyn Carbon Cartridge
REI Item #7090060018
donfachabella 4 years ago
I took one of these on a 4 week trip in the Adirondacks. It cleaned water for 8 thirsty guys. What made it good was the fact that I could clean it and keep going. (It needed cleaning about once a week) The bad thing about it is once the ceramic filter is waterlogged, you can't get the water weight out of it. Once used, it weighs about half as much as a liter of water! It is great for durability and long trips, but I try to stick to light and cheap iodine pills for my short stuff.
WeekendAdventurer 4 years ago
I don't think the small amount of water the filter cartridge can soak up is heavy enough to even mention and measures to less than an ounce.
minibulldesign 4 years ago
Iodine pills are not good for your liver and you have to wait 4 hours before you can drink the water --so you will have to carry this water in your pack for 4 hours. This water is much heavier than the 15 oz filter. I don't know about you but I like to drink when I get thirsty not wait 4 hours. I won't even address the taste of iodine.
minibulldesign 4 years ago
You must have an updated design. Mine was purchased in 1999 and was green. (not that the color matters) Iodine kills most bacteria in 20min. Bever fever is the only one it takes 4 hours to kill. How do you feel about the UV pen?
WeekendAdventurer 4 years ago
How do you know weather you have beaver fever in your water or not? Do you really want to take the chance?
minibulldesign 4 years ago
Thanks for the tip on pressurizing the unit.
I've considered this unit as it seem to do a decent job for a reasonable price.
I know some folks will wrap a J-cloth around the water intake as a pre filter if there is a lot of algae.
I've been using Pristine for some time now, and it also does a good job.
Algonquin 4 years ago
Whatsa J-cloth
donfachabella 4 years ago
A J-cloth is a disposable/reusable cloth that you can buy at your local grocery or Walmart type retailer. Inexpensive, and now contain microban, which is supposed to inhibit bacterial growth. Using one as a prefilter just saves you from cleaning your ceramic filter as often in certain conditions.
Algonquin 4 years ago
THANKS!!!!
donfachabella 4 years ago