Water filter replacement question

[Thor0331]

I'm planning on doing a backcountry hunt later this year. I have an MSR mini works EX filter system purchased in 2017. Hasn't been used since 2017 but only used it a few times to filter water from high elevation creeks. I can't find any way to contact MSR directly anymore. My question is if you think I should replace the filter itself to be safe or just maintenance it if appears to be in good condition. Just been in storage for eight years. Or maybe go for a better type of filter system? I see there are a few better options now. Thanks in advance.

 

[teamwhitebelly]

run a high diluted solution of bleach and domestic water thru it and see how your flow is. Those filters should be good for 10k gallons especially if clean water was filtered

 

[dtrkyman]

It will likely filter just fine but the flow rate will suck, test it!

 

[Danny Hoey]

I think the ceramic filter would be just fine. You can sand down the outer layer with a green scratch pad and use the gauge to make sure there is enough filter media left. It's a good idea to clean, rinse and sanitize after and before the season anyway.

 

[mtnbound]

I'm planning on doing a backcountry hunt later this year. I have an MSR mini works EX filter system purchased in 2017. Hasn't been used since 2017 but only used it a few times to filter water from high elevation creeks. I can't find any way to contact MSR directly anymore. My question is if you think I should replace the filter itself to be safe or just maintenance it if appears to be in good condition. Just been in storage for eight years. Or maybe go for a better type of filter system? I see there are a few better options now. Thanks in advance.

It's probably just fine, but I prefer the dirty bag method of filtering over pumping all the water.

 

[Maverick1]

The filter itself should be fine. They clog and need cleaning after a certain volume of water flows through them, or they become blocked with sedimentation, dirt, grime, etc. If has just been sitting on the shelf and not used the filter and flow rate should be fine.

In regards to the filter itself, there are lighter options on the market now. I used a MSR mini works EX filter system for many years - it was easy to clean, just required some disassembly. I really disliked pumping, especially after a two week trip! That part sucked.

I have moved on to the Sawyer Squeeze system and it is better all around: lighter weight, cheaper to buy a second/backup filter cartridge, easier to squeeze the bag vs. pumping the mini works. With the syringe backwash method of cleaning, I am not as confident the filter is "clean" as I was scrubbing the mini works filter - when that happens I just grab a backup filter ($20-$25) and keep going.

Also, you don't contact MSR - they are owned by Cascade Designs.