Ceramic gauge indicates when to replace ceramic element.Fully field maintainable- disassemble and maintain in the field without tools.Thread stop design prevents over-tightening.Solid block carbon eliminates odors and chemicals and improves taste.Ceramic filter cartridge with AirSpring Accumulator? - this newly designed ceramic cartridge traps air in the filter housing, maintaining a constant pressure in the cartridge- pushing more water in less time.High compression piston filters more efficiently.Duckbill valve offers more consistent performance.While the MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter is a pump action filter, the newest version helps make use of the back pumping motion. Ergonomic wider sculpted handle is more comfortable to grip and hollow to reduce weight. A nice feature of the MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter is that it is designed to screw directly on to your Nalgene or similar water bottle, as well as MSR Dromedary bags.It takes a little effort but you get the assurance that you won't be hugging the toilet bowl a week later when the giardia sets in. Compact and light- perfect for day hikes. The MSR MiniWorks EX is a great water filter that has provided me 3 years of dependable service.It's lightweight and compact and, most importantly, been proven reliable by thousands of adventurers just like you.
The Katadyn is lighter at 11 ounces, but the MSR has a significantly longer filter life at 2,000 liters (the MSR is. Both filters have the same pore size (0.2 microns) and protect against Giardia and cryptosporidium, but not viruses. Thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator, it's capable of pumping one liter per minute and the flow rate can be renewed easily and repeatedly in the field-no tools required. If you’re considering the Katadyn but want a longer filter life, MSR’s MiniWorks EX might fit the bill. Engineered for frequent and heavy use, it utilizes a Marathon EX carbon/ceramic element to ensure clean, reliable and taste-free water. The MSR MiniWorks EX microfilter delivers long-lasting, field-maintainable water filtration in demanding environments.