Backside Line
The MSR Guardian is the 4×4 pickup truck of water filters. It’s the sturdy, reliable workhorse that handles the hardest jobs with ease. The Guardian not solely filters water but additionally purifies it, eradicating practically all dangerous pathogens.
The one factor it lacks is a carbon filter to get rid of some chemical substances and heavy metals. The Guardian complies with strict protocols utilized by the army for “worst case situation” water sources, however we additionally take a look at it ourselves by pumping filth, silt, mud, and anything we are able to discover via it. Due to its self-cleaning mechanism, the Guardian had the most effective stream retention out of all of the filters we examined.
As a result of the Guardian is extra of a distinct segment filter designed for difficult situations, it’s not the only option for informal or ultralight backpackers. Its sturdy casing is kind of heavy, as is its value. Nonetheless, while you face extraordinarily hazardous water choices, there’s no value you possibly can put in your well being and well-being.
How We Examined
We examined the bounds of this water air purifier with the nastiest water we might discover. We pumped it filled with mud, silt, and sand to see how nicely it will carry out within the harshest circumstances.
Fast Specs
MSR Guardian
Greatest Filter for Purifying the Worst of the Worst Water
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.6/5.0
Value:
$390
Weight:
1 lb. 1.3 oz.
Move Charge:
2.5 L/min
Filter Pore Dimension:
.02 microns
Lifetime Quantity:
10,000 L
Execs
- Nice stream fee
- Very sturdy
- Self-cleans because it filters
- Kills viruses
Cons
- Very heavy/cumbersome
- Very costly
Water High quality
The water high quality produced by the MSR Guardian is totally tip prime. It not solely filters out micro organism, protozoa, parasites, sediment, and microplastics; it additionally purifies the water by killing viruses. The latter is a vital safety when touring in creating international locations or closely traveled backcountry areas. The purification high quality of the MSR Guardian meets NSF protocol P248, or the U.S. army’s normal for treating the worst-case water sources.
For sure, the Guardian additionally removes the flavors attributable to many contaminants from the water. It transforms even the nastiest sources into drinkable water you’d be completely satisfied to have popping out of your faucet at dwelling.
Ease of Use
The Guardian takes barely longer to arrange than fast squeeze filters, however it’s nonetheless straightforward to function. It’s prepared to make use of in nearly 30 seconds.
The method begins by unscrewing the underside cap and unraveling the hose, being cautious to not contaminate both half with soiled water. The clear finish of the filter screws securely onto a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle, successfully stopping any spills. Alternatively, you possibly can intention the filter on the container of your alternative. Then, simply drop the pre–filter into the supply and begin pumping.
The lengthy deal with gives ample leverage for pumping, even when silty sources problem the filter’s limits. When the pre-filter is sufficiently moist, it blocks air from getting into, permitting the filter to pump water even from a shallow puddle.
Remedy Time
The MSR Guardian is the quickest water filter on our checklist. It filters water practically as shortly as you possibly can pump, reliably filtering a liter in about 30 seconds. In different phrases, it takes roughly 40 pumps to filter one liter.
Soiled water will decelerate the filter time briefly. After filtering about two and a half gallons of muddy, silty water, the subsequent liter of unpolluted water solely took about 50 seconds. Due to the filter’s self-cleaning mechanism, it returns to its regular filtering fee after just a few liters of recent water.
Weight
The largest downside of the MSR Guardian air purifier is its weight and hulking measurement. It weighs about 1 lb. 9.4 oz, which far exceeds ultralight requirements for a water filter, but when you recognize you’ll be encountering worse-case water sources, you’ll be glad to have it.
When it’s all packed up, the Guardian is concerning the measurement of a one-liter wide-mouth water bottle. All of the parts are conveniently saved on the filter itself – the cap screws onto the underside, and the hose wraps neatly across the housing. They even embrace a sturdy, sturdy carrying case, though it’s not essential to pack it away neatly.
Upkeep & Longevity
Sustaining and cleansing the Guardian is easy. It wants no further steps apart from pumping water via the filter. The Guardian mechanically cleans itself with every pump stroke, so there’s no want for backflushing or filter scrubbing. For those who have a look at the hose, you’ll see an enter facet for clear water and an output facet for soiled water. You possibly can even see the filter expel filth and sediment as you pump.
The Guardian is as sturdy as it’s hassle-free. It could actually face up to drops as much as six ft on concrete (we double-checked) and may be frozen. Simply ensure you don’t pump any water via it till it’s totally thawed. The filter cartridge has a lifespan of over 10,000 liters and may be changed when it’s spent as a substitute of shopping for a complete new unit.
The filter is designed for servicing within the discipline, and in case you ever doubt its effectiveness, there’s a air purifier integrity take a look at you possibly can carry out to make sure it’s nonetheless functioning. The take a look at can simply be finished within the discipline so long as you could have a Nalgene and a few water.
Ought to You Purchase the MSR Guardian?
Due to its excessive value and hulking measurement and weight, the Guardian is finest for backpackers coping with the worst water sources. Nonetheless, in these instances, there isn’t a filter extra appropriate.
The Guardian is specifically designed to filter out viruses together with frequent contaminants like micro organism, parasites, and sediment. There’s simply not a lot that may move via its tiny pores.
One other benefit of its measurement and price is its sturdiness and straightforward upkeep. The revolutionary self-cleaning mechanism makes filtering easy, regardless of the water high quality.
Finally, we wouldn’t suggest the MSR Guardian for many funds backpackers or these attempting to avoid wasting weight. Nonetheless, for vacationers in creating international locations or coping with the worst water sources, the Guardian is crucial gear.
What Different Water Filters Ought to You Think about?
For some extra reasonably priced and light-weight water filters, try our full information to backpacking water filters.
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter Assessment: For those who like the concept of a pump filter for shallow water sources however don’t want the Guardian’s options, the Katadyn Hiker is a lighter and cheaper alternative.
Aquamira Assessment: Aquamira is a superb therapy choice that additionally kills viruses. It’s a lot lighter and extra reasonably priced, however is finest fitted to deep, clear water sources. Amassing water isn’t as straightforward as pumping, and it doesn’t take away sediment.
