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 in addition purifies it, eradicating practically all dangerous pathogens.
The one factor it lacks is a carbon filter to remove some chemical substances and heavy metals. The Guardian complies with strict protocols utilized by the navy for “worst case situation” water sources, however we additionally check it ourselves by pumping filth, silt, mud, and the rest we will discover by way of it. Because of its self-cleaning mechanism, the Guardian had one of the best 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 eventualities, it’s not your best option for informal or ultralight backpackers. Its sturdy casing is kind of heavy, as is its value. Nevertheless, once 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 may discover. We pumped it stuffed with mud, silt, and sand to see how effectively it will carry out within the harshest situations.
Fast Specs
MSR Guardian
Finest Filter for Purifying the Worst of the Worst Water
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.6/5.0
Worth:
$390
Weight:
1 lb. 1.3 oz.
Move Price:
2.5 L/min
Filter Pore Dimension:
.02 microns
Lifetime Quantity:
10,000 L
Professionals
- Nice stream price
- 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 high. 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 growing nations or closely traveled backcountry areas. The purification high quality of the MSR Guardian meets NSF protocol P248, or the U.S. navy’s commonplace for treating the worst-case water sources.
Evidently, the Guardian additionally removes the flavors brought on by many contaminants from the water. It transforms even the nastiest sources into drinkable water you’d be pleased to have popping out of your faucet at residence.
Ease of Use
The Guardian takes barely longer to arrange than speedy squeeze filters, however it’s nonetheless simple 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 purpose the filter on the container of your selection. Then, simply drop the pre–filter into the supply and begin pumping.
The lengthy deal with affords ample leverage for pumping, even when silty sources problem the filter’s limits. When the pre-filter is sufficiently moist, it blocks air from coming into, permitting the filter to pump water even from a shallow puddle.
Therapy Time
The MSR Guardian is the quickest water filter on our listing. It filters water practically as rapidly 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. Because of the filter’s self-cleaning mechanism, it returns to its regular filtering price after just a few liters of contemporary water.
Weight
The most important disadvantage of the MSR Guardian air purifier is its weight and hulking dimension. It weighs about 1 lb. 9.4 oz, which far exceeds ultralight requirements for a water filter, but when you already know 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 dimension of a one-liter wide-mouth water bottle. All of the elements 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 straightforward. It wants no further steps aside from pumping water by way of the filter. The Guardian mechanically cleans itself with every pump stroke, so there’s no want for backflushing or filter scrubbing. Should you take a look at the hose, you’ll see an enter aspect for clear water and an output aspect for soiled water. You’ll be able to even see the filter expel filth and sediment as you pump.
The Guardian is as sturdy as it’s hassle-free. It could stand up to drops as much as six ft on concrete (we double-checked) and will be frozen. Simply be sure you don’t pump any water by way of it till it’s absolutely thawed. The filter cartridge has a lifespan of over 10,000 liters and will 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 check you possibly can carry out to make sure it’s nonetheless functioning. The check can simply be carried out within the discipline so long as you’ve a Nalgene and a few water.
Ought to You Purchase the MSR Guardian?
Due to its excessive price and hulking dimension and weight, the Guardian is finest for backpackers coping with the worst water sources. Nevertheless, in these instances, there isn’t any filter extra appropriate.
The Guardian is specifically designed to filter out viruses together with widespread contaminants like micro organism, parasites, and sediment. There’s simply not a lot that may go by way of its tiny pores.
One other benefit of its dimension and value is its sturdiness and simple 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 finances backpackers or these making an attempt to save lots of weight. Nevertheless, for vacationers in growing nations or coping with the worst water sources, the Guardian is crucial gear.
What Different Water Filters Ought to You Take into account?
For some extra inexpensive and light-weight water filters, take a look at our full information to backpacking water filters.
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter Evaluate: Should you 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 selection.
Aquamira Evaluate: Aquamira is a good therapy possibility that additionally kills viruses. It’s a lot lighter and extra inexpensive, however is finest suited to deep, clear water sources. Amassing water isn’t as simple as pumping, and it doesn’t take away sediment.
