MSR Guardian Water Filter/Purifier Review

[@rcnut812]

I bought this filter about six months ago and in my opinion it is hands down the best one currently on the market. MSR Guardian=$350, clean potable water in the apocalypse=priceless.

[@livingsurvival]

AGREED.

[@jasmijnariel]

What apocalypse? 😂🤦‍♀️

[@dumb-old-trump]

did you survive the apocalypse?

[@rcnut812]

@@dumb-old-trumpIf and when then I’ll answer you with a yes. Until then I really wouldn’t consider it a lol matter. I take care of the people around me that I care about plus I use the filter in the mountains all the time in streams and lakes so there’s that…… good luck, you sound like you may need it.

[@anthonyfrench562]

@@rcnut812still holding up good?

[@DenisEvans]

I have had a number of MSR Mini Works over the years and this guys smokes them. After a long day hiking up to camp the last thing I wanted to was spend the considerable effort pumping clean water. That chore is now effectively removed. I would say the effort is now 1/3 of before. The integrity test is absolutely fantastic.

[@BearHartOutdoorsChannel]

that is the first pump filter I've seen that I'm impressed with!

[@austindenney1384]

I have had mine for a year and I found out the hard way that you cant filter silty water very well because it clogs up and pumping slows down, that cost me $180 for the new filter. Also make sure to get the maintenance kit right away because if you over pressure you will blow out the o-ring on the handle and it will need to be replaced. Works great after you figure things out, but still to heavy for someone looking to have a light pack. I have changed to the Portable Aqua Chlorine generator now.

[@leem.7565]

Austin Denney they say it has a silt screen. Does it not work?

[@Firmglint91]

Seems like a lot of problems for 349.99 lol

[@austindenney1384]

@@Firmglint91 it’s the only filter to filter out most viruses. People tend to get a little too aggressive with it, but slow and steady wins the game

[@Firmglint91]

@@austindenney1384 so pretty much use common sense lmao

[@hilarywhatley1335]

I bought a "Brown Bag" that works as a pre-filter since I live in swampy Florida. I think that will solve the problem and extend the life of any filter.

[@IIDASHII]

One upside that a lot of people seem to neglect is that the cost/liter for this PURIFIER is actually half that of many FILTERS out there. For example...$350/10,000L = $0.035. Compare with the Katadyn Hiker Pro, rated at 1200L per cartridge. $80/1200L = $0.067. Once you get the first filter replacement, the difference is even more. As long as this purifier works for the long haul, it is actually much cheaper than the competition that people put it up against, AND it is purifying, not just filtering.

[@mudyfronty05]

Great review and demonstration! I think there is a little confusion about this filter vs the other MSR filters that are available because there are comments about having this filter for years. This was introduced in January of this year and it is military grade. It can be frozen and the filter will remain intact and it back flushes itself while you pump. This is a lot more durable than the typical MSR filters.

[@livingsurvival]

agreed.

[@connorbarrow6441]

I mean at 350$ is quite good. If a 500ml bottle of water is 0.50$, times it by 2 to give 1$. 2 bottles = 1 liter = 1$. x10,000 = 10,000$ for 10000 liters of water, or spend 350$ to get the equivelant. May be expensive but worth it.

[@connorbarrow6441]

And for 350$ you could buy 700 water bottles. 700 water bottles is 350L, but you can pump 10k liters with the 350$ pump, make sense (lots of people hate math)

[@garyroney8565]

I jsut bought one for $89.00 at Cabelas...

[@livinglifeoutdoorstv6550]

I invested in Katadyn Pocket filters. Now I’m wishing I waited for this purifier.

[@xusmico187]

smart, clean cap on dirty surface really needs a silt prefilter.

[@DinnerForkTongue]

For this price, I expected chemical filtering. Even so, much too costly for my tastes. Hope you make good use of this one, Ben. Have some freshly filtered water for me.

[@randyyeager]

very cool, but at $350 USD....way way way out of my price range....

[@ShooterMedic1818]

agree

[@randyyeager]

I'm not saying it costs too much for what it is....I'm saying at $350....I'll have to save for a retarded amount of time to get it...

[@jeromebullard6123]

Randy Yeager just go to REI, grab one, and run like hell. They can afford it. It’s the Democratic thing to do.

[@GustoStCool]

@@jeromebullard6123 - HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Dominic_in_the_Outdoors]

The easy of use is fantastic, I think it would a be great for a group camping situation. Nice video, Dominic

[@livingsurvival]

Perfect for that.

[@shannonwaldhauer3345]

really nice, unfortunately most water sources near me are salt water

[@Rocksterrr]

Not back flushable? What do you do when it clogs? Filters bacteria and much smaller viruses but what about chemicals such as fertilizers, insecticides, petrochemicals and heavy metals? Does it have an activated charcoal element? Activated charcoal can help to filter the aforementioned contaminants as well as helping to "sweeten" or render tasteless otherwise stinky water. I thank you for reviewing this product and I think MSR makes great products but, personally, I want more in depth information.

[@BuckRogers2491]

10% of the filtered water is used for automatic back flush.

[@cliftonadams84]

Good review. One more thing worth mentioning when comparing it to other filters of its size is that it filters ten thousand plus litres. which is eight to ten times more then the others on average. which actually makes it cheaper per litre, by quite a bit.

[@livingsurvival]

GOod point.

[@Cavush]

Love the new been/Ben thingy !

[@iamcondescending]

me and my wife will fill water bladders for our hike into a campsite, and 40oz water bottles for campsite use. we definitely need to upgrade to this filter, for our next hike. the MSR exr isn't good for two.

[@livingsurvival]

If you have a decent water source (river, lake or stream) you really don’t need the guardian. Get a 2/3/4 liter gravity filter. Most likely all you need is bacterial filtration. Or you can get one that adds a carbon filter if you’re worried about taste from a scummy pond for example.

[@livingsurvival]

Have you checked out the grayl bottles?

[@DeborahChambers-t5r]

Thank you! That is cool.

[@sasukeuchiha998]

If people want to check this to see if its legit, you could always collect water samples of the untreated and treated waters in triplicates. Run it through a LC and use pure water as a standard. If there are other peaks outside of what is in the standard, then the filter isn't really doing a good job. If you really want to check what the contaminants are, you can run it through MS as well and use a database to determine what is in it. You could always do the same thing with GC if the compounds are volatile enough.

[@landminehopscotch3617]

Hi Ben! Great review, but at $350 it'll have to wait, but in the meantime what backpack is that?

[@livingsurvival]

kifaru urban zippy

[@renthal971]

Can the MSR Guardian filter out toxic algae?

[@glenloewen7507]

I bought this filter too but haven’t used it much. How’s it held up after six years?

[@michaelfabian2401]

$345.... NOPE! Killer review as always Ben! That's a little too rich for my blue collar blood tho lol. I'll stick with my Purity bottle and Sawyer Squeeze!

[@IIDASHII]

If you do a cost analysis of the filter ratings, you actually end up spending about half the money per liter over time.

[@andrewfisher5287]

My only concern with the the MSR Guardian is if that piston go's after long term proper use proper use meaning not pumping the handle at light speed that you will be unable to filter when needed.

[@livingsurvival]

Haven’t had any problems but I use this as emergency backup since Michigan lakes and streams you only need basic filtering

[@kingyeayea397]

Is this still the best one that filters EVERYTHING?

[@le4848]

No, for only about $100 USD, Not $350 USD like the MSR, you can get FIRST NEED XLE ELITE WATER PURIFIER pump system. Much better system, though maybe not the best option for lightweight backpacking.

[@motorcityman99]

New camera? Looks more crisp and clear.

[@Lellobeetle]

I have the MSR MiniWorks at $89, but it takes longer to pump it

[@livingsurvival]

nice

[@tysonjez]

Lellobeetle miniworks for $75 on sale...40 uv sterilizer. Safe water for 1/3 the cost. Yes ill need batteries, but for hunting/fishing/hiking its just fine

[@brad2king]

On another note.....what pack are you sporting? Great vids man. Keep it up.

[@Will-Parr]

Excellent presentation.

[@MrWinger1951]

Might be ok for home or car camping, but I wouldn't be lugging an extra 2.3 lbs around while backpacking. Good review.

[@livingsurvival]

right. all depends on the application. for me the speed is nice.

[@Ina-us6hl]

I bought one of this I have noticed there’s is something inside looks like a gel (and when you pump it there is squishy sound)

[@alanwilliams5836]

Thanks for the review, Ben. Nice as always. If I ever decide to travel to a place where viruses in the water are a concern, this would be a great option. A great idea for maybe someone going on mission to third world countries. For here in the mainland USA though, I'll stick to the Sawyer systems (modified) for my kit bags. Awesome review as always! Subscribe people... Ben puts out some great reviews and outdoors videos!

[@david69funk]

What water sources would you avoid when using this.

[@K_a_r_l_o_s]

I don't think it has a secondary carbon filter, so it won't filter out any chemicals, heavy metals and any bad tastes or smell. Not a problem out in the backcountry, but could be a problem when travelling abroad or in an emergency situation.

[@AvoidingChores]

good rundown

[@TRprepper]

Nice system my friend! I like it.

[@slick3676]

It appears you made no attempt to prevent cross contamination of the water. You put the clean side cap face down on the table and touched the clean side outlet after handling the pump and pickup tube (which would have been in contaminated water). Am I misunderstanding or is that unnecessary?

[@livingsurvival]

I guess I would be more careful if I wasn't familiar with the water source to begin with.

[@slick3676]

Thanks for the answer. Looking back, I guess my tone was not so good, but am truly just trying to learn how careful to be to keep from getting sick from the water.

[@mattheww8059]

I’ve shy away from it, and have gone with the kyadine pocket filter, have MSR re-engineered The leaking problem this filter is well known for?

[@Markam248]

I use the hiker pro by katadyne. Not sure of the spelling. But it is a great option. And it is around $100.00

[@livingsurvival]

i'm going to be checking one of those out too.

[@Markam248]

i used it on a 5 day hike at picture rocks. it works great.

[@DelayEdits]

Are there any cheap alternatives to this water filters? something cheaper?

[@jeffbuzzard6837]

Hi Ben how are you, good review, that looks like a really good water filter

[@jeeves744]

Ben are you worried about cross contamination when you put it back in the bag? Wouldn't left over "dirty" water from the intake drip over the rest of the unit and possibly cause contamination next time its used?

[@livingsurvival]

the cap would keep the part that the bottles touch and the clean water comes out of clean. so no.

[@barkriverbravo1]

So I get that this filters out the 3 nasties , but I find it strange I can find no mention of things like heavy metals or anything else. No Charcoal part ??

[@BuckRogers2491]

That's a negative on chemicals, heavy metals, and water contaminated by radiation.

[@markosball9388]

Excellent video as always

[@EricFabianLozano]

With the bottle being screwed on, where does the air expel as the water fills up? I saw you fill half the bottle then unscrewed it, wish you would've filled it up until it no longer pumped.

[@livingsurvival]

Easy E there are two hoses attached together. The other is for the air.

[@EricFabianLozano]

Living Survival I see I see. I like these type of systems over the straws or gravity fed type. Bulkier but easier.

[@The408Represent]

Damn 349USD on amazon! In Japan, Genuine MSR Guardian costs over 600.

[@BrosephRussell]

That's a cool water pump

[@TASmith10]

I'm curious how you can tell when the filter starts to fail. You just taste test?

[@gurizeigerman3775]

It wont pump anymore. It will start getting very difficult to pump. There is also an option to check the integrity of the system, if it leaks during the test, the cartridge is no good

[@CreativeRedundancy]

0:37 lol doing well too :D Great... I have friends that have the other MSR. models that 've tried.. maybe ill consider this. Is the filter replaceable do you know?

[@livingsurvival]

Creative Redundancy yes it is.

[@connorbarrow6441]

yea real reassuring "serious injury or death may result" real nice to know that considering im watching a video of a water purifier. Will i be seriously injured or die if i use it?! My god.. Such a good filter! (Sarcasm if no one could tell)

[@bluelude2001]

Still using this MSR Guardian?

[@MultiAnkr]

Do you like the Muv better than the Guardian??? I know the Muv can filter out more stuff, but the MSR just looks more solid with the pump and I like its one piece solution. Sometimes its hard to keep track on all of this small parts in the wilderness. What do you think? If you had to leave civilisation for some time, which one would you bring???

[@livingsurvival]

MSR is faster and better for groups. Both filter the same. The filter you got on you is the best one but personally I'd probably take the guardian because i'd be pumping for a group.

[@MazelTovCocktail]

I got myself one because I don’t want to take risks since I have autoimmune disease and gut issues. I generally go with a larger group too so this filter is perfect for me, just really expensive tho

[@LouisTaylorLife]

Anyone had this for years? Looking for a purifier to filter water whilst travelling the world, need something easy to use, lasts for 1000's of litres and I can rely on, I'm heading that these are prone to breaking

[@livingsurvival]

This for a camp situation or if you want a water bottle that will handle it all look at the GRAYL

[@Dylan-dt8dz]

Does the filter fit into the threads on the klean kanteen?

[@livingsurvival]

yes

[@randyyeager]

good video btw!

[@mrterrylw]

Nice... Unfortunately, it's $349 on Amazon. I have the MSR MiniWorks Ceramic Filter

[@livingsurvival]

Yep, the virus protection is what you are buying here. Nice for use in other countries or flood/hurricane locations.

[@livingsurvival]

I'm waiting for them to update their microfilter. I like that size of that one!

[@tysonjez]

FEMA Resident #20314 just get a uv pen light for water sterization. Like $40 in canada. Use that in conjunction with a regular msr filter and you have the same thing at a much cheaper price

[@DriveShaftDrew]

nice

[@240weatherby3]

oh wow that is expensive

[@gavincatt607]

I need one

[@le4848]

People if you need water purification not for backpacking, since it is somewhat heavy and big, then checkout FIRST NEED XLE ELITE WATER PURIFIER pump system. Makes the MSR look like an expensive toy.

[@paganphil100]

le4848: The FIRST NEED is cheaper for a reason.....it can only process 818 litres (using UK measurement) / 681 litres (using US measurement) before the filter cartridge needs to be replaced. The GUARDIAN is more expensive but it can process 10,000 litres before the cartridge needs replacing....that's a big difference. The GUARDIAN is also self-cleaning.

[@gurizeigerman3775]

@@paganphil100 The guardian is also incredibly unreliable and has broken both at the pump handle and the filter cartridge seal for many users. MSR refuses to acknowledge it as a manufacturing issue. The first need has been on the market for decades since the 1980s and has been independently tested and certified to meet EPA water purification standards for bacteria, viruses, pollution, etc. It's Made in USA as well. If it came down to reliability, I'd get the First Need over the MSR Guardian purely out of the fact that it has a nearly flawless track record among hardcore backcountry and third world travelers.

[@nikolajc7617]

whats so special in that filter when it filteres virus where other filters cant remove virus????

[@livingsurvival]

Nearly all of them can’t.

[@shamitoson]

.01 microns vs .1 microns, viruses are too small for most filters, which have a .1 micron. This filters particles ten times smaller than a sawyer.

[@gavinstinson9450]

Simply

[@stevehowards6220]

I remember eve mentioned a name called Alexascard on telegram here I guess now I got a cc from him...

[@stevegaymer9764]

We well like at this filler

[@tmac4809]

at the website it has cancer

[@SonofRobinson-lo5qo]

Since 4:07 edit. You drink another water.

[@-FREAKSHOW]

$350.... if you want the best.

[@drivin69]

i almost bought one a few years ago but decided i liked kanadine water filter a bit better... protected against gardaya and the other bacteria... mine has a stone filter that needs to be cleaned when it needs it.... ya there great.. but they are heavy...cool

[@livingsurvival]

yep this one does all that.