MSR Guardian Purifier System for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

8.6
out of 10
14 Positive, 1 Mixed & 2 Negative
from 17 Reviews
Retail Price:
$349.95
Used Value:
$209.97
Sale Value:
$314.96

The MSR Guardian Purifier System is the perfect way to ensure safe and clean drinking water when heading out into the wild. Developed in tandem with the US military, this easy-to-use pump-action system uses advanced Hollow Fiber technology to filter out protozoa, bacteria, particulate, and even viruses with unparalleled effectiveness. With a fast flow rate of up to 2.5 liters per minute, the Guardian is an ideal choice for longer trips. Its self-cleaning design flushes contaminants from the filter with every stroke, so it never gets clogged or becomes less effective. An included water-bottle adapter makes for convenient fill-ups, and it even has a cartridge life indicator to let you know when it's time to replace the filter (which, by the way, is good for at least 10,000L of filtration). With the MSR Guardian Purifier System, you can feel confident that you're always drinking fresh, clean water straight from the source.

Hollow Fiber Technology

Hollow Fiber Technology

The Guardian Purifier System uses innovative Hollow Fiber Technology to filter out protozoa, bacteria, particulate, and viruses from the water. This technology is highly effective, filtering out contaminants at a rate of up to 2.5 liters per minute. The filter is also highly durable, with a lifespan of at least 10,000L, so you can rely on it for many trips to come. The Hollow Fiber Technology used in the Guardian is the same technology used by the US military, so you can trust it to keep you safe in even the harshest conditions.
Pump-Action Design

Pump-Action Design

The Guardian's pump-action design makes it easy to use, even when you're on the move. You simply pump the handle to filter water, with no need for batteries or electricity. The pump is highly efficient, filtering out contaminants with each stroke, so you don't need to spend hours filtering water. The pump is also designed to be highly durable, withstanding even the most rugged conditions.
Self-Cleaning Design

Self-Cleaning Design

One of the key features of the Guardian is its self-cleaning design. With every stroke of the pump, 10% of the water is used to flush contaminants from the filter. This means that the filter never gets clogged, and remains highly effective for longer. The wastewater is discharged through a tube that runs parallel to the intake, so it's easy to dispose of. The self-cleaning design means that you can rely on the Guardian to provide clean water, even when you're in remote areas.
Water-Bottle Adapter

Water-Bottle Adapter

The Guardian comes with a water-bottle adapter, which makes it easy to fill up your water bottle on the go. The adapter fits most standard water bottles, so you can use it with your existing gear. The adapter is also highly durable, so you don't need to worry about it breaking or failing when you need it most. With the water-bottle adapter, you can quickly and easily fill up your water bottle, without the need for additional equipment.

Specifications

Brand:
MSR
Action:
pump
Cartridge Life:
10,000+ L
Claimed Weight:
1lb 1oz
Dimensions:
8 x 5in
Eliminates:
protozoa, bacteria, viruses, particulate
Field Cleanable:
yes
Flow:
2.5L / min, 30/35 strokes / L
Includes:
water bottle adapter, cartride replacement indicator
Manufacturer Warranty:
limited 3 years
Pore Size:
0.02 micron
Purifying Element:
Hollow Fiber
Recommended Use:
camping, backpacking

Full Reviews

10
This is a great filter. A well respected review site summarized the Guardian as "excessive for use in North America". Apparently the reviewer never spent much time in the middle of the country. In the Midwest and plains states, rivers and streams are loaded with sediment. Only a filter like this will work without getting rapidly clogged.
Gaboury B., backcountry.com
December 4, 2020
2
This filter has a tendency to fail at the bottom O-ring and spew untreated water without filling my container. Its a good thin i brought iodine backup on my trip. There are less-expensive purifiers on the market with less risk of failing than this $340 unit. I Just contacted MSR about my issue and will update this review once they get back to me with a solution to the problem
Rob, backcountry.com
February 24, 2020
10
After years of using squeeze bottles and gravity bags, this filtration system has changed the game for me. Taking a fraction of the time and being so user-friendly makes this system far superior to most. The best part about the filtration system is being Nalgene compatible, such a cool feature!
Caleb Rio-Anderson, backcountry.com
August 14, 2019
10
This is expensive but absolutely necessary for long haul trips into the backcountry or otherwise remote destinations where fresh water is not readily accessible and/or you have to travel light. Haven't gotten sick once but have seen plenty of friends get giardia and get knocked out from the symptoms. There are critics who don't like the long tube or the big handle. I like both because the long tube gives you some latitude in placing the water suction in a particular place in a lake or river (ideally a cleaner area with less debris), and the larger handle makes it a lot easier to pump multiple gallons of water if you are trying to get clean water for storage or cooking. The longer tube is also helpful for preventing cross-contamination where the smaller self-contained units can get cross contamination since the filtered vs. non-filtered water are often right next to each other or an errant splash can contaminate the filtered water. This is expensive but it is worth every penny if you know how to use it and need to pump more than just a couple sips or a personal water supply.
Tom J, backcountry.com
November 17, 2018
10
Although a bit of a splurge given the price--there are cheaper options that will generally get the job done--this works, it works fast, and it gives me peace of mind no matter the water source. I like the freedom of being able to go anywhere and everywhere without worrying about whether I will find a suitable water source (if you haven't seen MSR's promotional video for this being tested in the Cordillera Blanca then definitely check it out below; that's what sold me on it and I have not been disappointed). Now my entire group drinks with confidence no matter the water source!
Jason Hans, backcountry.com
February 3, 2018
6
This is a phenomenal filter. Simple to use and quick but a bit on the heavy side. However, I broke one of them on my last long hike. It is as if the filter clogs and doesn't back-flush very well. Pump get harder and harder to use over time leading to the handle breaking off due to pressure (in my case). MSR has GREAT customer service and replaced the filter quickly. However, I could feel the new one slowing down and starting to get more difficult to pump. Would highly recommend purchasing after they improve backflushing. For simplicity and weight, I have switched to a GravityWorks
Nick Vitale, backcountry.com
January 25, 2018
10
I haven’t had a chance to really put this through the wringer but I know it is amazing! I spend most of my packing in high mountains and have access to “clean” water so this pump is probably overkill...but why not? I have been using the MSR miniworks and am sold on MSR.
Zak Farrington, backcountry.com
December 26, 2017
8
Super good and the water was tasty. the pump is nice and fast, while being quite as well. my only complaint is that it doesn't include a hose for the water coming out to place in a bladder or other bottle that does fit the typical screw on bottle
Travis McGrew, backcountry.com
September 7, 2017
8
We spent a lot of time researching and reading multiple reviews on water purifiers. We even went to local stores to test and handle the different options and the Guardian Purifier System is super easy to use and won out - hands down. The red cap on the bottom of the purifier is simple and easy to twist on and off. This will keep the outlet hose clean and prevent it from being contaminated. The hose wraps around the purifier for easy storage and fits well in the carry case. The handle is super easy to pump. We recently took this on a trip and was able to fill a 2 gallon collapsible water jug in about 10 minutes. So far, I have only used the Guardian in clear water and it works great. When attaching the bladder hose to the bottom of the purifier, my 3L bladder is filled in 1-2 minutes. The only down side to this product is that the prefilter is supposed to sit under the water. If you don't hold the purifier just right, the prefilter will partially come out of the water or will pop out all the way due to the hose being rigid. Find the right way to hold the purifier to keep the hose straight and the prefilter in the water and this will flow quickly and efficiently. Overall, a fantastic purchase and super lightweight. Great buy!
Chanae H., backcountry.com
August 13, 2017
10
The Guardian is the Cadillac of purifiers! Worth every penny once you taste the endless clean water on demand. Nine of us drank & ate freely for a week with no problem.
Kevin S., backcountry.com
August 4, 2017
10
I used this on a group trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal where the rivers, streams, and glaciers, while beautiful, are teeming with human and animal waste. The guys in the group all had various methods and systems of purification, and by day 3 they were all lining up while I pumped their water from the Guardian. They were all so impressed that they were abandoning their systems and looking to buy the Guardian when they returned. The shear ease, reliability, and rate of production makes the Guardian worth the extra money. If you are planning on traveling anywhere that requires a water purification system, or even filtering for that matter, you won't be disappointed with this pump.
Scott L., backcountry.com
June 12, 2017
10
On the pct my 3 liters were running low so I decided to test this on a really nasty small pond in Oregon. To my surprise the water went from a dark green/brownish color to completely clear. Ok it's going to taste like crap though right? Not even a little. It tasted great! Better than the smart water bottle I still had partially filled with hotel water. I ended up using it everywhere even though I really may not have needed to just because it was so fast and easy, why not? It was always worth it, even if simply to improve to the taste of my chicken teriyaki meal I was about to rehydrate:) I highly recommend this purifier! I will always be looking anywhere else to shed ounces as the Guardian will be an essential part of my backcountry kit for years to come.
Rod T., backcountry.com
May 30, 2017
10
I was able to get this purifier through MSR on a pro deal discount and it is in my opinion the best way to treat water out there. I am a volunteer in Uganda and have to treat all of my drinking water so this being a 1 step solution makes it as easy and quick as possible. I've been using this everyday since June (a little over 8 months as of this writing) and have had no issues. I normally retrieve water from a clear water source but I have also used it retrieving water from murky lakes and streams when back packing and it always gives clear, safe, good tasting drinking water. It's not the smallest thing to pack, but this minor negative is by far out weighed by all the perks. - Never having to back flush - Removes virus and bacteria, which as someone who teaches water sanitation here geeked out about that they have finally made a filter type purifier, making a one step method to safe drinking water. No more boiling or UV required. -Is pretty quick, I can feel up my nalgene bottle in little time. - One filter cartridge last a very long time. For me this was a big reason to get it. Getting things shipped to me here in Uganda isn't the easiest so I wanted something that would last a while and this so far has. Overall. Get it, it's expensive but that's just because it's that awesome. UPDATE: I've now used this filter over 2 years and it's still working just as good as the day I got it. I ordered the maintenance kit after a year and it was super easy to do. After 2 years of use I would still recommend this filter to anyone
Ryan W Shafer, backcountry.com
February 13, 2017
10
I used it this weekend in the melting snow. It pumps super fast and the water is great! I love mountain water! it was way lighter Then I thought it would be too. With it being military grade i thought it would be super heavy. Not so.
Zachary Titus, backcountry.com
January 17, 2017
2
I purchased the MSR Guardian after speaking with MSR on 3 different occasions as well as several local shops. All assured me the Guardian was the perfect filter to take to the Grand Canyon to filter silty water. After filtering 15 liters of moderately silty water the filter died, all the water was being returned via the outlet hose. Following the directions, I cleaned the pressure relief valve but found it to be perfectly clean. The next step in the instructions is to replace the filter, unfortunately not an option deep in a remote section of the Grand Canyon. The filter appeared to be perfectly clean. When I called MSR, they admitted the Guardian has problems with silty water and was told “we’ve had problems with this pump”. Of course this is unacceptable since they advertise this pump as being made for “worse case sediment”. This ruined a 7 day backpack and forced us to hike out and drive 50 miles to purchase some treatment tables. I should have had a backup but everyone I talked to about this pump assured me of it's reliability. I expected much more of this product and from MSR Customer service.
Robert P., backcountry.com
November 13, 2016
10
When I look at filters, I take flow, maintenance, and what gets eliminated into consideration. I'm not much of an ultralight backpacker, so weight isn't a huge deal. When it comes to my top considerations, the Guardian wins at all three. First, it's fast! I've been upset with several other filters that claim to pump water at 1L/min, and 5-10 minutes later my Nalgene still isn't full. The Guardian though, easily filled my Nalgene within 30 seconds of continuous pumping. I'd even fill my 10L Dromedary bladder with this thing! The handle is long, providing better leverage so you don't get fatigued as fast. The pre-filter also doesn't have to be completely submerged to suck water, so you don't have to worry about managing the hose to get the pump working at full flow. Second, the upkeep of this is so easy. Just toss the hose pre-filter in the water, pump what you need, then wrap it back up. There's no need to flush the system, wipe the filter element, etc. Finally, the Guardian filters all of the nasties! I'm 100% confident drinking the water that this filter pumps out, as long as I'm not directly downstream of a sewage treatment plant (More of a personal rule than a fear of the Guardian not doing its job).
Jeff Catalano, backcountry.com
May 31, 2016
10
The system is extremely easy to use while in the field. You unravel the hose which wraps around the housing of the Guardian and then just drop it right into your water source. From there you can attach a Nalgene or I use the Dromlite for backpacking. It's a bit heavy at about 1 lb., however I think the peace of mind is worth it. I also don't have to deal with the slow output of Sawyer every time I take a drink, which drives me nuts. Plus this is actually a purifier and is blocking viruses where others are just filters and don't block as many nasties. With all of these new viruses coming out I think it's becoming essential to actually purify the water. MSR has great customer service and builds great products. It's great to have an all in one solution for purifying water.
Chris C., backcountry.com
February 21, 2016

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