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MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier: Comprehensive Review & Analysis

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1. Overview of MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier

  • Filtration capability: Removes 99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria, and 99.9% of protozoa.
  • Filter type: Advanced hollow-fiber technology with activated carbon.
  • Flow rate: 1 liter in about 2 minutes (0.5 liters per minute).
  • Capacity: 10-liter reservoir.
  • Lifetime filtration capacity: Up to 3000 liters.
  • Weight: 18.7 ounces (about 1.17 pounds).
  • Dimensions:
    • In use: 12.5 x 4 inches.
    • Packed down: 8.2 x 4.7 inches.
  • Power source: Gravity-powered (no batteries or pumping needed).
  • Accessories: Includes universal bottle adapter, hoses, and zippered carry case.
  • Made in: USA.
  • Storage: Requires moist storage to maintain filter effectiveness.

2. Pros

  • Highly effective filtration: Removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa, sediment, and microplastics.
  • Fast flow rate: Delivers 1 liter of clean water in about 2 minutes.
  • Large capacity: 10-liter reservoir is ideal for group trips or base camps.
  • No manual pumping: Gravity-powered for ease of use.
  • Durable and long-lasting: Military-grade construction with up to 3000 liters of use.
  • Lightweight for its size: Portable enough for backcountry and global travel.
  • Universal bottle adapter: Allows easy filling of different containers.
  • User-friendly: Simple to set up and operate, with quick backflushing for maintenance.

3. Cons

  • High price point: More expensive than other gravity filters or water purifiers.
  • Requires moist storage: Must be stored wet, which can be inconvenient.
  • Weight: Heavier than some other portable filters (not ideal for ultralight backpacking).
  • Purge hose: Some users report that the hose attachments feel flimsy.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning and backflushing required to maintain flow rate.
Table of Contents
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Full Review

Edmund
Written by Edmund Yeo

Outdoor adventures are exciting, but safe drinking water can be a challenge. You need a reliable solution to stay hydrated and healthy on your trips. The MSR Guardian Gravity Water Purifier might be just what you're looking for.

MSR Guardian Gravity Water Purifier

This leading gravity purifier claims to make water from almost any source safe to drink. It's designed for backcountry use, global travel, and even emergencies. Let's take a closer look at what it offers.

The Guardian Gravity uses a two-stage system to clean water. It gets rid of nasty stuff like viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. It also removes sediment, microplastics, and other contaminants, reducing unpleasant tastes and smells.

As a bonus, it helps reduce chemicals that might be present in the water. As a bonus, it helps reduce chemicals that might be present in the water, making it an effective treatment device for outdoor and emergencies.

Using this water filter seems pretty simple. You hang up the 10-liter bag at the optimal reservoir hang height, and let gravity do the work. In about 2 minutes, you can have one liter of clean, purified water ready to drink.

Bottom Line

If you're a frequent camper or traveler who needs safe water on the go, the MSR Guardian Gravity Water Purifier is worth checking out. Its ease of use and effectiveness make it a solid choice for outdoor adventures, especially in challenging wilderness water sources.

Unboxing the Guardian Gravity Purifier

When you first get your hands on the Guardian, you'll notice the compact system fits easily into smaller packs. As you open it up, you're greeted by a neatly packed system.

Inside, you'll find the purifier unit, a 10-liter reservoir, purge hose flushes, and all the necessary hoses. The universal bottle adapter is a nice touch, letting you fill up different containers easily, including a Nalgene bottle.

The carry case is a handy addition, keeping everything tidy and protected. As you lay out all the parts, you'll be struck by how lightweight and portable the whole system is.

It's clear this purifier is built for adventure, with military-grade construction, ready to tag along on your next outdoor trip or serve as a backup for emergencies at home.

Detailed Features and Specifications

This gravity-powered purifier brings clean water to your outdoor adventures with ease. Let's dive into what makes it stand out.

Hassle-Free Water Filtration on the Go

You'll appreciate how simple this system is to use. Just hang the 10-liter reservoir about 6 feet up, and you'll have a liter of clean water in around 2 minutes. The setup comes with everything you need, including hoses to purge air from the system, ensuring a steady flow:

  • Two-stage purifier

  • 10L reservoir

  • Universal bottle adapter

  • Hoses

  • Zippered carry case

Reliability Against All Microorganisms

This gravity filter doesn't mess around when it comes to clean water. It uses advanced hollow-fiber tech to get rid of 99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria, and 99.9% of protozoa, making it a superior choice for those looking for virus removal.

MSR claims that the purifier meets the most rigorous scientific certification, including the NSF protocol P248 military testing standard, originally designed for military and emergency use.

Effortless Setup and Operation

You don't need to be a tech whiz to use this purifier. It's gravity-powered, so there's no pumping or batteries to worry about. The flow rates are impressive, delivering high flow at about 0.5 liters per minute, meaning you can quickly fill water bottles for multiple people or large groups.

Occasional backflushing is required to maintain flow rate, but this ensures it remains effective over long-term use.

Compact and Portable Design

This purifier is made for life on the trail and in developing nations alike. The device is built for long-term use, covering daily water needs up to 3000 liters. Its compact size also means it fits into carry-on luggage, making it travel-friendly. Here's what you need to know about its size:

  • Measures 12.5 x 4 inches when in use

  • Packs down to 8.2 x 4.7 inches

  • Weighs just 18.7 ounces (about 1.17 pounds)

That's light enough to bring on backpacking trips without weighing you down too much.

The purifier is built to last, with a lifetime capacity of up to 3000 liters. It's made in the USA, which might give you extra peace of mind about its quality.

One thing to keep in mind: you need to store it moist to keep those tiny 0.2-micron holes from sticking shut. This might be a bit of a pain, but it's part of what makes it so good at cleaning water.

Setup and User Experience

Getting clean water in the backcountry is a breeze with this gravity purifier. You'll find the setup quick and straightforward, with backflushing required occasionally to maintain the flow rate.

The system works fast, giving you a liter of pure water in about 2 minutes when hung 6 feet up. It's user-friendly, with no pumping needed.

You'll appreciate how easy it is to fill the reservoir and let gravity do the work. The universal bottle adapter is handy for filling different containers.

While it's simple to use, remember to keep the filter moist for storage. This might take a bit of extra care, but it's worth it for the clean, great-tasting water you'll enjoy on your adventures.

Performance and Efficiency

The Guardian Gravity Purifier shines when it comes to clean water. You'll be impressed by how quickly it can fill up a 10-liter container. At 0.5 liters per minute, you won't have to wait long for safe drinking water.

The hollow fiber membrane and activated carbon work together to remove harmful stuff from your water source. Users say the water tastes great after going through this filter.

It's effective against nasty bugs that can make you sick. You'll feel confident drinking from streams and lakes with this purifier.

The gravity-powered system means you don't have to pump by hand. Just hang it up and let gravity do the work while you set up camp or relax. It's a handy tool for group trips or emergency prep.

Pros and Cons

MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier

Let's weigh the good and not-so-good aspects of this water purifier to help you decide if it's right for your outdoor adventures.

Pros

  • Cleans water fast, giving you up to 1 liter in just 2 minutes

  • Gets rid of almost all nasty stuff like viruses, bacteria, and protozoa

  • Makes water taste better by removing chemicals and bad odors

  • Easy to use - just hang it up and let gravity do the work

  • Big 10-liter bag means you can clean lots of water at once

  • Comes with everything you need, including a carry case

Cons

  • Pricey compared to some other water filters

  • Needs to be stored wet, which might be a bit of a hassle

  • Some users say the purge hose feels a bit flimsy

  • At 18.7 ounces, it's not the lightest option for backpacking

  • Cleaning it properly for storage can take some time

Comparison with Competing Brands

When looking at gravity filters,, the Guardian Gravity purifier stands out from the crowd. Unlike some popular alternatives like the Katadyn Gravity Camp 6L or Platypus GravityWorks, the Guardian Gravity removes viruses in addition to bacteria and protozoa.

The next leading gravity purifier typically focuses on bacteria, but the Guardian goes a step further by tackling virus removal.

While the Guardian Gravity is pricier than some options, its long-lasting filter and ability to handle really dirty water may save you money over time. The Sawyer Squeeze is much cheaper, but you'll need to backflush it more often.

One downside of the Guardian Gravity is that you need to keep it wet for storage. Some other filters can be stored dry, which is easier. But this wet storage helps keep the Guardian's tiny pores working well.

Final Verdict

The Guardian Gravity is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. You'll love how it can produce large amounts of clean water without effort. Its impressive filtration technology removes tiny particles, giving you peace of mind.

While it's a bit pricey and needs careful maintenance, the benefits outweigh these minor drawbacks. The filter's performance shines on group trips, making it perfect for family camping or backpacking with friends.

If you're a hiker, camper, or prepper who values safe drinking water, this purifier is worth considering. It's lightweight, easy to use, and delivers great-tasting water. Just remember to follow the storage instructions to keep it working well for your future adventures.

FAQs

Thinking about investing in this advanced water purification system? Let's address some common questions to help you decide if it's right for your outdoor adventures or emergency preparedness needs.

How does the MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier compare to the Grayl purifier?
The Guardian Gravity and Grayl purifiers have different strengths. The Guardian Gravity is better for groups, with its 10-liter capacity and gravity-fed system. It's great for base camps or longer trips. The Grayl is more compact and quicker for personal use, letting you purify water in seconds.

The Guardian Gravity removes more contaminants, including viruses, while the Grayl focuses on bacteria and protozoa.
Can the MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier remove viruses from water?
Yes, it can! The Guardian Gravity uses advanced hollow-fiber technology to remove 99.99% of viruses from water. This makes it a top choice for travel to areas with questionable water quality. It also gets rid of bacteria, protozoa, sediment, and microplastics.
What are the known issues or problems with the MSR Guardian water purifier?

Some users have reported a few challenges:

  • The system needs to be stored moist to keep the filter working well.

  • Cleaning for storage can be tricky.

  • The flow rate may slow down over time.

  • Some parts, like hose attachments, might not be as durable as expected.

What is the difference between the MSR Guardian Gravity and the MSR AutoFlow Purifiers?

The main differences are:

  • Purification level: The Guardian Gravity removes viruses, while the AutoFlow doesn't.

  • Capacity: The Guardian Gravity has a 10-liter reservoir, while the AutoFlow comes in 2L and 4L sizes.

  • Weight: The Guardian Gravity is heavier due to its more advanced filtration.

  • Price: The Guardian Gravity costs more because of its virus-removing capabilities.

Is the MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier effective at removing heavy metals from water?

The Guardian Gravity isn't designed to remove heavy metals. It focuses on biological contaminants and some chemicals. For heavy metal removal, you'd need a different type of filter or purification system.

If you're worried about heavy metals in your water source, it's best to use a system specifically made for that purpose.

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