MSR water filter

[Waytec]

Hello everyone.
Questions here about a MSR water filter.

I have had this filter for about 5 years and in the last 3 I have never used it. Acutely in the last 3 years I have only gone camping once.
I just pulled it out of the storage tote that I had my entire camping gear in. Camping trip this weekend. :wings:

The porous filter has a reddish color to it and the last I remember it was white. Should I toss it or is this normal? If not what happened to it? I scraped the porous material to see if was on the surface but it is all the way through.

The last time I used it I took it all apart cleaned it and let it dry for several days before reassembling and packing it away but when I pulled it out tonight it had moisture in it and smelled swampy. Cleaned it and is now drying as we speak. Is this from heating a cooling over the last 3 years?

Other then the reddish filter it everything looks very good. Is their anything else I should do as maintenance?

Thank You

 

[Brian McVickers]

I would not use it.
Going from white to red in color sounds like some sort of growth.

I recommend calling MSR customer service direct and asking them what actions to take. Most likely the element just needs to be replaced.

Just not worth playing with IMO.

Brian

 

[evldave]

I'm assuming you have the sweetwater filter? If you freeze the filters in between uses, it helps prolong their effectiveness (I think it limits bacteria growth?). I remember reading somewhere either in the instructions or on backpacking websites that the filters should be used regularly or they stop working over time. I was in your situation (>1 year w/o using filter) and tossed it just to be safe - even if you don't see growth, is it worth risking your health for a $40 filter?

 

[MDH33]

I would replace the element. If there was moisture trapped in there, it could have some funk growing in it.

 

[Waytec]

A new filter is on the way.
Thanks everyone. Replancing it is what I was thinking.

 

[Crikeymike]

It sounds cool though. Post up a photo of the funk. That way we will know when ours is bad. I think I have one somewhere too...

 

[go4aryd]

When you "clean" your element, use a VERY mild solution with a touch of clorine in it. It will zap the junk before it can grow. Then you should get significant shelf life from a dried element. I always dye test my 1st need filters before going out, but have previously stored used filters over 5 years when properly cared for, with great results.