I have been using this purifier for a few years now and ran into trouble on a trip where temps where hovering in the low teens. I had a hard time making the brine solution required for the chemical reaction with the cold water. I also had a problem with my original battery in the low temps. My friend was carrying the UV light treatment device and it worked fine but he needs 4AA batteries which makes his much heavier. This is great for mild weather, tastes fine, and is super light. I still trust it more than anything else on the market if you can get over any particles from the lack of filtering.

Don't fall for the deceptive spin. This purifier is a chemical purifier no more, no less ("no nasty chemicals" right...). The electrically charge reaction essentially makes chlorine out of salt "MIOX." The solution is a chore and it is no more reliable than the UV alternative which are easier, less messy, ingredientless (save for batteries), and as light with the introduction of the SteriPen Adventurer (CR123 batts instead of AA).

In my opinion this device became obsolete with the introduction of the SteriPen Adventurer for individual backpackers. For large group or base camps this unit has the advantage or rapidly preparing large volumes of water with the drawback of requiring proprietary ingredients. Check out the SteriPen Adventurer before you make any decisions. I almost bought this unit, but am very happy with my decision to go with the Adventurer. No regrets.

The MSR MIOX Water Purifier is a small, easy to use solution for those who need pure water while out on the trail or in emergency situations at home.
I bought the MIOX Purifier for emergency preparedness purposes, but I can tell that it would be great for use away from home, too.
I have practiced with it and found it easy to use and the directions quite clear.
My only concerns about it are the slight addition of sodium and oxidants to the water, and the fact that it does no filtering. However, I am thinking that running the water through a coffee filter and then an inexpensive, basic sort of charcoal filter would help with that.

I have been backpacking in the Rockies for over 12 years now and have commonly used a standard pump. When I had to go to Mexico I decided to buy this little guy and have been very impressed ever since. It does take some practice and patience to get good at but once you have it, it will never fail. This is great for purifying a great deal of water as opposed to smaller individual bottles. You do have to wait 30 minutes after you mix the solution but it does kill everything. This weighs nothing and your friends will be jealous!

I am primarily a fan of mechanical filters, however they do sometimes fail and that is where this guy comes in. this is a very lightweight device that fits easily into a first aid kit, pack or even kitchen drawer.