MSR

TrailShot Microfilter

Works well after priming every time.

I've been using the trail shot for about 3 years. I've had issues with the flow because of the reservoir not filling completely. The best way I've found to fix this is to unscrew the bottom piece that goes in the water and remove the rubber valve, begin filtering water to allow the reservoir to fill completely full, then replace the rubber valve and continue to filter. Once this has been done it filters water quickly.

I have not used the

I have not used the Trail Shot extensively, but it has worked very well when I have used it. I tend to use the MSR Hyperflow more frequently for speed, when weight is not a factor. The Trail shot is a little more labor intensive for my arthritic hands, but it is an excellent option.

Disappointing

Does not filter well at all. Difficult to clean. Disappointing especially for an MSR product. Could very well have been an operator error but no worries, I’ve moved on.

My new favorite filter

I have used many filters and this one is now my favorite. Although I wish it had just a little longer hose. That is the only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars.

Faultless

Used this on multiple bikepacking trips with questionable and/or limited water on some occasions. It's lightweight and never let me down yet.

Bad quality, don't buy!

I used this filter for 4 months and it was not very effective. When I wanted to clean it and dry it in the sun, the filter changed shape and it was impossible to put it back together. For a product at this price, it is unacceptable not to be able to wash it. How can I get a refund?

This filter has a specific purpose

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I have 3 different water filters that I use in different circumstances. The trail shot is the only filter I have found that effectively pumps water out of puddles. I use it for mountain and desert trail runs where I don’t expect to find flowing streams or pools deep enough to fill the bottles I use for my katadyn befree system. The trail shot is slow and requires a little patience. That said it is still considerably faster than hunting for bigger pools or digging. This filter has saved my bacon multiple times. I much prefer the Katadyn befree system for runs where I have flowing streams ponds and mountain lakes for speed and simplicity.

Not working

I brought this and have tested it multiple times and it doesn’t work the filter pops up every time and water leaks out the sides not filtering the water or coming out at the proper place. Is this broken or am I using it wrong?

Great when it worked, those couple times..

Great filter when first purchased. Followed manufacturers instructions for handling, cleaning and storage. Despite this, the filter no longer worked after long term storage. It had only been used for two trips of approx 4 days each in length to filter water for one person.

It didn't suck (and that was the problem)

After three days on the Long Trail, my brand new Trail Shot stopped sucking. I tried to bring it back, but it was not happening. I had drops for backup. At the first trail town, I found a supplier. They agreed it was broken, and the (very) limited lifetime warranty consisted of paying retail for another filter. I won't be back.