The MSR Guardian

A water purifier developed during six years of research with the US military will go on sale to outdoor enthusiasts next year.

The MSR Guardian was unveiled at the giant trade show OutDoor in Germany this week, and gained a gold award from judges.

They said: “This is the first filter that mechanically eliminates bacteria from water.

“Further outstanding features include its user-friendliness, long lifespan and compatibility with standard drinking bottles. In addition, the filter cleans itself while pumping.”

MSR said: “In 2009, the US military selected MSR – Mountain Safety Research – the Seattle-based manufacturer of high-performance outdoor equipment and the leader in backcountry water treatment technology, to create a device capable of keeping its service members safe from waterborne illnesses virtually anywhere on earth.

“After six years of research and development with MSR’s in-house water laboratory and in collaboration with the US military, MSR created the solution: the Guardian Purifier.

“Built for international travellers, outdoor recreationalists, and emergency preparedness, the military-grade microbiological purifier is the world’s most advanced portable purifier. It’s capable of transforming even the most challenging water sources into clean, microbiologically safe, drinkable water.

“Unlike conventional purifiers, the Guardian uses custom-engineered, medical-grade hollow fibre technology to block the tiniest waterborne microbial pathogens. The pump physically removes viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and particulates at a rapid 2.5 litres per minute, with no chemicals, UV light, pre-filtering, or waiting, for up to 10,000+ litres.

“With the Guardian, users no longer have to be intimidated by field maintenance, product vulnerabilities in various water types, and user error. Thanks to its patent-pending design, the purifier self-cleans, never requiring users to back flush or to scrub filters in the field to maintain flow.”

The Guardian meets NSF Protocol P248, the standard used to test US military purifiers for removing viruses, bacteria and protozoa in water abundant with silt and particulates. Its rugged design withstands heat up to 70C, freezing temperatures, drop testing – up to 6ft to concrete as conducted by MSR’s in-house water research lab – and up to 135kg (300lb) of crush force.

It will go on sale in selected UK retailers from January 2016.