I don't have any experience with either this particular MSR water filter or any others of its type. However, if this unit works well it would be a natural kit addition for those of us who carry Inova X5/X5MT lights, cameras, or other devices that run on CR123 batteries. Since 123 batteries are the power source for this filter's activation, it would allow a person to carry just that one size battery for multiple devices.
I've pasted the MSr template sales blurb for the Miox at the bottom of this post. It's got a description of how the unit works.
Forum thread on the device:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2926
Miox Company info (from backpack size to airplane size units):
http://www.miox.com/News/body_news.html
News articles about or reviews of the MSR Miox here:
http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/01260.html
http://quickstart.clari.net/qs_se/webnews/wed/at/Bwa-mountain-safety-res.ReHZ_DSG.html (military usage info)
http://www.forbes.com/2003/08/28/cx_ah_0828tentech.html (very brief article)
http://www.abqtrib.com/archives/business03/092203_business_miox.shtml
http://www.outdoorindustry.org/press.outdoor.php?news_id=279&sort_year=2003
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/139922_filter17.html
Standard sales blurb:
The MSR MIOX Purifier is the easiest and most reliable device available for purifying large volumes of water. The MIOX is virtually effortless to operate, and requires a capful of table salt, squirt of water, and a click of a button to purify up to 4 liters of water at one time. The MIOX is the most innovative addition to the water purifier market in years. Its a super lightweight purifier (3.5 ounces), no bigger than a small flashlight (7x1), that purifies large volumes of water at one time, eliminating the need for tons of pumping. Its requirements? A thimble of water, a capful of table salt, and a couple of batteries. Voila, you have 4 liters of great tasting, PURIFIED water. Nearly effortless to operate, the MIOX is excellent for group excursions, travel abroad, or any situation that calls for large amounts of drinking water (think humanitarian work). HOW IT WORKS: Fill the main chamber with untreated or treated water, add salt in the top cap, and shake about 10 times to create a brine solution. Next, press the activation button 1-4 times depending on the volume of water youre treating (up to 4 liters per treatment). This action sends an electric charge through the saltwater, causing a chemical reaction that produces a small and powerful dose of mixed oxidants (hence MIOX). Pour this cocktail into untreated water to eliminate chemicals, protozoa, amoeba, bacteria, and viruses. Let sit 15 minutes to remove viruses and bacteria, 30 minutes for giardia, and 4 hours for cryptosporidia. The kit includes: the purifier itself (pen), 2 CR-123 batteries, a small bag of rock salt (table salt works just as well), instructions, storage sack, and Safety Indicator Strips to test water to ensure its safe. Each unit is waterproof, virtually maintenance-free, and tested before it leaves the factory. BATTERIES INCLUDED. Bottom Line: No bigger than a small flashlight, and no more complicated to use, the MIOX is the easiest and most reliable device for purifying large volumes of water.
