# MSR Guardian Water Purifier vs HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MSR Guardian Water Purifier (MSR) and HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter (HydroBlu) among backpacking water filters. HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter is the cheaper of the two at $25.95.

## Side by side

| Spec | MSR Guardian Water Purifier | HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $350.87 | $25.95 |
| Brand | MSR | HydroBlu |
| Filtration rating microns | 0.02 | — |
| Flow rate lpm | 2.5 | 0.76 |
| Rated lifetime (L) | 10000 | 378541 |
| Filter media type | advanced hollow-fiber membrane | hollow-fiber membrane |
| Removes bacteria protozoa virus | bacteria, protozoa, and virus (EPA-compliant purifier) | bacteria and protozoa (no virus, no chemicals) |
| Weight (oz) | 17 | 2 |
| Field cleanable backflush | Yes | Yes |
| Cartridge replaceable | No | No |

## Key differences

- Flow rate lpm: MSR Guardian Water Purifier 2.5 vs HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter 0.76
- Rated lifetime (L): MSR Guardian Water Purifier 10000 vs HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter 378541
- Filter media type: MSR Guardian Water Purifier advanced hollow-fiber membrane vs HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter hollow-fiber membrane
- Removes bacteria protozoa virus: MSR Guardian Water Purifier bacteria, protozoa, and virus (EPA-compliant purifier) vs HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter bacteria and protozoa (no virus, no chemicals)
- Weight (oz): MSR Guardian Water Purifier 17 vs HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter 2

## Sources

- MSR Guardian Water Purifier: https://www.cascadedesigns.com/products/guardian-purifier (cascadedesigns.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter: https://hydroblu.com/versa-flow-light-weight-water-filter-package/ (hydroblu.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/backpacking-water-filters/msr-guardian-vs-hydroblu-versa-flow/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MSR Guardian Water Purifier ($350.87) vs HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter ($25.95) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/backpacking-water-filters/msr-guardian-vs-hydroblu-versa-flow/
License: CC BY 4.0.