I have an issued MSR in-line water filter for use with a camelback. Are these things any good? Better options out there?

My use would just be emergency only for my family. Is it worth holding onto for this purpose or would I be better suited buying something else? I’m guessing the throughput isn’t much on these and they’re more for an individual.

I personally don't like in-line filters.  That said, I did rig up a Sawyer to be connected to my hydration bladder's hose so I could filter directly into the bladder without removing from my pack.  Short term/duration, they're probably okay, but I avoid gray water containers as much as a I can for the containers I drink from.  Hydration bladders can be a PITA to get clean in the field as well.

ROCK6

Concur.  Much better to keep the bladder pristine.

I don’t like the idea of putting unclean water in my camelback bladder - even after cleaning it with bleach id probably still never feel ok just drinking straight from it again. So it would probably be set aside as the reservoir for water that will then be filtered and never used in its normal capacity again.

I have this because it was issued and is an expendable item that doesn’t get returned so it’s not ideal but it was free
Are they of good quality and sufficient for emergency use for a family or would I be better served by purchasing something else instead of being cheap and thinking I’m covered by having the MSR in-line filter?

NSF Standard P231 is what this filter is apparently designed to meet.  "Combination of hollow-fiber technology and activated carbon is effective against bacteria (99.9999%), protozoa (99.9%) and particulate (dirt, microplastics)"  (From REI description).

Here is product description from the manufacturer, MSR: https://www.msrgear.com/water-treatment/filters-and-purifiers/thru-link-inline-water-filter/13236.html

Here's a link to a product description, and some user reviews: https://www.moosejaw.com/product/msr-thru-link-in-line-microfilter_10481923?ad_id=BingPLA&utm_source=BingPLA&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=MSR&cm_mmc=PLA-_-MSN-_-MJ-Shopping-NonPromo-Brand-Product|MJ-Shopping-NonPromo-Brand-Product-_-google|384832854|1308419088066284||pla-4585375809265568|c||5828110&msclkid=0e2fd47b6c9217088018b4df9b7ac62a#productSummary

I have seen some claims for up to 1000L filter life/capacity, but I don't trust such numbers, as they are presumably based on clear water running through the filter, and the presence of sediment and so forth will necessarily reduce the life of the filter, even if back-flushed every 8L (1X/Day).

Here is a link to the MSR Instruction/Use manual for the device: https://www.msrgear.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-cdiSharedLibrary/default/dw04e37395/pdf/manuals/34-230_ThruLink_Instructions_EN.pdf

@JKnight

That’s fantastic info! Thanks raf