Ceramic water filters and freezing temps

[Live the Journey]

I have an MSR mini works (which I love) but I'm wondering what effects freezing temps can have on a ceramic filter element like mine and how to prevent problems. I know that paper filters will get ruined and I've heard the same about the hollow fiber filters like the MSR hyperflow.
I suppose I could always put the filter element in a baggie and sleep with it, but I'd like to avoid snuggling with a damp piece of ceramic if I can avoid it. Thanks for your input!

[Live the Journey]

Really? No answers?

[Alligator]

I used to have a Sweetwater filter that was ceramic and the company said it could be frozen when not using it.

MSR says (http://www.msrgear.com/support/watertreatment.asp#51) about the miniworks and waterworks
What happens if my filter freezes?

If you anticipate that you will encounter freezing temperatures, make sure you drain the filter of excess water after each use to protect it from damage. If the filter does freeze, bring it inside the tent or other warm place to thaw, or follow the directions (in the instructions) for boiling the cartridge.

[George]

if you can get most all the water out it will not break but will still be unusable until thawed

[SGT Rock]

Use iodine. It doesn't have this problem. Also, by adding iodine to water it changes the density and the freezing point so it doesn't freeze as fast as pure water.

[Tinker]

I have an MSR mini works (which I love) but I'm wondering what effects freezing temps can have on a ceramic filter element like mine and how to prevent problems. I know that paper filters will get ruined and I've heard the same about the hollow fiber filters like the MSR hyperflow.
I suppose I could always put the filter element in a baggie and sleep with it, but I'd like to avoid snuggling with a damp piece of ceramic if I can avoid it. Thanks for your input!
You've got it!

Sleep with it (and hike with it if the temps are lower than, say, 20). I doubt that the filter could be damaged in mildly sub-freezing temps. Ice cracks granite, so it could do the same to the filter element in your filter. Wrap it in a piece of clothing so it won't be right against your skin (or long underwear). You'll hardly notice it.
Rock is right about the iodine, but it doesn't remove chemical contaminants in the water- probably much more of a problem on the AT than some other more remote trails. I used to work with fertilizers and pesticides. You'd be surprised what you'll find in lowland waterways.

[Christobal302]

I was hiking in Jan. when temps were in the 20's. It was frozen the next morning, but It still works just fine, no cracks.

I hope this helps

~Chris