MSR HyperFlow

[Ender3D]

So I've read a pretty even number of both good and bad reviews on this product. most of the bad I'm hearing about is the filter getting clogged.

My thoughts on this...
First impression is that this might be a failure of the pre-filter thats supposed to stop larger particles from even reaching the filter.
any thoughts on this?
Is this perhaps poor designing on MSR's part, or maybe a case or two of misuse? I have heard stories about how the pre-filter likes to float improperly and suck air.

I've used the Katadan Hike model filter with grat success on past trips and liked how the pre-filer system worked on this model, sank just below the water level, blocked all silt and grit that came near it and spit out fresh tasty water.

My thought is that maybe the Hyperflow could perhaps be improved by replacing the pre-filter with something similar.

Thought, suggestions, Ideas, arguments? Kicks in the face???

[atsent]

Have taken it on one 4-day outting and it was a dream-- pumped water easily and FAST right into the tube of my camelback so I didn't even have to take it out of my backpack. How it will hold up to constant use on the thru next year? I dunno!

[Father Dragon]

The hyperflow has to be back flushed regularly to keep it from becoming clogged. When you do this there are two little rubber directional valves that have to be removed and turned around. Getting these valves to sit properly in the chamber can be a bit of a challenge at first and when they are not positioned correctly they block the flow of water; this causing the feeling of a clogged filter.

I'm pretty happy with mine as it is the first filter I have used where I didn't break off the handle (sweetwater, katadyn) after a few hundred miles.

[10-K]

So I've read a pretty even number of both good and bad reviews on this product. most of the bad I'm hearing about is the filter getting clogged.

My thoughts on this...
First impression is that this might be a failure of the pre-filter thats supposed to stop larger particles from even reaching the filter.
any thoughts on this?
Is this perhaps poor designing on MSR's part, or maybe a case or two of misuse? I have heard stories about how the pre-filter likes to float improperly and suck air.

I've used the Katadan Hike model filter with grat success on past trips and liked how the pre-filer system worked on this model, sank just below the water level, blocked all silt and grit that came near it and spit out fresh tasty water.

My thought is that maybe the Hyperflow could perhaps be improved by replacing the pre-filter with something similar.

Thought, suggestions, Ideas, arguments? Kicks in the face???


I'm on my 3rd one - the first 2 were returned defective. The one I have now seems to work ok if I backflush it *very* regularly. I recommend flushing it at least every 6 liters even if it still seems to pump ok. Waiting until it needs backflushing because of reduced output is too late in my experience - at that point it's impossible to get the original (and awesome) output back.

[Pickleodeon]

I think I'm going to rig some kind of tiny weight, like a fishing weight on the bottom of the prefilter to keep it facedown in the water.

The trick to backflushing.. you have to have water in the filter element when backflushing. Check out Tinny's videos on youtube and read the comments.

[big_muddy]

My girlfriend and I used my hyperflow in Isle Royale for two weeks as our only source of drinking water (~10-12 liters a day). We didn't have any problems with it but, we backflushed it early and often. The Hyperflows require lots of TLC, but the filter works very well when cared for. When I first got it it did have a few problems, but slowing down on the pumping, keeping air bubbles out of the cartrage and lots of backflushing, has helped.

[Worldwide]

To get the prefilter to sink a bit deeper unlatch the velcro strap pull the velcro slack up the prefilter / intake tube this will put the prefilter into the water at about a 45 degree angle in the water and keep it submerged. I like to keep my prefilter face up that way if / when I stir up waterever is on the bottom it wont suck it up if you put it face down you suck up all sorts of junk.

It doesn't change the fact that this filter sucks just makes it less useless for the short term. The fact is I would bitch until they give your money back. Damascus Dave is gonna get a call from me. I hope he takes on the responsibility of the return since he took on the profitability of an untested product.

Worldwide

[Chicken Feathers]

MSR put this filter on the shelves before all the testing was done or maybe they planed it that way. Why should MSR spend money on testing when they can get it done free or almost free. If that design does not work MSR just has to come up with a different design. :-?
My two cents worth

[Powder River]

I carried this piece of junk for something like 1700 miles, and was probably foolish to do so. It clogs permanently after about 8 liters, and after that you get a serious workout trying to pump water. It is not the prefilter, it is the design of the filter itself. Backflushing simply does not clean it out. I'll continue to use mine, since MSR continues to send me new cartridges. I know some people on the AT who had a new cartridge waiting for them in every town. Yes, it really is that bad.

[Hooch]

I considered getting this filter a while back and am now glad that I didn't. I've heard too many bad things about it and it seems more trouble than it's worth, especially with all the backflushing and turning around of valves, etc. I'm really glad that I had enough sense to pass this thing by and get a gravity filter. :D

[KG4FAM]

If you are really interested in it just get it from REI and if it is crap you can return it.

[Hooch]

Now that I've used a gravity filter, I wouldn't consider a pump filter for a second. :banana

[take-a-knee]

Now that I've used a gravity filter, I wouldn't consider a pump filter for a second. :banana

Me too, I used the directions at Just Jeff's site:

http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearGravityFilter.html

[mtnkngxt]

You can use the Hyperflow as a Gravity Filter with a little tinkering. Cut the end off of a platypus bladder Use the platypus cap for the hydration system, run into the Hyperflow and then into your bottle. Tied triangle Parachute Lines onto the top of a Platypus, and now once I get a hyperflow, I think I'll have one of the lightest gravity filters available plus I can pump if I need to.

[kytrailman]

Get the Sawyer Filter people and make your own. The entire set-up weighs nothing and flows awesome.