Is anyone else besides me waiting for this filter to hit the market? I was going to buy a water filter late last year, but then read the specs on this one....the light weight (7.4) really grabbed my attention.

The original "street date" was supposed to be Jan 2008, but it seems like that has been delayed. I've read February and I've read "Spring '08" too. I just wish it would get onto the shelves so I could read some reviews and decide. Many people seem to use the Kataydn series and I'm considering one of those if I don't hear good things about this MSR offering.

I have read that the MSR Hyperflow can be permanently damaged if frozen...I don't do that many hikes or backpacking trips with the temps below freezing, but it does happen on occasion. So this is an added concern and something that I'll have to factor into my eventual decision.

I looked at quite a few different solutions for water on trails. There is some neat technology out there now but for me a pump purifier is still the way to go. There is a lot out there like the neat steripens or one of the MIOX solutions or even the old fashioned pills. And they do in fact only take a few minutes to produce clean water..... but they only got a small amount of it. Usually less than a liter. Meanwhile I can pump several liters through my pump purifier in just a few minutes.

Have you looked at the First Need?

http://www.rei.com/product/767831?vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC

It's a true purifier with a pre-filter built in. Decent weight at only 16oz. OK not the lightest but still decent. No batteries or funky solutions required either.

That First Need looks interesting....nice how it filters out viruses as well as bacteria.... I need something a little lighter though It looks like the MSR Hyperflow is delayed until "Spring '08" so it may not be out for awhile.

I want to use my REI 20% off this month, so I may just go with the ever popular Katadyn Hiker Pro. Some people on backpacking trips have this model and they've only had good things to say about it. And it will be a four season unit too and I won't have to worry about it getting damaged if frozen. I do hike a good bit in the winter and sometimes in below freezing temps.

It should be great to finally have a filter though. A few weeks ago, I was camping next to the Chattooga river and was running low on drinking water....oh the irony and absurdity of that situation.

Tony

I need to show you the tiny little straw filtr I got. It's filter only but weighs about 2 ounces only. It's good for 20 gallons.

I will be curious to check that out. I did buy one of the Katadyn Hiker Pro filters and used it this past weekend at Panther Creek. it is fairly heavy though...more than the 11 ounces that is advertised at least.