MSR Autoflow - What think?

Q

Quirt

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Oct 10, 2005
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Anyone tested or is using the MSR Autoflow filter? I understand you just fill it up, hang it and then it automatically flows into any clean container?

I'm thinking about getting one for an older buddy of mine who is technically inert -- he like things simple and easy. He wants a filter for his bug out trailer! I thought this would be better since there are no moving parts, nothing for him to clean or "dink" with.

When the filter gets plugged...he justs puts on a new one.
 
I purchased, recently, the Platapus version of this. I LOVE it - it is no nonsense - nothing to get broken, and works FAST!

TF
 
Thanks! Yea the Platapus is my first choice actually...but I can get MSR at dealer cost through my business so I am biased by $$. However, if the Platapus is significantly better then I'll go that route.
 
I don't own an msr autoflow (i have a katadyn base camp, same principle bag + filter) but i had a friend that was interested in one. From talking with people who have used it before he bought one, they confirmed very fast flow. What they tell you is toolless maint, but what they don't tell you is the process is a pain. The cleaning is a reverse flush process which is not easy, and if you mess it up and get an air bubble at an inappropriate time, you need to take it apart and clean it and reassemble it, then reverse flush it again. Due to the way the filter works, it's fast flow, but also need to be cleaned regularly (he implied much more often than he cared for) to keep it working normally.

I usually don't post on things i don't have first hand experience on, but the folks i talked to i trust. They are a local sports/outdoor shop and these guys love what they do, and use what they sell. Bottom line is, it works great, just be aware the cleaning process probably isn't for someone who isn't a dedicated outdoor gear nut. If the flow speed isn't critical, i've had excellent service from my katadyn base camp, not fast flow, but it works great and the filter is a common hiker/hiker pro replacement filter.

Good luck !
 
TF...what is the flow like on your Plat and how is the cleaning/clearing process? Pain, easy or what. How about replacement filters...how often do I need to replace?

I've decided to go the Plat route.
 
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The Cleanstream is the one I am talking about:

It is amazingly fast. Essentially it is nearly as fast as pouring water through a small holed funnel.

Then you are done - if you have a lot of sediment you simply backwash the system. How you do it is amazingly easy - you simply lift the clean bag, now filled with water, higher than the dirty bag and let the filter push any sediment back out the filter - and then dump the dirty bag out.

If you plan on storing the filter for a time you add a few drops of bleach to the dirty bag - filter it into the clean bag and then store it. This simply kills any bacteria.

You can't take the system apart - and you test the filter from time to time (there is a simply blow test to do this) to make sure the filter is working right.

What is odd - is the MSR filter looks JUST like the Platypus - I cannot imagine they are even made by a different manufacturer. There was really no way to get air into the bottom of the filter on the playpus because you cannot blow through it that way. In fact, if you CAN blow through the filter in reverse - it is a sign the filter isn't working properly.

The three reviews on REI's site were all favourable.

I have not had this for a long time - but I can't imagine it is any more difficult than this.

However,

I have had a pump system that I liked too:

http://www.rei.com/product/720265

This was a little more maintenance - but it is made by PUR and was VERY fast and easy to use. It is a LONG laster too.

TF
 
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Cascade Design owns both MSR and Platypus (as well as Thermalrest)...so it is conceivable the filters are exactly the same only different colors.
 
Okay...just got off the phone with my rep at MSR/Platypus and he told me the filters are exactly the same for the Autoflow and the CleanSteam.

The only difference is they are made with a different color and re-branded differently. They are interchangeable. He said the Plat is a close system and perfect for car camping or those who aren't as technically savvy and have the potential of getting things messed up. He said it is fine for backpacking or wilderness survival but in his experience the Autoflow is what he recommends for backpackers and/or people who are competent enough to not cross contaminate. The AutoFlow in his opinion rolls up tighter, is lighter weight and The Platypus is easier for a chechako to clean because it is closed.

MSR has sent quite a few of the AutoFlows to the sandbox with good results. They've held up and the troops are pleased. I've made my mind what I'm going to test out in the months ahead. Thanks for the insight and feedback.
 
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Quirt,

Good points - I mostly bought the Platypus because I have the platypus drinking system. I simply filter from dirty bag to my drinking bag. I put aside the clean bag and will use it as a back up bag if needed.

TF
 
I order several Platypus's today some for inventory, some are sold and my biz partner and I are going to test drive these. Because the Plat and Auto are interchangable I also ordered the bottle accessory that comes stock on the Auto so we have the capability of filtering directly to a Nalgene or our Camelbaks. The bottle adaptor is the only feature on the Auto that is not included in the Plat. I think for our mission profile this is the best of the best.
 
Thanks a lot Quirt you have now made this an impossible decision for me :grumpy:

I think I'm just going to flip a coin :D
 
theonew, no problem glad to help ;)

Let me give you some suggestions based upon what I learned:

1. They're both exactly the same on the filtration side. Same filter, same flow rate, same cleaning, same life duration...same-same.

2. Both function exactly the same, both clean the same etc.

3. Key differences...MSR rolls up tighter/smaller, maybe an edge more durable, and has the bottle attachment so you can go direct to a Nalgene, Camelbak, or whatever. So technically more flexible. The bag is bright (Hey everybody I'm over here) red. Because it is an open system not generally recommended for the Chechako. This system rolls up tighter and is better suited for backpacking.

Whereas the Plat is a closed system which makes it foolproof for newbies or those, like my customer, who are technically inert and have no patiences for learning anything about the system...basically the push the button and make it work kind of folks.

However, like TF did, you can remove the clean bag and have the same system with the Platypus and make it more portable. Also you can order the bottle attachment accessoriy like I did and have the best of both worlds. The Plat has a slightly lower profile color in the wild and is totally clear so you can see exact amounts of fluid and/or color of water.
 
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