Gear I Wish I DIDN'T Buy

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

That Grayl geopress will work longer if you filter the water through your shemagh, or a coffee filter before you put it in the press. It is time to change the filter when it takes 20 seconds to press all the way down as opposed to 8 seconds.. I keep a sawyer mini as a back up. Plus my pot to boil the water..carry some coffee filters with you to pre-filter the water. Fat wood is king .

[@Joinordie718]

Or a mill bank bag. I have one especially designed to keep with my Grayl press and a steel cup as well. But like he said when it takes you longer to press it change it. If you pre filter it will last considerably longer. Stay stoked 🤙🇺🇸👍

[@praharin]

Yeah, my understanding is it will purify basically indefinitely, but the filter element will eventually become clogged by particles.

[@keithrayeski6417]

Fat wood IS king and, in most environments…it’s there more often than not. My wife and I both carry sawyer minis and the life straw is useful if you plan on moving and not needing to heat or purify water. Good stuff.

[@guillaumekeulen219]

Maybe some coffee grain too! LOL! Dont forget the coffee!

[@mattkissel5112]

The Grayl is my "emergency" bottle. I hike with the Sawyers as my heavy lift. Although when I travel the Grayl goes with and filters the local water from the sink. Don't know if it does much h or not and I expect it to last longer as it's not filtering pond water. If it was a through hikers, ( not me) you'd have to switch the filter monthly. Many have done the entire AT with a Sawyer. GRAYL needs to step up the filter game.

[@gud2go50]

I watched a Coalcracker video about making fire starters with women's cotton face pads, paraffin wax, and charcoal fluid. I then keep them in any empty Grizzly dip can. They work like a charm and I have made tons of them. I found this to be the cheapest and easiest way to always have them available.

[@jelkel25]

I use the cotton face pads but keep the petroleum jelly separate because the pj has additional uses and the face pads have potential first aid uses.

[@xilegend-w2h]

Yes I have made a ton of them, cheap water proof and very reliable ... So far

[@wolfgangkranek376]

Ad a celluloid guitar pick. Highly flammable (almost "explosive"), wont be affected by water, and you can also make tiny shavings from it.

[@maxpinson5002]

Just me- I never put any liquid anything on my fire starters if I'm going to pocket or pack carry. Too much booboo potential. If you get petroleum jelly or paraffin on your skin it won't irritate you or cause a rash, or if a volatile liquid would contaminate food items. I had all my gear in a large waterproof foot locker type container for a lengthy trip, and a full container of insect repellent and some stove fuel both leaked and contaminated all gear and clothes and edibles That was my lesson

[@gud2go50]

@@maxpinson5002 When you ride in a car, you're a** is sitting on top of the accelerant (gasoline). Plenty of booboo material there. You need an accelerant to quickly start your fire which is contained in wax and the container, so you are quite safe, unlike liquid insect repellent or even gasoline. Just be careful as we all should do every day, bro.

[@Just_Chuck_It]

I love my Grayl. Keep an extra filter in my bag. It's fast, expedient, zero set up time. If you carry a SS canteen and cup like I do, you can filter pour into the canteen, filter and carry additional water in the geo press. I avoid making fire unless I have too, it's time consuming, dirty, and it gives away your location. The grayl eliminates the need to have fire to purify your water. I also keep 12 trioxane fuel bars in my bag. If I need to boil water I can boil a 32oz SS canteen worth of water or a canteen cup worth of water and never have a flicker. Each bar will heat 32oz of water to boiling.

[@762M80]

I agree on the firestarters, I've just used cotton balls and Vaseline for decades. However, the grayl is actually so easy to use that I got one for my then 5yo daughter, and she was then able to filter and carry her own water all by herself. Which gives me the peace of mind that she'll have clean water, even if for some reason she found herself without me or my wife there to help her.

[@JimRodgers]

I've used the Grayl Geopress as my exclusive filter on day hikes and multi-day backpack trips since summer of 2020. In Oregon where I tend to recreate the water is good quality with low sediment so I haven't had any issues. I've noticed that after a 4 day backpack trip the 'press time' gets to around 20 seconds, which is slow, but the water is good. Plus it gives me an additional 20oz container to carry water in. I've tried just about every system made by MSR, Platypus, Sawyer and others and they all have had failures and issues (especially in freezing temps). So far for three seasons the Grayl has done good. It's not fast but it has been reliable.

[@grandefromage4607]

The filter doesn't degrade, it just gets blocked with what it's filtered out. A Millbank bag to fill it will collect a lot of the worse debris before it goes into the Grayl. A Millbank bag plus purifying tabs are a good back up too. :)

[@sholland42]

I find dryer lint to be an excellent fire starter. It’s free, light, and works.

[@ldtexas1648]

I like the Grayl filters because of the simplicity when other people use it. "Can you dip water? Can you push down? Ok. So filter your own now!" Dummy proof. Money well spent.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I like them to

[@maxpinson5002]

100 dollars buys a lot of bleach or iodine or purification tablets. Boiling only costs a little time and labor

[@ldtexas1648]

I'd pay for less aggravation.

[@Horde334]

Don't forget to mention the parts where you can't flush the filter, they require you to pre filter or you severely reduce the lifespan of your filter, and the fact that replacement filters are 30$+ but hey keep justifying the sunk cost fallacy.

[@ldtexas1648]

@@Horde334 money well spent

[@msilverhammer]

I have the Geopress 16 and 24 ounce. They work great. When it gets difficult to press the filter down, that means it needs to be replaced

[@Tokuriku]

Geopress impressed me when filtering potable water that was tasting nasty. It neutralized the taste right off. Never seen another filter do that that well.

[@camojoe83]

You think it got the lead and primer compounds out of that range water he drank?

[@scoutsniper485]

Geopress removes chemicals

[@GAUROCH2]

I love my Grayls so much that I "wasted" my money not in one, not in two, but in three Grayls that I have on various rucksacs (and I also "wasted" money in spare filters for each one of them...

[@Dante07cid]

Absolutely love the Grayl. I have 3. Best, most reliable item in my kit. No other portable filter system is this complete in my opinion. I still like the BeFree and Sawyer. They both have their place and the Grayl fills its place very nicely.

[@shughes4113]

The Geopress’ filter is good for 350 presses. Easy way to rally your usage is back page of your waterproof note pad, that is on everyone’s list of kit to have, make hash marks to track times used . Kit is always being rotated in and out depending on the season/ situation. Let’s be honest, good kit is good kit, if it works keep it. Keep these topics going. Love seeing others points of view.

[@texasjoe3261]

The Grayl Geopress is a Fantastic Water Purifier ! Filters will easily last 300 presses, if you simply pre filter the water through a cotton bandana before you press the filter.

[@STOKERMATIC]

It is handy.

[@johnstevenson9429]

Only thought I had for the Grayl filter is put a piece of masking tape on the side and put a tic mark on it everytime you use it. You wont lose it because its stuck to the filter itself. Figure out how many containers is in a gallon and do the math might be a little complicated but then so is mag declination😊

[@James-ke5sx]

350 presses in the instructions.

[@johnstevenson9429]

@@James-ke5sx that would make it easier

[@Olyphoto7]

I make a lazy man’s fire starter for really wet PNW conditions. Cedar pet bedding (cheap) and saturate it with wax from old candles (yard sales or Goodwill) I put balls of this a bit bigger than golf balls in a square of HD aluminum foil. Each one burns for a good 15-20 minutes. I’ve tried them on green hard wood from tree prunings in the backyard, just like Ronco, set it and forget it. They work great when you don’t feel like preparing a proper fire lay.

[@abauto5408]

I agree with the firestarters, not so much with the grail that thing has saved me more often than not. The time it takes to depress the filter tells you when you need to change it out. Keep. Up the great work.

[@STOKERMATIC]

It is handy.

[@elric68]

Great insights as always Top! Yep, cottonballs/vaseline and fat wood; cheap and easy. Doesn’t get much better than that. I like the Grayl, but I see your point on measuring the filter life. Outside of using a sharpie to mark the outer container or maybe even light notching it’s difficult to keep track. One idea that Grayl could do on its next Gen is have some sort of counter in the filter that would keep track of the plunges and give a redline when you’re at the filter end. Keep up the Fire!

[@Cetok01]

I'm a big fan of the Grayl, and I carry one in my pack. I recall watching someone do a test who said the company told him that the normal time to press is about 8-10 seconds. If it takes 15 seconds ore more it's time to change your filter. I also strain out the big stuff by stretching a kerchief over the top of the raw water case before filling it, to extend service life of the filter. The company also says the filter is good for up to 3 freeze cycles, so it's best to keep it from freezing. Oh, and I carry a new spare with me.

[@tritonfit]

Love the GeoPress. I agree with the statement about the inability to know the life of the filter but man the product is so good, especially for backpacking. I try to help keep track with the usage of the filter by wrapping the bottom of the bottle with duct tape and then when i use it i add a tally with a ballpoint pen (it doesn't smear off as easily as a Sharpie, and if part of it does fade there is still a visible indent in the duct tape where i had made the tally mark). Just something for you to try as it has helped me.

[@williamneal7210]

I got a ziplock bag in my garage full of home made fire starters that are dirt cheap. I save the empty toilet paper roll and the lint from the dryer. I cram a roll full of lint and use it to get fires started. I also cut some of the tubes in half to make them smaller to carry and double the amount of fires I can start. Works great

[@Cushionoutdoors]

I agree with all of these. I however love the filter but wish it would have a longer life span. And would be nice to be stainless steel on the outer part for cooking

[@gimponatrip425]

I love the geopress it's a good backup or on-the-fly water purification method

[@richrichy7558]

My water purifier was issued to my dad before being sent on a all expense paid vacation to Korea 1952 and it still works. Aka a canteen cup. Never give up the cup !

[@withoutfurtheradoforever]

I prefer the Wells Lemont goatskin gloves. They don't last as long as cowhide, but they're so damn comfortable.

[@skeeterbone]

I got the geopress as well. But it is living in my GHB and in my opinion is for temporary or emergency use only. The system I use regularly is a Sawyer squeeze built into gravity configuration. At $30 each I can carry a spare and have filtration for thousands of gallons. If I am concerned with purification, I carry Aqua Tabs too.

[@marclucier2533]

I get those 100 count cotton round makeup pads at Wallgreens. Then dip them in beeswax mixed with some charcoal fluid, and I carry fatwooed. My gloves? Just mechanix from Home Depot

[@JackRoberts-gp9ro]

I've had my MSR MiniWorks for over 20 years and keeps on going. Best filter for the money still.

[@jackassery73]

@@matztertaler2777 I also use Berkey at home. I hadn't heard about the aluminum but double thanks for the info I'll definitely look into it

[@billdaniels8784]

I have been using cotton balls and Vaseline for two decades now. They are my go to fire starter. I have never used the Grayl filter system , I have however used other filters systems and I have come to the same conclusions about the longevity of the filter. I would use it for specific outings to simplify my usage count. Thanks for another update Bill..

[@madickulous]

SoftShell Jackets, had a high end one that worked great for like a year, but then it was close to freezing and started to rain, and the jacket started leaking. Almost died of hypothermia! Now i only bring a rain jacket if rain is expected or possible.

[@kaceesavage]

I have the large and small Grayl. Where the small one shines for me is fly fishing. I have water all day without much added weight or bulk.

[@tedcowperthwaite1957]

Free fire starter I use is simple dryer lint. It is free and easy to use. Works well too! I pack a ziplock with the dryer lint. I take the ziplock with me and if needed I add sone Vaseline for longer burn times. Simple and I don’t have to purchase cotton balls. Good stuff! Try it!! Haven’t ever seen any outdoor or survival channels using dryer lint

[@oldschooltakingyaback]

I just got a geopress on ebay for $48. You bring up a good point. To keep track, I'll simply put a piece of duck tape on it & mark it with hashmarks. 👍🏼

[@jhutch1470]

I bought some deer skin gloves at Home Depot. Inexpensive, flexible, and tough enough for sticks and brush type stuff.

[@OregonMike]

Thanks for this, i did not know how limited that over priced water filter was.

[@mannihh5274]

Right on the spot (again) ! I use insulated leather working gloves that are 12€ a pair, and never bought fire starters, always made them myself from make-up pads and wax. Also, I boil my pencils in soft wax, creating kinda fatwood and carry a pencil sharpener, which gives me nice and thin shavings from it, that are easy lighting and long lasting as well. For quick rehydration I use another filter-bottle at half the price of the Grayl - I put a sticker on it and do a short line for every filling with a pencil, so it doesn't wash off.

[@jameshall5784]

As fire starter I like dryer lint. As with the cottonballs you can light it twice. It’s like having char cloth.

[@rayjay848]

The Geopress is a purifier that removes heavy metals and ag chemicals. Boiling and tablets don’t. This makes it good for international travel as well.

[@heathmarcum5390]

Cotton balls, vaseline, dip can Add shavings from framing 2x4 if need be it will light easily if you dont have fat wood.

[@FatherOfSithis]

For sunglasses i bought bollé tactical. Its ballistic safety glasses, lightweight and takes a beating. Downside is they are not polarised. For water i just use a nalgene stainless steel bottle so i can boil it. If not i have a sawyer mini and i use a bandana to pre filter the water in any case before it goes through the filter or boil

[@bereantrb]

A couple comments regarding the Grayl. I bought mine for emergency use because it’s a purifier, not just a filter (many don’t know the difference), and it’s really too heavy for backpacking (Sawyer Squeeze filter for that). Second, regarding filter life, the instructions with mine said it will get slower to operate and when you get to a certain number of seconds it’s time for a new filter. But I agree that was a concern of mine, too.

[@BeSeeP]

I use a Grayl, but my one concern is freezing. It can survive about two freezes. So I would never store one in my vehicle for emergencies if it has been used even once. I keep a new filter for those situations.

[@phillipdavis4507]

Back in the day, (10 billion years BC) Wells-Lamont where called "white mule" gloves. The absolute best you could get.

[@valstarkgraf]

Another one that's a slam dunk as a fire starter is dollar store jute twine, though my favorite fire starter for reasonally optimally conditions is hand sanitizer.

[@gwpattrick]

got to use a mill bank bag with the grayl. The sawyer is a little nicer and far cheaper. Never used a Firestarter before. Or at least intill I started to watch KZbin.

[@motomuto3313]

I made the cotton balls and Vaseline firestarters but the only grease I had was axle grease. It burns real good.

[@whatupgovna]

thank you man i always learn here and now you showing me how to save money and just use shit i already have in my bathroom to start a fire.

[@phoenixrising4073]

For firestarters I've settled on wax coated makeup remover pads. Plenty of videos on how to make em. Also found out this morning my pace count is 67. My land nav journey has officially begun!

[@STOKERMATIC]

Hell yeah!

[@nimroddiaries_]

Let's go!! Keep safe.

[@peterbehringer63]

Thanks a bunch for this real-world review of gear you have tried recently....could be useful for my current scriptwriting work...

[@lewis9888]

I have a butt load of strike anywhere matches and all kinds of paper to start fires with. I store the matches in waterproof containers and I got the paper for free through the years. Be safe my friends.

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Fatwood, the gold of the woods. Use it all the time.

[@Halligan515]

I don't know if I'm more stoked to be the #1000 "like" or to see someone else rocking the Wells Lamonts!

[@STOKERMATIC]

🇺🇸🥃🇺🇸

[@docmach8794]

Read the label on filters, even high buck filters do not remove viruses, boil after filtering to be sure. I keep a pad and pencil with my Katadyn and make a check for each quart and with cleaning I can get around 13,000 gallons depending on the water source. Vaseline/cotton balls; About a thumbnail amount of Vaseline (more is fine, but don't oversaturate) to as many cotton balls you can jam into a USGI plastic match holder (with the ferro stick built into the bottom). Take out what you need, doesn't take up hardly any space, huge number of lights, other uses include wound dressing, lip balm and small area water proofing. USGI rappelling gloves; They have a double palm, can be purchased at Military surplus stores for around $20.00ish and I wear out the fingers before I've worn out the palms, they also have an adjustment strap you can clip to a carabiner on your pack.

[@daleodenbaugh9516]

I'm in the Pacific Northwest, I've made a "boyscout candle" using a 270 case ( base removed ) and waxed hemp rope to make a long term fire starter for wet conditions. Just fluf the hemp and light once fire is going just pull hemp back into case neck to extinguish flame, Ferro rod will easily ignite it.

[@stevenbyington3493]

Honestly I’d have to say the one thing I wouldn’t buy again is a MC-2 compass or anything comparable. I’m going to stick with the military style compass. It feels way sturdier and it’s what I’ve been trained to use. Thank you for the great videos .

[@STOKERMATIC]

I feel ya.

[@recondo4u]

On point, once again! Thanks!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Cotton is great😊Thanks for the info 😊

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Biggest regret was a Platypus water bladder years ago. Seal opened up between the main bladder and the hose and I lost most of my water. Still had a couple canteens though and they never failed me. Some of those inflatable pillows. Bought a unique design meant to fit inside sleeping bag hood. Never really liked it, other designs are more comfortable. Giant stormproof matches, neat novelty but I am never going to take these out. Never got a grail for the same reasons you mentioned. Sure it works well, just never appealed to me.

[@johnnottahcal5725]

All of it. A few years ago I began purchasing per the KICS program unless I was forced to buy better. I wasted so much cash buying only the best and then never really needing or using items. Now I do it cheap til I’m sure I must have the best of an item.

[@aaronwilcox6417]

I think the Grayl filter would be fine for 3 seasons "most" of the time in "most" locations. Trouble is that in the mountains I've experienced temps down in the 20's F even in July with really hard freezes. That makes the Grayl filter dead weight in high elevations even at summer but if one sticks to lowland areas and elevations there should be little issue. Those Vaseline cotton ball fire starters are messy and not the best to carry unless you need Vasline for ointment. I prefer Firestarter made out of the makeup pads or heavy duty paper towels infused with my own melted parrifin, wax and accellerant. They open up like a small miniatur book and can be torn and fluffed up and catch light easy and burn even on snowbanks. The upshot is they aren't messy and are more solid form and can be carried anywhere like a pocket.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

So true about Gloves, honestly the best ones I've used are Flight Gloves and Hatch brand Duty Gloves, the Neoprene ones are great.

[@canadafree2087]

I liked that you gave alternatives for the first two items. With the Grayl it is bulk vs capacity for me, and price. I have more firestarters than I will ever use in my lifetime. I still have about 40 boxes of Triox, ton of Esbits, Firedragon, etc.

[@mikepreslar8686]

I'm with you on all these. Back to basics that work and don't break the bank.

[@ostekuste3646]

I’ve used my Geopress to filter anything from swamp water to tap water in multiple countries/continents. If the water is full of large particles I use a mill bank bag to pre filter as is standard for use of any filter. I have only changed the cartridge once a year, after using the filter hundreds of times during travel, mountain biking, hiking, etc. I’ve never had issues with waterborne illnesses or even bad tasting water. Your analysis makes me question your experience and motives.

[@peilethan]

boots! i used to buy this one pair of boots all the time from danner. they were made in usa, so i kept supporting them. 200 dollars a pair. they quit making them, i went with a midwest boot, kept going strong after a year.

[@terrycampbell103]

The Geopress is simple to tell if filter is becoming past its life (8 seconds good, 25 seconds bad...for a single press). Watch video on how to use the Geopress.

[@papapillgaming2847]

My regret...A White Duck 13' Regina Bell canvas tent. It's a very good tent. Have had no issues with quality or it leaking. But it weighs 60lbs and is massive very hard to find a place to even set it up.

[@gladeshunter8796]

Never needed a fire starter in my life . My area is loaded with fatwood free for the taking . Always thought the Grayl was overpriced and I’m happy with my Sawyers .

[@ozinga614]

You can get 300 cycles give or take out of one filter I just put a piece of duck tape on it and every time I fill it I put a tally mark on it to keep track.

[@johnthomasjr262]

I am with you 💯% on the fire starters issue. I will look into your gloves, but as far as losing them what I do is clamp a grommet on the cuff of mine and run a small loop of bankline to run a carabiner through and attach it to my belt or bag.

[@Troy-nr7ku]

Never buy any of those tiny faro rods, unless it has a magnesium block. The rod will wear out super quick, so get one of them big bad ones for striking, and you can still utilise the magnesium block to enhance your fire starting ability.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good leather work gloves are underrated, and I have seen many who don't even carry gloves! If your hands get cut up, etc it will make whatever you are doing that much harder. Whether it is natural or chemical based, good tender is vital. I like the Grayl Geopress, yes it is alot more expensive than bottles (FYI: the filter is good for 65 gallons), but it is not my only water container. I also carry a 35.5 ounce titanium bottle.

[@heathmarcum5390]

I have a grayl I put a piece of painters tape on it, I keep a sharpie in my bag and I make a mark on it everytime I use it... u don't have to do this and gives you a good idea how much it's been used

[@michaelmerrick5472]

Grayl's price tag has kept me from trying. Strain and boil. Have always made my own fire starters multiple ways.

[@ApocGuy]

while it may not be the best gloves for thorny bushes, i just LOVE my mammut fingerless climbing gloves (yes the work for rappel too, but for tha i suggest full gloves) for everything else. i cant work with thick gloves at all...i agree on cotton balls; cheap, easy to make, can be used in any weather and store damn well for years.

[@maverick4462]

with my geo press I make a hash mark on the side every time I use it, ya it's getting a bit ugly, but it works.and it's almost time to replace the filter.

[@ronaldgoodrich5460]

My problem with fat wood is that where I live in Iowa there isn't many pine trees growing wild .

[@ruzzellp]

Thanks

[@sigmalife0570]

I've got the titanium grayl brand.i can boil now too

[@1790jman]

U can also make tender tabs they sell them Amazon like 250 of them for 8 bucks just dip then in wax I’ve seen people use a handle just melt it just make them till the candle is done

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

I bought 3 Sawyer squeezes for the price of a trayl. I can't justify the cost. I have had mine for 3 years, 2 never used yet. Still in the packages they came in. If I need water in unknown sources I will use it. I use a Milbank bag and I boil my water. I sure as He'll don't need something that expensive in my pack. Gear don't have to cost you a fortune and your first child to do bushcraft or survive anywhere. Learn skills. Learn them and leave the gadgets at home. Stop over loading your packs with everything. I was in the Marine Corps 26 years. If I can't survive anywhere on this planet, I don't need to survive. That simple. I survived Vietnam and I survived desert storm. I like you video by the way. Top notch. Great advice. I agree. Different types of gloves for different purposes. That needs to be understood. Don't get them at harbor freight. I get mine at tractor supply if I need them when I buy feed and whatnot.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Semper Fi!

[@bubba7626]

The big deal about the GEOpress is that it removes chemicals.... Use a pre-filter like a sock to save the 40 gallon lifespan. When it starts to take to long to press like 35 - 40 seconds its time to consider swapping the filter. If your in an enviroment were the water is fairly pristine then just use a Sawyer or boil it.

[@thomaschainey3230]

Great video thanks. Fun to use natural materials and also man made to create your own cheap fire starts but also fun to use all the different comercial Fire starter product too. The Grayl filter starts to take longer to push down the older and more clogged the filter gets. They recommend getting a new filter when it takes more than 30 seconds to push down. Think it can filter about 40 gas of water if the water is not to dirty or if you prefilter with a cloth or coffe filter type paper filter as to get the bigger stuff out of the water so their filter can last longer with out clogging up. Using the Grayl filter when you can not boil or it is not convinent is still a great option.

[@victorchinchillvas]

Wells Lamont gloves are awesome!!! As always, thank you Stoker!🙏🏽💪🏽🇺🇸🤘🏽

[@michaelyork6592]

Those gloves that come in the 3 pack at Sam’s and Costco are alright, but nowhere near as tough as my Airforce issue black leather gloves. They also clip together so you don’t lose them, and have a cinch buckle to tighten them down. My next door neighbor had the three pack you are talking about and quickly got a pair of the Airforce gloves when I showed them to him. Mine where issues, but they are commonly available at my local military surplus. I also have a yellow pair of uline leather gloves. Also tougher then the Sam’s special gloves. You could build barbed wire fences all day in either one of mine.

[@protectpersevere2030]

Spot on man!

[@CC-mb8fi]

As a vet in my mid 60's and an instructor, i use the following for fire starters : 1. Take an old toothepaste tube and cut it open at the bottom. Was thoroughly. Dry. Then fill with vaseline. Reseal the bottom. Keep dry cotton wool or balls in a zip lok bag. When needed, take cotton wool as needed, add vaseline from tube and then light or spark. Gives both vaseline and cotton wool dual purpose as a lubricant on those chaff marks in your clothes directly from the tube and the cotton wool can be used for medical use of disinfecting etc as a dry swab. This can be used with womens make up remover pads (also in kit that can be used to pressure a cut or to disinfect), or to add vaseline any other addition to wood or cloth to aid in fire starting. 2. Large dia plastic straws stuffed with vaseline soaked cotton wool and sealed off. A bit of experimentation to get size to fit the kit you are keeping them in is easy. You an make them in any size, 1/4, 1/2,3/4 size etc. Simply blank off one side with a heat source. Stuff it with the soaked cotton wool, then blank off the other side. This has to be started with a lighter tho. Or, if you see you have a weak flame that may go out on you, easy to simply place a strip on top of the small flame. Test at home to determine burn times. You will be surprised at how long it actually burns. Can be made to any size of the straw and stuffed in your pants pocket, down next to your kit etc without worrying about it oiling your kit or pants and its totally waterproof all the time. Never fails with a lighter. 3. The old potassium permanganate and sugar trick. Small bottle of pp and some sugar, equal ration, friction and wow, instant flame. Works well if you have any of 1. Or 2. Above. PP can be used to disinfect water, to make disinfectant for wounds and fire starters with sugar. Small bottle of crystals with sachet sugar and you good to go. Besides a magnesium block and stricker, a ferro rod and a bic lighter, i have never bought anything else. Tried and trusted. Keep on keeping on Heads up Eyes open No fear

[@francoloma2971]

Lip balm does same, and already packaged!

[@pauljenkins6877]

For the Grayl, the time needed to press down to purify water is the clue about filter life. It starts at about 8 seconds, and, according to Grayl, when it rises to 30 seconds it is time to replace the filter. So one should never be surprised about how much life is left in the filter which is rated to filter 65 gallons.

[@spartanj2957]

If you use a mill bag in dirty water first my filter has been working for 26 months perfectly ,and I'm well over it's advertised filter life water wise.

[@HughPecon]

The grayl gepress is supposed to be good for 350 presses or 65 gallons of water

[@Oldsparkey]

I purchased a Grayl and the different filters when it 1st came on the market. I thought this would be the best thing since sliced bread for getting a drink on the trail. WRONG , It's way to heavy , for the effort very little water each time. To many times to refill it and the time consumed doing it. it's been filed away in my junk drawer after that 1st trip. Back to the gravity filter for camp and the Smart water bottle and Sawyer when walking.

[@chrisu.k9307]

A box of fire starters from the pound shop does me. I’m with you on the grayl, I have one but have mixed feeling’s about it.

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

I am taking my titanium geopress down to the Philippines later this month for 6 weeks and I hope it does what it is supposed too,

[@shortcircuit3033]

I'm not sold on the Geopress yet its pricy for what it does, I'm still looking for recommendations on a filter for heavy metals and chemicals.. boiling takes care of everything else. leather gloves are good for hot stuff and prevents rope burns. great video looking forward to your next one.

[@francoloma2971]

A seasoned bushcraft guy pointed out that in the South when it's hella hot, boiling water means you need to drink hot water. Having the Grayl means you can drink cool spring water as is, and save time not waiting for boiled water to come to ambient temperature. If the outside is 90-100 degrees, drinking boiled water would be miserable

[@jeffporter7795]

about the geopress, a tale tale on them is the press time. if it takes more than 25 to 30 seconds to press, its time to change the filter. good video.

[@pengiethebird]

With your knife put a small notch in one of the ribs of the filter each time you use it. Five notches per rib, for easy counting, going sequentially around the filter until you reach your limit.

[@jefferypike2304]

Hi I have the same issue with the grayl I use some painters tape and I put a mark to tell me how many times I’ve used it

[@dennisseverns4014]

I go through gloves very fast doing tree work, best I ever found were some I picked up in Wyoming once, made from Elk Hide with Kevlar threads. Those two pairs I bought lasted two years. I am able to find fatwood or pine/fir pitch most places I go here in the mountains of Colorado. When I was down in Texas , I had to buy some at a hardware store. Never used the Grayl Geopress, carry a Sawyer Mini now, used to carry an MSR pump.

[@dennisseverns4014]

Liked that last part, too many effeminate males out there these days.

[@mervmartin2112]

I've been using the cotton ball / Vaseline fire starter, each ball stuffed in a piece of paper straw, and dipped in candle wax. They've never let me down. I like your foil wrap, though, may switch. Home made fatwood = wood / cardboard boiled in wax You can usually decontaminate a filter by reverse flowing with bleach water. Just a little stronger than you dip veges in overseas. Most filters nowadays filter down to 1 micron. This is great for most things. Viruses are sub micron, oops. Purification tablets take care of viruses. But that makes nasty coffee. A lot of filters take out the taste of purification tablets Wells Lamont all the way. Ask rodeo calf ropers and bull riders.

[@whiskeythree1622]

Cotton balls with vaseline. And a Bic lighter. Maybe try it sometime.