This Filter Bottle Could Make You QUIT Using GRAYL Forever!!!

[@srbontrager]

Yep, you touched exactly on why I prefer the Grayl over an internal filter bottle. The ability to dump the clean water into another container. Also, with the Grayl being a purifier instead of just a filter, it would be my preferred if I was near any populated areas like subdivisions, commercial agriculture, and industrial areas. Too many herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers to contaminate the streams to make me want to just use a filter instead of a purifier. About the only time I'd feel comfortable using just a filter would be in the mountains where there's no subdivisions, commercial agriculture, or industrial areas to produce contaminated runoff into the streams.

[@dalton12316]

Even outside of urban areas, the woods I run around in are full of cinnabar (mercury ore) mines that are 100+ years old at this point, the risk of unseen mercury or other heavy metals in water is why I went with grayl . My home water supply has had unsafe levels of arsenic in it before and most filters won't remove that.

[@srbontrager]

@dalton12316 yep, forgot that one. Near old(pre-epa) mine sites, where extremely harmful chemicals were used to extract and process the material.

[@calid.]

Grayl geopress is the best no discussion

[@1stRanger]

Take a LifeStraw Peak Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree if you want to pour clean water. Sawyer makes squeeze version as well. You're making up a problem that doesn't exist. As for "purification" abilities of GRAYL. Have you actually tested it?

[@1stRanger]

@@kgm2182 Good tip on how to kill your carbon filter much quicker.

[@robdavidson4945]

I spent nearly two weeks in an Oregon wilderness are with what I thought was a bad case of the flu. A few years later I discovered it most likely was Giardia. That was the late 70's. Great weight loss program if it doesn't kill you.

[@Dante07cid]

Here in the Midwest we have way too much farm run-off. I use the Grayl and will continue to do so.

[@gideonstactical]

That is awesome!

[@stephenbradley801]

If you add a mill bank or some type of pre-filter bag, before you fill your grill bottle full of water, it will increase the longevity of the filter by a lot. This system works real well for me. Thought I might add..

[@Lonewolve1988]

Is the millbank bag reusable?

[@Jay09889]

When you need a filter, use a Katadyn BeFree. When you need a purifier, use the Grayl. Both systems allow you to share water with your mates. Done.

[@PTSDexplosion]

Sawyer squeeze as filter/long term solution/to use when stationary (+boiling), grayl as a quick use solution (that+a couple extra cartridges should last you forever, along with the squeeze)

[@marcozecchini7543]

lifestraw is better for personal use instead to share with other people

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I'm glad that you stated that Grayl protects against chemicals, pesticides AND viruses. Grayl filters are one of the few purifiers that do that, granted viruses are less common in the U.S. than overseas. It's just good to know that one is fully protected when using a Grayl! Which is why I have been using Grayl Geopress purifiers for years, don't plan on using anything less.

[@1stRanger]

GRAYL only protects to a certain extent and only against limited concentrations. By no means you are fully protected while using it. Don't get a false sense of security. Only use it as a precaution and only with relatively safe water that you suspect may have traces of chemicals or viruses and not if you know for sure it is contaminated.

[@djames6255]

Grayl filters only last like 40gal they’re really only for emergency use

[@1stRanger]

@@djames6255 GRAYL is only for clear water really while some people tend to filter all kinds of crap through their filter and complain it gets clogged fast. Be smart about it, use prefilter.

[@sweetbeep]

How is the Grayl with filtering crap out of tsp water? ​@@1stRanger

[@u_s_e_rname]

@@djames6255 thx

[@terrylund7470]

I loved your honest views between the different systems. Thank you. I thought it was going to be skewed. Nice job.

[@gideonstactical]

Glad you liked it!

[@Mortalcoil100]

Grayl. 1. Do I really want to gamble the filter misses something that's in the water? Nope. 2. The ability to pour the water into other containers, etc.

[@joshuamiller1331]

Speed isn't always best when your health and safety is involved. The life straw maybe quicker but I think taking the extra steps might be better when drinking water that might be contaminated.

[@DinoNucci]

Face your bottle openings downstream when filling. Helps to keep out larger debris flowing downstream.

[@martinwiebe125]

Never thought of that before

[@GTFBITK]

I love how we have more options. Competition brings prices down.

[@bradgrand79]

It won’t work for cooking and coffee, GRAYL Ti all the way

[@gideonstactical]

Great option!

[@colinst.claire2198]

Also cost $200 but they do look handy. I just use a nesting cup with my geopress for all that.

[@bradgrand79]

@@colinst.claire2198 I got mine 20% off but your right, not cheap. I’m just not a huge fan of plastic.

[@davidjacobs828]

​@@gideonstactical This life straw is nowhere near as good as the grayl... reason being ,if you pre filter your water prior to pressing it thru the grayl , the filter cartridge life us up to 10x longer . Plus with the grayl you can FILL OTHER CONTAINERS , enabling you to fill a 3 ,or 5 litre bladder AT ONE WATER HOLE . It's a no brainer .grayl all the way.

[@eternaladventure-wm5fn]

I have the lifestraw bottle that came before this version and the problem is when you get down to the bottom of the water there is a decent amount of water that you can’t drink because of the way the filter is inside the bottle. Other than that and what you mentioned they are great for a get home bag.

[@Cetok01]

The points you bring p are exactly why I use and prefer the Grayl. Lifestraw and Sawyer type suction filters are fine for backup and survival kits where your major need is direct hydration. The Grayl exceeds that by providing purified, pourable water for drinking, cooking, cleaning a wound, and other uses where the water must be transferred.

[@spokojnyMamut]

Every suction-type filters may be set to autoflow by 2mins and cost few cents.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aaron, yep the whole reason I payed extra for the Grayl is its activated carbon element, otherwise I'd just take a Sawyer and an extra bottle. Btw; another contaminant to be aware of, (even in the otherwise cleanest of sources), is animal carcasses, which may or may not be still visible. Cheers Duke.

[@steveh5169]

Just got back from a backpack trip in the Wind River Range. I used the epic water filter that fits inside a Nalgene bottle. I already had the bottle and you can buy just the filter with a special lid/cap that fits a Nalgene. It comes with several different tubes/straws so you can use it in various different bottles (Nalgene, Hydroflask, etc.). It filters viruses too. I have a 48 ounce Nalgene so I had twice as much water as the Grayl, and it costs half as much, and it's lighter as well.

[@InimitaPaul]

What I don’t get about these water bottles is that you have to use it to scoop dirty water so every time you touch the bottle you’re contaminating your hands. Also, if it’s taking you 30 seconds to filter your water with the Grayl it’s time change to cartridge according to them, it should take

[@Andromedan76]

Definitely grabbing the GRAYL. I'll be spending a full year in India and can't risk it. I'll even be filtering the bottled water travellers depend on to get by while there. You just never know. The higher cost for the GRAYL would be nothing compared to the cost of getting seriously sick and being potentially hospitalized. It's an investment into your health.

[@Andromedan76]

Subscribed ;-)

[@anthonyrampino7734]

How do you know when to replace the cartridges in either system without having to count the uses?

[@gideonstactical]

They start to have flow rate issue and then you know

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@gideonstactical ok thanks, I appreciate the help. Great review. I think for the versatility, I’m going to try the Grayl.

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Grayl with an Lifestraw straw unit and a millbank prefilter. Done. Those give you plenty of options

[@brianmabin5947]

Hello from Denver, Co, love your channel brother. Came across this video today after 2 other water filter videos caught my attention and thought I'd bring them to yours as well. The first is a recent release by Dan Becker interviewing the owner of Sawyer, I learned some unique and useful information especially regarding micron size of bacteria and viruses, how they are transported and how certain filters like Sawyer filter regardless. The other is a series of videos by another Coloradan WaterFilterguru, specializing in water treatment and testing, including many of our beloved camping or overlanding filters. Both are worth checking out and sharing with your viewers. Thanks again for all you do, much love brother. God bless you.

[@1stRanger]

7:40 Yes, you can with a LifeStraw Peak Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree. GRAYL has carbon element though. Something most filters don't offer. Can't speak about its effectiveness though.

[@Czechmate99]

Grayl is still my go-to. I use mine as an edc emergency prep. If I'm ever in an emergency situation, I'm going to be in or around cities and suburbs most of the time. The lifestraw products frankly won't cut it for my needs.

[@itywhat6499]

I've had the results of using a "filter" before and it isn't pleasant. They just don't get all the stuff out of the water. Thanks for the video. I now use a Grayl and will continue using it. The extra steps to get better water are well worth it.

[@ravenwolf3039]

Also you can get the grayl titanium and use the sleeve to cook over stoves to make hot water for foods etc

[@maxlvledc]

GRAYL could solve all of this by also offering a micro filter option with 500gal capacity. That would give you everything

[@gideonstactical]

That would be a great idea!

[@Orangefiltration]

Great video. Thanks for the info!

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

Right out of the gate I can already tell the Grail for me is a better choice. Because you can simply pour it into another container. I don't want to have to suck on a straw. I want to be able to pour the filtered water into a cup or my mouth or something as well if i choose to make food or anything really

[@GreenSnowleaf]

The Lifestraw Peak Squeeze is a squeeze bottle that allows you to squeeze the water though the filter into a cup or pan. I have one and I am loving it. Might be what you are looking for!

[@TrickyThe0ne]

My thing about it was I was taught not to risk it and always boil your water because if you get sick you’re dead. If the Grayl removes the risk of that by purification instead of filtration that’s my go to.

[@SHANECatLovinActivistHistorian]

The bad thing about the straw without the bottle is when you lay down by the river to get a drink and a gator blast out of the water and bites your head off. I hate it when that happens

[@jamesrizza2640]

Thank you for your pros and cons on these 2 filtration types. I overlooked the ability to share water or use it for cooking or others. Very good points. It seems like the best solution is to have both.

[@marksapollo]

Nice video, I am just looking for a water bottle to use everyday and filter microplastics from tap water. The Lifestraw is fine for me.

[@WorldReserveCurrency]

Took my Grayl with me to Mexico City and worked like a champ. Before going to sleep I'd fill a couple of 2 liter bottles with the Grayl so I have most of my water for the next day.

[@michaelharman-derosier6776]

If you hike with electrolytes, you can't add them to the Lifestraw bottle. With a Grayl, you can.

[@JS-vz4je]

Wow the back drop! Where is this beautiful place on earth?

[@SheepdogPreparedness]

Looks okay, but I wouldn't stop using my Grayl bottles for anything. Just took them to Rocky Mountain National Park, and it was epic!

[@gideonstactical]

Ya totally bomb, and though this is ok Grayl for life

[@nigelgunn_W8IFF]

I don't like the process of sucking through a straw or tube so for me, the GRAYL ( or an open topped bottle ) provides a more pleasurable experience. In most cases, just personal choice. There are many good products out there.

[@eda715]

Lifestraw. This is fine if you only need drinking water. You can’t filter and put the water in a different container. Also that 22 oz bottle doesn’t hold 22 oz when that filter is in it. Also the grayl is a purifier and the lifestraw is a filter. The sawyer filters give the versatility with cheaper filters. And sawyer offers a similar bottle. I wouldn’t waste my money on Lifestraw. In the US Sawyer is my go to. Outside of the US I would pickup a Grayl or another purifier.

[@ellenj8896]

I’m still searching for the right bottle for my purposes, and what I’m seeing online is that in order to get the water out of a lifestraw, a person has to suck on the spout as they would a straw. Problem there (in my mind) isn’t the speed of water delivery, it’s that I do not relish the idea of getting saliva on the spout, then capping that spout, so the saliva gets all into the teeth of the cap and stays on the spout, to boot. Just gross, although maybe I’m more of a clean freak than others are. I would much rather pour the water into my mouth, keeping the spout clean.

[@ModernSurvivalSense]

Sooo... what about this would cause someone to want to never use the grayl system again?

[@cctvspystore]

When you got to the 9 min mark is why i will stick with the Grayl...thanks for showin tho

[@gideonstactical]

No problem 😉

[@andrer1337]

I have the life straw and the Grayl an I choose the Grayl. The life straw takes forever to drink because you have to use more suction. The Grayl it takes me less than a minute to press the water through and I don't have to fight to drink water and the Grayl purifies vs filters.

[@spartanj2957]

The grail filter i use is 3 yrs old and i use it everyday.Tgr trick is prefilter water first with a bag.nust dont let the filter freeze.

[@flyoverkid55]

The Lifestraw system will suffice for the casual hiker/ backpacker. As for myself, I'm investing in the Grayl system as it better suits my purposes.

[@blainebarringer2356]

You just saved me some money. You validated my concerns with this system.

[@danielbobbyy]

i bought both so I just transfered the already filtered water from grayl bottle into the lifestraw go bottle so its double filtered lmao haha ;)

[@bobbyhale4599]

Only reason I use Lifestraw is because I already have metal containers for boiling, and the cost is just too much for me to make that jump. Lifestraw “straws” are always great for emergency application no matter which one you carry though IMO

[@chrisv8997]

How can we tell when it’s time to change the filters? Count the presses and or gallons used?

[@nalaka3488]

The metal water bottle are not great. I bought them me thinking it would be more durable but it just gets dented when you drop it, and also the paint scratches off. The slight flex you get from the plastic is way better at protecting it

[@dougbotimer8005]

Watch to end to find out why Lifestraw bottle is NOT going to replace anyone’s Grayl.

[@jon27d]

I have a couple of life straws and I even have the life straw adapter kit which is the system you are showing here but with a lid that fits on a nalgene bottle or one of my Klean Kanteen bottles. Really nice backup systems, but the limitation of not being able to fill up other containers or get clean water in any sort of other use besides just drinking from the bottle is why they will remain as backups. I carry a life straw everyday in my get home bag for example. But for backpacking trips my primary system remains a Sawyer filter.

[@justinb.5822]

Great review and comparison. You hit all the points. However, they both have their advantages and disadvantages. This video will not make us stop using the GRAYL forever.

[@stevenhorwood1300]

Lifestraw has a use but just buy the less expensive actual lifestraw as a backup and use the grayl mug part as the water reservoir to suck from (as a backup) the replacement cartridge weighs about the same as a life straw so one can just carry a new clean grayl cartridge as a backup to a clogged dirty cartridge. You cannot make coffee, or any food with the lifestraw.

[@ClevelandTabla]

Good info, thanks.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for watching

[@Twowheelstoofun]

Stupid question... I have a few Grayls, a few Sawyer Squueze, and a lifestraw... etc... I use my Grayl pretty much exclusively anymore. I was going to invest in a milbank bag, but then I thought of why not use the sawyer squeeze as a milbank bag? Wouldn't it be quicker and better? Then put the water into the Grayl?

[@What_Fred_Said]

Does this system get rid of viruses? If not the sawyer water bottle does the same thing.

[@semperfortisjiujitsu]

Amazing product! Thanks for the review! Definitely going to buy a couple of these.

[@hambilly-radio]

Nice review on the Lifestraw Go and Grayl! I am glad to see that Lifestraw changed the design of the Go. They used to make it with an exposed mouthpiece, and there was a pressure valve that would allow dirty water in the bottle to come up over the lid and onto the mouthpiece when you encountered pressure/temperature changes. This version of the Lifestraw Go looks like it would not allow that to happen, which is much safer when hiking!

[@bloodbushcraft2467]

So about a decade ago. Me and a buddy were talking about naked and afraid and what would the 1 item be that we would take. He said a life straw which was one of the best ideas i never thought of. I told him the life straw bottle would be better because you get a container to take with you. To bad it's not stainless so you could cook with it ect.

[@301joey1]

the Lifestraw has a charcoal filter, does that not help with heavy metals and pestacides?

[@asmith7876]

I’ll stick to my MSR Guardian. Yes it was stupidly expensive but it pumps super fast and will make drinkable water out of just about any source.

[@wayneorellana2549]

You had me worried with that thumb nail, Aaron. I just bought a GRAYL (pretty much based on your recommendation) as I am currently with my family in a part of Asia with unreliable water..

[@gideonstactical]

Grayl can’t be beat in most situations 👍

[@wayneorellana2549]

Agreed Brother! 👍

[@earlhamlette7030]

Stay with grayl, love my bottle

[@uriellopez548]

One question how many leaks. It can be done GeoPress® One-Way Drink Mix

[@aspitofmud6257]

A very thorough assessment of the capabilities of each system. I am going with the grayl because I can fill my other containers like my camelbacks, USGI quart canteens, enduro jug etc without spitting into them to fill them. And the idea of having my first cup of spit and coffee kind of yucks my nerves. 😮😂👍

[@hsagiao123]

Definitely think the Lifestraw has it's place and use. Especially for people who maybe live in the mountains or who are far away from any cities/agriculture/manufacturing, etc. And certainly in a pinch, it's better than no purifying/filtering at all. The Grayl does win out though in today's real world application. There is no such thing as "too cautious" when it comes to your water. When possible, people should obviously add in the step of boiling their water if they can but I know that isn't always practical.

[@Jordan-pf9ws]

Would this work for the water in Cuba or Mexico? We're going on a trip and thought this might be a good idea to use. Thanks

[@mattwall518]

Could you use life straw with water purify tablet or boil the water first?

[@gideonstactical]

Boil water first

[@gregcox600]

As always, amazing clear and concise content with just the right pro/con to make an informed decision

[@Build-Test-Send]

I wish Lifestraw and Grayl would join forces. Lifestraw has the better filter but I like the Grayl all around design.

[@shanebrowning8862]

Southern Ohio hiker. Be free is great for mountain streams. Grayl is needed in the Appalachian foothills due to all the past mining / current agriculture. Be sure to pre-filter your Grayl. This can be tedious, but it will work smoother / longer. I will pre-filter w a buff, run it through my be free (I have one specifically for heavy metals usage), then the Grayl. Yes it’s tedious. No, I’m not drinking lead or glyphosate. Probably.

[@Hdic2018]

Is there an alternative product to Grayl? I like the function of Grayl but it's a little bit pricy.

[@danieltrickey9285]

Bring both. You can get the Lifestraw without the bottle, $15.

[@bretto9616]

I got a Grayl cause i spend a lot of time in some of the most inhospitable places on earth - CONUS US military bases. Hopefully Grayl makes the water a bit safer for human consumption.

[@Wolfram762]

Grayl all the way for me, suits my needs better! The life straw go bottle is nice but I don't feel comfortable have it for a shtf scenario.

[@MrTian1212]

Can’t make me quit Grayl: just like you mentioned, grayl also acts like a pump-based filter and make clear water that I can put into other containers for more than drinking, e.g., cooking. Plus, LifeStraw Go does NOT remove viruses. Grayl does. However, there is another brand that no body seems to talk about:Oko H2O. It used the same type of electro-adsorptive filter as Grayl, so it is capable of taking out viruses. But it is a straw-in-bottle design with soft bottler so you can squeeze to get a very very good flow rate, instead of sucking really hard. Much lighter too. The filter is smaller than Grayl, whose filter takes about 1/3 of the whole bottle . Costs less than 30$ on Amazon.

[@spokojnyMamut]

There is albo WaterToGo. Same type of filter but chaper and simpler.

[@fuelman524]

Will the life straw screw onto the pathfinder 32oz stainless bottle?

[@jaysin9931]

can u drink thru the lifestraw bottle with out the filter in it ?

[@gideonstactical]

Sure, but you would need to really clean the bottle out first so you don’t have cross-contamination with the dirty water

[@michaelneff2507]

GREAT VIDEO- issues with my Grayl, very stiff to press, and taste from the filter is prohibitive. How is the Lifestraw flavor?

[@gideonstactical]

No taste from my experience

[@Six_One_Six]

If i were going to use a straw filtered bottoe, i'd use the epic filter/nalgene combo. I believe they claim way more stuff out...and i like the way it looks over the life straw.

[@marcozecchini7543]

i use lifestraw, when i go camping i always use steripen for safety

[@markcoraa]

Awesome comparison, pros and cons of both. Earlier in my life I went to other countries and Grayl would be a no-brainer. I'm old and ugly now, don't foresee leaving the coun🎉try. Probably now the lifestraw would suffice. Again, I'm mostly urban and city, rarely country.

[@Cetok01]

Mostly urban and city would mean an even greater need for the Grayl capabilities if the grid -- and reliable public water and sanitation -- goes down.

[@mikeydurden]

You being old and ugly shouldn't make you not want to have the cleanest version of water though.

[@Twowheelstoofun]

I love that I can use the Grayl to fill my cooking pot.

[@chuckychuck]

You can do that with Sawyer squeeze and life straw solo. Extra weight don't bother me on my hiking I love my filter, hell we in america not Congo

[@brianhelgeson1208]

Excellent for city and urban use. Save grayal for all others.

[@tomritter493]

The life straw can you use it straight out of the bottel to water source ??

[@thomaswilliams7209]

Does life straw purify the water like the grayl

[@charlessalmond7076]

Apples and oranges. Maybe a comparison between the life straw and a Sawyer. I've got the Sawyer bottle. I never use it. I use a Sawyer squeeze and a various size Klean kanteen. I use a lot of foods that need water. Brushing teeth, etc, etc.... For me personally I like having the reserves of clean water. Its worth a couple minutes of preparing to have it.

[@chrisgolden1770]

I would buy the grayl but absolutely hate having to replace filter after 40 gallons

[@gideonstactical]

It is a short life span, but it ends up being about 2-3 years of trips before I need to swap the filter

[@richroc7]

I agree with you I like grayl better primarily because it purifies but I’d like to get both tbh and use the grayl for certain situations where I know the source is questionable. Use the life straw go as my main filter. You had me sold on the life straw until I realized that you can’t pour it out for pets, cooking etc. I think life straw should make a separate upscale filter that purifies water.

[@user-bi8ko7kc6h]

Lifestraw does have a cap and straw product which fits some bottles. If you can get a silicone bottle that fits the cap (the lifestraw silicone bottle doesn’t filter as much so I rather get your own) then you might be able to squeeze the water out for pets.

[@charleswynn5867]

How do you know when to change the filter, does it have so type of indicator?

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Good points for each system I would carry both and use the grayl only as needed.

[@scottpomygalski6078]

Thanks for a great video, 2 questions...Do we have to be worried about viruses in the water. If the grid goes down and some of the water might have sewage or other things in it, will this be a good thing to use with that if you don't know about the contamination.

[@gideonstactical]

The Grayl would be the right device if that were to happen.

[@frozennorth6527]

I had the 32oz version on a 9 day moose hunt in the backcountry. It was so much better than the sawyer I brought with me that failed halfway through. The gasket failed not the filter itself.

[@byteblock1667]

Sounds like it might be a good idea to just buy both

[@K94Life]

Hmm. It’s water. They’re both great! I’ll take one of each! -maybe 2 😊

[@danieljones2183]

You can call me an urban treker. Purified water is a priority for me.

[@carlosnyc13hiker]

I love my lifestraw 1 liter jug. I also love my bladder. Not sure what the problem with a bladder is. I like the fact that it’s centered in my backpack & it hasn’t frozen on me in my winter hikes. I hate reaching for water jugs in the side pockets of my backpack. I also like to hydrate a lot. So to me it’s easier to just grab the hose without having to stop to grab my water bottle & have a sip. I’ve seen those hose that you can attach to a bottle. That’s cool. But I rather put something else in that pouch than water.

[@DieTabbi]

What I dont understand, the filter get more and more contaminated by every usage. How long/often can it be used, replaceable and lot of other questions

[@chmalownikpl]

Did you check water after filtration? Which is real good, better

[@richmiller1250]

i use a standard life straw when i want to be lite on my feet chasing deer elk etc but my grayl goes everywhere too many mines where i'm from got to get those heavy metals out.

[@richardhenry1969]

I have a membrane solutions best filter ever. It’s cheap it’s rebuildable (meaning you can get the carbon and the filter kits) then change out filter if you have a problem. Really for $40 you get a gravity bag a hose and the filter in a bag. Then for $12-14 you can get the extra filters a 2 pack so you can rebuild or just put another carbon filter in. Really good filter.

[@claudenormandeau9211]

Very useful information thank you