Grayl Water Filter Review

[@yemrot1]

Thanks for the review. $200 and 16 oz. vs drinking agricultural fertilizers and heavy metals from contaminated sources? Sounds like a health care bargain to me.

[@YT-MikeL]

For what it's worth...I like the regular plastic Ultrapress vs the titanium one. It's BPA free polypropylene for $89.95 and weighs 12.5oz.

[@packtoter]

Yes. Not sure I will use the cook pot much. Should have bought the same one. Keep Smilin'

[@andymytys]

I watched your gear video for the Florida Trail and, after hearing you talk about the ag runoff in the surface water and the Grayl, I immediately purchased one as I was going to hike Florida’s Ocean to Lake trail in March. After reviewing the available models, I went with the GeoPress. It weighs a pound dry, so two ounces more than your solution, but it can filter and carry 24 ounces at a time, rather than your 16, and costs $100 - 120 less depending on if you get the gen-1 or 2 (only difference is a one-way valve in the filter that lets you have powdered drinks in the filtered side of the water - sounds like an unnecessary risk to me. Viewers should not feel it’s a $200 investment to go with Grayl technology. The larger GeoPress filter makes it rated to 65 gallons before you need to replace the cartridge, rather than the 40 gallons for your UltraPress model. I can only see using/needing this filter for specific water problems like Florida ag water and maybe cow pie infused water along the Continental Divide trail. But I’m glad I have it. Once you get your base pack weight down to under ten pounds, putting a pound or two back into the pack just isn’t noticeable - it just becomes a number on the spreadsheet. For most people, at some point weight takes a second place behind comfort and convenience as well. Case in point is that Akto you choose to carry.

[@packtoter]

Yes. It all takes a lot of thought & trial/error. Glad I had it on FT. KEEP SMILIN'

[@Dante07cid]

I’ve had Grayls for years. I keep one Ultra press in each vehicle and both plastic and Ti versions for hiking depending on type of hike. Clean water is a priority for me, especially in today’s environment. I love mine.

[@packtoter]

It's becoming a priority for me too. After years of not filtering, all of a sudden there are 8 billion people on the planet fighting over, and abusing good water. Keep Smilin'

[@gregvanpaassen]

Wise decision, carrying the Grayl in a place like Florida. Future Packtoter is going to be healthier!

[@packtoter]

Yes. The trail goes through a lot of ag development. Pretty scary impact on not only surface water but the whole system. Keep Smilin'

[@Oldsparkey]

I purchased a Grayl when they 1st came on the market. It weighed a ton or seamed like it for the 16 oz of water from it. There was a lot of metal in the construction of the early models. I gave it to a friend. After watching your video I looked at them again , I notice they are making a 24 oz one that weighs 15.9 oz. I got one for canoe trips since weight in not a factor and the additional water ( 8.1 more ounces per fill ). It's 65 gallon limit will offer a lot of fresh drinking water on numerous trips. Who knows it might even go on land bound camping trips.

[@packtoter]

Yes. It's growing on me. My continue using it. Keep Smilin'

[@sp00nfed]

"It's 65 gallon limit.." Gonna let you on a secret. The purifier will work until it get's clogged. It will get slower & slower but it will still work. I used one for an entire year before it I had to change it. Of course your mileage may vary depending on how dirty or clean the water you purifiy is.

[@packtoter]

I kind of thought that would be the case, but I bought a new filter when I returned from Florida. I'm careful not to let too many solids in, but itcwas slowing down. Think I will milk this next one a bit longer. Thanks. Keep Smilin'

[@waltbates8257]

Dick, I recall you keep a coffee filter in your hip belt pocket. Do you use it to pre filter the water in the grayl cup before compressing?

[@waltbates8257]

FYI- I’m reading and really enjoying your thru-hiking planning book. The best parts for me aren’t the gear insights as much as your stories and insights from your hikes. Still have my Optimus SVEA fuel stove and aluminum pot. I have since replaced my plastic gallon milk/water carry jug for a Grayl. Never heard of water filters back in the day.

[@edwardenglish6919]

Have you considered catching rain water with a tyvek tarp?

[@packtoter]

I'm sure that would work well if rigged right. I have to say I have never been in a situation where that need has presented itself. Meaning I needed water and it started raining. But on several occasions I have melted snow, and there is a science to doing that right. I am no longer carrying tyvek ground sheet, but my patrol poncho would make an excellent rain catcher. Thanks for the comment. Keep Smilin'