One thing that you should be aware of when using the Grayl is cross contamination. The interesting bits are on the inside, mostly hidden away by the opaque plastic of the outer material. But theyre still going to offer the Tap filter as a separate item on their website, so you can use it on tap water at home, which is nice, since thats what most people would be doing on a daily basis. Enter the Grayl Ultralight, the update that solves the only real problem the original ever had. This takes longer than the company's claimed 15 seconds. No sponsored content. There are many words I could use to describe what the Grayl Ultralight user experience feels like, but Ill keep it easy: practical, simple, efficient. One of the best things about this purification system is water quality. Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier Camo Black - Amazon.ca Unfortunately, we were unsuccessfuleven after both of us gave it a shot. This one doesnt need more than a quick twist. It is safe to assume that Lifestraw gets micro-plastics because they use hollow fiber. Keep the clean-inner reservoir full of CLEAN water only. When you initially buy your Grayl Ultralight I recommend picking up some extra cartridges too so that you have them on hand. If you want a purifier that can handle the dirtiest water and youd rather carry less weight, the Ultrapress is the way to go. Since I got it, I have been using it intensely: the Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier. The plastic used in the bottle is also a bit textured, so its fairly grippy as well, and the textured surface also cuts down on condensation building up and dripping down the sides if the water inside is too cold. For reference, I used the Sawyer Squeeze Mini on my AT thru-hike. Grayl pledges 1% of all sales to the preservation and restoration Ultralight Replacement Compact Outer Cup - GRAYL And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. With the way the Ultralight bottles lid is designed, I find it harder and less comfortable to press the bottle than when using the Grayl Geopress which has wide textured pads for your palms. But if youre happy with the Quest, the weight difference isnt giganticId say it depends how often you plan on using it, how much hiking youll do, and so on. Its a much better approach, since it lets you use it to carry the purifier when youre walking around, then rotate it down so you can press on it when purifying. Shop water filters, water purifiers to better empower your outdoor and travel adventures as well as preparation for emergencies and survival. 9 The GRAYL Geopress and GRAYL Ultrapress ($90) both use electroabsorption and activated carbon to purify water. So what the hell is the difference between purifying and filtering you ask? Overall, filtration is difficult and not our favorite. No news as far as giveaways go, and Im planning to be out of town pretty soon, which is part of the reason I try to avoid them. The one problem no Lifestraw review ever mentions, The toiletries list of an obsessive travel junkie, 25% of bottled water in the US is just tap water, reviewed theoriginal version of the Grayl, The Wool and Prince Boxer Brief 2.0, reviewed and raved about. TL;DR version: its the best GRAYL filter yet. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. There are some differences between the two including size and capacity. First, I filled the outer shell up with tap water to the line marked on the side, then slightly unscrewed the cap on the inner section and rotated the handle to sit parallel to the ground. Founder and editor of Too Many Adapters, Dave has been a traveler for 25 years, and a geek for even longer. I am not aware of any filter that matches this level of performance (most of them dont bother filtering viruses at all), and even fewer that also offerthe convenience of a bottle, which, if you havent tried it,is the only way to go. Product image via GRAYL, lifestyle images via author. The cap isnt attached by a lanyard or clip, though, so keep hold of it when youve taken it off! In this case in the side pocket. It consists of an outer bottle and an inner bottle. As a unique purification system, Grayl's Ultralight Bottle rids the most disgusting water sources of chemical contaminants as well as water-borne pathogens including viruses. If you didn't have a solid surface to do this on (like in a canoe), it'd be difficult to filter. With a fresh new filter, the Grayl takes about 15 seconds to press the water through the filter. Another thing that happens quite easily is that little drops of dirty water on the outer bottle get onto the drinking part of the inner bottle. I gave it a shot, but couldn't get the dirty water through. You know how you have to rotate certain caps three or four whole times to get them open? The more you use it, the more force youll need to push down the lid. Dont let your cartridge freeze and thaw repeatedly. REMOVES VIRUSES 99.99% A look at the interior cylinder and the filtration unit that can get rid of viruses and other pathogens. / 150L), though I admit I have gone far beyond that number on a few occasions without issues (though it is not recommended). So not only does bottled water come with a 280,000% markup, but sometimes its not even good. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. I was using the filter press on a surface about hip-high. For the most part, this purification system is terrific. Over time, it expanded the range into two distinct versions: the Ultralight that held around 16oz of water, and the bigger, heavier GeoPress that held 24oz. The filters are all the same, so theyre interchangeable between the stainless steel and plastic versions. The Grayl Ultralight is here! - Snarky Nomad These run $24.95. So how do the Grayl Ultralights purifier cartridges keep your body safe from microscopic Kamikaze organisms? Lets start with some numbers. This will let the air escape, so youre not fighting against a vacuum. When I hiked the Appalachian Trail back in 2015 the Ultralight is the kind of bottle I wish I had. REI is one of Americas biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers. Currently, the replacement is about $25 which isn't too bad but doesn't have the longevity of other hollow filtration systems we've seen. Once its taking half a minute or more to finish purifying, its probably time for a new filter. This leaves clean water in the interior cartridge. Information:www.grayl.comhttp://www.grayl.com. Does the new inner bottle work with the original steel outer cup? Inorganic components are the substances that do not contain carbons, like minerals, salts and metals. They even treated the E. Coli outbreak with chlorine, and then the water tasted like chlorine. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. As a fan of your website I Hi, Do you really know who the One is? If the water is turbidgood luck! When the electro adsorptive media has attracted the pollution towards the filter, the media for ion exchange makes sure the pollution stays into the filter by exchanging a harmless component with the pollution. Ladies & Gents, Its Time to Step Your GEAR Game Up. The purification media utilizes a combination of activated carbon and ion exchange technology acts like tiny magnets to rid your water of pathogens that could make you sick while traveling internationally. As long as you dont accidentally kick it down a mountainside, it should easily deal with the knocks and bumps of hiking and travel alike. Clean drinking water - anywhere in the world. Lastly, the new lid can hook into a carabiner: This is great for clipping it onto the side of a backpack, usually through the compression strap that tends to be over there, or you could loop a shoulder strap through itand carry it by itself, without needing a daypack. (503) $14.95 Grayl GeoPress Replacement Purifier Cartridge (267) $29.95 The differences lie in the details. Grayl Ultrapress Review: Water Purification for Backpackers - Off the Atlas It's compact, fits in virtually any backpack pocket and provides global protection from waterborne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoan cysts), pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals and microplastics. The only potential issue, especially for lightweight backpacking, was that it was pretty heavy, coming it at about 20.75 ounces. Next to making a habit of being careful when using the Grayl, I found a way to clean the drinking part at least a bit. This important distinction is lost on most people. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Flow rate: 1 liter/minute for the Quest with Travel Filter. By signing up for email newsletters, you agree to GearJunkie's, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Announcing my first-ever product collaboration! The bottle slash purifier has a content of 16 oz yes, its an American bottle or 473 ml. In a much-requested feature from the GeoPress, the lid now houses a spout with a screw-on cap. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Grayl cartridges use an ion-exchange and activated carbon system. For hikers interested in going ultralight, folks in the bush-craft scene, or even just the average traveler headed to South East Asia, the Grayl Compact Ultralight bottle has proven to be an excellent tool for both staying hydrated on the road and helping to reduce single-use plastic consumption whilst traveling which is a huge win. far more often, especially on big hikes. But its usually hot in Central and South America, so you might be drinking 2 or 3 liters a day or more, so plan on them lasting about 2 months each at the most. You may be thinking, woah that is a lot for a water bottle and youre not wrong. If it happens once, youll probably be fine, but more than that and youll likely need to replace it. If going fast and light is your priority, then the obvious choice for you should be going with the Ultralight bottle. For use with the Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier bottle, this replacement cartridge provides full-spectrum protection against virus, bacteria, protozoa, sediment, chemicals and heavy metals. Well worth the purchase price. I advise using clear water when possible as muddy/cloudy water with lots of turbidity will shorten the life of your Grayl filter cartridge. As a result, we'd recommend it for the backcountry. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Congratulations on winning the first time! Let us know! Im giving this one a 5 out of 5! GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier [+ Filter] Bottle - amazon.com Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Recreation Camping & Hiking Hydration & Filtration Water Purifiers Currently unavailable. Buzz, Worlds Most Portable Boat Boasts 12V Electric Motor, Fits in a Trunk. While some would benefit from the greater capacity of the GeoPress, the smaller size and lower weight of the UltraPress is likely to be more important, more often. 9.2 Yes, count up those 9s on the end. Everyone has their own style, needs, and packing method, so when it comes to choosing a Grayl bottle purely on carrying capacity grounds, that will be a personal choice based on your own needs. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. lead, arsenic) And it makes water simply taste better. The purification media also clears what of particulates and other stuff. Testing in my kitchen was all well and good, but unless your tap water is particularly gross, your GRAYL is likely to see more action on the trail or when traveling overseas than it will in your home. This water bottle purifies water borne pathogens including viruses and other contaminants. How strong is Ultralight? Overall, I really loved having the ultralight version for shorter backpacking trips with one to two people. For backpacking and international travel, the Ultralight is good too because it simply takes up less space and we all probably travel with too much stuff anyway as it is. I bought the Quest with Travel filter two months ago for some 2016 trips Mexico, Peru, Spain, London, Thailand, and other areas in Southeast Asia. I LOVE THIS THING!! A great place for the Grayl Ultralight, while on a short hike, close to town where you might find a clear water source. Ive tested each one, but I spent an extra month testing them side by side to see how they compare and which might be the better purifier overall. When the water is significantly dirty, like if it is blackish or reddish in color or has sand and metals, then the pressing will take more time and be more laborious. Grayl Ultralight Purifier Water Bottle Review - Trekbible What do the Grayl Bottles Filter Out? Over time, the flow rate will be longer as the filter builds up sediment or other little microscopic bits. At $60 I cant justify the purchase just to get the lid :). By Dave Dean AccessoriesFebruary 7, 20221 Comment. A fast, powerful, one-press mechanism on the Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier bottle makes safe, clean drinking water from nearly any freshwater source in 15 sec., so you won't have to buy bottled. Replacement filter Keep your bottle and cartridge dry when not in use. I really hope they dont take away the different filter options because the Tap and Trail are *much* less expensive than the Travel filter. This is partly due to the extra thickness of the plastic, which keeps it much straighter, plus that90 degree angle where the outer cup meets the seal. Its also important not to let the filter freeze if you can possibly avoid it. We'll also send over our free 25-page guide, packed with useful hints and adviceto get you started!No spam ever, and you can leave any time. Boom. Itll be coming with me in the future whenever Im going somewhere without potable water, whether thats in the middle of nowhere on a backcountry hike, or to a country where I dont have a lot of faith in the safety of what comes out of the tap. I just spent the whole summer season in . And Lifestraw Mission is THE best prepper kit for a few reasons: - filters viruses (0.02 Toiletries and First Aid is two separate categories plus your first aid kit hopefully you Dear, I hope this message finds you well. But it uses the same exact filters as the one youve already got, so if you have spare filters, you wont have to buy new ones for a little while. The purifier has two sections: the outer container that you fill with water from whatever dubious source you have available, and an inner container that holds the purified version. Check this EPIC packing list and make sure you always cover the essentials. The GeoPress wasnt just a larger version of the Ultralight, though: it had a few other features that made it more appealing. Our GRAYL UltraPress Review: It's the Best One Yet - Too Many Adapters Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice. A good company to work with! Low tables, like coffee tables, instead of high countertops, will help in the same way. Weve been fans of GRAYLs approach to creating safe, drinkable water for many years now. I bet down the road they will sell replacement parts. I tried each filter multiple times, from a fairly clean source and then a less clean source. That said, the main concept is pretty much the same; the bottles purifier water using a French-press style system that pushes dirty water up through a filter and into the clean water inner bottle. When doing this again at the Colorado River, we had a heck of a time trying to filter as the particulates were blocking the chemical filter completely. When GRAYL first started out, it had a single model of purifier. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. She has been writing about hiking, running, climbing, camping, skiing, and more for seven years, and has been on staff at GearJunkie since 2019. Itoffersthe same great filtration performance, usingBPA-free plastic to bring the weight down to 10.9 ounces. If the Travel filter is the only one available I will probably stop using the Grayl for every day use and only use it when traveling. Grayl gave me a couple test samples and spare filters, and, given how its currently doing on Kickstarter, there are a lot of people just as happy with it as I am. Mobile: +31 (0) 6 512 48 639Instagram: @outdoor.guru, @2023 - All Right Reserved. Stay hydrated amigos. What works best for me (more water is better) might not be good for your system so before you buy a Grayl bottle one thing to consider is definitely how much water and weight you would like to carry. Use the tap filter at home, and the purifier for everywhere else. You can compare adsorption with sticking or gluing. In either case, Ill just run the GRAYL through as many times as necessary to fill up the bottle or bladder whenever I get to a water source. Thats what makes this Grayl Ultralight water purifier really stand out. Anywhere! So the lifespans of my two cartridges are at different places in their utility. of the natural environment. It also doesnt take that many rotations to open it. Youll want to use your body weight when youre pressing the filter, especially when using the top-of-the-line Travel filter, which has more resistance than the other filter options. However, compared to the ongoing expense entailed in using other options, and given all their other drawbacks . They see a Lifestraw and think right, I can suck water out of the mud in Africa and no misfortune shall penetrate my bowels. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. I know you get something out of it but so do I :) Unscrewing the lid a little bit will aid in the press as it allows some of the air inside the bottle to escape; thus reducing that pressure. Made by GRAYL, this a replacement Purifier Cartridge for the GRAYL 16oz Ultralight Purifier and Filter Bottle. Even so, I measured almost exactly 16.9 fl oz (500ml) of purified water in the inner container when I was done. At $56.50 for the Grayl itself and $24.50 (!) Again, thank you! Itll come outmoreeasier. / 150L), Compatible with Grayl Ultralight, Ultrapress, Legend and Quest filter and purifier bottles (not included), Shelf life of 10 years (lasts 3 additional years after a cartridge has been used). Whether you are hitting the road in search of backpacker glory for the first time, or are a seasoned bush-craft expert, having a Grayl Ultralight bottle in your kit will pay dividends beyond measure and keep you safe and hydrated along the way. And if you thought this was something that happens just in sketchy bus stations in China, youd be wrong. Home Blog Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier Review Is this the MUST-Have Backpacker Essential? The Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier has a diameter 6.8 cm and a length (or height) of 24.5 cm. When we first got this out of the box, it was really hard to pull these tubes apart as the gaskets that create a seal is incredibly tight. The near-perfection of the Uniqlo Blocktech Parka, 5 of the best travel backpacks for global adventures, The Uniqlo Airism boxer brief, thoroughly reviewed, In search of the best travel pants for men, Best backpacking water filters and purifiers, Reviewing the new Tortuga Setout Backpack. Your email address will not be published. Well, quite simple: a purifier purifies water and the data that producer Grayl provides are impressive. Because of this difference in volume, the filter cartridges are two different sizes. Return policy: Returnable until Jan 31, 2023 Have one to sell? Grayl Ultralight Purifier Bottle | 4.6 Star Rating Free - OpticsPlanet In the years we have been using the Grayls we have two now we never got sick, but we take great care in preventing the drinking part from getting dirty and so we minimize the risk of cross contamination. Fill-up is pretty simple. Add gift options Have one to sell? If youve never seen a GRAYL purifier before, it doesnt look wildly dissimilar to the kind of water bottle youd take to the gym. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock. 8.8 Learn how your comment data is processed. The Ultralight Compact Purifier was the first purifier from Grayl but by now they also have the Grayl Geopress Purifier. It has proven to be a good solution to be guaranteed with getting fresh safe water during our hikes. Prior to this, we followed all online advice to ensure that the system was set up correctly. Do you know if I can buy just the inner sleeve? Being as relatively small and light as it is does come with one limitation, of course: the amount of water you can carry inside. Vice versa works, too, although in that case the plastic outer cup will be wider than the stainless steel inner cup, kind of like what the Grayl Quest looks like now. And sometimes those bottles inexplicably use stainless steel, so you cant squeeze the bottle to increase the flow rate. While this is called an "ultralight" container, it is pretty heavy for a personal bottle system. It has proven to be a good solution to be guaranteed with getting fresh safe water during our hikes. Notice how the stainless steel version can tilt a bit as you close it, whereas the Ultralight stands upstraighter: With the stainless version, its possible for the lower cup to bite into that blueish rubberyband, whereas the Ultralightwontdo that. Though on your first try, just twist each tube in the opposite direction and they will come apart. The Grayl Ultralight Purifier Bottle uses a replaceable purifier cartridge rated for 300 cycles (40 gal. This means the bottle can hold the equivalent of a USA beer pint. Sure enough, somewhere around the halfway mark, I drained the last drops from the bottle and dropped down off the trail to the riverbank to refill the outer container. / 150L). At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Theres nothing to get in the way. Has the travel filter been redesigned? Ask! Theres some discussionof maybe designing an alternate cap with a smallerdrinkspout, which would make it easier to drink while moving on a shaky bus, or riding a bike. Ifyou take it on a plane, the air inside the bottle will be under a higherpressure than the air inside the cabin, which can force the seal open. Weve used most of the different models over the years, and theyve consistently got just a little better and easier to use each time. Liquid capacity: 16 oz (473 ml) Purifier lifespan. GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier - Settle Outdoor . Apparently my stomach couldnt either, since I had zero problems with that side of things afterward. When he's not playing with the latest tech toy or working out how to keep his phone charged for just a few more minutes, he can probably be found sitting in a broken-down bus in some obscure corner of the planet. Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle Review MUST READ (2023) Simple, effective water purification for most water sources worldwide, the purifier produces 16 fl. Youll appreciate the difference, especially as the filter gets older or when youre using it a few times in a row. 9 Thanks to the pandemic I havent (yet) been able to test the UltraPress while traveling overseas, but given how well the previous model worked in Mozambique, I dont have any concerns about its effectiveness there either. But this is only a benchmark since the filter life is very much depending on the water that you are purifying. Check out my in-depth Grayl Geopress review if you want to go down another exciting water purifying rabbit hole. It works, but the flow rate is pretty slow, which is agonizing when youre trying to rehydrate on a hot day. Ah, thats where the confusion came from. Safe drinking water can be hard to come by in many regions of the world and if you travel or hike enough, you have probably experienced what a dose of polluted water can do to your body. I have never once gotten sick from drinking contaminated water after I have run it through a Grayl bottle. The kickstarter page for the Ultralight claims Fast Flow Rate: 15 seconds per 16 oz (2 liters/minute) However, the Grayl website states Press time: 30 seconds per 16 oz (473 ml) GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier [+ Filter] Bottle (Coyote Amber) Most of their products do not remove pesticides, taste, odor, chemicals, etc., because they do not include a charcoal stage. Chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, flavors, and odors are all absorbed to some degree as well, although because theres such a wide range of these, the company doesnt make specific claims about exactly which ones are removed, or how well. Amazon Sold by GRAYL Returns Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. For the longer story, read on. Great! I estimate that I have done well over 1000+ presses over the years and the results speak for themselves: I have never had any issues. And the GRAYL Ultrapress carries 16.9 ounces with a 3-inch width and weighs 12.5 ounces dry. Thanks so much! Sustainable The GRAYL Ultralight Purifier Bottle goes beyond standard filtration, protecting against the full-spectrum of pathogens (bacteria, protozoa and virus) as well as many chemicals, heavy metals and flavor/odor.