I'm a neighbor to the west and I own a Grayl GeoPress, but I've given it up. I love all that it offers, especially the activated carbon part of the filter, but I've switched away from it simply due to weight. I've switched to the Katadyn Hiker Pro. Here in Indiana, where I live and do most of my hiking, I'm more concerned with farm runoff of pesticides, herbicides, and the like. The Katadyn is a pump filter, but is also two-stage filter with both the activated carbon with the hollow fiber secondary. It also only weighs 13 oz. including the carry bag. The GeoPress is a heavy carry on a long distance hike. I enjoyed the video!
I'm glad to hear how well that works. I bought a couple when we first moved to Florida as hurricane water backup. We had a pool at the rental house and i tested it to see if it would remove the chlorine and after freshly shocking the pool the chlorine level was insanely high. After pressing it through the filter it tested 0ppm of chlorine and it tasted great.
Love your explanation 100%! I camped in the Pine Creek gorge of PA. at one of their campgrounds that had well water available. I had brought my Grayl for dipping along the way on our bike rides as well as a gravity filtration system to use while at camp. Let me tell you ...... that well water tasted NASTY even after filtration!!!! Not sure what was in it, iron? sulfur? One press through the Grayl and it was the sweetest tasting water! Needless to say, the Grayl got a lot of use that weekend. Jeff
Originally from NE Ohio myself, just found your channel because of this video. Love my Grayl. After buying the first one I found a one in a thrift store of all places. Bought it and ordered a replacement filter. I did see mention of a cloth "pre-filter' in the comments below. A Milbank bag is perfect. They are inexpensive and have been around for a long time. Much finer filtration than most cloth. Really helps the Grayl filter to last especially with water that has the larger debris in it.
A couple thing's that may help. 1) Pretty self explanatory would be a millbank bag. (Allows you to extend the life of the filter) 2) I attached a paracord loop on the outer container so I can attach a length of cordage to it in case of a high bank where I can't get to the waters edge or even drop it off a bridge to get to a water source. I just duck tape, it works fine. Love my Grayl's ( I have 2)
I have both a Grayl Geopress and two Sawyer Squeeze, one's a micro, what I did is plug in a Platypus GravityWorks Carbon Element after the filter, so getting as close to the Grayl as possible, the water is clear, taste and odorless, the only thing this doesnt filter out is vira. The weight reduction might be worth for some with a thru-hiker mentality. With that being said the Grayl is probably one of the best, if not the best, portable filter-system available.
@@markashlock9017 Grayl themselves have no problem using both terms for their systems. "on-the-go filtration and purification" as they say.... Consider being less pedantic?
@@Timeren2010: Actually Grayl says “Purifier” and Filter! Putting “Purifier”FIRST Every Time! Not being pedantic,…though maybe a little dogmatic. With SO many “Filters” on the market, and so few “PURIFIER’S”, it would seem you would want to bring attention to Grayl’s most significant and outstanding feature. Primarily… It’s a Water “PURIFIER”, with filtration as a byproduct. Just sayin…😉
@@markashlock9017 hahaha, well let me be pedantic now, the part of my last post in quotation marks, was copied and pasted straight from their website :) The entire passage: "Requires zero setup time and makes 24 fl. oz. of clean drinking water in a blazing fast 8 seconds for stealth on-the-go filtration and purification. Includes a one-way valve for electrolytes and drink mixes!" Anyway, lets just leave it eh?
The Grayl Geopress is the best option for clean water when away from home. The filter is only good for about 55 gallons and you can get a little longer use with pre filter through a cloth. I’ve used it in Argentina, Brazil and India where it was my only option for water. Using as your only source of water you will need to replace the filter every 5-6 weeks.
I have tried different products to clean my drinking water outdoor. But I bought the GRAYL, because the taste an the smell is gigantic good! Regards from germany and Roland
I love the Grayl too. I always prefilter the water by holding a clean handkerchief over the raw water container when filling it, to extend the filter life.
Grayl is very good, convenient. Excellent technology, limited volume per cartridge, and pricey. Matched to the correct use case, nothing better. For your pack frame, if you ever find the hip belt not quite as wonderful as it is now, there's another adaptation from the BSA handbook 60 years ago -- the tumpline! 😊
The tumpline is a solid adaptation and has been around for a VERY long time but I don't care for them at all. The pressure on the forehead and neck is too much discomfort for me.
I have been using a Grayl for a couple years now. I have used, literally, almost every filter out there. This has been my go to since I found it though. SO easy to use. I do keep a Sawyer gravity filter as a backup with a 2L bag in my kit-which is good for end of day filtering, and I can carry 2 liters of water with me, if needed. Living in New England, outside of draught season, water is rarely more than a mile away. Add a millbank bag to it, and you will be good!!!
Thanks for the story! I have a gray geopress but am unsure how trustworthy it is around river areas. After this video I no longer feel apprehensive. Thanks again!!
I think you misunderstand friend. The newer Grayls come with a small rubber piece that can be added to the one way filter so you can use drink mixes and such and not damage the filter. You can buy them for $7 from Grayl in case you have the older models that did not come with it.
I slept on these for a long time, wanted to get the titanium Ultra press when it came out because I love the idea of a built-in cooking vessel, but 16 oz just seemed like a tease. As soon as I heard of the new TI geopress I sprang on it. And yes..ouch!!$$ but they offered 10% off on their website so that took a little sting out of it. More importantly, it seems like a very well-built piece of kit that will last a long time.
I've been watching you for some time and hadn't noticed the belt and buckle before. I rarely wear any other than my web for many, many years. Semper Fi!
Back pack have both. Canvas and got my pack from eighties that still external frame not really like internal as i can take pack off use frame other chores. It's not expensive one back those days and had get kidney pad for the fifty miles a foot or a float award. Still got use it once while.
I press the Grayl without the top completely, then screw it on. IMHO pressing the lid with just smaller access open increases pressure which eventually will cause a failure on the threads which are plastic and will become more brittle over time.
I have photos of oil soaked ground feet from "water sources" on all of the Wayne trails (archers fork is the worst). Can't do it man. I drive around the forest service roads and leave caches on the first morning. That said, I'm doing my best to start trusting the filter. Had a platypus quickdraw fail on me last year. Heading for Shawnee this week; I can taste the permethrin now!
Yeah water important not seen that filter interesting. In my fifties though don't do longer multi hikes as much now ,good filter good have . I would have wait till summer make that much investment. It be good have for the other scout initiative, emergency preparedness.
I use lady's knee-high nylons as a prefilter, slipping 4-5 of them over the outer shell, then lining it with one when used (turn inside out then knot it around a pack strap, it dries quickly and can be reused when turned right side out again). I also carry my Grayl tucked into a $15 Stanley 2-cup cooking pot, leaving the plastic cups home and slipping the Stanley and Grayl into a $5 Walmart Stainless Steel cup, which the Stanley pot's lid will also fit. I carry the whole setup plus a long stainless Spork in a $22 Orca Tactical Bottle carrier that has Molle straps and a shoulder sling with zippers top and bottom, allowing me to access the cup without having to unpack everything. The "bottom lid" of the Orca has an elastic strap that keeps the Stanley's lid, a "Hot Lips" cup insulator, a bandanna and a few folded foil squares in place. The outer pocket of the Orca lets me add the Stanley's handle, an Esbit stove with fuel, more foil squares, a ferro rod, a Bic lighter, and a plastic zip-lock with Coffee and Tea bags, Boullion powder packets and salt and pepper, giving me a mini-cook set as well as water purification. Finally, since I also carry a 32-oz. Clean Canteen stainless bottle, I've marked the Grayl's outer shell with a second line showing me how much water to use to fill the steel bottle (one full Grayl plus the second mark, then fill the Grayl and move on).
The classics never die. If you have it, used to it, and it works...why switch? I switched from my Sawyer micro filter to the Grayl because of the ease to quickly refill and go, the virus removal/water taste improvement.
Personally I like "membrane solutions" water filter. For under $40 you get a filter a bag and hose. The filter is rebuildable and has a carbon element. So less then half priced better filter and holds more water. The grayl might be a bit easier but I prefer having a rebuildable with a carbon filter. Plus the extra filters are very cheap. More importantly I'm glad to see you carrying on the real boy scout lifestyle. The best memories of my life were boy scouts. What happens when they change the name? Will we have to make a new organization? I don't agree with the new scouting boys need a place to learn to be men.
Apples to oranges. A purifier certainly has lower life and higher cost compared to a filter. But what they remove (or not!) is quite different. Know the difference, know your water source issues, and choose accordingly.
Mr. Dyer or should I say Shawn, Thanks for the informative and interesting video. I will be retired soon and trust me I'll be able to spend more time watching and learning from your video's along with getting outdoors more. Blessings My Friend and Be Safe!
Nice introduction to the Grayl purifier. Notes: 1. Most reviewers and users are unaware of the difference between a filter such as the Sawyer Squeeze and a purifier such as the Grayl Geopress and Ultrapress. A purifier removes much more than a filter, viruses being the most important difference. Purifiers vary, so check the manufacturer web site to confirm exact specs. 2. The Grayl purifiers are designed to use your body weight to easily and quickly purify the water. After filling the outer container up to the fill line, loosen the cap to provide pressure relief, place the filter and inner container into the outer, place on the ground, and then use both hands with straight arms to let your body weight push the inner down into the outer. Done! 3. Pre-filtering not so clear water will dramatically improve the useful life of the cartridge so you get the rated life. A bandana or other thin cloth gets hot the big junk. A Millbank bag is an excellent and effective pre-filter. A 1 micron filter bag is the ultimate pre-filter. Select which method(s) you use based on your needs and preferences.
Perhaps you missed it, but I clearly stated that I wish I had bought it sooner instead of later...I wouldn't say I was misleading. Perhaps you had expectations that were not met. Either way, if you don't have a Grayl it would be a fantastic investment fir your kit if you are traveling distances with water on the route and need to purify water instead of carrying extra. I am currently saving up for the titanium version because I got so much value from the regular and want the versatility of a cooking vessel. Take care my friend and happy trails.
If you pre-filter your water with cloth, you will save considerable wear and tear on the filter.
100%
True, I didn't because the water where I drew from was crystal clear.
I'm a neighbor to the west and I own a Grayl GeoPress, but I've given it up. I love all that it offers, especially the activated carbon part of the filter, but I've switched away from it simply due to weight. I've switched to the Katadyn Hiker Pro. Here in Indiana, where I live and do most of my hiking, I'm more concerned with farm runoff of pesticides, herbicides, and the like. The Katadyn is a pump filter, but is also two-stage filter with both the activated carbon with the hollow fiber secondary. It also only weighs 13 oz. including the carry bag. The GeoPress is a heavy carry on a long distance hike.
I enjoyed the video!
I'm glad to hear how well that works. I bought a couple when we first moved to Florida as hurricane water backup. We had a pool at the rental house and i tested it to see if it would remove the chlorine and after freshly shocking the pool the chlorine level was insanely high. After pressing it through the filter it tested 0ppm of chlorine and it tasted great.
Love your explanation 100%! I camped in the Pine Creek gorge of PA. at one of their campgrounds that had well water available. I had brought my Grayl for dipping along the way on our bike rides as well as a gravity filtration system to use while at camp. Let me tell you ...... that well water tasted NASTY even after filtration!!!! Not sure what was in it, iron? sulfur? One press through the Grayl and it was the sweetest tasting water! Needless to say, the Grayl got a lot of use that weekend. Jeff
Pre filter
I also use ranger beads for counting how many times ive filtered water
Originally from NE Ohio myself, just found your channel because of this video. Love my Grayl. After buying the first one I found a one in a thrift store of all places. Bought it and ordered a replacement filter. I did see mention of a cloth "pre-filter' in the comments below. A Milbank bag is perfect. They are inexpensive and have been around for a long time. Much finer filtration than most cloth. Really helps the Grayl filter to last especially with water that has the larger debris in it.
Thanks for the great advice!
Same system I use. The GRAYL is actually a water purification system...a step above a filtration system.
Correction accepted, thanks for clarifying it!
I got very lucky got one on sale for less than 60 wish I bought 2.
I too love my Geopress. Glad you’re on board. Thanks for sharing.
A couple thing's that may help. 1) Pretty self explanatory would be a millbank bag. (Allows you to extend the life of the filter) 2) I attached a paracord loop on the outer container so I can attach a length of cordage to it in case of a high bank where I can't get to the waters edge or even drop it off a bridge to get to a water source. I just duck tape, it works fine. Love my Grayl's ( I have 2)
people forget about millbank--very helpful with these filters--
I have both a Grayl Geopress and two Sawyer Squeeze, one's a micro, what I did is plug in a Platypus GravityWorks Carbon Element after the filter, so getting as close to the Grayl as possible, the water is clear, taste and odorless, the only thing this doesnt filter out is vira. The weight reduction might be worth for some with a thru-hiker mentality. With that being said the Grayl is probably one of the best, if not the best, portable filter-system available.
Portable “Purifier System’s” 😏
@@markashlock9017 Grayl themselves have no problem using both terms for their systems. "on-the-go filtration and purification" as they say....
Consider being less pedantic?
@@Timeren2010:
Actually Grayl says “Purifier” and Filter! Putting “Purifier”FIRST Every Time! Not being pedantic,…though maybe a little dogmatic. With SO many “Filters” on the market, and so few “PURIFIER’S”, it would seem you would want to bring attention to Grayl’s most significant and outstanding feature. Primarily…
It’s a Water “PURIFIER”, with filtration as a byproduct.
Just sayin…😉
@@markashlock9017 hahaha, well let me be pedantic now, the part of my last post in quotation marks, was copied and pasted straight from their website :)
The entire passage:
"Requires zero setup time and makes 24 fl. oz. of clean drinking water in a blazing fast 8 seconds for stealth on-the-go filtration and purification. Includes a one-way valve for electrolytes and drink mixes!"
Anyway, lets just leave it eh?
The Grayl Geopress is the best option for clean water when away from home. The filter is only good for about 55 gallons and you can get a little longer use with pre filter through a cloth. I’ve used it in Argentina, Brazil and India where it was my only option for water. Using as your only source of water you will need to replace the filter every 5-6 weeks.
It has been indispensable for me since I got it. My outdoor adventures have been greatly improved with it.
It does not filter Pfas and only up to middle complex chemicals. Some virusses. The filter is garanteed to about 250 liters
I bought a CampCraft made Milbank bag for my Grayl. They are sized to hold the bottle and are available on Etsy.
Thanks for the tip friend!
I have tried different products to clean my drinking water outdoor. But I bought the GRAYL, because the taste an the smell is gigantic good! Regards from germany and Roland
Ahh, Wildcat Hollow, one of my favorite trails. I, too, like the Grayl.
It was fun...but my right leg was pretty stoved up the 1st day. We went the counterclockwise direction to get the hardest part over with the 1st day.
I love the Grayl too. I always prefilter the water by holding a clean handkerchief over the raw water container when filling it, to extend the filter life.
good idea!
Grayl is very good, convenient. Excellent technology, limited volume per cartridge, and pricey. Matched to the correct use case, nothing better.
For your pack frame, if you ever find the hip belt not quite as wonderful as it is now, there's another adaptation from the BSA handbook 60 years ago -- the tumpline! 😊
The tumpline is a solid adaptation and has been around for a VERY long time but I don't care for them at all. The pressure on the forehead and neck is too much discomfort for me.
I spend a lot of time at wildcat hollow. Tip, pre stash water where the trail crosses roads.
we did...just not enough, lol. thanks for the suggestion friend!
I have been using a Grayl for a couple years now. I have used, literally, almost every filter out there. This has been my go to since I found it though. SO easy to use. I do keep a Sawyer gravity filter as a backup with a 2L bag in my kit-which is good for end of day filtering, and I can carry 2 liters of water with me, if needed. Living in New England, outside of draught season, water is rarely more than a mile away. Add a millbank bag to it, and you will be good!!!
Good stuff and great loadout!
Thanks for the story! I have a gray geopress but am unsure how trustworthy it is around river areas. After this video I no longer feel apprehensive. Thanks again!!
Glad it was helpful!
I believe you leave the cap a little unscrewed, until you press the grayl down.. then tighten the cap
You're right, I didn't mention it, just did it. Thanks for clarifying for others!
I like the Grayl, the one way valve is the point.....
I think you misunderstand friend. The newer Grayls come with a small rubber piece that can be added to the one way filter so you can use drink mixes and such and not damage the filter. You can buy them for $7 from Grayl in case you have the older models that did not come with it.
👍 I agree with your assessment. I also waited too long to make this purchase, but am enjoying mine now.
Happy trails!
I slept on these for a long time, wanted to get the titanium Ultra press when it came out because I love the idea of a built-in cooking vessel, but 16 oz just seemed like a tease. As soon as I heard of the new TI geopress I sprang on it. And yes..ouch!!$$ but they offered 10% off on their website so that took a little sting out of it. More importantly, it seems like a very well-built piece of kit that will last a long time.
Agreed...it should certainly outlast you!
I've been watching you for some time and hadn't noticed the belt and buckle before. I rarely wear any other than my web for many, many years.
Semper Fi!
Thanks Devil Dog! It's a pretty superior design that changes with you and in case of an emergency it can be modified quickly to stop blood flow.
We have 3, and. Extra filters for them. Highly recommend bit of kit.
Nice review, thank you for sharing it.
JT
Thanks for watching friend!
Just found your channel. Thanks for the content. I will be getting this kit soon.
I think you will be satisfied and thanks for watching friend!
Back pack have both. Canvas and got my pack from eighties that still external frame not really like internal as i can take pack off use frame other chores. It's not expensive one back those days and had get kidney pad for the fifty miles a foot or a float award. Still got use it once while.
Ok one modern pack, a day bag that like book bag pack.
I press the Grayl without the top completely, then screw it on. IMHO pressing the lid with just smaller access open increases pressure which eventually will cause a failure on the threads which are plastic and will become more brittle over time.
Your logic shows forethought I had not considered my friend. Thanks!
I have photos of oil soaked ground feet from "water sources" on all of the Wayne trails (archers fork is the worst). Can't do it man. I drive around the forest service roads and leave caches on the first morning. That said, I'm doing my best to start trusting the filter. Had a platypus quickdraw fail on me last year. Heading for Shawnee this week; I can taste the permethrin now!
Thanks for the heads up! Be safe my friend and happy hiking!
Yeah water important not seen that filter interesting. In my fifties though don't do longer multi hikes as much now ,good filter good have . I would have wait till summer make that much investment. It be good have for the other scout initiative, emergency preparedness.
If you get one I'm certain it will serve you well my friend. Thanks for watching!
I use lady's knee-high nylons as a prefilter, slipping 4-5 of them over the outer shell, then lining it with one when used (turn inside out then knot it around a pack strap, it dries quickly and can be reused when turned right side out again).
I also carry my Grayl tucked into a $15 Stanley 2-cup cooking pot, leaving the plastic cups home and slipping the Stanley and Grayl into a $5 Walmart Stainless Steel cup, which the Stanley pot's lid will also fit. I carry the whole setup plus a long stainless Spork in a $22 Orca Tactical Bottle carrier that has Molle straps and a shoulder sling with zippers top and bottom, allowing me to access the cup without having to unpack everything. The "bottom lid" of the Orca has an elastic strap that keeps the Stanley's lid, a "Hot Lips" cup insulator, a bandanna and a few folded foil squares in place. The outer pocket of the Orca lets me add the Stanley's handle, an Esbit stove with fuel, more foil squares, a ferro rod, a Bic lighter, and a plastic zip-lock with Coffee and Tea bags, Boullion powder packets and salt and pepper, giving me a mini-cook set as well as water purification.
Finally, since I also carry a 32-oz. Clean Canteen stainless bottle, I've marked the Grayl's outer shell with a second line showing me how much water to use to fill the steel bottle (one full Grayl plus the second mark, then fill the Grayl and move on).
Excellent Ideas my friend! Thanks for sharing them with us, I especially like the idea of marking measurements!
I just ordered the 16oz titanium I wonder if it’s better than my katadyn pocket with a carbon filter
I have one. It is great.
I was so surprised by the taste most of all!
We have a lot of chemical crap in the water here in my part of Maine
Really!? That's terrible! I always stereotyped Maine as being bountiful and pristine wilderness still. Sorry to hear that brother
@@honorableoutfitters I'm near the capital in the industral zone up north things are cleaner L8th Brother
You paid for a water “purifier”. Might as well say it and get creds for your good sense. Good vid. Thanks!
I still pick Nalgene and epic water filter lol
The classics never die. If you have it, used to it, and it works...why switch? I switched from my Sawyer micro filter to the Grayl because of the ease to quickly refill and go, the virus removal/water taste improvement.
Personally I like "membrane solutions" water filter. For under $40 you get a filter a bag and hose.
The filter is rebuildable and has a carbon element.
So less then half priced better filter and holds more water.
The grayl might be a bit easier but I prefer having a rebuildable with a carbon filter.
Plus the extra filters are very cheap.
More importantly I'm glad to see you carrying on the real boy scout lifestyle. The best memories of my life were boy scouts.
What happens when they change the name? Will we have to make a new organization?
I don't agree with the new scouting boys need a place to learn to be men.
Makes sense friend. The cost of replacement filters for the Grayl with the much smaller number of uses is the drawback.
Apples to oranges. A purifier certainly has lower life and higher cost compared to a filter. But what they remove (or not!) is quite different. Know the difference, know your water source issues, and choose accordingly.
Mr. Dyer or should I say Shawn, Thanks for the informative and interesting video. I will be retired soon and trust me I'll be able to spend more time watching and learning from your video's along with getting outdoors more. Blessings My Friend and Be Safe!
Thanks and I hope your retirement keeps you active with the things you enjoy! God bless!
Nice introduction to the Grayl purifier.
Notes:
1. Most reviewers and users are unaware of the difference between a filter such as the Sawyer Squeeze and a purifier such as the Grayl Geopress and Ultrapress. A purifier removes much more than a filter, viruses being the most important difference. Purifiers vary, so check the manufacturer web site to confirm exact specs.
2. The Grayl purifiers are designed to use your body weight to easily and quickly purify the water. After filling the outer container up to the fill line, loosen the cap to provide pressure relief, place the filter and inner container into the outer, place on the ground, and then use both hands with straight arms to let your body weight push the inner down into the outer. Done!
3. Pre-filtering not so clear water will dramatically improve the useful life of the cartridge so you get the rated life. A bandana or other thin cloth gets hot the big junk. A Millbank bag is an excellent and effective pre-filter. A 1 micron filter bag is the ultimate pre-filter. Select which method(s) you use based on your needs and preferences.
Thanks for the detail friend!
My guy it took you 4 minutes to actually get to the product…. Good review tho. Just a slight tangent in the beginning there
Haha ...yeah, I may cut that out. My ADHD gets the better of me sometimes. Thanks for watching friend!
@@honorableoutfitters I have adhd too so I know how it feels 😂
Thumbs Down - your video title is considered Click Bait - WHat mistake did you make ?
Perhaps you missed it, but I clearly stated that I wish I had bought it sooner instead of later...I wouldn't say I was misleading. Perhaps you had expectations that were not met. Either way, if you don't have a Grayl it would be a fantastic investment fir your kit if you are traveling distances with water on the route and need to purify water instead of carrying extra. I am currently saving up for the titanium version because I got so much value from the regular and want the versatility of a cooking vessel. Take care my friend and happy trails.
Yea it was one of the first things he said. He should’ve bought it sooner.
Very cool dude. Nice review. Is your troop on Instagram?
Sorry, no. We keep the Scouts pretty low profile.