GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier Review: Top Choice for Hikers?
Looking for a reliable way to purify water on your outdoor adventures? We picked up the ‘GRAYL UltraPress at this year’s Overland Expo and have tested it over the summer. It’s proven to be a game-changer for our hiking and camping trips.
It makes getting clean drinking water so easy. It’s easy to use – just fill, press, and drink! No fussing with complicated filters or waiting around for chemicals to work. Plus, it’s tough enough to handle even the sketchiest water sources we’ve come across.
We’ve put the UltraPress through its paces, and it really does remove all sorts of nasty stuff from water. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites don’t stand a chance. It even filters out dirt, microplastics, and chemicals. The result? Clean, safe water that tastes great.
One thing we really like about it is how fast it works. In just 10 seconds, we can have 16.9 ounces of purified water ready to drink. That’s super handy when we’re thirsty on a long hike.
The olive drab color looks cool and blends in well with our gear. It’s pretty light too, weighing just 12.5 ounces. We’ve found it easy to clip onto our backpacks or slip into a side pocket.
We’ve used the UltraPress on trips where carrying lots of water wasn’t an option. It’s been a lifesaver, letting us drink safely from streams and lakes. It’s come in handy for filtering water for our pups on longer hikes too. We even used it to filter our hotel tap water when it didn’t taste very good. It would be great on international trips if you’re not sure about the safety or cleanliness of the water.
The bottle is sturdy and well-made. It’s ready for electrolyte mixes too – perfect for staying hydrated on long treks. And with a 10-year warranty, we feel good about our investment.
One small downside is that it takes a bit of strength to press the water through the filter. Like, quite a bit of strength. Roll up your sleeves and get out your elbow grease! But still, we think it’s worth it for the peace of mind it gives us about our drinking water.
Bottom Line
We think the GRAYL UltraPress is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. It’s easy to use, works fast, and keeps us safe from waterborne nasties.
Ready to upgrade your water purification game? Get your own GRAYL UltraPress on Amazon.
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Overview of GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle
We’ve taken the UltraPress on many hiking and camping trips over the last few months and have been repeatedly impressed by its performance. The compact bottle makes getting clean water completely painless. We simply fill it from creeks and streams, press down, and drink safely in seconds. It removed all the nasty stuff like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The UltraPress also got rid of weird tastes and smells. I’m extremely picky about the taste of water and have yet to drink any funky tasty water after filtering through the GRAYL.
It’s so quick and easy it was to use. No fussing with pumps or waiting around. It holds enough water to keep us hydrated between refills. The bottle is sturdy but not too heavy in our packs.
The only issue we’ve experienced is how difficult it is to press the water through the filter. It takes some muscle. But it’s a small trade-off for safe drinking water anywhere. We’ve tried other filters and this one is still the favorite despite this minor issue. We think the UltraPress is a smart choice for hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Features
The GRAYL UltraPress is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike. We’ve put this little bottle through its paces, and we’re excited to share what we’ve found. Let’s dive into the standout features that make the UltraPress a must-have companion for your next adventure.
OnePress Global Protection
We love how the UltraPress gives us peace of mind when we’re out exploring. With just one press, it turns sketchy water sources into safe drinking water. It’s perfect for our hiking trips, camping adventures, and even international travels. No matter where we are, from remote wilderness to bustling cities, we can trust the UltraPress to keep us hydrated and healthy.
Pathogen Removal Capabilities
The UltraPress really impressed us with its thorough filtration system. It tackles a wide range of nasties:
- 99.9% of viruses (like rotavirus and hepatitis A)
- 99.9999% of bacteria (including E. Coli and salmonella)
- 99.9% of protozoan cysts (such as giardia and cryptosporidium)
But it doesn’t stop there. The UltraPress also filters out:
- Sediment and microplastics
- Chemicals and pesticides
- Heavy metals
- Funky tastes and smells
Not going to lie, at first, we were hesitant to drink water filtered through the bottle. But after tasting the filtered water we were sold. We’ve since filtered water from many streams and taps alike and feel confident that the UltraPress has our backs.
Unrivaled Ease & Speed
We’re still blown away by how quick and simple the UltraPress is to use. In just 10 seconds, we have 16.9 oz of clean water ready to drink. There’s no fussing with complicated parts or waiting around. We don’t need to carry extra batteries, chemicals, or other gear. It’s so straightforward – we just fill up, press down, and we are good to go!
Simple Water Treatment Process
Using the UltraPress is a breeze. Here’s how it works:
- Fill the outer container from any water source
- Press the inner part down (we find that a flat surface works best)
- Drink straight from the bottle
It’s that easy! We’ve quickly refilled at rivers, lakes, or even questionable taps without a second thought. The UltraPress turned our water worries into water confidence.
Design & Portability
The UltraPress bottle also looks and feels nice. Its olive-drab color gives it a cool, outdoorsy vibe. The bottle is easy to grip and fits nicely in our hands. It’s simple to toss in our backpacks or clip onto our gear. At 16.9 oz, it’s not too heavy but still holds enough water for short hikes. The one-press system is quick to use – we just fill, press, and drink. No fussing with complicated parts or long wait times. The bottle’s compact size means it doesn’t take up much space, which is great for travel. It’s built tough enough for rugged adventures but still looks good enough for everyday use.
Pros & Cons
We’ve been using the GRAYL UltraPress on our outdoor adventures, and it’s been a game-changer for clean water on the go. It has some great features, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Let’s break it down:
Pros
- Fast and easy to use – just fill, press, and drink in about 10 seconds
- Removes virtually all harmful pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa
- Filters out sediment, microplastics, and chemicals
- Lightweight and portable for hiking and travel
- No batteries or extra parts needed
- Improves taste and odor of water
Cons
- Requires some strength to press the filter
- Smaller capacity (16.9 oz) than some other water bottles
- Filter needs replacing after regular use
- More expensive than basic water bottles
- Can be a bit heavier than non-filtering options
We’ve found the GRAYL to be super handy on our camping and backpacking trips. It’s convenient to be able to drink straight from streams without worrying about getting sick. The quick filtration process means we don’t have to wait around for clean water.
On the downside, it takes a bit of muscle to press the filter, especially when it is new. However, after using it for several months it’s getting easier and this isn’t such a bother anymore. The 16.9 oz size is enough for short hikes but will need to be refilled more often on longer treks.
While it’s pricier than a regular bottle, we think the peace of mind is worth it. Just remember to factor in the cost of replacement filters. You do get quite a few cycles though and the filter doesn’t need to be replaced often. GRAYL’s website states that the UltraPress is good for 300 cycles (or 40 gallons). We expect to replace the filter about once per year. All in all, it’s been a reliable companion for our outdoor adventures and travel.
Customer Reviews
We’ve been impressed by the GRAYL UltraPress water bottle and scoped out Amazon reviews to see what others had to say. Users love its ease of use and effectiveness for outdoor adventures. Many campers and hikers praise its lightweight design and ability to purify water from streams and lakes. The taste is clean, with no unpleasant carbon flavor.
Travelers find it handy for questionable water sources abroad. Some have used it successfully in places like the Mediterranean and India. It’s even helpful for filtering hotel tap water.
While most reviews are positive, a few users noted issues with filter life or missing parts. The bottle takes some strength to push down, but most find it worth the effort. Overall, customers seem happy with its performance for hiking, camping, and travel.
Durability & Warranty
The UltraPress bottle is built to last. We’ve taken it on many hiking trips and it’s held up great. The tough plastic can handle bumps and drops without cracking. It’s perfect for rough outdoor use. We love that GRAYL backs this bottle with a 10-year warranty. This covers any issues with materials or how it’s made. It’s nice to have that peace of mind when buying gear. The long shelf life is a plus too. We can store it for years and know it will work when we need it. Overall, this bottle is made to withstand the elements and last for many adventures.
Conclusion
We love the GRAYL UltraPress. It’s a game-changer for outdoor adventures and travel. The bottle is lightweight, easy to use, and fits perfectly in our backpacks. We feel safer drinking from streams and lakes now. The purified water tastes great with no weird flavors. It’s awesome for hiking, camping, and even city trips where tap water is iffy. We’ve used it on long backpacking trips with great results. The smaller size is perfect for carrying 16 oz of clean water. While it takes some strength to push the filter, it’s worth it for the peace of mind. And the more you use it the easier it gets. We’re impressed by how it removes viruses and heavy metals too. The GRAYL UltraPress has become our go-to water solution for all our adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been using the Grayl UltraPress for a while now, and we’ve gathered some common questions people often ask about this handy water purifier. Let’s dive into the details!
How effective is the Grayl UltraPress in filtering out pathogens like bacteria and parasites?
The UltraPress is super effective at getting rid of nasty stuff in water. It removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoan cysts. This means it can tackle things like E. coli, salmonella, giardia, and cryptosporidium. We’ve used it in some pretty sketchy water sources, and it’s always kept us safe.
What are the primary differences between the GeoPress and the UltraPress models?
The main difference is size. The UltraPress is smaller and lighter, holding 16.9 oz of water. It’s great for solo travelers or short trips. There is a larger version, the GeoPress, which is bigger, and perfect for longer trips or groups. Both use the same awesome filtering tech, but the UltraPress is a bit quicker to use.
Can the Grayl UltraPress purify water by removing heavy metals?
Yes, it can! The UltraPress doesn’t just filter – it purifies. It gets rid of heavy metals, chemicals, and even microplastics. We’ve used it in areas with questionable water quality, and it’s always made the water taste clean and fresh.
What is the typical lifespan of a filter used in the Grayl UltraPress?
The filter typically lasts for about 300 uses, or 40 gallons of water. This can vary based on how dirty the water is that you’re filtering. We’ve found it lasts a good while, even with regular use on our outdoor adventures.
Are there any common issues users should know about when using the Grayl GeoPress water purifier?
The main thing to remember is that it takes a bit of strength to press the water through the filter. It’s not hard, but it might surprise you at first. Also, make sure to clean it regularly to keep it working well. We’ve never had any big problems with ours.
How long can the Grayl UltraPress purify water before needing to replace the filter cartridge?
The filter cartridge in the UltraPress can purify about 40 gallons of water before it needs replacing. This means it’ll last several months or even a year, depending on how often you use it. We usually replace ours once a year, just to be safe.
