Table of contents
Filtering water from a river in Guatemala with my Grayl bottle
Quick Grayl water purifier review
What do you need a water purifier bottle for?
The solution on how to reduce plastic bottles when traveling
I think it’s pretty clear what I’m trying to say. In this state of constant pollution, while we’re in such a huge climate crisis, every saved bottle matters. Every saved bottle means fewer bottles that swamp up in a river or get washed into the oceans where marine life is dying.
If it were up to me, everyone needs a self-purifying water bottle.
Not only when traveling to countries where you can’t drink tap water.
Also during outdoor adventures, you can easily refill a self-purifying water bottle in a river or lake and don’t have to carry large amounts of heavy water bottles.
Every bottle less matters!
Grayl water purifier review in short
Since I got my first Grayl Ultratlight bottle and later added the Grayl GeoPress to our selection, I’ve purified water from shady hostel sinks in Guatemala and Honduras, filled up water from public fountains on Greek islands, and drank from waterfalls in Nicaragua. And I never had any issues or got sick. So it has proven to be a great solution for getting fresh water during traveling. And the Grayl UltraPress combines the benefits of both models, making it the best filtered water bottle in my opinion.
Also, it’s easy and fast to use and removes much more harmful contents from the water than other water filter bottles.
Yep, it’s an investment but when I consider all the money paid for plastic-bottled water before I became a more conscious traveler, it easily pays off.
The Grayl GeoPress and the older Ultralight in the background
Full Grayl water purifier bottle review
Water purifier vs. water filter – What does the water purifier bottle do?
So even the best filtered water bottles can never do the job of a water purifier (like a Grayl bottle).
Also, it’s easy and fast to use and removes much more harmful contents from the water than other filtered water bottles.
The different parts of a Grayl bottle
How does the Grayl filtered water bottle work?
Setup
How to use it
It’s actually super easy. After pulling the two bottles apart, you fill the outer bottle with water from a tap, river, or lake until the maximum fill line. Pay attention to the line, because if you fill in more, the water can spill out (this could lead to contamination of the clean water).
After that, insert the inner bottle, set it on a flat surface, and press down the inner bottle using the force of your body weight.
- Pressing is easier when you put the bottle on the floor or no more than knee height. This way, your body weight does the job, and you need less arm strength.
- The process is more comfortable with the new models Grayl UltraPress or Grayl GeoPress, as they’ve been upgraded with comfort pads protecting the palms of your hands.
- Press without the lid (with the older model Grayl Ultralight) or leave the drinking cap open (with the newer models Grayl UltraPress or Grayl GeoPress). This should be obvious, so the air can escape. But I still want to mention it, as otherwise, it won’t be possible to push and press.
The purifying process – pressing water through the Grayl filter
The technology behind it – Filter in depth
- The electro-absorptive media soaks up pathogens (like viruses and bacteria) and inorganic compounds (like minerals, salts, and metals). Simply put, it uses magnetic force to capture them.
- The ion exchange permanently binds the pathogens that stay locked in the filter. So it makes sure that the pollution stays in the cartridge.
- Active carbon works like a sponge of the cartridge that absorbs chemicals (like pesticides), heavy metals, as well as nasty tastes and smells. This specially treated carbon works like glue, so the substances stick to it while the water is pressed through.
A closer look at the Grayl filter
Water quality
Love nature like this? With a Grayl purifier bottle you can do your bit and stop buying plastic bottles that ruin this nature
Hard facts
Lifespan – How long does it last?
Letting the Grayl Ultralight bottle dry
Specs
Grayl Ultralight :
- Capacity: 473 ml (16 oz)
- Weight: 309 g (10.9 oz)
- Height & diameter: 24.5 cm x 6.8 cm (9.63″ x 2.7″)
- Flow rate: 2 liters per minute (15 seconds per 16 fl oz)
- Durability of filter: 300 cycles
Grayl UltraPress:
- Capacity: 500 ml (16.9 fl oz)
- Weight: 354 g (12.5 oz)
- Height & diameter: 24.8 cm x 7.5 cm (9.75″ x 2.95″)
- Flow rate: 3 liters per minute (10 seconds per 16.9 fl oz)
- Durability of filter: 300 cycles
Grayl GeoPress:
- Capacity: 710 ml (24 oz)
- Weight: 450 g (15.9 oz)
- Height & diameter: 26.5 cm x 8.6 cm (10.4″ x 3.4″)
- Flow rate: 5 liters per minute (8 seconds per 24 oz)
- Durability of filter: 350 cycles
The Grayl GeoPress and Grayl Ultralight next to each other
The difference between the Grayl purifier bottles
Grayl Ultralight :
- The Ultralight was the first Grayl bottle. I’ve been really happy with it and I’m still using it.
- It’s small, light, and does the job.
- However, it can get uncomfortable for the palms of your hands when you have to press quite often.
- Also, you have to touch the mouthpiece for pressing, so you have to make sure to always have clean hands for the purifying process in order to avoid cross-contamination.
Grayl UltraPress:
- With some awesome upgrades, Grayl has really improved the drawbacks that the Ultralight had.
- It’s equipped with a drink cap, in order to avoid cross-contamination (so you don’t have to touch the mouthpiece anymore for pressing)
- The bottle’s comfort pads protect the palms of your hands, so pressing is much more comfortable than with the Ultralight.
- It contains a bit more water (500 ml) than the older model.
Grayl GeoPress:
- This is pretty much the UltraPress in a larger size, as it has a capacity of 710 ml instead of only half a liter.
- It has all the positive upgrades like the UltraPress (such as a drink cap and comfort pads).
- The GeoPress is perfect for those who really drink a lot. However, it’s not only bulkier but also heavier.
Grayl’s GeoPress – Video on how it works
How much does a Grayl water purifying bottle cost?
The newer Grayl GeoPress vs. the older Ultralight
Verdict
Which model is the best water purifier bottle?
Comparison to other popular water filter bottles
Lifestraw
Katadyn BeFree
Sawyer Squeeze
Pros & cons
- As a water purifier, it removes so much more harmful organisms than any water filter could ever do
- Gets rid of numerous viruses, bacteria, and parasites that could ruin your trip
- Removes nasty flavors and odor
- Different models for different needs (smaller & lightweight vs. bigger with a larger capacity)
- Extremely helpful for international travel, especially in developing countries
- Long filter cartridge life
- No tracker of the number of uses – a low tech counter on the bottle would be awesome
- Only for the older Grayl Ultralight model:
- Can get uncomfortable for your palms when you have to press often during a trip
- Risk of cross-contamination as you have to touch the mouthpiece with your hands in order to press
- Only around 1/2 liter capacity (enough for me, as I rather carry less weight and filter more often – but could annoy people who drink a lot)
- Only for the Grayl GeoPress (larger model):
- Quite bulky and heavy (doesn’t fit into some backpacks’ bottle mount)
Verdict – is Grayl the best filtered water bottle?
Good to know
Tips and what to consider?
- Only purify freshwater
- Don’t use saltwater
- Avoid filtering muddy water
- Don’t use water with tannins (tea)
- Only store clean water in the inner bottle
- Keep your bottle and cartridge dry when not in use
- Don’t expose it to freezing temperatures or above 50 degrees Celsius (120 F)
- Don’t put it in the microwave
- It’s not designed to filter high levels of chemicals and heavy metals
- It’s not designed to protect against industrial disasters, coal ash, very high lead levels, mercury, and nuclear disasters
The Grayl company & its sustainability practices
- 1 % for the Planet – Grayl is a member of the “1% for the Planet”. So they donate at least 1 % of their sales to the preservation and restoration of the environment.
- The Conservation Alliance – As a member, they help to fund projects protecting threatened wild habitats with their donations.
- All Hands and Hearts – Grayl supports this NGO by funding “WaSH” programs (water, sanitation, and hygiene) to create disaster-resilient access to clean water for local communities.
- Charity: water – At this organization that brings clean drinking water to communities in developing countries, Grayl has sponsored the rehabilitation of a well for a community in Malawi.
- Adventure Travel Conservation Fund – Grayl’s contributions help fund projects that protect threatened communities, cultures, and wild places throughout the world.
- Washington Wild – Grayl supports this organization in protecting Wilderness throughout the state of Washington in the US.
Where to buy it?
Wrap up and a thought at the end
Our Central America trip was the ultimate test for the Grayl filtered water bottle
Have you tried any of the Grayl bottles and want to add something to this Grayl water purifier review? Do you agree that they’re the best water purifier bottles, or could you find something comparable out there? I’m curious to know, so leave a comment below!
I have heard a lot about this brand but never got to try it. After reading your review, I think it is a good investment, especially in Asian countries.
Yeah, I’m a huge fan of my Grayl bottle and can totally recommend it. You’re totally right, especially in areas like Asia where you can’t drink tap water in most countries, it saves so much plastic bottles.
What a great and thorough article. Thank you! I’m going to consider investing in one of these!
Thanks for your feedback, Kristin! It’s indeed an investment but definitely worth it. I can’t imagine traveling anywhere without my purifier bottle anymore!
Hey Jill
I bought two of these and they both leak between the outer bottle and top piece which is a pain when packing it in our backpack for travel. You didn’t have that experience?
I emailed the company without a response 😔
Hey Michael,
no I never had that problem. Both of the bottles we own don’t leak at all. I can totally imagine that’s really annoying. Hope they get back to you soon!
Hi Jill. Thanks for this thorough review. I never travel without a reusable water bottle but I’ve never purchased one with a filter or purifier. You have definitely changed my mind and I will be getting one before our next international travels! Thanks so much for sharing all this info!
Hi Juli,
I’m glad that you like my review. Awesome that you always bring your reusable bottle with you when you travel! That’s already an important step in order to travel more sustainably. A purifier bottle is even more helpful, especially when traveling internationally.
Makes me super happy to read, that I was able to convince you :)
What a fab idea! Especially for the longer jungle hikes. Something I never knew I always wanted :).
Yeah, I’ve done amazing hikes with my Grayl bottle and was so happy that I didn’t have to carry huge amounts of water (which means lots of weight). Especially when you’re hiking somewhere where you come across a waterfall, river, stream or lake you only need this one bottle :)
This water bottle sounds really awesome. I have never heard of Grayl so thanks for sharing.
Hi Kelli,
I’m glad you like it! Yeah you should definitely consider getting one. You’ll never want to travel without it anymore, believe me.
Really intrigued by these! I use a water filter at home and stick to bottled or filtered water outside Europe. Thank you for such a detailed review!
Thanks Anja! I’m glad you liked my review. A water purifier bottle is the perfect gadget to get rid of filtered water indeed. You can save so many plastic bottles by using them!
It sounds like a really handy bottle to have with you when you’re travelling, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. I’ll definitely have to check this out!
It’s so handy indeed! Even when you’re not that much outdoors, you can save so many plastic bottles!
This is really informative and worth reading. Thanks a lot 😊
Thanks! I’m happy that my Grayl water purifier review was helpful to you.
This water bottle sounds really awesome. A purifier bottle is even more helpful, especially when traveling internationally.
Hi Fahim,
yeah I also love traveling internationally with my Grayl purifier bottle. It has already helped me in so many situations!
Wow, this article on the Grayl Water Purifier is really informative! I’ve been looking for a reliable water purifier for my camping trips, and it seems like the Grayl might be the perfect solution. The detailed review and your personal experience with it make it easier for me to trust the product. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I’m more than happy that you found my article on the Grayl water purifier bottle informative and it helped you in your choice! I’m currently in Italy and once again the bottle is my perfect travel buddy and helps me save so many plastic bottles. Honestly wouldn’t go anywhere without it.