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Water purification is essential when outdoors. Having enough water for you and your loved ones is one way to make sure you all have a great experience. I have found the Grayl Geopress Water Purifier to be a perfect companion for a variety of situations. There are other water purifiers out there (like Katadine and Swayer), but this Grayl can be used daily and gives you peace of mind.
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Grayl Geopress Water Purifier
I recently purchased the Grayl Geopress Water Purifier and have received a few questions about it. As you might not know, I tend to do a lot of research before buying any product. I tend to start my research by looking up reviews online, watching videos, going to the company’s website, Amazon, and a personal favorite REI.
I purchased this product from REI, mainly due to their return policy and a replacement filter on Amazon.
I was not only impressed with the product but also how they package it. It might sound strange, but it was very VIP.
The Grayl comes in a nice box with instructions. The first time I used this product, I was home. I wanted to make sure it was easy to use and worked. Just so that we are on the same page, at my own house, the water from the faucet does not taste good at all. Due to this reason, I use the gallon refill stations locally, or better yet, use my trusty Brita filter.
I was shocked to find the Grayl tastes just like the filtered water I have been buying weekly.
This is very exciting! And why I decided I will post this review of my current favorite water purifier.
Why I Enjoy This Product
I was originally sold on this product due to the lightweight (just under 16 ounces) and ease of use. According to the materials the bottle comes with, it removes and filters the following:
- Removes
- Viruses (Rotavirus, Norovirus, Hepatitis A)
- Bacteria (E. Coli, Salmonella, Dysentery)
- Protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Amoebae)
- Filters
- Particulates (Microplastics, Sediment, Silt)
- Chemicals (Chlorine, Benzene, Chloroform)
- Heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Chromium)
In basic terms, this filter is truly a great product. I have used it on a few different water sources, and it has been working great!
I wanted this type of product because some airports, like SFO, are no longer selling bottles of water. The sad part, yes, not using plastic bottles is good for the environment, but it’s not so great when you have a germaphobia of water fountains (as well as other surfaces).
Being able to use the Grayl and filter water from fountains is a game-changer. The fact that it is also pretty lightweight and easy to use is a huge bonus.
As I have mentioned, I have a few water filters from different companies and find this one the best of all words. This is due to being able to drink directly from the bottle itself. Looking at the product with a filter from the outside, it looks like a regular water bottle.
It is a great traveling companion that I use to fill up my Hydroflask. I filter the water from any source (tap, fountain, stream if hiking, etc.) and then pour it into a larger bottle. That way, I always make sure I have filtered water on hand.
The only “Cons” I can think of is the price of it. As I said above, I purchased mine at REI due to their awesome and amazing return policy. I wanted to make sure this was a product I will use and, more importantly, one that works. And to be completely honest, I’m thrilled with my purchase so far.
What are the Facts?
In addition to what I mentioned above, the filter meets the EPA guide standard and protocol for testing microbiological water purifiers. It is built to perform in harsh conditions and can even withstand a drop from up to ten feet (when filled with water). I have yet to test this out, but it is nice to know. The bottom and sides of the bottle even have some rubber for nonslip.
I’ve read that the company used an independent certified laboratory to meet or exceed the NSF protocols to remove pathogens and chemicals. I personally feel very safe using this product.
I’ve also had made sure to use it in areas with running water. I have not used it in standing ponds or toilet water, as I have not needed to be that extreme as of today. I think that using any filter is better with a clean source or streams. This is assuming it is an option. If this was a survival scenario, you obviously do what you need to survive.
How to Use the Filter
Before using the product, make sure you clean it. There are instructions when you buy it, but just use warm soapy water on the bottle (but never use soap on the filter!). For the filter, I just rinsed it off (like you would a Brita filter) and then pushed two bottles of tap water through it. After I just dry the bottle with a clean cloth and let the filter air dry until I wanted to start using it.
I’m not kidding about the ease of use (literally, fill, press and drink). A quick breakdown of the steps includes:
- Pull apart (there are two complete sections, it also helps to rotate as you pull them apart)
- Will with the ‘dirty’ water (you can fill it with stream or lake water or any sink or tap
- Twist the cap at least half a turn (this is the part you can drink out of)
- Then use your body weight to press with a steady downward force (it takes approximately eight seconds)
- Drink and enjoy!
The steps become effortless, but I want to make sure you remember to untwist the cap. I’ve forgotten a few times and quickly realized my mistake. If you don’t untwist the cap a half turn, it will be challenging to press the filter down (it’s almost like there is a reason for the twist cap). If you want to see Grayl’s amazing PDF version of this information, click here.
Closing Thoughts
The fact is having filtered water is essential for our life in general. If you are drinking water that is not ‘clean,’ you are going to have some serious issues. There are a lot of choices regarding water filtration that you have. I feel this is one that you cannot go wrong with.
The bottle and the company behind it is an excellent solution for having clean water on hand. Not to mention, Grayl itself is a business I can stand behind as they focus on the environment and want to do good. Between their giving back programs, warranty, in-house testing standards, and my favorite is their zero-waste recycling program, and you are in good hands with this company.
If you are interested in learning more or have questions that I did not answer, let me know! As always, thanks for reading, and now get outside!
Still cannot decide if it is for you, check out their own site, and take a closer look at what they have to offer!
Thanks for this review!
I often think I should get something like this, but feel overwhelmed with all the choices.
It’s great that you did all the research and work for me!
You should, and it will be nice to have (I use this filter a lot when traveling). If you want another lighter weight option, you should check out the Sawyer Squeeze. I’ll put the link below.
https://www.rei.com/product/103050/sawyer-squeeze-water-filter-system