Thanks for the review! I purchased one before watching yours, and so I wasn’t aware of that it can’t filter the blue green algae. Still happy with my buy, but now I just have to learn to spot this algae.
Excellent and very complete review - as far as the tannin content in water I read somewhere that the tannins will reduce the lifetime of most hollow fiber filters, but I am not sure if that is the case with the Grayl. I absolutely love my Grayl and have had no issues after nearly a year of regular use. God bless and take care.
Great review Mark. I picked up a couple discontinued grayl ultralights on clearance for $55CAD, a no brainer for international travel for sure. Remember any liquid in the filter will be affected by changes in cabin pressure so you might want to bleed the pressure on takeoff 💡
Great review Mark. I have had one of these for about 6 months now. I have to say the unit is well built, convenient, little heavy as you noted. I am unfortunately not getting very long on the filters. Most the water I encounter isn't terribly bad but a little discolored. I will use the filters I have purchased but am looking into a more user serviceable unit with better solution for repair/replacement parts. My biggest issue is the company donating to the "1% for the planet" fund. After reading through the 1% website, seems more political than environmental. I find it odd Grayl is a member. They claim to "hold the petrochemical industry and the government accountable" in one statement... but isn't plastic made from petroleum? I question that they fight "social and environmental justice" as the product Grayl sells is made in a country that is well known for its "human rights/social issues". I also did not see a return/recycle program for the filters on their site (EDIT: It seems they are now working on a return program) so most of them will end up in a landfill... so much for "environmental accountability" lol. Seems a bit odd donating to a group fighting the very thing/product Gray sells, and the "disposable mindset". Considering how expensive the product is, they could possibly lower the price by finding better ways to "effect change".
Hey brother. You have done an incredible amount of digging into the company. Also, some great insights based on your use experience. The Grayl is an effective piece of kit but ultimately, a bit too large, heavy and expensive to buy and own. Thanks for commenting
good review... also the filter elements lifespan can be extended by regularly being air dried for 48+ hours rather than being stored wet and sealed in for months...this also helps eliminate smells from the filter on the reservoir side...
Hey Mark, I have a Millbank bag with my Grayl Geopress to filter out turbid water. This will help eliminate the foreign matter that prematurely clogs your filter. I throw it all in my over-size Pathfinder bottle bag.
thank you for your review, it's the best review of the Grayl water filter bottle I've seen. well articulated and pro and cons. i actually own one and feel even better about it. best topic for those considering one is to filter clear water, avoid silt, take your time
Love my Grayl. Due to the mismanagement of the Sierra National Forest in California I cant bushcraft like I used too twenty years ago so I use this in the spring/summer/fall. I love your content Mr. Young.
I was going to get this as well, but after you said this system doesn't filter the blue green algae and being I'm a newbie at filtering. I'll stick with the " water to go " system you reviewed. Thank you for sharing this video. You are very thorough and detailed, a great quality, many other reviewers don't have.
I just received my geopress the day this video dropped. My first impression is that it's a heavy bit of kit but then again you want something that will survive the knocks of camp and travel. I would be really interested if you hear back on the Tannins question.
Pre-filtration is always a good idea if the water is not clear but unfortunately, it won't help with tannins. A carbon filter will to a degree. Thanks for commenting
Love the channel Mark! I have the grayl and love it..really think about getting a pre filter..I believe campcraft has them now..mine is canvas and is a multi bag from Blackie Thomas,pretty sure those aren't available now but it WILL extend filter life..not sure if pre filter will do the tannins..will try to find out
It's frankly overkill if all you need is a filter, heavy and expensive, but if you need or want a purifier this might be the lightest and cheapest option available. I haven't looked that deep into purifiers so I could be wrong
I feel it is more than is needed for most situations. Unless you are close to industrial or agricultural areas or traveling internationally. Thanks for commenting
I like the concept of the grayl and I've been thinking about buying one for my car emergency kit. But for me as a hiker/camper it has two big downsides: volume and weight. The grayl would take quite a bit of space in my backpack, about the same as a 1L bottle, even when it is empty. My current setup (versablue filter, a gnoc 2l bag and two 1L folding bottles ) take up less volume (not by much, thought) and weigh less when empty, but still allow me to transport 4L of water, when needed. But as you point out, my setup is much more complicated, relies on gravity filtering and is also a bit slower. If you are always near filterable water, the grayl is definitely a good solution!
Same deal WRT size and weight. My friends have these but living in Canada I stick with a just a water filter. Using the Befree right now in the canoe and love it. However, work send me to some crazy places so I do like the purification this product provides.
Waters high in tannin were sought after for sailing ships in the old days because the water stayed fresher longer, or so I have read. Any verification?
I had not hear that but it does make some sense based on what I could find about tannins in water; Health benefits of tannins. They're antioxidants. They fight inflammation. They have antibacterial effects. They may protect against heart disease. They help balance blood sugar levels. They contain potentially cancer-preventing properties. They may protect your brain.
I got mine at REI for $69. US. They have sales now and then. I love it. Used for my whole family in the Smoky mountains, worked amazing and the water tasted great and was crystal clear. It is heavier than I would like, but it’s worth not worrying about finding that new virus that causes ambiguity.
Great review Mark. See also GearSceptic more technical review of this filter (ruclips.net/video/y9N6FYaYWRY/видео.html) beginning around the 21 min mark. As always, thanks for your great content and gear reviews. Much appreciated.
Most people that don't like this filter try to press it with the cap sealed shut, making it nigh impossible then they just think its too hard to press. So many clear cases of not reading the instructions result in bad reviews for this product.
Thanks for the review! I purchased one before watching yours, and so I wasn’t aware of that it can’t filter the blue green algae. Still happy with my buy, but now I just have to learn to spot this algae.
Glad I could help! Thanks for commenting
Excellent and very complete review - as far as the tannin content in water I read somewhere that the tannins will reduce the lifetime of most hollow fiber filters, but I am not sure if that is the case with the Grayl. I absolutely love my Grayl and have had no issues after nearly a year of regular use. God bless and take care.
I will research about tannins as what you say is likely the case. Not mentioned in other filter info. Thanks for commenting
Great review Mark. I picked up a couple discontinued grayl ultralights on clearance for $55CAD, a no brainer for international travel for sure. Remember any liquid in the filter will be affected by changes in cabin pressure so you might want to bleed the pressure on takeoff 💡
Right on. Good buy. I believe Grayl mentions that in their literature. Thanks for commenting
Great review Mark. I have had one of these for about 6 months now. I have to say the unit is well built, convenient, little heavy as you noted. I am unfortunately not getting very long on the filters. Most the water I encounter isn't terribly bad but a little discolored. I will use the filters I have purchased but am looking into a more user serviceable unit with better solution for repair/replacement parts. My biggest issue is the company donating to the "1% for the planet" fund. After reading through the 1% website, seems more political than environmental. I find it odd Grayl is a member. They claim to "hold the petrochemical industry and the government accountable" in one statement... but isn't plastic made from petroleum? I question that they fight "social and environmental justice" as the product Grayl sells is made in a country that is well known for its "human rights/social issues". I also did not see a return/recycle program for the filters on their site (EDIT: It seems they are now working on a return program) so most of them will end up in a landfill... so much for "environmental accountability" lol. Seems a bit odd donating to a group fighting the very thing/product Gray sells, and the "disposable mindset". Considering how expensive the product is, they could possibly lower the price by finding better ways to "effect change".
I stand Corrected, It seems they have implemented, or will implement a recycling program for the cartridges this summer.
Hey brother. You have done an incredible amount of digging into the company. Also, some great insights based on your use experience. The Grayl is an effective piece of kit but ultimately, a bit too large, heavy and expensive to buy and own. Thanks for commenting
Thanks for sharing. Recently, I bought the Grayl Geopress and I'm really happy with it! Easy handling and clean water ... perfect! :)
Great to hear! Thanks for commenting
good review...
also the filter elements lifespan can be extended by regularly being air dried for 48+ hours
rather than being stored wet and sealed in for months...this also helps eliminate smells from the filter on the reservoir side...
Excellent advice. Thanks for commenting
Hey Mark, I have a Millbank bag with my Grayl Geopress to filter out turbid water. This will help eliminate the foreign matter that prematurely clogs your filter. I throw it all in my over-size Pathfinder bottle bag.
I have a video on Millbank bags as well. Thanks for commenting
thank you for your review, it's the best review of the Grayl water filter bottle I've seen. well articulated and pro and cons. i actually own one and feel even better about it. best topic for those considering one is to filter clear water, avoid silt, take your time
I agree. A pre-filter like a Millbank Bag will extend the life of the filter much longer. Thanks for commenting
Love my Grayl. Due to the mismanagement of the Sierra National Forest in California I cant bushcraft like I used too twenty years ago so I use this in the spring/summer/fall. I love your content Mr. Young.
Thank you for your kind words
Good job Mark👍 I have the 🍊 version, great piece of kit!
Definitely a quality piece of kit. Thanks for commenting Wade
Yep, been using a 24oz. Grayl Geopress (green color) for quite awhile and it works great!
I do like that black "covert" color Mark!!
Right on. The black version does look great but so does the green. Thanks for commenting
Great Job as always Mark, I’ve used one of these for a about a year, well made and works for me.
Thank you for the tip on cyano toxins.
Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting
I was going to get this as well, but after you said this system doesn't filter the blue green algae and being I'm a newbie at filtering. I'll stick with the " water to go " system you reviewed. Thank you for sharing this video. You are very thorough and detailed, a great quality, many other reviewers don't have.
It is tuff trying to find a system that will handle everything. Both systems are good but your choice is sound. Thanks for your kind words
Excellent info and demonstration.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft
I didn't notice it in your video, but does it remove e coli?
@@Peg-ee5ei Yes, the information specifically mentions E.Coli. Thanks
@@MarkYoungBushcraft
Thanks.👍
I love mine if not hiking long distance. As you mentioned, the heft and cost are the biggest cons.
I agree. Great piece of kit but a bit heavy. Thanks for commenting
I just received my geopress the day this video dropped. My first impression is that it's a heavy bit of kit but then again you want something that will survive the knocks of camp and travel. I would be really interested if you hear back on the Tannins question.
It is heavy but bomb proof as well. Yes, I would be happy to share what I hear about tannins. Thanks for commenting
Seen Great Reviews On This, Thanks For Yours, Mark ! ATB T God Bless
Thanks, you too!
Would pre-filtration with a coffee filter remove the tannins that might cause problems?
Pre-filtration is always a good idea if the water is not clear but unfortunately, it won't help with tannins. A carbon filter will to a degree. Thanks for commenting
I like this water filter!
Thanks for commenting
Great video as usual.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
Interesting device, great review. Thanks for sharing :-)
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
Love the channel Mark! I have the grayl and love it..really think about getting a pre filter..I believe campcraft has them now..mine is canvas and is a multi bag from Blackie Thomas,pretty sure those aren't available now but it WILL extend filter life..not sure if pre filter will do the tannins..will try to find out
Thanks Tom. I am considering making my own "Millbank Bag" to use as a pre-filter. Not much removes tannins from water. Thanks for commenting
Good review Mark , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Thanks, you too!
It's frankly overkill if all you need is a filter, heavy and expensive, but if you need or want a purifier this might be the lightest and cheapest option available. I haven't looked that deep into purifiers so I could be wrong
I feel it is more than is needed for most situations. Unless you are close to industrial or agricultural areas or traveling internationally. Thanks for commenting
I like the concept of the grayl and I've been thinking about buying one for my car emergency kit.
But for me as a hiker/camper it has two big downsides: volume and weight.
The grayl would take quite a bit of space in my backpack, about the same as a 1L bottle, even when it is empty. My current setup (versablue filter, a gnoc 2l bag and two 1L folding bottles ) take up less volume (not by much, thought) and weigh less when empty, but still allow me to transport 4L of water, when needed.
But as you point out, my setup is much more complicated, relies on gravity filtering and is also a bit slower.
If you are always near filterable water, the grayl is definitely a good solution!
Same deal WRT size and weight. My friends have these but living in Canada I stick with a just a water filter. Using the Befree right now in the canoe and love it.
However, work send me to some crazy places so I do like the purification this product provides.
Good points. Coincidently, I am testing the Hydroblue Versaflow with the CNOC Vecto right now for a future review. Thanks for commenting
Thx for Review
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Waters high in tannin were sought after for sailing ships in the old days because the water stayed fresher longer, or so I have read. Any verification?
I had not hear that but it does make some sense based on what I could find about tannins in water;
Health benefits of tannins.
They're antioxidants.
They fight inflammation.
They have antibacterial effects.
They may protect against heart disease.
They help balance blood sugar levels.
They contain potentially cancer-preventing properties.
They may protect your brain.
Mark how good are these if you use it only once a month? The filter dries out does that harm it? Thx
Good question Dennis. The manual says 3 years after opening as long as it is stored completely dry. Thanks for commenting
When to replace the 35 dollar filter. Time period ?
Stated in the video and video description
Can you back flush or rinse out the filter?
The only maintenance the manual provides is to hand wash the filter without soap. I can see now ay to backflush the filter. Thanks for commenting
I got mine at REI for $69. US. They have sales now and then. I love it. Used for my whole family in the Smoky mountains, worked amazing and the water tasted great and was crystal clear. It is heavier than I would like, but it’s worth not worrying about finding that new virus that causes ambiguity.
Right on. Good prices as well. Thanks for commenting
Great review Mark. See also GearSceptic more technical review of this filter (ruclips.net/video/y9N6FYaYWRY/видео.html) beginning around the 21 min mark. As always, thanks for your great content and gear reviews. Much appreciated.
Always good to question what is said. Thanks for commenting
Looks like a handy thing for travellers, but we don’t really need a filter that thorough here.
I agree Jim. Not a lot of chemical run-off in the area I go. Thanks for commenting
Most people that don't like this filter try to press it with the cap sealed shut, making it nigh impossible then they just think its too hard to press. So many clear cases of not reading the instructions result in bad reviews for this product.
Yes, I agree. I often "forget" to read instructions but this just made sense to me. Thanks for commenting
Katadyne hiker for me.....
Also a good choice. Thanks for commenting
Would you call this the "Holy Grayl” of water purifiers? 😉😘🤣🤣🤣🤣💦💦💦 I’ve seen this before, it does look like a very good purifier.
I thought about saying that but decided to leave it for you😉. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣