Grayl UltraPress Ti Water Filter Assessment

compose Miles Arbour
time Dec 12, 2022
remark 10

My pal Justin at TAWS Bike Storage launched me to the Grayl UltraPress a number of years in the past. I bear in mind him being enthusiastic about its portability and the way nicely it labored for on-bike water storage and fast, on-the-go filtering. Since then, we’ve nearly solely relied on his Grayl filter for water purification duties on lengthy rides and bikepacking journeys. What makes the Grayl filter distinctive in comparison with different filters I’ve used is that it combines a regular water bottle into its design, permitting for each water storage and filtering in a reasonably compact package deal.

Normal Grayl UltraPress

The unique model is made out of food-grade polypropylene, plastic, and silicone, however the newest UltraPress Ti takes issues up a stage with a titanium development that can be utilized on a camp range or fireplace in a pinch. In any other case, the plastic and titanium UltraPress filters perform the identical. To make use of it, pull the outside refill cup off the underside of the bottle/filter and use it to scoop water from a lake or stream. Then, flip the spout cap on the highest of the bottle midway to vent the filter earlier than utilizing the load of your physique, arms on the highest of the bottle, to pressure the water via the filter and into the storage bottle.

The UltraPress makes use of electroabsorption and ultra-powdered activated carbon to take away waterborne pathogens and particulates (sediment and microplastics) from the water. In keeping with Grayl, this contains 99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of micro organism, 99.9% of protozoan cysts together with Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidium, E. Coli, Cholera, Salmonella, Dysentery, and extra. The ultra-powdered activated carbon additionally adsorbs many chemical substances (together with PFAS & VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavors, and odors. The replaceable cartridge has a lifespan of 300 presses (150L/40 gal), as soon as the filter time reaches ~25 seconds, or after three years of use.

Justin estimates he has round 100 presses of his Ultrapress, which has barely slowed right down to between 10 and 15 seconds to filter 500ml. It’s not exhausting to press the water via the cartridge, however it does require a little bit of regular physique weight and a tough floor. On some bikerafting journeys this summer season, our pal Kristjan managed to compress the filter towards his chest, however I doubt most individuals would be capable to. We’re additionally spoiled with clear lakes and streams with restricted sediment, so I anticipate the Grayl would decelerate extra rapidly when filtering murkier water.

I respect the design and high quality of the plastic and titanium variations alike. The development appears stable, partly as a result of lack of transferring elements, and I like its simplicity. I’ve had quite a lot of pump-style filters fail on me fully whereas bikepacking, normally because of failed seals or fragile elements, and the Grayl appears far sturdier. It’s additionally nice to see Grayl providing a full suite of substitute elements for his or her filters, together with caps, the inside and outer physique, and cartridges.

I’ve solely briefly examined out the UltraPress Ti as a pot on a range, and because of its peak and slim base, it actually solely works nicely for boiling water to rehydrate easy meals. Being able to warmth it up instantly on a fireplace or in scorching coals is a pleasant contact, and whereas the $110 worth leap from the usual model is slightly exhausting to swallow, it may be value it for some people, relying on their particular wants. Grayl provides a 10-year guarantee on workmanship and supplies, in addition to substitute elements, as talked about above, so it looks like extra of a long-term funding in comparison with different filters.

• Capability: 500ml
• Materials: Titanium, BPA-FREE polypropylene, silicone, plastic
• Weight: 400 grams
• Place of Manufacture: China
• Value: $199 USD
• Producer’s Particulars: Grayl.com

BottleLock Hip Pack

The BottleLock Hip Pack is made by Eearthwell in Portland, Oregon. It’s particularly designed to hold a Grayl filter, because of its decrease straps and grippy rubber lining cloth, however it may possibly additionally maintain different 32oz bottles, comparable to these from Earthwell, Hydrapak, and Nalgene. It’s made out of a water resistant Cordura cloth with a recycled EcoPak liner and a urethane-coated zipper for added climate resistance. There’s a small exterior zippered pocket with a key clip, an inner zippered pocket, and a collapsable pocket on one of many hip pads for 12 to 16oz cups and water bottles. The bag is completed with plenty of webbing attachment factors, loops, and handles for lashing gear to, and your complete factor is padded to guard its contents.

The development of the hip pack appears prime notch, and I just like the look of it too. The varied pockets, materials, and built-in filter sling are good touches, and to this point I’ve discovered it to be adequately padded for its measurement. My first thought was that it will make a fantastic choice for hauling a smaller mirrorless digicam and further lens, perhaps with the addition of an inner divider of some sort. All that stated, Emily misplaced her bottle from the collapsible facet pocket on a trip with it, so I’m slightly hesitant to completely belief it once more. The ladder lock buckles holding the Grayl filter in place loosen up too simply for my style, particularly for hauling a $200 filter, so it will have been good to see a cam buckle for some added safety whereas driving.

• Capability: 4.5L
• Materials: Cordura / EcoPak
• Weight: 397 grams
• Place of Manufacture: Oregon, USA
• Value: $149 USD
• Producer’s Particulars: Grayl.com

Arundel Loonie Bin Cage

The Arundel Loonie Bin Cage isn’t made particularly for the Grayl filter, however Grayl provides it as an add-on for simpler transport on the bike. It’s an adjustable cage that matches any cylindrical bottle that’s 65-95mm in diameter, not simply biking bottles. For reference, this contains each the 500ml Grayl UltraPress and 710ml GeoPress, in addition to large bottles of Gatorade, wine bottles, further gas, and 32oz Nalgene bottles.

Other than being fully from plastic, I’ve been fairly impressed with the Loonie Bin Cage. The adjustable design holds cylindrical objects securely and there’s a small rubber bumper to remove any rattling whereas driving. For rides with plenty of pure water sources on route, it’s doable that the Loonie Bin and Grayl filter may deal with each water purification and carrying duties. It’s a slick little step that’s simple to make use of.

• Capability: suits bottles 65-95mm
• Materials: Nylon
• Weight: 57 grams
• Place of Manufacture: China
• Value: $26.95 USD
• Producer’s Particulars: Grayl.com

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