ProView – GRAYL UltraPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle

Water is s a vital resource for exercise, travel, or outdoor recreation. Working in medicine and volunteering in Search and Rescue, I am hydration focused and always have a water bottle or hydration flask near me. As global weather continues to change and historic streams dry earlier in the season, outdoor enthusiasts will need a greater focus on water sources and hydration carrying systems. Over the years I’ve tried multiple water filter and purifier brands and types, but I was never quite satisfied with the water treatment process. So, when given the opportunity to test GRAYL’s 16.9 ounce UltraPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle Covert Edition, I was excited.

Features/Construction

GRAYL came to the water treatment market in 2012 with a new idea, a french press like hydration bottle called the One Press system. Rather than endless pumping or squeezing water through a plastic bottle just grab the FlipCarry Handle in one hand with the Outer ReFill canister in the other hand, pull apart, dunk the ReFill with some questionable water, slide in the Inner Press, twist the SimpleVent cap a half turn, press down with your body weight for approximately 10 seconds, then enjoy clean and clear water. It’s truly that simple. The Outer ReFill and the SoftPress pad on the top of the GRAYL are constructed of an ergonomic non-slip surface for use during the One Press purification process which improves comfort. The system is intuitive and quick to use. The separate parts — lid, Inner Press, Outer ReFill, and cartridge are all well made and stood up to weeks of abuse in my luggage, backpack, and dry bag.  The smaller size of the 16.9 UltraPress fit perfectly in the two side compression sleeves of my backpack.

Both of Grayl’s water treatment bottles, the 24 ounce GeoPress and the 16.9 ounce UltraPress, remove 99.99% of viruses (Norovirus, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A), 99.9999% of bacteria (E. Coli, Salmonella, Dysentery), 99.9% protozoa (Cryptosporidium, Giadia, Amoboe) as well as filter out particulates (microplastics, sediment, silt), chemicals (chlorine, benzen, chloroform), and heavy metals (arsenic, lead, chromium).

All Grayl products are made of BPA-free polypropylene #5, food-grade silicone and ABS thermoplastic polymer.  The purifier is designed in Seattle, Washington. The purification medium is constructed in the USA. And the bottle components are created by manufacturing partners in China.  

Earth-Friendliness

I was unable to locate specifics regarding the environmental impact of the production for the GRAYL UltraPress online. However, it is evident on the GRAYL website that they believe in environmental and philanthropic causes. GRAYL is a 1% For The Planet member and donates a minimum of 1% of all sales to the preservation and restoration of the environment. GRAYL also participates in multiple other well-deserving organizations from Charity:Water to Soul River to Outdoor Afro.

The Final Word

The GRAYL UltraPress Purifier features four muted color schemes which are perfect for travel, work, or outdoors recreating. The 16.9 ounce bottle offers a low profile that fits into most backpack/bag side pockets as well as vehicle cup holders. And the One Press system has a simplistic ease of use that puts all other water treatment companies to shame — no more pumping/squeezing carpal tunnel inducing torture for me! GRAYL UltraPress is a product that I’m sure to keep reaching for all year long for water purification.

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