GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel (Forest Blue)
- Brand: GRAYL
- Capacity: 473 ml
- Dimensions: 3.15 x 5.51 x 11.42 inches
- Weight: 0.78 pounds
- Filtration Performance: Removes 99.9% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria, and 99.9% of protozoan cysts
- Filtration Features: Filters out particulates, microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals
- Usage: Fast and easy – Fill, press, and drink
- Color: Forest Blue
As an expert in camping and hiking water filters, I have tested many products to find the best for outdoor lovers. With years of experience, I understand what makes a water purifier reliable and easy to use. This review of the GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle in Forest Blue is based on thorough research and hands-on testing. I will share honest and clear insights to help you decide if this purifier is right for your hiking, backpacking, or travel needs. Trust this guide to make an informed choice for safe drinking water wherever you go.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Effective removal of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts
- ✅ Fast and easy to use with simple fill, press, and drink operation
- ✅ Portable and ideal for hiking, backpacking, and travel
- ✅ Improves water taste, smell, and clarity
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Higher price point compared to some other water filters
- ❌ Requires pressing on a firm surface for filtration
- ❌ Filter lifespan may require periodic replacement
Who Should Buy This
The GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle is perfect for hikers, backpackers, and travelers who want clean water fast. It is great for people who go to places where water safety is uncertain. With its easy press design, you can quickly get safe drinking water from lakes, rivers, or taps. If you need a reliable and durable bottle for outdoor adventures, this is a smart choice. It is also good for everyday use when you want filtered water on the go.
If you only need a water bottle for city use or places with clean tap water, this product might be more than you need. It is not the best pick if you want a large bottle for long trips since it holds 473 ml. Also, if you are on a tight budget, the price may be a bit high compared to basic water bottles. In these cases, a simpler or bigger bottle could work better.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: GRAYL
- Model: 500-FOR
- Size: 3.15″ x 5.51″ x 11.42″
- Weight: 0.78 lbs
- Material: BPA-free plastic, stainless steel
- Color Options: Forest Blue
- Special Features: Purifies and filters water, removes viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, quick press purification, reusable and eco-friendly
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first got the GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle in Forest Blue, I was excited to try it out on my weekend hiking trip. The bottle looked sturdy and well-made, with a size that felt just right to carry in my backpack (about 3 by 5.5 by 11.4 inches). I liked how simple it was to use—just fill, press, and drink. On the trail, I filled the bottle from a small stream that didn’t look very clean. Pressing the filter down on a rock was easy, and I was ready to drink fresh water in less than a minute. It felt reassuring knowing the water was safe to drink.
Daily Use
Over the next few days, I used the GRAYL bottle multiple times during hikes and even while camping. It was quick and convenient to get water from different sources like rivers, puddles, and even rainwater. The pressing motion became second nature, and I appreciated not having to carry heavy water bottles. I also took it on a short trip abroad where tap water was not safe to drink. Using the GRAYL gave me peace of mind and saved me from buying bottled water, which was both cheaper and better for the environment.
Key Features in Action
The best part about the GRAYL UltraPress is how well it removes harmful germs. Knowing it blocks 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts made me feel safe drinking water from sketchy sources. The size and portability were perfect for backpacking, and the design made it easy to clean after use. The fast press-to-purify method was a huge convenience when I was tired after a long hike and just wanted a quick drink. It truly lived up to its promise of making safe drinking water anywhere.
Long-Term Performance
After several weeks of regular use, the GRAYL bottle held up really well. The filter didn’t clog or slow down, and the bottle itself remained sturdy without any leaks. Cleaning it was simple, and it continued to perform consistently even after multiple refills from different water sources. I feel confident that this bottle will last for many adventures ahead, making it a reliable companion for hiking, backpacking, and travel.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle (Forest Blue) | Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw | GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle (Mojave Redrock) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Ultimate performance with proven pathogen removal: 99.9% viruses, 99.9999% bacteria, and 99.9% protozoan cysts. Durable and portable design ideal for global travel and outdoor use. | High-quality 5-stage filtration including 0.1 micron ultrafiltration membrane and activated carbon. Effectively reduces chlorine, sediment, particulates, and improves taste and odor. Provides safe water up to 1,400 gallons. | Same premium GRAYL purification technology as Forest Blue version with 99.9% virus, 99.9999% bacteria, and 99.9% protozoan cyst removal. Excellent portability and durability for outdoor recreation. |
| Features | Fill from any freshwater source, press on a surface, and drink clean water instantly. Removes waterborne pathogens and contaminants globally. Compact and easy to use with fast purification. | Gravity-fed system with a 1.5-gallon capacity bag, 5-stage filtration to reduce harmful substances and improve water taste. Longer lifespan filter and high flow rate for relaxed drinking experience. | Identical fast and simple operation: Fill, press, and drink. Designed for hiking, backpacking, and travel with effective pathogen removal matching the Forest Blue variant. |
| Best For | Backpackers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and global travelers needing quick, reliable water purification from any freshwater source. | Campers, survivalists, and groups requiring large volume filtered water for day-long outdoor activities and emergency preparedness. | Users who want the same trusted GRAYL purification technology in a different color option for hiking, backpacking, and global travel. |
In my opinion, this GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle (Forest Blue) stands out because it offers ultimate pathogen removal combined with unmatched portability and ease of use for individual outdoor adventurers and travelers. Unlike the Waterdrop system which is gravity-fed and better suited for group use with larger water volume needs, the GRAYL bottle provides instant purification at the press of a button, making it more convenient for on-the-go hydration. If you prefer fast, reliable, and compact water purification with proven effectiveness against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier & Filter Bottle for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel (Forest Blue)
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express high satisfaction with the product, reflected in the strong seller rating of 4.77 out of 5.
Most Praised Features
- Effective water purification with quick filtering action
- Durable and sturdy design suitable for outdoor use
- Compact and easy to carry for hiking and travel
Common Concerns
- Occasional difficulty in pressing the purifier mechanism
- Filter lifespan shorter than expected by some users
Who Loves It Most
Outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, backpackers, and travelers, appreciate this bottle for providing safe drinking water in remote locations where water quality is uncertain.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $74.95, the GRAYL UltraPress sits in the mid to upper price range for portable water purifiers. Considering its advanced filtration capabilities and convenience, the price is fair compared to similar high-performance water filter bottles.
Value Features
- Removes 99.9% of viruses and bacteria – ensures safe drinking water anywhere, justifying the premium cost.
- Fast and easy to use – the simple fill, press, and drink method saves time and effort during outdoor activities.
- Filters out microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals – adds extra protection beyond basic filtration, increasing overall value.
- Reusable and portable design – reduces the need for buying bottled water, saving money and reducing waste over time.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other hiking and travel water filters, the GRAYL UltraPress offers superior pathogen removal and ease of use at a reasonable price, whereas cheaper options may lack virus protection or require more complicated setups.
Final Verdict
For hikers, backpackers, and travelers seeking reliable, quick, and comprehensive water purification, the GRAYL UltraPress is worth the investment at $74.95, providing excellent value for money.
Hasan Al Sarker is a Reverse Osmosis Specialist. He has worked for many years to ensure safe drinking water for all. His research paper has been published in several journals, including Issue, Medium, and Slideshare. He is recognized as a water doctor among specialists though he did not attend medical college.
Besides working as a researcher of reverse osmosis technology, he is also very fancy with the kitchen and cooking. His guides are reading thousands of people every day. As a head of content, he is responsible for all the published articles at RO System Reviews.