A couple thing's that may help. 1) Pretty self explanatory would be a millbank bag. (Allows you to extend the life of the filter) 2) I attached a paracord loop on the outer container so I can attach a length of cordage to it in case of a high bank where I can't get to the waters edge or even drop it off a bridge to get to a water source. I just duck tape, it works fine. Love my Grayl's ( I have 2)

If you pre-filter your water with cloth, you will save considerable wear and tear on the filter.

I use lady's knee-high nylons as a prefilter, slipping 4-5 of them over the outer shell, then lining it with one when used (turn inside out then knot it around a pack strap, it dries quickly and can be reused when turned right side out again). I also carry my Grayl tucked into a $15 Stanley 2-cup cooking pot, leaving the plastic cups home and slipping the Stanley and Grayl into a $5 Walmart Stainless Steel cup, which the Stanley pot's lid will also fit. I carry the whole setup plus a long stainless Spork in a $22 Orca Tactical Bottle carrier that has Molle straps and a shoulder sling with zippers top and bottom, allowing me to access the cup without having to unpack everything. The "bottom lid" of the Orca has an elastic strap that keeps the Stanley's lid, a "Hot Lips" cup insulator, a bandanna and a few folded foil squares in place. The outer pocket of the Orca lets me add the Stanley's handle, an Esbit stove with fuel, more foil squares, a ferro rod, a Bic lighter, and a plastic zip-lock with Coffee and Tea bags, Boullion powder packets and salt and pepper, giving me a mini-cook set as well as water purification. Finally, since I also carry a 32-oz. Clean Canteen stainless bottle, I've marked the Grayl's outer shell with a second line showing me how much water to use to fill the steel bottle (one full Grayl plus the second mark, then fill the Grayl and move on).

Same system I use. The GRAYL is actually a water purification system...a step above a filtration system.

Originally from NE Ohio myself, just found your channel because of this video. Love my Grayl. After buying the first one I found a one in a thrift store of all places. Bought it and ordered a replacement filter. I did see mention of a cloth "pre-filter' in the comments below. A Milbank bag is perfect. They are inexpensive and have been around for a long time. Much finer filtration than most cloth. Really helps the Grayl filter to last especially with water that has the larger debris in it.

Grayl is very good, convenient. Excellent technology, limited volume per cartridge, and pricey. Matched to the correct use case, nothing better. For your pack frame, if you ever find the hip belt not quite as wonderful as it is now, there's another adaptation from the BSA handbook 60 years ago -- the tumpline! 😊

It does not filter Pfas and only up to middle complex chemicals. Some virusses. The filter is garanteed to about 250 liters

Thanks for the story! I have a gray geopress but am unsure how trustworthy it is around river areas. After this video I no longer feel apprehensive. Thanks again!!

I have been using a Grayl for a couple years now. I have used, literally, almost every filter out there. This has been my go to since I found it though. SO easy to use. I do keep a Sawyer gravity filter as a backup with a 2L bag in my kit-which is good for end of day filtering, and I can carry 2 liters of water with me, if needed. Living in New England, outside of draught season, water is rarely more than a mile away. Add a millbank bag to it, and you will be good!!!

I love the Grayl too. I always prefilter the water by holding a clean handkerchief over the raw water container when filling it, to extend the filter life.

I believe you leave the cap a little unscrewed, until you press the grayl down.. then tighten the cap

Back pack have both. Canvas and got my pack from eighties that still external frame not really like internal as i can take pack off use frame other chores. It's not expensive one back those days and had get kidney pad for the fifty miles a foot or a float award. Still got use it once while.

I slept on these for a long time, wanted to get the titanium Ultra press when it came out because I love the idea of a built-in cooking vessel, but 16 oz just seemed like a tease. As soon as I heard of the new TI geopress I sprang on it. And yes..ouch!!$$ but they offered 10% off on their website so that took a little sting out of it. More importantly, it seems like a very well-built piece of kit that will last a long time.

Ahh, Wildcat Hollow, one of my favorite trails. I, too, like the Grayl.

Nice review, thank you for sharing it. JT

Just found your channel. Thanks for the content. I will be getting this kit soon.

👍 I agree with your assessment. I also waited too long to make this purchase, but am enjoying mine now.

We have 3, and. Extra filters for them. Highly recommend bit of kit.

I've been watching you for some time and hadn't noticed the belt and buckle before. I rarely wear any other than my web for many, many years. Semper Fi!

I have one. It is great.

I spend a lot of time at wildcat hollow. Tip, pre stash water where the trail crosses roads.

I press the Grayl without the top completely, then screw it on. IMHO pressing the lid with just smaller access open increases pressure which eventually will cause a failure on the threads which are plastic and will become more brittle over time.

I like the Grayl, the one way valve is the point.....

Yeah water important not seen that filter interesting. In my fifties though don't do longer multi hikes as much now ,good filter good have . I would have wait till summer make that much investment. It be good have for the other scout initiative, emergency preparedness.

I have photos of oil soaked ground feet from "water sources" on all of the Wayne trails (archers fork is the worst). Can't do it man. I drive around the forest service roads and leave caches on the first morning. That said, I'm doing my best to start trusting the filter. Had a platypus quickdraw fail on me last year. Heading for Shawnee this week; I can taste the permethrin now!

Personally I like "membrane solutions" water filter. For under $40 you get a filter a bag and hose. The filter is rebuildable and has a carbon element. So less then half priced better filter and holds more water. The grayl might be a bit easier but I prefer having a rebuildable with a carbon filter. Plus the extra filters are very cheap. More importantly I'm glad to see you carrying on the real boy scout lifestyle. The best memories of my life were boy scouts. What happens when they change the name? Will we have to make a new organization? I don't agree with the new scouting boys need a place to learn to be men.

Nice introduction to the Grayl purifier. Notes: 1. Most reviewers and users are unaware of the difference between a filter such as the Sawyer Squeeze and a purifier such as the Grayl Geopress and Ultrapress. A purifier removes much more than a filter, viruses being the most important difference. Purifiers vary, so check the manufacturer web site to confirm exact specs. 2. The Grayl purifiers are designed to use your body weight to easily and quickly purify the water. After filling the outer container up to the fill line, loosen the cap to provide pressure relief, place the filter and inner container into the outer, place on the ground, and then use both hands with straight arms to let your body weight push the inner down into the outer. Done! 3. Pre-filtering not so clear water will dramatically improve the useful life of the cartridge so you get the rated life. A bandana or other thin cloth gets hot the big junk. A Millbank bag is an excellent and effective pre-filter. A 1 micron filter bag is the ultimate pre-filter. Select which method(s) you use based on your needs and preferences.

I still pick Nalgene and epic water filter lol

We have a lot of chemical crap in the water here in my part of Maine

Mr. Dyer or should I say Shawn, Thanks for the informative and interesting video. I will be retired soon and trust me I'll be able to spend more time watching and learning from your video's along with getting outdoors more. Blessings My Friend and Be Safe!

My guy it took you 4 minutes to actually get to the product…. Good review tho. Just a slight tangent in the beginning there

Very cool dude. Nice review. Is your troop on Instagram?