Gear Notes: Grayl
Having hunted in the mountains where I’ve had to pack in everything I’d need for a week, I am versed in the importance of having functional and efficient water filtration. More recently returning to my MidWest roots, I’ve come to realize the convenience aspect of water purification even when humanity isn’t a day’s horseback ride away. Grayl offers multiple drinking and eating receptacles for all your needs but their UltraPress and GeoPress are their signature filtration devices. I had the chance to put several of their items to the test this summer and can assure you there is a place in your pack for some or all of them.
Paring a camp stove with Grayl’s titanium cookware and any commercially available camp fuel gives plenty of options for eating in camp.
The first thing that comes to mind with the UltraPress Ti Purifier is its simplicity. Fill the ultra-strong titanium cup from any available water source then simply apply pressure to the filter. By applying pressure to the filter you are forcing contaminated water through the filter which uses electroabsorption and ultra-powdered activated carbon to remove 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoans. It’s foolproof. I’ve used pumps and gravity filters, but for individual or emergency use, the UltraPress checks all the boxes. What separates the UltraPress is the versatility it offers. The filter press coupled with the cup allows you to not only provide clean drinking/cooking water but also a vessel to cook in. The titanium cup can be used on a portable stove or campfire to heat/boil clean water to rehydrate or cook your intended meals for the day.
Clean, safe drinking water is as easy as filling the cup, inserting the filter, and pressing. I had no concerns (or repercussions) after drinking lake water fresh from the UltraPress.
After receiving the shipment from Grayl, it appeared I was missing something as I couldn’t locate the camp stove. After removing all packaging and stuffing, there was a tiny box remaining. After opening the box, I realized it was the stove. Whoever came up with this design was a genius. After unfolding, the stove screws into popular commercially produced isobutane/propane canisters ready to provide evenly distributed heat to your chosen vessel. It is easily strong enough to support any of the cups or cooking utensils from Grayl’s lineup and I’m not so sure it wouldn’t handle a small cast iron skillet to fry your day’s catch.
Getting a stove into camp or the backcountry is amazingly easy with a titanium stove that weighs only 28 grams. Grayl’s stove fits in your palm with room to spare.
Wanting something to specifically boil water in for freeze dried meals, the nesting cup immediately came to mind. Made with food grade 304SS and having a capacity of 30 oz, it more than handles the hot water needed for a breakfast pouch and coffee without having to reload. If you’re packing in it weighs less than 12 oz and is laser etched with 16, 20, 25, and 30 oz for volumetric measurements. One of the other reasons for recommending the Nesting Cup is the Lid. If you truly want a full wilderness kitchen you’ll want a way to strain pasta, veggies, or even the water after boiling a tougher cut of fresh meat. The lid comes equipped with holes perfect for the job.
When camping, a solid meal is as easy boiling water in Grayl’s nesting pot. I like to keep things simple when in the field. Less time cooking and cleaning is more time prepping for the Fall or in the stand when that magical time finally arrives.
Combining all these products together, any outdoors person would be capable of producing safe drinking water and prepping meals to fuel whatever adventures may ensue. Good news is they don’t take up much room and won’t weigh your pack down. Grayl makes it easy to be prepared, even when you don’t think you need to be prepared.