CNET Editors Tested High-Tech Camping Gear: Here Are Our Top Picks
The Grayl GeoPress is among my best outdoor gear purchases. I feel confident drinking water from lakes, rivers and even the sketchiest of sources with this filtered water bottle -- and that's saying something, because I nearly bit the dust by acquiring three strains of E. Coli from contaminated water at one point (before I knew about Grayl). It efficiently removes waterborne pathogens, including 99.9999% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa, and filters particulates like silt, microplastics, pesticides, heavy metals and more.
This thing purifies water fast -- I'm talking the whole bottle in less than 10 seconds. I no longer have to sit around and burn daylight waiting for the water to filter while hiking or camping. I like the bottle's grippy exterior; I'm less likely to drop it when it's wet or my grip strength is lacking. The "RiverFlow" spout is wide and allows for a fast water flow, which is nice when you're thirsty and want to replenish quickly and easily.
Who is this for:
I'd venture to say that the Grayl GeoPress filtered water bottle is ideal not just for outdoor enthusiasts, but for anyone who cares about the quality of water they're drinking. If you live or travel where the tap water is questionable, this is a great product to have on hand. Plus, it will help prevent buying single-use bottled water, which can save money and waste in the long run. It's suitable for hikers and campers who don't want to lug a bunch of water in their bags (as long as there are water sources to pull from along your route).
Who shouldn't buy it:
If you don't expect to use your filtered bottle often, it may not be worth the purchase. If you're prioritizing ultra-lightweight gear, this may be too heavy -- something like a LifeStraw may better suit your needs. Also, do not use this in areas with toxic water (like blue-green algae) or industrial disasters.
There is a slight learning curve with the Grayl GeoPress bottle, and pressing it down requires some force and physical exertion. However, don't be discouraged if it doesn't seem to want to budge right away--it took me a few times until I figured it out.
-Aly Lopez
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Why I like it: The Grayl GeoPress is among my best outdoor gear purchases. I feel confident drinking water from lakes, rivers and even the sketchiest of sources with this filtered water bottle -- and that's saying something, because I nearly bit the dust by acquiring three strains of E. Coli from contaminated water at one point (before I knew about Grayl). It efficiently removes waterborne pathogens, including 99.9999% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa, and filters particulates like silt, microplastics, pesticides, heavy metals and more. This thing purifies water fast -- I'm talking the whole bottle in less than 10 seconds. I no longer have to sit around and burn daylight waiting for the water to filter while hiking or camping. I like the bottle's grippy exterior; I'm less likely to drop it when it's wet or my grip strength is lacking. The "RiverFlow" spout is wide and allows for a fast water flow, which is nice when you're thirsty and want to replenish quickly and easily. Who is this for: I'd venture to say that the Grayl GeoPress filtered water bottle is ideal not just for outdoor enthusiasts, but for anyone who cares about the quality of water they're drinking. If you live or travel where the tap water is questionable, this is a great product to have on hand. Plus, it will help prevent buying single-use bottled water, which can save money and waste in the long run. It's suitable for hikers and campers who don't want to lug a bunch of water in their bags (as long as there are water sources to pull from along your route). Who shouldn't buy it: If you don't expect to use your filtered bottle often, it may not be worth the purchase. If you're prioritizing ultra-lightweight gear, this may be too heavy -- something like a LifeStraw may better suit your needs. Also, do not use this in areas with toxic water (like blue-green algae) or industrial disasters. There is a slight learning curve with the Grayl GeoPress bottle, and pressing it down requires some force and physical exertion. However, don't be discouraged if it doesn't seem to want to budge right away--it took me a few times until I figured it out. -Aly Lopez
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