Exactly one year ago to this day, I was
being offered a humble (yet dignified) glass of water from the head
of a rural household in the literal middle of Pakistan. While I had
gone prepared with a small portable UV type water sterilizer, I opted
to not disrespect the honorary gesture and leave my magic wand hidden
in my backpack and straight-up drink the beverage that was offered
me. I did this … knowing what was sure to be in the water (as it
contained the same odor as the raw sewage water which flowed in open
trenches around the modest brick & mud houses).
Fortunately for me and my wife, that
small prayer we prayed right before drinking this beverage seemed to
suffice in our not taking ill to whatever microscopic forces infested
the water.
Unfortunately, this is a lesson that
all too many learn in a most painstaking way when traveling abroad –
or even when drinking from a seemingly “crystal clear” mountain
stream.
While there have long been many options
available for the adventuring traveler, finding the “holy grail”
of portable water purifiers has certainly proven a quest. I'm not one
for chemical treatments or other ways of adulterating a drink to make
it “acceptable”; and survival straws are great & all – but
still just don't quite give one that full bout of confidence.
Portable UV purifiers like the SteriPen are what I've used most
frequently in my overseas journeys; but they only sterilize the water - without filtering it of contaminants such as heavy metals, dangerous particles, sediment and other potentially hazardous contaminants. They also rely on the need for
a power source for recharging, and contain fragile lamps that -if
broken- can leave you defenseless.
And that's why there's the GRAYL.
<<< (appropriately named)
 |
| GRAYL Ultralight |
- purifies & filters
- 16 oz capacity
- 300 uses per filter (40Gal / 150L)
- weight: 10.9 oz (empty)
- weight: 10.9 oz (empty)
Purification AND Filtration:
-Removes: 99.9999% of viruses (e.g. rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis A)
-Removes: 99.9999% of bacteria (e.g. e.coli, salmonella, cholera)
-Removes: 99.999% of protozoan cysts (e.g. giardia, cryptosporidium)
-Filters particulates (e.g. sand, silt, sediment), chemicals (e.g. chlorine, iodine), and heavy metals (e.g. lead, arsenic).
-Improves water flavor, odor and clarity.
Operation:
In my experience with survival straws,
uv wands, make-shift solar stills, and filtering water through my own
sock – it doesn't get any easier than the Grayl. The Ultralight is
used in a quick 3-step process: FILL :: PRESS :: DRINK
That's it. No complicated nonsense.
Just one press, and drink.
I thought it too good to be true
myself... so I gave it a try on some spring water that flowed through
200 acres of appalachia mountain forest, through a pond, and down a
waterfall before entering my GRAYL.
Final thoughts:
After repetitive use of the
Ultralight for drinking our pond and creek water – I can firmly
attest that despite all the foreign matter of animal droppings and
contaminants, that this Grayl provided a clean drink every time.
Furthermore, it's light weight construction and size makes it ideal
for fitting in or clipping onto my backpack.
What I'm really looking forward to is it's use in upcoming travels, both domestically and abroad. Without any fragile parts, batteries, or chemicals involved, it's certainly a save for passing through airport security as well as other checkpoints; and it'll survive a tumble or two when things get sketchy. Additionally, there's no comparison for the peace of mind that comes with not having to debate between dehydration or filtering your drinking water through an old dirty sock!
Learn more about this product direct
from the inventors! http://www.thegrayl.com/
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