The Grayl Quest Filtration Cup is the new must-have in portable water filtration. Whether going to the gym, into the backcountry, or abroad, Grayl has a filter for you.
This 16oz French press type filtration system is easy to assemble and use. There are four parts to the unit: A BPA-free plastic cup for dirty water, stainless steel (18/8) mug for filtered water, flip lock lid, and interchangeable filtration canister. To use, fill the plastic cup from your water source. Attach the filter to fit your need (more information on the three filter option in chart below) by screwing it securely to the bottom of the stainless steel mug until it locks into place. Screw the top onto the mug, and plunge gently until the mug has reached the bottom of the cup and all the water has filtered through. The dirty water is kept separate from the clean water by a series of food grade silicone gaskets. Open the top and you‘re ready to drink. Click here to see their use video.
According to Grayl, their filtration technology is a G3+™Filtration Media, which is actually three technologies in one unit. First, a triple-charged mesh traps disease-causing germs as clean water is allowed to flow through. Second, coconut activated carbon attracts and constrains some heavy metals, chemicals, and more. The third is an anti-microbial agent that is integrated into the filter canister, and resists mold, mildew and bacteria. The filters are rated for about 40gallons, or 300 uses.
Grayl Quest Filter CupGrayl offers three types of filters: tap, trail, and travel. They come in specific colors so you always know which filter you are using. Blue is for tap water. This filter will improve the taste of water by removing chemicals such as chlorine. Green signifies trail, and suggests improved taste, chemical removal, and 99.9% of bacteria, protozoa, and cysts. This filter is best for clean and clear flowing water sources. The red travel filter has the same claims at the tap and trail, but also adds a 99.9% effectiveness against viruses.
Closeup of Grayl Quest Filter CupI was able to use this filter in my office and out hiking. I found the concept very convenient, however the actual use was a little bit clunky. The plunging action to purify the water was easy, but it is important to heed their ‘˜press‘ time per filter (Tap: 7sec; Trail: 15sec; Travel: 30sec) in order for the filtration system to work to its full potential. I discovered if you plunge too fast, the dirty water can splash out, so go slow. In order to change the filters from tap to trail, I found it quite tricky to pull out the lock and twist the filter in order to remove it. Putting a new filter on was as simple as screwing onto the stainless threading until you hear a click. In addition, I found it necessary to keep the flip lock lid open while pushing down to make it plunge appropriately to let the pressure equalize.
The cost of this unit varies depending on the filter type, from $49.95 for the tap, to $79.95 for the heavy duty travel filter. Grayl offers replacement filters as well as inner and outer cups. They even offer a Grayl Legend version of the filter that has a stainless steel outer cup instead of plastic.
As with any filtration system, I recommend doing your own research on the filter that is right for you and your adventure. Best to be safe than sorry!
-Carley
A special thanks to Grayl for providing their Quest Filter and replacement filters for this review. Like most people, we have a limit to the funds we can spend on our gear. So to be able to review them, then share that review with our readers, allows us to pay it forward in a way that we hope will benefit everyone.
Grayl Filter Chart