When it comes to travel water purifiers, GRAYL has always been synonymous with reliability and ease of use. If you’re in the market for a Grayl, you might think the main differences between the GeoPress and UltraPress are just the size, but there’s more to it than that.
I’ve used both models extensively for the past 6 years—from filtering murky puddles in the Himalayas to filling up from sketchy hostel taps in Southeast Asia—and I’m here to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your adventures.
In this post, I’ll break down the key differences, similarities, pros, and cons of the Grayl GeoPress and UltraPress to help you figure out which purifier bottle deserves a place in your backpack.
GeoPress vs UltraPress: Key Comparison
The GeoPress and UltraPress are both built off the same core GRAYL system (Grayl's OnePress technology), which is by far my favorite out of any water bottle purifier because of its simplicity and effectiveness.
Both models use the same electroadsorption and activated carbon technology, making it easy to purify almost any water source by pressing the inner bottle into the outer cup.
However, the key differences lie in their size, weight, and a few design changes that make each one suited to different needs.
- The GeoPress is the larger, higher-capacity option, ideal for those needing more water at once.
- The UltraPress, on the other hand, is lighter and more compact, perfect for ultralight travelers or shorter hikes.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your adventures.
GeoPress | UltraPress | |
---|---|---|
Capacity | 24 oz (710 ml) | 16 oz (473 ml) |
Weight | 15.9 oz (450 g) | 10.9 oz (309 g) |
Flow Rate | 8 seconds per 24 oz (5 L/min) | 15 seconds per 16 oz (2 L/min) |
Cartridge Lifespan | 350 cycles (65 gal / 250 L) | 300 cycles (40 gal / 150 L) |
Durability | Withstands 10 ft drops | Compact but tough |
Best For | Longer trips, more water | Ultralight travel, day hikes |
Size | Larger and bulkier | Smaller, more portable |
Price | $99.95 on Amazon | $89.95 on Amazon |
Both bottles are made from BPA-free materials, have a shelf life of 10 years for unused cartridges, and meet rigorous safety standards.
Pros & Cons Comparison
GeoPress | UltraPress | |
---|---|---|
Pros | Larger capacity (24 oz) Faster flow rate (8 seconds) Very durable Rubber tab on cap to prevent loss. | Lightweight (10.9 oz) Easier to carry Compact Rotatable handle More affordable ($89.95) Cheaper filter replacements ($24.95). |
Cons | Heavy and bulky Higher price ($99.95) Fixed handle adds bulk Harder to fit in cup & bottle holders. | Smaller capacity (16 oz) Slower flow rate (15 seconds) No rubber tab on cap Shorter filter lifespan (300 cycles) |
UltraPress vs GeoPress: Price
Both bottles are similarly priced, with the UltraPress being $10 cheaper.
GeoPress $99.95:
UltraPress: $89.95
UltraPress vs GeoPress: Size, Weight, & Capacity
Height:
- GeoPress: 10.4" (26.5 cm)
- UltraPress: 9.625" (24.5 cm)
- Difference: The GeoPress is 2.5 cm taller, which isn't very noticeable. What’s more noticeable is the overall bulk of the GeoPress compared to the UltraPress.
Diameter:
- GeoPress: 3.4" (8.6 cm)
- UltraPress: 2.7" (6.8 cm)
- Difference: The UltraPress is 1.5 cm narrower, making it much easier to fit in a water bottle holder or a car cup holder. It doesn't sound like much, but the GeoPress is much bulkier and the UltraPress is far more convenient for stowing.
Weight:
- GeoPress: 15.9 oz (450 g)
- UltraPress: 10.9 oz (309 g)
- Difference: The UltraPress is 5 oz (100 g) lighter, making it feel more like a regular water bottle. The GeoPress can feel a bit hefty when full.
Capacity:
- GeoPress: 24 oz (710 ml)
- UltraPress: 16 oz (473 ml)
- Difference: The UltraPress holds significantly less water—just 16 oz—which doesn’t last long, especially since the filter takes up room inside the bottle. The GeoPress's larger capacity is better for longer hikes or when water sources are scarce.
It's clear why Grayl has offered these two variants. There's no best answer here, just a tradeoff between size, bulk, and weight for higher capacity. Both models use the same purification technology, so it really comes down to your style of travel and whether you prefer more water at once or a lighter, more compact option.
UltraPress vs GeoPress: Real World Purification Test
Both the GeoPress and UltraPress use Grayl's electroadsorption and ultra-powdered activated carbon technology, making them effective against a wide range of contaminants.
Both work by pressing the inner bottle into an outer "cup". Both are very easy to use, in fact they are the easiest system I've found after reviewing dozens of alternative filter options. However, due to the GeoPress' larger lid footprint, you get slightly better grip and it is easier to press than the UltraPress overall.
What They Remove:
- 99.99% of viruses
- 99.9999% of bacteria
- 99.9% of protozoan cysts (including Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidium, E. Coli, Cholera, Salmonella, Dysentery, and more)
- Put simply: Grayl's filter is one of the most well-rounded and effective purification bottles on the market.
Flow Rate Difference:
- GeoPress: 8 seconds for 24 oz (710 ml)
- UltraPress: 15 seconds for 16 oz (473 ml)
The flow rate differs mainly due to the size and volume of water each bottle holds. Over time, both models will have a slower flow rate as sediment builds up in the filter. In my experience, in mineral-rich environments, press times will increase significantly.
Real World Purification Test in the Karakoram
During the K2 Base Camp trek, I tested both the Grayl GeoPress and the UltraPress with mineral-rich glacial water.
Initially, both were fast—7 seconds for 24 oz with the GeoPress and 6 seconds for 16 oz with the UltraPress (faster than the official specs). However, after just a few days, the press times increased significantly—about 45 seconds for the UltraPress and around a minute for the GeoPress.
Sediment-heavy water requires more effort and results in a longer press time and decreased life expectancy of the filter.
UltraPress vs GeoPress: Lid & Handle
Both the GeoPress and UltraPress feature screw-off lids, making it easy to clean the inside thoroughly. Both also come with handles that can be clipped to a carabiner or carried with two fingers.
GeoPress Handle: The GeoPress has a solid, fixed handle. It's very strong, but it adds bulk to the bottle and increases its overall width.
UltraPress Handle:
- The UltraPress has a rotatable handle with a larger opening. It can rotate from 90 degrees to fully upright. The upright position helps reduce the bottle's overall profile, which can be beneficial if you're trying to minimize size.
- The best part about the rotatable handle on the UltraPress is that when it's in the upright position, it makes it much easier to separate the outer cup from the inner cup.
My Preference: In my experience, the larger, movable handle on the UltraPress is a much better design. It's easier to carry, more practical for use, and results in a smaller overall profile. For me, it's a clear winner in terms of ease of use and portability.
UltraPress vs GeoPress: The Cap
Both the UltraPress and the GeoPress have a screw-off cap that is roughly the same size. However, they aren't interchangeable.
GeoPress Cap: The GeoPress has a rubber tab that holds the cap when you unscrew it, so you don't drop or lose it. This is a small but very useful feature, especially when you're on the move or in tough environments.
UltraPress Cap: For some reason (presumably to shave off a few grams), the UltraPress doesn't have this rubber tab. This makes it much easier to lose the small cap when you unscrew it.
Winner: GeoPress wins here. The rubber tab is a minor addition, but it makes a big difference in terms of convenience and to avoid losing the cap. Unfortunately, Grayl has decided to make the cap a non-standard size, which means if you lose the Grayl UltraPress cap, you'll need to buy a new lid section from Grayl for $20.
UltraPress vs GeoPress: Replacement Filters
The cartridge (filter section doing the purification) press time will increase towards the end of its lifespan. When press time reaches 25-30 seconds, it's a sign that the cartridge should be replaced. However, it's important to note that the cartridge will continue to protect against contaminants even as the press time increases—it just takes longer to filter.
Typically, I replace the filter once a year, depending on usage. The lifespan will vary based on the quality of the water being filtered, but here is the recommended lifespan for both water filter bottles:
- GeoPress: 350 cycles (65 gallons / 250 liters) - $29.95
- UltraPress: 300 cycles (40 gallons / 150 liters) - $24.95
Both filters are incredibly easy to replace. All you need to do is unclip the tab, screw off the old filter, and replace it with a new one—this takes about 10 seconds in total. The GeoPress cartridges are larger and have a slightly longer lifespan, but are about $5 more expensive than the UltraPress cartridges.
Availability: Both replacement cartridges are easy to order online from Amazon or you can buy directly from Grayl. I'm noticing that most outdoor stores around the world are now starting to stock them, including large retailers like REI.
Tip: I usually carry an extra filter with me when traveling in remote regions, just in case I need it. Filters are compact and lightweight, so having a backup isn't a huge burden.
Why Choose The Grayl GeoPress?
The Grayl GeoPress is ideal for long-term travelers, hikers, and backpackers who need more water capacity and plan on spending long days on the trail or hiking and camping in places where water sources might be scarce.
However, with just 24 oz (710 ml) capacity, it’s still not a "huge" water bottle filter for hiking, camping, or extended backpacking trips. In this scenario, you'll likely be carrying an extra bladder or Nalgene to store extra purified water anyway– so the real difference is how many times you'll be pressing the water.
That said, if you're trekking in remote areas, such as the Himalayas or Patagonia, where water sources are far apart, the GeoPress provides a small bit of extra capacity which can be invaluable.
Why Choose The Grayl UltraPress?
The Grayl UltraPress is the perfect option for travelers or ultralight hikers who prioritize lightweight gear and compact design. Weighing just 10.9 oz (309 g), it's ideal for those who want a water purifier that won't add significant bulk or weight to their pack.
The UltraPress’s compact size makes it much easier to stow in a car cup holder, backpack pocket, or even clip to the outside of your pack using its rotatable handle.
Its smaller capacity (16 oz or 473 ml) means it’s perfect for shorter hikes, day trips, or simply filling up from a tap in a hostel or from a clear stream on a day hike. While the smaller capacity means more frequent refills, the lighter weight makes up for it, especially when every ounce counts.
The Verdict
Honestly, you can't go wrong with either option. I own both, BUT I've found reaching for the UltraPress more often than the GeoPress because it's easier to stow and lighter.
I don't mind doing extra presses because the cartridges are fairly cheap to replace. When I'm on longer backpacking trips, I usually carry a bladder and stop every now and again to purify water with the UltraPress and use it primarily to fill up the bladder.
That said, for longer expeditions in Nepal, Pakistan, and similar regions, I prefer the GeoPress for the extra capacity and faster press speed. The GeoPress is better for those situations where access to water is limited, and the slightly larger capacity makes a real difference.