Water Works – Hobbies Hobo

You need water, all day, every day! You can only travel as far as half your water!

Water is a critical resource in bushcraft, survival, and camping.

Filtering

Purpose: Removes physical impurities like sediment, debris, and some pathogens to make water safer for drinking.
Methods:
- Portable Filters: Devices like Sawyer Mini, LifeStraw, or Katadyn pump filters remove bacteria and protozoa (down to 0.1-0.2 microns). Use by sucking or pumping water through the filter into a clean container.
- DIY Filters: Layer materials like charcoal, sand, and cloth in a container (e.g., a cut plastic bottle). Pour water through to trap debris. Effective for sediment but not reliable for pathogens.
- Improvised: Use a bandana or t-shirt to strain large particles from murky water before further treatment.
Tips: Choose clear, flowing water sources (e.g., streams) over stagnant ones. Pre-filter through cloth to extend commercial filter life. Backflush filters regularly to maintain flow.
Limitations: Filters may not remove viruses or chemicals, requiring additional purification.

Purifying

Purpose: Kills or removes pathogens (bacteria, protozoa, viruses) and neutralizes chemical contaminants to ensure water is safe.
Methods:
- Boiling: Heat water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes at high altitudes above 6,500 feet). Kills all pathogens but requires fuel and time. Let cool before drinking.
- Chemical Treatment: Use iodine tablets, chlorine dioxide (e.g., Aquamira), or bleach (2 drops per liter, wait 30 minutes). Effective against most pathogens but may leave a taste. Check expiration dates.
- UV Purification: Devices like SteriPEN use ultraviolet light to disrupt pathogen DNA. Quick (90 seconds per liter) but requires batteries and clear water.
- Solar Disinfection (SODIS): Fill a clear PET bottle with water, expose to direct sunlight for 6 hours (or 2 days if cloudy). Kills most pathogens but depends on weather.
Tips: Combine filtering and purification for maximum safety, especially in questionable water sources. Store treated water in clean containers to avoid recontamination.
Limitations: Chemical treatments may not address heavy metals or toxins; boiling doesn’t remove sediment.

Canteens

Types: Metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum) or hard plastic canteens (e.g., Nalgene). Single-wall metal canteens can be used to boil water; double-wall insulated ones keep water cool.
Pros: Durable, easy to clean, and versatile. Metal canteens can double as cooking vessels in emergencies.
Cons: Heavier than bladders, fixed capacity (typically 0.5-2 liters).
Use: Ideal for short trips or rugged conditions. Pair with a canteen cup for cooking or sipping.

Bushcraft Hack: Carry a metal canteen for boiling and a bladder for extra capacity. Mark containers for treated vs. untreated water to avoid confusion.

Bladders

Types: Flexible hydration bladders (e.g., CamelBak, Platypus) with drinking tubes, typically 1-3 liters. Collapsible bottles (e.g., Vapur) are similar but lack tubes.
Pros: Lightweight, collapsible when empty, and high capacity. Drinking tubes allow hands-free hydration.
Cons: Harder to clean, prone to leaks if punctured, and less durable than canteens. Tubes can freeze in cold weather.
Use: Best for long hikes or group camping where weight and space are concerns.

Storage Tips: Clean and dry thoroughly after use to prevent mold. Store canteens with lids off and bladders open to air out. Use wide-mouth containers for easier filling from shallow sources.

General Tips

Sourcing Water: Prioritize flowing water (streams, rivers) over lakes or ponds. Avoid water near animal carcasses, human activity, or industrial areas. Dig a seep hole near a water source to collect cleaner groundwater.
Carrying Capacity: Plan for 2-4 liters per person per day, more in hot or strenuous conditions. Always carry a backup container.
Redundancy: Carry multiple purification methods (e.g., filter + tablets) in case one fails. Learn to identify local water sources using maps or terrain features.