Are you prepared to meet all your water needs during an evasion scenario with your bug out bag or evasion kit? Today, we’re diving deep into everything you need for staying hydrated on the move. Ensuring you have the right tools isn’t just about carrying a water filter—it’s about mastering the entire water acquisition process from start to finish. Stick around to the end for a primitive yet effective water purification method as a special bonus tip!
The Importance of Water In Your Bug Out Bag
When planning for an evasion or survival situation, water is a top priority. I’ve learned from past experiences that heading into difficult scenarios without water isn’t just unwise; it’s dangerous. Even if you have filtration tools, the gap between finding water and actually obtaining it can be grueling, especially when you’re pushing your limits physically. Thus, my initial strategy centers around what water to carry on me.
Balancing Weight and Water Needs
Carrying water sounds simple, but there’s a catch—water is heavy. You can’t lug around 10 gallons without compromising your mobility. Therefore, I balance my load by including:
- A Durable Water Bottle: Versatile in function, it serves beyond holding water as it can be a useful container for various tasks.
- A 2-Liter Hydration Bladder: Perfect for sipping on the go, the bladder fits snugly in my backpack, its straw easily accessible for constant hydration.
The combination of these two methods not only ensures I have immediate access to water but also provides me with two containers to refill as needed.
Procuring Water in the Wild
Once my carried water is sorted, the next focus is on sourcing water in the wild. While my water bottle and bladder are useful, I also carry several large black trash bags. Multi-functional, these bags can hold more water over a distance if necessary. Though not perfect, a couple of gallons in a trash bag can make things far more convenient than multiple trips with a single container.
Innovative Water Collection Techniques
In a wilderness setting, finding a traditional water source isn’t always guaranteed. Here are some techniques I rely on:
- Transpiration Bags: By encasing a leafy branch, these clear plastic bags leverage sunlight to capture water vapor from vegetation over time. It’s slow but viable in emergencies.
- Seep Wells: Digging near a water source allows the earth itself to filter water. Positioning the hole correctly is crucial, as distance and soil type determine its effectiveness.
“Palatable and potable aren’t always the same thing, but ensuring that your water is safe to drink is paramount.”
- Dew Collection with Bandanas: A practical, albeit labor-intensive method used by Native American tribes, involves absorbing dew from grass with fabric and wringing it out. While not my go-to method, it can work if you’re already in motion.
Filtration and Purification on the Go
Understanding your filtration and purification options is essential. If you’re stationary and maintaining stealth isn’t a concern, boiling is highly effective. Equip yourself with a metal pot or cup to boil water safely. Here’s a rundown of the options I keep in my bug out bag:
Water Purification Tablets
Light and compact, purification tablets offer a reliable way to treat water. I use a couple of variants:
- Four-Hour Purification Tablets: These are great for situations allowing plenty of time to process water. Generally, it’s more suited to fixed encampments rather than on-the-go scenarios.
- 30-Minute Iodine Tablets: Ideal for speedy purification, they work faster if you’re moving from one location to another. However, beware of allergies—iodine tablets might not suit everyone, particularly those sensitive to shellfish.
Advanced Filtration Systems
Incorporating filters into your pack doubles your ability to secure clean water. Here’s what I trust:
- LifeStraw: A straightforward and easy-to-use straw directly filtering water from a source. Despite its effectiveness, LifeStraw demands you drink directly from the water source, which isn’t always practical.
- Sawyer Mini Filter: My preferred choice due to its versatility. It connects easily to water bottles or bags, allowing for seamless integration into hydration systems. Plus, its back-flushing capability extends its usability significantly.
The Sawyer Mini’s flexibility makes it invaluable for both filtering collected water and integrating directly with my gear.
Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System w/ Two 32-Oz Squeeze Pouches, Straw, and Hydration Pack Adapter
Bonus Water Purification Technique
If you find yourself with nothing more than a clear plastic bottle, you’re in luck! You can still purify water using the Solar Disinfection Method (SODIS). This technique doesn’t require sophisticated equipment—simply fill the bottle with water and leave it exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours. The UV rays will do the disinfecting work, turning potentially contaminated water into potable water ready for consumption.
Exploring and equipping your bug out bag with these considerations ensures you’ll meet your hydration needs come what may. What are your preferred methods for purifying water or collecting it on the move? Share your strategies in the comments below. If you liked this guide, hit like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more insights from the Modern Warrior Project Channel. Until next time, stay ready and stay safe!
