CHAPTER III
This chapter is about containers. I will discuss materials and the types of containers I recommend keeping as part of your kit for a long-term bug-out situation.
This chapter is about containers. I will discuss materials and the types of containers I recommend keeping as part of your kit for a long-term bug-out situation.
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
Regularly consuming water to stay hydrated is extremely important. A container will allow you to collect and store water, and depending on the container, it will allow you to do much more.
Plastic vs Metal -
Regularly consuming water to stay hydrated is extremely important. A container will allow you to collect and store water, and depending on the container, it will allow you to do much more.
Plastic vs Metal -
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
When it comes to a long-term bug-out situation, I only recommend carrying metal containers. But why?
When it comes to a long-term bug-out situation, I only recommend carrying metal containers. But why?
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
A metal container can be placed in a fire, allowing you to cook food and disinfect water to consume safely. If you were to do the same thing with a plastic container, it would melt and be destroyed.
Reusing the container safely -
A metal container can be placed in a fire, allowing you to cook food and disinfect water to consume safely. If you were to do the same thing with a plastic container, it would melt and be destroyed.
Reusing the container safely -
The images above are screenshots taken from Coalcracker Bushcraft's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on any image will take you to the original video.
Cooking food in a container can leave quite a mess, as seen in image 1. Soot will also begin to cake onto the outside of your container. Soot is a black, flaky substance that will accumulate on your container when using wood as fuel for a fire. It is normal. Your container must be cleaned if you want to reuse it safely. Considering you will not have a sink or an indefinite supply of washing-up liquid in the field, how would you clean a dirty container? Sand, small rocks, and other abrasive materials found in the field can be used to clean up the mess made by cooking food and burning wood, as shown in image 2. Such materials will clean up most of the mess. However, the container must be sterilized for it to be safe to reuse.
Cooking food in a container can leave quite a mess, as seen in image 1. Soot will also begin to cake onto the outside of your container. Soot is a black, flaky substance that will accumulate on your container when using wood as fuel for a fire. It is normal. Your container must be cleaned if you want to reuse it safely. Considering you will not have a sink or an indefinite supply of washing-up liquid in the field, how would you clean a dirty container? Sand, small rocks, and other abrasive materials found in the field can be used to clean up the mess made by cooking food and burning wood, as shown in image 2. Such materials will clean up most of the mess. However, the container must be sterilized for it to be safe to reuse.
The images above are screenshots taken from The MCQBushcraft Archive's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on either image will take you to the original video.
A metal container can be placed on some hot embers for the purpose of sterilization. The embers will cause the container to heat up, killing anything harmful inside or on it.
Alternative use -
A metal container can be placed on some hot embers for the purpose of sterilization. The embers will cause the container to heat up, killing anything harmful inside or on it.
Alternative use -
The images above are screenshots taken from David Canterbury's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on either image will take you to the original video.
The same metal container used for cooking and boiling water can also be used to char material. Simply place the material you want to char inside your metal container, cover the mouth of the container with a stone, and put it in a fire. Doing this should create charred material. I only recommend using your main metal container like this as a last resort, as charring material can make a mess inside it. Considering that you will cook food and boil water in this container, you probably do not want to taste or consume bits of charred material. If you use this method and make a mess inside your container, you can clean it by putting water and abrasive materials like sand and stone in it and vigorously shaking it. The abrasive materials being shaken inside the container should clean up the mess. David Canterbury demonstrated this in one of his YouTube videos. Click here to see it.
Double walled vs Single walled -
The same metal container used for cooking and boiling water can also be used to char material. Simply place the material you want to char inside your metal container, cover the mouth of the container with a stone, and put it in a fire. Doing this should create charred material. I only recommend using your main metal container like this as a last resort, as charring material can make a mess inside it. Considering that you will cook food and boil water in this container, you probably do not want to taste or consume bits of charred material. If you use this method and make a mess inside your container, you can clean it by putting water and abrasive materials like sand and stone in it and vigorously shaking it. The abrasive materials being shaken inside the container should clean up the mess. David Canterbury demonstrated this in one of his YouTube videos. Click here to see it.
Double walled vs Single walled -
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
There are two types of metal containers: double-walled and single-walled. Double-walled containers, also known as insulated containers, are not designed to be placed in a fire. They are likely to break if you attempt to cook food or boil water inside of them. For this reason, I recommend sticking with single-walled containers.
Three main metals -
There are two types of metal containers: double-walled and single-walled. Double-walled containers, also known as insulated containers, are not designed to be placed in a fire. They are likely to break if you attempt to cook food or boil water inside of them. For this reason, I recommend sticking with single-walled containers.
Three main metals -
Image 1 was taken from the Amazon website. Image 2 was taken from The Bushcraft Store website. Image 3 was taken from the KeithTitanium website. Clicking on each image will take you to the appropriate webpage.
Aluminium, stainless steel and titanium are the three common metals used to make metal containers. Below, I am going to compare and discuss each one. I will start with aluminium.
[1] Aluminium - Aluminium is the lightest of the three. It has the best heat conduction, meaning it distributes heat better than stainless steel and titanium and cooks anything inside it thoroughly. Unfortunately, aluminium is highly reactive, meaning it can leach into food and alter the flavour. Some studies have also found links between aluminium exposure and Alzheimer's disease, which is a major reason why many humans refrain from using aluminium cookware.
[2] Stainless steel - Stainless steel has the best heat capacity, meaning your food will stay warmer for longer in a stainless steel container than in an aluminium or titanium container. Stainless steel can also be used at higher temperatures than aluminium, making it extremely durable. However, stainless steel is the heaviest of the three, which can make it less packable for some.
[3] Titanium - Titanium is heavier than aluminium but lighter than stainless steel. It is just as strong as stainless steel, despite being lighter in weight. Though strong and lightweight, it has low heat conduction, meaning it will not distribute heat as well as aluminium or stainless steel. Titanium also has a low heat capacity, meaning it will heat up quickly and cool down quickly too. This is not necessarily a bad characteristic, as boiled water will cool quicker (drinking warm water can be unpleasant). Titanium will, however, be extremely expensive and out of many people's budgets.
This metal container will be carried in a pack, meaning it will be small in size. As a result, there will not be a significant difference between these metals. I recommend choosing food-grade stainless steel or titanium if you can afford it.
Note: Metal containers with thin walls can warp in a fire, especially if placed in a fire empty. I recommend researching before buying and sticking with a thicker container to be on the safe side.
Canteen sets -
Aluminium, stainless steel and titanium are the three common metals used to make metal containers. Below, I am going to compare and discuss each one. I will start with aluminium.
[1] Aluminium - Aluminium is the lightest of the three. It has the best heat conduction, meaning it distributes heat better than stainless steel and titanium and cooks anything inside it thoroughly. Unfortunately, aluminium is highly reactive, meaning it can leach into food and alter the flavour. Some studies have also found links between aluminium exposure and Alzheimer's disease, which is a major reason why many humans refrain from using aluminium cookware.
[2] Stainless steel - Stainless steel has the best heat capacity, meaning your food will stay warmer for longer in a stainless steel container than in an aluminium or titanium container. Stainless steel can also be used at higher temperatures than aluminium, making it extremely durable. However, stainless steel is the heaviest of the three, which can make it less packable for some.
[3] Titanium - Titanium is heavier than aluminium but lighter than stainless steel. It is just as strong as stainless steel, despite being lighter in weight. Though strong and lightweight, it has low heat conduction, meaning it will not distribute heat as well as aluminium or stainless steel. Titanium also has a low heat capacity, meaning it will heat up quickly and cool down quickly too. This is not necessarily a bad characteristic, as boiled water will cool quicker (drinking warm water can be unpleasant). Titanium will, however, be extremely expensive and out of many people's budgets.
This metal container will be carried in a pack, meaning it will be small in size. As a result, there will not be a significant difference between these metals. I recommend choosing food-grade stainless steel or titanium if you can afford it.
Note: Metal containers with thin walls can warp in a fire, especially if placed in a fire empty. I recommend researching before buying and sticking with a thicker container to be on the safe side.
Canteen sets -
The images above were taken from The Bushcraft Store website. Clicking on each image will take you to the appropriate webpage.
The cookware you choose needs to be portable and practical, which is why I recommend canteen sets like the ones in the images above. Such canteen sets typically comprise a bottle and a cup. The bottle will come with a lid, though the cup may not always come with one. In terms of capacity, most bottles of this sort will hold about 1 liter of fluid, and the cup tends to hold about half the amount of the bottle it comes with.
The cookware you choose needs to be portable and practical, which is why I recommend canteen sets like the ones in the images above. Such canteen sets typically comprise a bottle and a cup. The bottle will come with a lid, though the cup may not always come with one. In terms of capacity, most bottles of this sort will hold about 1 liter of fluid, and the cup tends to hold about half the amount of the bottle it comes with.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
The main advantage of selecting a canteen set is that it can nest, saving space in your pack. You essentially get two containers the size of one. The bottles in such sets usually have lids with a silicone ring or rubber seal affixed to them, making them airtight. They can be used to store drinking water, while the cup can be used for cooking and boiling water. The bottle can also be placed in a fire if you want. Just ensure the lid of the bottle that has the silicone ring or rubber seal is not placed in the fire with the bottle, as it will be melted and destroyed.
The main advantage of selecting a canteen set is that it can nest, saving space in your pack. You essentially get two containers the size of one. The bottles in such sets usually have lids with a silicone ring or rubber seal affixed to them, making them airtight. They can be used to store drinking water, while the cup can be used for cooking and boiling water. The bottle can also be placed in a fire if you want. Just ensure the lid of the bottle that has the silicone ring or rubber seal is not placed in the fire with the bottle, as it will be melted and destroyed.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
Some canteen sets come with a pouch, though the quality of the pouch is usually not on par with the quality of the actual canteen set. Such pouches may offer a MOLLE backing that allows them to be attached to the outside of a pack. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the pouch or did not have one come with your set, an aftermarket pouch can be purchased separately. Just make sure the canteen set's dimensions are compatible with the pouch you want to buy.
Make your own set -
Some canteen sets come with a pouch, though the quality of the pouch is usually not on par with the quality of the actual canteen set. Such pouches may offer a MOLLE backing that allows them to be attached to the outside of a pack. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the pouch or did not have one come with your set, an aftermarket pouch can be purchased separately. Just make sure the canteen set's dimensions are compatible with the pouch you want to buy.
Make your own set -
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
Alternatively, you can make your own set by buying a bottle and a cup separately if canteen sets are out of your budget. They do not have to nest, but it would be helpful if they did. If you want them to nest, look up the dimensions of the containers before purchasing.
In case you would like to build your own set, I would like to present information that will help you pick an appropriate combination. I will start with a bottle.
- Bottle:
Alternatively, you can make your own set by buying a bottle and a cup separately if canteen sets are out of your budget. They do not have to nest, but it would be helpful if they did. If you want them to nest, look up the dimensions of the containers before purchasing.
In case you would like to build your own set, I would like to present information that will help you pick an appropriate combination. I will start with a bottle.
- Bottle:
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
When selecting a bottle, pick one that has a lid with a silicone O ring or rubber seal. This will make your bottle airtight, preventing anything stored inside it from leaking.
When selecting a bottle, pick one that has a lid with a silicone O ring or rubber seal. This will make your bottle airtight, preventing anything stored inside it from leaking.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
A pronounced rim may be a feature you want to consider on a bottle. It will allow cordage to be tied around the neck of a bottle and lowered into an inaccessible water source and filled, a bit like a bucket in a well. The pronounced rim will keep the cordage from slipping off.
- Cup:
A pronounced rim may be a feature you want to consider on a bottle. It will allow cordage to be tied around the neck of a bottle and lowered into an inaccessible water source and filled, a bit like a bucket in a well. The pronounced rim will keep the cordage from slipping off.
- Cup:
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
Cups will typically have two main handle styles: L-handle and butterfly handles. The major difference between the two is that the L-handle locks into place while the butterfly handles freely open and close. The latch on the back of the L-handle cup can get caught on the pouch when inserting or removing it, which is why I personally prefer the butterfly handle cup. It is simply a matter of preference.
Cups will typically have two main handle styles: L-handle and butterfly handles. The major difference between the two is that the L-handle locks into place while the butterfly handles freely open and close. The latch on the back of the L-handle cup can get caught on the pouch when inserting or removing it, which is why I personally prefer the butterfly handle cup. It is simply a matter of preference.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
In defence of the L-handle cup, it is less likely to tip over when placed in a fire as the handle will provide support, unlike the butterfly handles.
Note: You could buy a cup without a handle, though placing it in and removing it from a fire would be difficult.
In defence of the L-handle cup, it is less likely to tip over when placed in a fire as the handle will provide support, unlike the butterfly handles.
Note: You could buy a cup without a handle, though placing it in and removing it from a fire would be difficult.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
Some cups will come with lids, and some will not. A lid will allow you to trap heat inside a container, allowing food and water to cook and boil quicker than in a container without one. A lid will also prevent ash and debris from flying into your container when boiling water, preventing the water from tasting smokey. Lids are not absolutely necessary, as you can simply use a stone or a slab of wood to cover the cup, though I do recommend a cup with one.
Some cups will come with lids, and some will not. A lid will allow you to trap heat inside a container, allowing food and water to cook and boil quicker than in a container without one. A lid will also prevent ash and debris from flying into your container when boiling water, preventing the water from tasting smokey. Lids are not absolutely necessary, as you can simply use a stone or a slab of wood to cover the cup, though I do recommend a cup with one.
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
The lids on bottles are not designed to trap heat. As I have already mentioned, placing a bottle with its lid on in a fire will melt and destroy the silicone ring, increasing the chance of leakage. If you want to decrease the cooking time in a bottle, you can use the cup's lid, as seen in image 2. A stone or a piece of wood can also be used for this purpose.
Note: The mouths on bottles are not as wide as those on cups, so a lid is not exactly needed.
Bail handles explained -
The lids on bottles are not designed to trap heat. As I have already mentioned, placing a bottle with its lid on in a fire will melt and destroy the silicone ring, increasing the chance of leakage. If you want to decrease the cooking time in a bottle, you can use the cup's lid, as seen in image 2. A stone or a piece of wood can also be used for this purpose.
Note: The mouths on bottles are not as wide as those on cups, so a lid is not exactly needed.
Bail handles explained -
Image 1 was taken by me from my smartphone. Image 2 was taken from the Knives and Tools website. Clicking on image 2 will take you to the appropriate webpage.
Lids of cups usually come with a ring attached to them, as seen in image 1, allowing you to remove the hot lid by inserting a twig or anything else that will fit in it to check on the contents as they cook. Some cups come with bigger rings, known as "bail handles." Most cups sold as part of a canteen set will not have bail handles, though that does not mean bail handles are unimportant.
Lids of cups usually come with a ring attached to them, as seen in image 1, allowing you to remove the hot lid by inserting a twig or anything else that will fit in it to check on the contents as they cook. Some cups come with bigger rings, known as "bail handles." Most cups sold as part of a canteen set will not have bail handles, though that does not mean bail handles are unimportant.
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
A container can be placed directly in a fire, though having it sit on the embers will significantly cool them down. Heat rises, which is why humans prefer to elevate their containers above a fire, as doing so will provide a lot more heat and effectively cook food and boil water. A bail handle will help you elevate a container above a fire, as seen in image 2.
A container can be placed directly in a fire, though having it sit on the embers will significantly cool them down. Heat rises, which is why humans prefer to elevate their containers above a fire, as doing so will provide a lot more heat and effectively cook food and boil water. A bail handle will help you elevate a container above a fire, as seen in image 2.
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
There are numerous ways in which elevation can be achieved with a bail handle. Above, I have presented some examples in the form of static images to assist you. All that said, are bail handles necessary to achieve elevation?
Alternative methods for elevation -
There are numerous ways in which elevation can be achieved with a bail handle. Above, I have presented some examples in the form of static images to assist you. All that said, are bail handles necessary to achieve elevation?
Alternative methods for elevation -
Images 1, 2 & 3 were taken by me from my smartphone. Image 4 was taken from Pixabay and is free for commercial use. clicking on image 4 will take you to the original image and uploader.
No, they are not. A portable wood stove is capable of elevating a container above a fire and can be conveniently carried in a pack. Simply starting a fire inside the stove and placing a container on top, like in image 4, will successfully elevate it. You will have to continuously feed the fire inside the stove with smaller pieces of wood to keep it going. Twigs and smaller branches can be easily collected as fuel for the fire. In addition to cooking, a portable wood stove can also act as a heater to keep you warm. A small, controlled fire can be started inside the stove under a tarpaulin without the flames getting out of control and destroying the tarp.
No, they are not. A portable wood stove is capable of elevating a container above a fire and can be conveniently carried in a pack. Simply starting a fire inside the stove and placing a container on top, like in image 4, will successfully elevate it. You will have to continuously feed the fire inside the stove with smaller pieces of wood to keep it going. Twigs and smaller branches can be easily collected as fuel for the fire. In addition to cooking, a portable wood stove can also act as a heater to keep you warm. A small, controlled fire can be started inside the stove under a tarpaulin without the flames getting out of control and destroying the tarp.
The images above are screenshots taken from Bjorn Andreas Bull-Hansen's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on either image will take you to the original video.
A major issue with such wood stoves is that the fire dies out too quickly. One solution is to start a top-down fire inside the stove, as shown in image 2. Placing bigger, thicker pieces of wood at the base and starting a fire on top will allow the fire to last longer, as the bigger pieces will take longer to burn out. Of course, regularly feeding the fire with smaller pieces of fuel will also increase burn time.
A major issue with such wood stoves is that the fire dies out too quickly. One solution is to start a top-down fire inside the stove, as shown in image 2. Placing bigger, thicker pieces of wood at the base and starting a fire on top will allow the fire to last longer, as the bigger pieces will take longer to burn out. Of course, regularly feeding the fire with smaller pieces of fuel will also increase burn time.
Image 1 was taken from TheBushcraftStore website. Images 2 & 3 are screenshots taken from grierwolfe's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on each image will take you to the appropriate source.
If you choose to buy the Pathfinder canteen set, you will get a small stove with it. With the Pathfinder stove, you will have to build a fire and then place the stove in it, whereas with the folding wood stove I discussed above, you start a fire inside it. Regardless, both will successfully elevate a container above a fire. One advantage of the Pathfinder stove is that it nests with the rest of the canteen set, making it very packable. I personally prefer the Bushbox from above because it can double as a heater. You can do the same with the Pathfinder stove by flipping it upside down, though it will be smaller. If you are interested, the Pathfinder stove is sold on its own and is significantly cheaper than the Bushbox.
If you choose to buy the Pathfinder canteen set, you will get a small stove with it. With the Pathfinder stove, you will have to build a fire and then place the stove in it, whereas with the folding wood stove I discussed above, you start a fire inside it. Regardless, both will successfully elevate a container above a fire. One advantage of the Pathfinder stove is that it nests with the rest of the canteen set, making it very packable. I personally prefer the Bushbox from above because it can double as a heater. You can do the same with the Pathfinder stove by flipping it upside down, though it will be smaller. If you are interested, the Pathfinder stove is sold on its own and is significantly cheaper than the Bushbox.
The images above are screenshots taken from AlfieAesthetics's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on either image will take you to the original video.
Good-quality, portable wood stoves can be quite expensive. Alternatively, metal tent stakes can be used to create a makeshift stove. I first saw this method being used in an AlfieAesthetics YouTube video. Clicking on either image from above will take you there. Pinning four tent stakes into the ground in a square formation will create a firm and stable structure, allowing you to successfully elevate a container above a fire. If the ground is hard and full of gravel and rocks, you will not be able to pin the tent stakes into the ground. Alternatively, you could start a fire between two logs or two stones, lay the tent stakes horizontally on top of them, and then place a container on top, like in image 2.
Good-quality, portable wood stoves can be quite expensive. Alternatively, metal tent stakes can be used to create a makeshift stove. I first saw this method being used in an AlfieAesthetics YouTube video. Clicking on either image from above will take you there. Pinning four tent stakes into the ground in a square formation will create a firm and stable structure, allowing you to successfully elevate a container above a fire. If the ground is hard and full of gravel and rocks, you will not be able to pin the tent stakes into the ground. Alternatively, you could start a fire between two logs or two stones, lay the tent stakes horizontally on top of them, and then place a container on top, like in image 2.
Image 1 was taken by me from my smartphone. Image 2 is a screenshot taken from survivalresources's YouTube video. It is used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on image 2 will take you to the original video.
A portable outdoor grill is another option that can be used to elevate a container above a fire. This can be achieved by starting a fire between two logs or two stones and resting the grill on top of them. Alternatively, if the ground is soft, you can pin tent stakes into the ground in a square formation and lay the grill on top of them. One unique way to achieve elevation is to dig a hole in the ground, start a fire in it, and place the grill on top, as seen in image 2.
Note: Elevating your container above a fire will effectively cook food and boil water, but it is not needed. You could simply place your metal container directly in a fire.
Eating utensils -
A portable outdoor grill is another option that can be used to elevate a container above a fire. This can be achieved by starting a fire between two logs or two stones and resting the grill on top of them. Alternatively, if the ground is soft, you can pin tent stakes into the ground in a square formation and lay the grill on top of them. One unique way to achieve elevation is to dig a hole in the ground, start a fire in it, and place the grill on top, as seen in image 2.
Note: Elevating your container above a fire will effectively cook food and boil water, but it is not needed. You could simply place your metal container directly in a fire.
Eating utensils -
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
A utensil, like a spoon, can be used to stir food when cooking and can also be used to eat with. Utensils can be manually carved from wood, though you will have to carve new ones every time your previous batch becomes unusable. Doing this repeatedly will become tedious. Alternatively, carrying a simple metal spoon as part of your kit is a good option. Metal utensils can be cleaned with water and then sterilized over a bunch of embers, allowing you to safely reuse them. I recommend sticking with food-grade stainless steel or titanium utensils.
Storing water in cold conditions -
A utensil, like a spoon, can be used to stir food when cooking and can also be used to eat with. Utensils can be manually carved from wood, though you will have to carve new ones every time your previous batch becomes unusable. Doing this repeatedly will become tedious. Alternatively, carrying a simple metal spoon as part of your kit is a good option. Metal utensils can be cleaned with water and then sterilized over a bunch of embers, allowing you to safely reuse them. I recommend sticking with food-grade stainless steel or titanium utensils.
Storing water in cold conditions -
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
In cold conditions, water will freeze and turn into ice, and ice expands. If you fill a water bottle right to the brim, there will be no room left in the bottle for the ice to expand, which can damage or even render the bottle useless. When filling a water bottle to store water during the winter, only filling it up to about 80-85% should leave more than enough room for the ice to expand.
Water filters -
In cold conditions, water will freeze and turn into ice, and ice expands. If you fill a water bottle right to the brim, there will be no room left in the bottle for the ice to expand, which can damage or even render the bottle useless. When filling a water bottle to store water during the winter, only filling it up to about 80-85% should leave more than enough room for the ice to expand.
Water filters -
The images above were taken by me from my smartphone.
Though boiling is the best method to make water drinking safe, there may be times when you cannot or do not want to start a fire. During these times, water filters can be of assistance. The two main filters humans gravitate toward when building a bug-out bag are the LifeStraw and the Sawyer mini. When choosing between the two, I recommend picking the Sawyer mini because it is versatile and has a significantly longer lifespan than the LifeStraw. In fact, Bear Independent has even called for the extermination of all LifeStraws. Death by fire. Click here to watch his video. These filters will filter bacteria but not viruses because viruses are far too small for these filters. There are water filters available that can handle viruses, though they will be more expensive. To be completely transparent, I have not been able to muster up the courage to try these water filters, despite having them in my possession for a while now. I do not keep a water filter as part of my kit, as boiling water will kill most viruses and bacteria. If such filters interest you, I recommend doing more of your own research on them.
Lastly, I want to briefly mention the existence of water purification tablets. Throwing a purification tablet in a specific amount of water will cleanse it. Depending on the tablet, the cleansing process can take 30-60 minutes. Water treated with purification tablets will have an absolutely disgusting taste to it, though the water will be safe to drink. They will also not last as long as a water filter. I recommend doing more of your own research on purification tablets if they interest you.
Makeshift container -
Though boiling is the best method to make water drinking safe, there may be times when you cannot or do not want to start a fire. During these times, water filters can be of assistance. The two main filters humans gravitate toward when building a bug-out bag are the LifeStraw and the Sawyer mini. When choosing between the two, I recommend picking the Sawyer mini because it is versatile and has a significantly longer lifespan than the LifeStraw. In fact, Bear Independent has even called for the extermination of all LifeStraws. Death by fire. Click here to watch his video. These filters will filter bacteria but not viruses because viruses are far too small for these filters. There are water filters available that can handle viruses, though they will be more expensive. To be completely transparent, I have not been able to muster up the courage to try these water filters, despite having them in my possession for a while now. I do not keep a water filter as part of my kit, as boiling water will kill most viruses and bacteria. If such filters interest you, I recommend doing more of your own research on them.
Lastly, I want to briefly mention the existence of water purification tablets. Throwing a purification tablet in a specific amount of water will cleanse it. Depending on the tablet, the cleansing process can take 30-60 minutes. Water treated with purification tablets will have an absolutely disgusting taste to it, though the water will be safe to drink. They will also not last as long as a water filter. I recommend doing more of your own research on purification tablets if they interest you.
Makeshift container -
The images above were taken from Pixabay and are free for commercial use. Clicking on each image will take you to the original image and uploader.
A canteen set will allow you to do everything you need but on a smaller scale. Having multiple bigger containers will make life much easier. Carrying additional containers will increase the pack's weight, making it impractical for many. Alternatively, you can create containers out of wood in the field. Simply hollowing a stump, as seen in image 1, with some scorching embers will produce a bowl-shaped vessel, which can hold water and be used for many tasks. Of course, such a container cannot be placed inside a fire to disinfect water, as it will be destroyed. However, heating up a bunch of rocks in a fire and then placing them inside a wooden container full of contaminated water will, in theory, heat up the water and disinfect it. The hot rocks will cause the water to boil, making it safe for consumption.
Honorable mentions(2) -
A canteen set will allow you to do everything you need but on a smaller scale. Having multiple bigger containers will make life much easier. Carrying additional containers will increase the pack's weight, making it impractical for many. Alternatively, you can create containers out of wood in the field. Simply hollowing a stump, as seen in image 1, with some scorching embers will produce a bowl-shaped vessel, which can hold water and be used for many tasks. Of course, such a container cannot be placed inside a fire to disinfect water, as it will be destroyed. However, heating up a bunch of rocks in a fire and then placing them inside a wooden container full of contaminated water will, in theory, heat up the water and disinfect it. The hot rocks will cause the water to boil, making it safe for consumption.
Honorable mentions(2) -
Image 1 was taken from the platy website. Image 2 is a screenshot taken from Living Survival's YouTube video. It is used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on each image will take you to the appropriate source.
A hydration bladder is a soft plastic bag with a long tube attached to it. It is designed to be filled with drinking water and then placed inside a special compartment in a backpack. Many backpacks will offer this special slot for a hydration bladder, but not all will. Once filled and placed inside a pack, you can conveniently take sips of water via the tube, as seen in image 2. This way, you will not have to stop to take your pack off to access the water stored in your canteen. A hydration bladder can be difficult to clean, especially in the field. Once it is no longer fit to drink out of, it can be used to transport water from your water source to your camp to be disinfected.
A hydration bladder is a soft plastic bag with a long tube attached to it. It is designed to be filled with drinking water and then placed inside a special compartment in a backpack. Many backpacks will offer this special slot for a hydration bladder, but not all will. Once filled and placed inside a pack, you can conveniently take sips of water via the tube, as seen in image 2. This way, you will not have to stop to take your pack off to access the water stored in your canteen. A hydration bladder can be difficult to clean, especially in the field. Once it is no longer fit to drink out of, it can be used to transport water from your water source to your camp to be disinfected.
Image 1 was taken from the Self Reliance Outfitters website. Image 2 is a screenshot taken from Self Reliance Outfitters's YouTube video. They are used to illustrate a point I am making. Clicking on each image will take you to the appropriate source.
Lastly, I would like to mention the existence of dry bags. Dry bags are designed to be 100% waterproof and keep anything stored inside them free from moisture. They can also be used as a small ground mat to sit or kneel on, a pillow, a container to collect water, a bucket for bathing, a container for washing clothes, etc. Such dry bags, however, cannot be placed in a fire for obvious reasons. If you are interested in dry bags, I recommend one made out of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or one with a PVC lining, as it will be durable and waterproof.
Lastly, I would like to mention the existence of dry bags. Dry bags are designed to be 100% waterproof and keep anything stored inside them free from moisture. They can also be used as a small ground mat to sit or kneel on, a pillow, a container to collect water, a bucket for bathing, a container for washing clothes, etc. Such dry bags, however, cannot be placed in a fire for obvious reasons. If you are interested in dry bags, I recommend one made out of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or one with a PVC lining, as it will be durable and waterproof.
