How to keep water in your BOB?

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Well, freezing is only a problem in two cases: 1)Freezing will destroy the container and 2) I need a drink NOW and can't defrost it.


I make sure containers will handle the first case. I try to maintain my distance from the equator to reasonable distances for the second.

I have a Katadyn water filtration unit and am going to get one of the ones which will desalinize and remove toxins.

Water is such a basic that multiple sources need to be realized. To depend on only one source is a major failure source. Think about it.

I've milspec canteens-1 qt. and 2 qt. I've got hydration bladders, four at last count. I've dedicated 6 gallon plastic jerrycans from Wal-mart. I've food-grade blue plastic 55 gallon drums. A bit of bleach will prevent the water going bad due to biological contamination. Aeration will improve taste after long storage and can be done without mechanical aids.

(Note: I moved this from S&T to Firearms Accessories. Jeff White gets a bit tired of these type threads in S&T.)
 
One of the reasons why tap water often tastes funny is that it has already been treated with chlorine.

I usually rotate my vehicle canteens every month, but up to six months should be OK.

Water does not go bad, it is the stuff that can grow in it that you do not want. Iodine tablets, bleach (without any additives), filtration systems, a metal pot and heat source for boiling. All of these can keep you from drinking unwanted visitors if used correctly.;)

As far as freezing goes, your biggest worry is keeping the container from bursting, and you can find out how much it will hold by sticking it in the freezer and conducting your own experiments. Thawing can be accomplished many ways, including your own body heat if necessary.
 
Byron- what are you considering for a desalinizer? The only portable models I've seen have < 1 L/hr flow rate and still cost a ton.

OS- for first-line use in small amounts, I keep water in Aquablox -- juice boxes of water that have a 5 year shelf life.
 
Hi Optical Serenity-

The secret to anything that will be consumed in a BOB is rotation. There is no need to create the BOB and then forget it in the trunk of your vehicle. Water, food, vitamins, medication, ammunition, should all be periodically exchanged for new with the older stuff poured down the drain, eaten, swallowed, and shot, respectively.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Telperion,

I'm considering the Katadyn Survivor 35. 4.5 liters an hour. The price is steep but I've got one Katadyn. I'm confident of the quality.

Water is the base of the pyramid for survival in an emergency. Guns and ammo aren't going to help much if you haven't had any potable water in several weeks.
 
Iodine tablets, a filter and chemical purifier here. Thinking of picking up one of those UV light thingies too.

I have a case of bottled drinking water I leave in my car. I rotate it all the time, give some to homeless people, friends, whatever. Keeps supply fresh. Starts to taste funny after you leave it in the car all summer.
 
Anyone here try the MIOX purifier?

I know, it uses batteries, but it sure looks like a good idea.
 
Another alternative is water that is stored in the small mylar pouches and cartons, much like the juice that children drink. The containers are designed to take multiple freezings without damage, the water will last for a couple of years without worry, and the pouches can be stuck into many places. The company I work with has recommended them for several years for clients with great success. The only downside is that you are limited to the amount you can carry because of weight. A source is Emergency Essentials in Utah.
 
When i go backpacking i keep a 1 liter canteen full on my belt,
And an emoty, flattened 2 liter along with dozens of water tabs in various places (Canteen cover pocket, survival pack, secondary smaller survival pack).

The soft shelled 2 liter canteenss are great.

*Edit*

NOT the coghlan water tabs- they arent nearly as effective as the "ChlorFloc" brand which is waht i carry, it treats a much further range of bacteria.
 
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