Desert Water Condensers

[DancesWithKnives]

As a newcomer, I'm curious whether someone can tell me if there has been a discussion on building successful water condensers in the desert. I may be using the wrong term, but I'm referring to the approach of digging a hole in a wash bottom, placing a moisture collector in the hole, and covering it with a plastic sheet that dips down in the middle. I could not generate any significant amount of water by this means and am wondering if I did something wrong or if the technique works only in survival manuals. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Hoodoo]

There was a fairly good discussion of it here: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000717.html

And here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000958.html

Also, Ray Mears shows you how to build one in the survival guide series he did for the travel channel. Check out this thread because it's coming back on tv.
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/001229.html

Overall, I think most people who have real experience with this technique believe your time and energy is better spent using other methods, such as using transpiration bags.

------------------
Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

 

[DancesWithKnives]

Thanks very much for the references. They are pretty consistent with my experience.

Although I don't presently know how, I hope that I can return the favor someday.

Best Regards,

DPD

 

[Jebediah]

*

 

[zpo]

Do you think slicing the plant or cacti would help, or is it just doomed all around?

 

[Happy Camper]

I chime in agreement here. The only thing my "desert still" produced was a lot of sweat and cursing from yours truly. Don't bother.

Carry all the water you think you'll need when hiking in the desert, and then carry a bit more. During the hotter seanons that demand lots more water, I tend to choose hikes that go in and out on the same trail so I can cache my water in strategic locations for the trip back. That REALLY helps keep the weight down for the bulk of the trip.