Mini-kit h2o Container

G

Gypsy

Joined
Aug 9, 2000
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I have been doing research in order to put together a mini survival kit. A couple of sites suggest including a unlubricated condem for carrying water. Does anyone know if this works in the real world? If so how much water will one hold? Can it be used in conjunction with purification tablets? I apologize for not trying it out myself but the unlubricated don't come in a single pack, you have to shell out $8.50 for a whole box. Another question is what's the technique for filling them?

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps answer these questions.
 
I have heard that the best way to use a condom for water storage is to put it inside a sock to help prevent it from breaking. I am not sure if iodine degrades rubber, but I don't think that condoms are durable enough to outlast whatever effect the iodine might have anyway, i.e. it will probably break before the chemical destroys it.

I think that there is a large niche that needs to be filled to replace the condom as the compact water bottle of choice. I was thinking about using some ripstop nylon coated with food grade plastic like they use in the dromedary bags MSR makes, but I am not sure that would be as compact as a condom. Maybe it could be made to the width of an altoid container, then just fold it lengthwise once or twice. That could result in a 8-12 inch "water tube" that would be much more durable than a condom. Perhaps the best way of closure would mimic the closure systems used on waterproof duffle bags, the roll over and tie method, this method is also used on some types of specimen bags for science called Whirl-Pak. I think this might be the most bomb-proof closure system.
 
I have read a lot of outdoor books that give all sorts of wierd advice like that. I would suggest something like the Platypus Water Tank 4. It holds 140 oz./4 liters, Size: 10.5 in. x 14 in., Wt.: 2.5 oz., available from campmor.com for $15. MSR, etc. also sell similar products.

From using ants (!) to make "lemonade" to boiling swamp mud into a soup :barf: (these are not made up), it's out there on some website.

I would never intentionally use makeshift equipment. Consider such ideas as possible alternative uses for available items in a dire emrgency.

Hope this helps.
 
I have been contemplating the same thing, lately. The two strongest possibilities I have so far are the waterproof coated nylon drybags (specifically Montbell Zero Point bags, which are the lightest and most compaact I know of), and mylar bags.

I'm leaning toward the mylar bags. These are more compact. They seem like they can effectively double as a signal mirror. They are much tougher than you would expect.

Before my closest friend set out to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail, we sealed all of her food into mylar bags. We wanted to know how strong the bags were, so, we filled one with water and sealed it. Then we dropped it on the ground from about five feet. It was fine. Then we stepped on it with our full weight. Again. fine. Then we stomped on it. Fine. Then I took a small hop onto it. Again, fine. Then I took a running leap onto it. It burst.
 
Do these mylar bags roll or fold small enough to be practical for an Altoid type tin with all the other stuff? What got me thinking was that if I included water purification tablets in my kit that they would be useless without some sort of container to hold the water.
Can these bags be purcahsed over the internet? If so what is the source.
***Evolute:If you read this please be aware that the email address in your user profile does not work. Mail gets returned because of invalid or unknown user.
 
I have never used the condem for water storeage.I wonder how do you fill it?Don't you need pressure like when filling water balloons? How do you make it expand to fill with water?I would not think you can get much in it by dunking it in a stream?
 
At the risk of seeming to be not to 'sharp' may I ask what does ETS stand for? It's probably obvious but it's eluding me at the moment.

Thanks
 
"Do these mylar bags roll or fold small enough to be practical for an Altoid type tin with all the other stuff?"

Borderline. If nothing else, smaller than any decent alternative I know of. (Condoms don't seem like a realistic option to me, because they are too susceptible to puncture, and too hard to fill.)

"What got me thinking was that if I included water purification tablets in my kit that they would be useless without some sort of container to hold the water."

I keep a very tiny (about 1/8 ounce) squeeze bottle of povidone iodine in my mini-altoids tin instead of tablets. I think this will do more purification in less space, and can also be used for disinfecting wounds. It also stores longer, and is less susceptible to damage. In any case, I think that the ability to sterilize drinking water is not a high priority in a typical emergency survival situation. It'll do for now to drink water that will hydrate you, but make you sick in a few days to a few weeks, after you've gotten home. Also, the ability to make fire is a major survival priority; and if you can make fire, you already have a method to sterilize water.

"Can these bags be purcahsed over the internet?"

I'm sure they can, but I don't know of a good source. I have a bunch left over from a business that my mom and brother used to run.

"Evolute:If you read this please be aware that the email address in your user profile does not work. Mail gets returned because of invalid or unknown user."

How do I update my email address in the Bladeforums database? If you want to contact me right now, my email address is:

mikespinak@mac.com
 
Evolute, To change your profile:
- (assuming you are already logged in under your BFC user name) go to the top of this page and click on the "User CP" button
- on the next page click on the "Edit Profile" option button
- on the Edit Profile page change the field for your email addy

Thanks to all for the info on mini-kit H2O containers. Given the trouble I sometimes have getting at the contents of sealed mylar bags, I agree they can be tough. ;)
 
Neat stuff YES! but info needed . can always go to. you can go also go to Hoodoo's site and link's at knife forums .com
 
Here's another option- Reynolds brand oven cooking bags from the grocery store or market:
http://www.reynoldskitchens.com/reynoldskitchens/kitchenconnection/products/oven_bags/index.asp

If the above link doesn't work, type in

http://www.reynoldskitchens.com

and click on "our family of products' on left side of page.

I suggest getting some and experimenting with them. If they work for you, fine. If not, cook supper in them. Go with what works for you.

By they way, I carry bottled water most of the time. You can take a water bottle almost anywhere and no one looks twice since so many people do the same thing.
Good luck!
 
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I did look in the ETS sight and they did do some pretty good tests with a number of bags, a condom, and a balloon. Their test tended to favor the oven cook bags and a type of plastic bag that tropical fish are transported in.
 
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