Water Decontamination (Boiling Water)

[Mistwalker]

We all know that in a "survival" situation the hierarchy of needs is always specific to the situation at hand however, since the human body is roughly 75% H2O, potable water is always high on the list. Boiling is often the only means of decontaminating water available in the field. It is my thoughts that making a pot hanger makes much more efficient use of the heat produced by a fire, and it does this in a couple of ways. First off, as we all know, heat rises so it is obviously more efficient to have the pot directly above the heat source. Sencondly it is more efficient because you don't have to move your pot to add fuel to the fire. This is also helpful because becuase with you water boiling spot stable you can go about other tasks such as setting up a shelter, tending wounds or wounded, gathering food, or gathering more firewood without worrying about the sudden loss of both fire and water, and the creation of a big cloud of steam all at the same time if the wood on the fire settles or shifts. The "Pot" can be an actual stock pot or dutch onven with a bale handle, or it can be something simple like a piece of trip wire or tie wire wrapped around and tied to a canteen cup, it can even be a tin can with a couple of holes punched in it near the top and a stick run through it as a hanger.

Just thought I'd post a couple of quick pics showing different methods for hanging vessels for boiling water.

and a couple of closer pics of the hanging notch

 

[SouthernCross]

Great pics :thumbup:

Personally I prefer to sit my billy directly on a levelled bed of coals.

This way I make use of the most effective form of heat transfer, through conduction directly from the coals into the bottom of the billy.

And it still gives me room to add more firewood as needed, without disturbing the billy.

Works for me :thumbup:



Kind regards
Mick

 

[RescueRiley]

Nice stuff man.

 

[cuphead]

I like the idea for a more prolonged stay in the woods, and your stand looks top notch A+

 

[Mistwalker]

Great pics :thumbup:

Personally I prefer to sit my billy directly on a levelled bed of coals.

This way I make use of the most effective form of heat transfer, through conduction directly from the coals into the bottom of the billy.

And it still gives me room to add more firewood as needed, without disturbing the billy.

Works for me :thumbup:



Kind regards
Mick

I like the fire pit pics, and I understand your thoughts, but With this method I don't have to wait on a bed of embers, I can start heating my water with the first flames. I've just had to many coffee and water pots turn over sitting directly on fire when the wood settled, and it can also be a major hassle when cooking larger pots of soup or stew for a big group.

Nice stuff man.

I like the idea for a more prolonged stay in the woods, and your stand looks top notch A+

Thanks, glad you like it. It's pretty simple to put together.

 

[iBlade]

looks like a nice way of doing it, of course these day i mostly use gas cookers, but your method is definately the way to go if you run out of gas.

 

[Mistwalker]

looks like a nice way of doing it, of course these day i mostly use gas cookers, but your method is definately the way to go if you run out of gas.

Always good to have a plan B

 

[KuRUpTD]

Good info :thumbup: - thanks for posting

 

[1Tracker]

Both methods work, and have their places in camp. I've used both in the past and find it a easy to make a little rock rest, to shove coals under the pot of water at times. Does'nt tip over and the fire can be tended. Also a trench type fire enables one to put the pot on one end and tend the coals towards it, while allowing the fire to burn without interference.

 

[TheGame]

Great pics! I wouldn't have ever thought about notching the wood to put the hanger portion into it. A lot more great insight, thanks. :thumbup:

 

[Mistwalker]

Both methods work, and have their places in camp. I've used both in the past and find it a easy to make a little rock rest, to shove coals under the pot of water at times. Doesn'T tip over and the fire can be tended. Also a trench type fire enables one to put the pot on one end and tend the coals towards it, while allowing the fire to burn without interference.

The thing about the canteen cup is that is is somewhat conical, with the base being smaller with rounded, and then the handles are attached at the top so it is top heavy...the tend to tip easier than a regular cooking pot. My canteen cup is usually the only "pot" I have on me in the field so I learned long ago how to just avoid that problem.

Great pics! I wouldn't have ever thought about notching the wood to put the hanger portion into it. A lot more great insight, thanks. :thumbup:

Glad it helps, there is almost always more than one way to do anything...pays to have an open mind.

 

[GregS]

Good stuff, I will give it a try. BTW, I can't stop thinking about chicken noodle soup...:thumbup: Keep them coming.

 

[Mistwalker]

Good stuff, I will give it a try. BTW, I can't stop thinking about chicken noodle soup...:thumbup: Keep them coming.

Thanks, glad you like it, it's not very complicated to make.

The chicken noodle soup was awesome, the next one that I'm working on is from a different approach. Hopefully get that up tomorrow evening...lol, my camera woman had exams this morning, crammed all night last night and is basically useless to me today