Category: outdoor camping

How to Purify Water for Outdoor Survival in an Emergency

We are used to the luxury of walking over to the sink and having safe water at our fingertips fresh from the tap, but in the wild, water is not generally safe for drinking. Because water is seldom pure, it is essential to know how to purify water for outdoor survival in an emergency.

If you are not absolutely certain that the water is safe, you must purify it. Clean water is crucial to good health and survival. Water that is polluted can contain microorganisms that can cause serious illness. Viruses and bacteria can really take there toll on someone out in the wilderness. Stomach issues are not pleasant in the comfort of home, let alone out in the wild. Do what you can to protect yourself.

Chemical pollutants are also a concern in some areas. Such chemicals are often herbicides or pesticides from farming industries. This form of polution is another problem that we cannot see in the water.

There are three main ways to purify water. Filtration is one method for cleaning water that removes the visible particles in the water. Your sock or T-shirt can become a filter or strainer to remove dirt and debris from the water. A filtering water bottle can be a useful tool for an outdoor survival kit. Do remember that filtering water is not the same as purifying water.

Boiling is a safe way to remove harmful microorganisms. Boiling water does not remove chemical pollutants from the water. Water must boil rapidly for just a few minutes to be safe, but in some cases, this method is not practical. If you are able to create a fire, you may be able to boil the water sufficiently for safety.

Many outdoor survival kits include iodine or purification tablets to purify water and make it safe for consumption. Check the contents of your outdoor survival kit to see if such items are included. If not, purchase this item to supplement your current outdoor survival kit. Learn how to use the specific products that you have available. Follow the directions carefully for any chemicals to purify your water. The water is safe to drink using such methods, but know that the taste does not improve.

To improve the taste of your drinking water, it is a good idea to combine filterring and purification methods for the best taste.

A combination of these methods can make the water safe and improve the taste. It is crucial to locate water and make it healthy for consumption in an outdoor survival situation. Use what items you have with you, as well as, the items found in nature.

Begin with the water that appears the clearest. Moving surface water is always the first choice whenever available. Stagnant water is the least favorable for survival. Water that is not moving and shows no sign of life is a warning to you. Stay away from such water whenever it is possible.

Safe, pure water is key to survival. Dehydration is a real concern in an outdoor survival situation. Use purification methods to ensure your good health during outdoor survival situations. Staying hydrated with clean drinking water can allow you to survive for a significant period of time in the wilderness.

How to Melt Ice and Snow to Find Drinking Water to Survive

Water is extremely important to survival. Since the body is comprised of about 75%of water, it is no doubt that we need water on a regular basis. Did you know that humans can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without adequate water? Even in cold climates, water can be crucial to survival.

Everyone knows the importance of water during the heat of summer, but water is equally important in cold weather, as well. You lose water by sweating during strenuous activity. Breathing is another way you lose valuable fluids. Dehydration promotes chilling and risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

Finding a source for safe drinking water should be a priority for you if you should ever become stranded in the wilderness. Don’t wait until the first signs of dehydration to set in before you start looking for water to drink. Finding water takes time and energy, so start early.

As in any survival situation, always look for surface water first. It is possible to find water in streams, lakes, and rivers, but more than likely, your supply of drinking water is bound to be in the frozen form of snow or ice, when in the cold months of winter or Arctic climates.

It may seem so obvious to just scoop up some snow and eat it like ice cream to replenish your lost fluids. This is not a good idea. Never place snow or ice in your mouth. Doing this can harm the inside of your mouth. Also, the cold temperature of the ice or snow will only make you colder.

To begin making water from ice or snow, gather clean snow or ice. If possible, use ice instead of snow. Ice provides more valuable water than snow. Also, ice melts faster than snow.

When melting snow or ice, be certain you have enough fuel wood. It takes a long time to melt snow or ice into drinking water.

Don’t place a bunch of snow into your melting pot. The fire will not produce water in this way. It is best to begin by placing just a small portion of snow or ice in the pot. Once this melts, add just a bit more snow or ice to be melted into water. Add just enough until it floats freely in the water. Continue the process.

Another method to try is by using a piece of clothing as a sack for the snow. Tie the sleeves of a T-shirt and fill it with snow or ice. Suspend the sack over a container that is next to your fire. The water will filter through The shirt and into the container.

Water is essential for survival even in cold, winter climates. Gather drinking water by melting snow and ice slowly. Keeping yourself hydrated will allow the best chances of survival. Drinking enough water to replenish lost fluids can help to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Remember, that melting ice and snow takes a considerable amount of time, so plan ahead for your drinking needs in a winter climate survival situation.