Son-day Prep talk

With all the chaos that hit recently, and in some ways, was a blessing of God, in the case that the masks came fully off and the beast has shown itself.  but I digress

One of the biggest problems I had with all the ensuing mess in the aftermath of Helene was “WATER” H2O, Agua,,,,

Seems like no one had any clean water, and thats going to be a norm in times of catastrophe.   The Tap water we have grown accustomed to, treated, filtered, treated some more, (maybe even to the point its becomes harmful,,,) won’t be at our beck and call.    Even in my situation, one good change in the environment and my source could become contaminated, or even dry up completely.   By change in the environment, I am talking ‘strip mining’ changes to the mountainside I live on, disrupting water flows on said mountain side.

I was talking to a ghost recently about it and we both realized that water, that one thing that you can’t go for very long without (Air being the first, water, then food: Rule of threes; three minutes, three days, three weeks.)  and yet so many neglect that particular prep, other than having some bottled stuff or ‘jerry cans’ set aside with treated water in them.

Thats a recipe for failure IMO

Being a weekender kayaker, water is pretty important to me,   Not only is it my escape method, but its my source of liquid refreshment,

and I don’t carry a single ounce with me when I go.   I have alternatives.

and those alternatives are what you should be prepping.

everything (with one exception) are items I own, use, have used, will use again as need arises.   I stand behind them and highly suggest getting AT LEAST ONE.   And always have an alternative to your alternative is a thought to keep in mind.   One is none, right?

First up.

MSR Guardian water filter.  it is really useful for refilling ‘Camelbak’ type hydration bags, but can be used as a stand alone if you have some way of collecting its output.   Easy to use, but tiresome as you have to pump.

second.Lifestraw Hanging filter system   I like this one because you can use it anywhere, takes no effort to get clean water out of it.  Cons: it takes a little longer as it is using gravity,,,,

On the go options.Lifestraw Go bottle, and Sawyer filtered water bottle.   You will sometimes see the later on the deck of my Kayak in pictures: its a constant companion when paddling.  The first rides herd on my bedstand or in my truck if the weather is hot.   I prefer the Sawyer version, but both work very well.(and I believe there was a guy on Utoob that was testing these, and both worked well, but one worked better than the other, and I don’t recall which was which,,, apologies.)

Then there is the EDC types.  Stuff that you should keep in a bag or jacket pocket, for those JUST IN CASE moments.   II can promise you, if everyone in NC and TN in the path of Helene had had one of these, there would have been little to no need to truck in masses of bottled water.    Sawyer Mini, Sawyer Fullsize, Lifestraw hiker

Now the one I don’t have, but thinking more about it, like for those in the coastal areas, where salt becomes more of a problem, I suggest getting a portable reverse osmosis system.    I have one of two in my sights as a backup to the backups listed above, mostly for when/if I ever get to start paddling on salt water.

This one and it seems to be much better contructed

And this one.

I have no experience with either so, in this instance: caveat emptor.

(full disclosure, all links are through my Zon associates links,,, I will get a cut if you buy through that link.  Help support your faithful blogger. 🙂   )

Now, there was one thing that blew me away more than lack of fitration systems.   That area is KNOWN for ‘Shine, and not one person was able to set up a still and start purifying water?   Really?!?!?   With all the downed trees and debris, there would have been plenty to burn, water of any state was NOT an issue, (snark) so why was no one cleaning that shit up and helping keep others healthy with clean water.   

Dunno, maybe there were a few, especially further up in the hills when things got cut off hard for longer, dunno,,, Seriously though, all it takes is a big pot with a cover, some tubing and and a little (VERY Little) McGuyvering.   Use a nail to pop a hole in the lid, wallow it out to accept the tubing, fill with water and set to simmer mode or over a low fire and collect what condenses on the other side of the tube.   (always ditch the first few ounces as that is gonna have gunk in it from the tube and what not.)   Maximize the output by playing with how hot the fire is, how long the tube is and how said tube is bent (highly suggest coiled and slanting downhill.)

Anyways, that’s my two cents to getting a little further prepped, if you haven’t been (and if not, WHY NOT?,,,,)  Stay hydrated, it keeps the mind working better so you can focus on the other shit trying to kill you.

Live

Learn

Laugh

LOAD

Addendum: meant to mention, NEVER drink the water UNTREATED,,, That means filtration, purifying in some fashion; distillation or boiling, or chemically treatments.   If in truly hazardous conditions, double up, filter that water into your camelbak, AND chemically treat it, BEFORE you consume.    

Anything less is just asking to spraypaint the version of toilet you are using and that would be the lighter side of things that could/would go wrong for you.   Giardia is no laughing matter and is common in ALL fresh water system in the upper Northern American Continent.   E-coli is becoming pretty common downstream of anywhere there are cattle. (so make sure you cook your fish WELL, and wash your paws (with soap!)frequently.)

And that only names TWO of the nasties that you might encounter drinking tainted waters.    TREAT IT/FILTER IT.    end of PSA.