From everything I've read solar stills aren't worth the trouble to build them. I've read that using transpiration bags (clear bags enclosing a tree/bush branch) are more productive relative to the energy consumed in implementing them.

I haven't tried either yet myself, but always figured I'd use the clear 55 gallon trash bags sold by my local Home Depot. We use them as trash bags (go figure!) in our barn and they are reasonably tough, though I could see them getting torn while placing them over a pointy large branch.

I figure they could also act as a shelter (a see-thru one at that) if needed too.

Ken K.