the loop on the pouch that i store the tinder is small, so in order to fit them in there, i decided to heat shrink them (squeez them smaller, more compact).

water treatment is a good idea. thanks for reminding me.I have just added a strip of Hovid Puri-Safe Water Purification Tablets. I have not tried them, but it was the only ones available here.

We have a lot of lakes in my area. but these lakes were previously used for mining (i have no idea what mining it was).Not sure about the water contamination. There is plenty of fishes here and occasionally, i do go fishing there.

is the ziplock bags sufficient for water storage? or should i invest in one of those nalgenes or sigg-typed alluminum bottles?