Sorry I've been gone so long.

PaulR is correct: "25 or .5 gal/day is bare survival, i.e. avoid death by dehydration. If preparing, go for 1 gal/day or more."

And that is in a temperate climate with very LIMITED activity.

August in the most of the US with any activity involved, 1 gal a day won't be enough.

Nothing in your body works correctly without water.

Dehydration is also underrated in the winter, since people seem to feel less need to drink.

Feeling "thirsty" is not a good way to judge hydration, either. Other than keeping urine clear with enough water intake, pinching the skin on the back of the hand and seeing how fast it returns (less than a second) will also give you an indicator.

Chapped lips are also a sign of dehydration, along with cramps, headaches, etc.

I recommend a read of Cody Lundin's bok 98 point six - he really covers it well.

I can remember humping (ok, route marching) in the Asian jungles. Juice and water with breakfast, 4 quarts before lunch. Refill at lunch. 4 Quarts by dinner. Head on in. Drink tea, water, etc until about 8 pm - Urinate the second time for the day...

Anythine with caffene is a NEGATIVE not a positive. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Filters are not reliabe for heavy metals, solvents, etc.

Solar stills ... Not. Now putting a bag around vegetation can often work.

Distillaton (with proper equipment andprocedures) is probably the most safe and reliable method of purification.

Chlorine is great for "bio" decontamination, HOWEVER, chlorine bleach needs to be fresh - it has a fairly short shelf life, believe it or not. (IIRC it turns into ...salt water..."

Some cysts and spores are just darned hard to kill.