Dear readers, some folks recommend carrying a rag of some sort on their personal survival kit when out in the 'woods'. One of it’s possible uses would be for filtering water for drinking. <br><br>I have considered carrying an additional item on my person for such utility: coffee filters. They are lightweight, inexpensive, fairly compact, and amongst other uses that you may think of, could be used to replace or supplement bathroom tissue, writing paper and bandages.<br><br>I conducted a test, writing on one using a lead pencil, blue-ink pen, black-ink roller-ball pen and a blue felt-tip marker. I then soaked it in water for about 15 seconds. I rolled it in a tight ball (to wring out the water) several times. When I un-rolled it, I was impressed that both the filter and the writing held up (though the lead and felt-tip writing were somewhat fainter). When subjected to mild stress and tearing, these filters act more like cloth than paper.<br><br>These aren't .02 micron filters, but something could be said about having a clean filter.<br><br>Please let me know what you think. I very much appreciate all responses,<br>Xavier Phx, AZ<br><br>

An interesting idea. It certainly wouldn't take up much room, and it would probably burn easier than a rag filter. The real question is how does it stack up against waterproof paper? Can you write on it while soaked? Does it hold up in harsh conditions as well as Rite in the Rain? I'm thinking those are the main concerns with small scraps of paper in your PSK, since a comparable filter could be fashioned from a piece of clothing.