PSK Water Storage

I've been using gerber babymilk bags in my PSK for water storage. They hold up well, but they store significantly less than a liter of water, and most water purification tablets purify a liter at a time. If I have to, I'll cut the tablets into smaller pieces, but I'd rather not if I can help it-

I'm looking for a durable one liter water storage bag to fold up and store in a tobacco tin sized PSK. I've seen some storage bags that have a plastic cap, but these don't fold flat-

I do have a "just-in-case emergency water bag" that came in an automobile kit, it has one of those plastic locks that can be seen on bread (not the wire ties). This looks like it holds quite a bit more than one liter though (maybe 1.5 or so, it doesn't say anywhere).

Any recommendations?

Oven bag and a small binder clip. (The little black triangular do-hikies with the wire legs, for those who don't know the name.)

Although not the most appetizing choice, have you considered non-lubricated condoms?

According to SAS books, they work quite well, but part of me thinks, "How thirsty would I have to be..." <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Yep, but this is easier to fill. Open it, stick it in the water, lift out, add water tablets, spin it, and clamp it with the binder clip. Give the tabs some time to work, and bob's your uncle.

One liter Ziploc brand freezer bags are quite leakproof and tough (the kind where you squeeze the seal together manually, not the kind with the convenient slider on top). Other brands are not always so good (I haven't tested many though). The ones with the sliders leak a little bit at the corner, though not enough to make them useless.

I think it's best to not completely fill ziploc bags, but instead leave a little bit of slosh space. However, I don't think anything bad happens if you use a 1 liter purification tablet in 0.9 liters of water.

Ain't killed me yet.

I've never been able to find a local source of non-lubricated condoms.

I used to carry a normal condom, but I found it took too much room for my small kits.

> I think it's best to not completely fill ziploc bags, but instead leave a little bit of slosh space.

With air in, I think you mean. Water isn't compressible, but air is and can absorb some of the force of a blow eg if you drop it.

I've been using 1L and 2L I.V. bags (emptied of expired saline). Tougher than all get out, but you either have to cut out the access ports or make a rig for filling.

I haven't been leaving air in the ziploc bags. Think of a really full bag and imagine poking at it with your hand (not with something sharp). The skin is under tension and the water can't move around in the bag, so the pressure increases and the bag may burst. Now do the same thing with a 3/4 full bag (no air space). The bag can easily change shape so I think it's less prone to breakage. The 1 liter bags are pretty hard to break. This is more of an issue for the 1 gallon ones.

I notice these bags aren't as easy to find as before, and they don't come in as many sizes as they used to (haven't seen 1/2 gallon or 2 gallon ones lately). Maybe I'll stash away a couple boxes.

The thing with one liter ziplock bags is that the zip part doesn't fold in half well, and it's got to fit in the PSK tin.

I've saved a couple of the inner bags from boxes of Franzia wine to use for larger kits. They are much too big (5 liters) for what you want, but I also remember seeing smaller boxes at the store. They were a different brand. You might look into those, although they still might be too large. Even if they are 2-3 liters they might prove useful to someone.

Regards, Vince

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Posse, Desert Search Unit, from Scott Kozakiewicz (ASU Rec 340, Outdoor Survival) recommends using unlubricated condoms or balloons. The balloons designed for helium, found at party stores, seem the most heavy-duty.

Balloons can also be placed in a decorative manner around your survival campsite to create a festive atmosphere. By some coincidence they also make it easier for SAR to find you.

I don't understand how you're supposed to fill a condom or balloon with water, unless you have a pressurized source. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Head hanging, looking sheepish!

I live in the desert. I have a couple gallons of water bottles in my car. When I walk or hike I have a water bottle in my hand or my CamelBack. I always have a water container on or near me.

I have never tried filling a balloon with water except under a faucet. I’m not about to use a condom. I’m married, I don’t have any and I’m not about to go buy any.

Let those with experience filling condoms and balloons speak!

What's gross about an unused, straight out of the wrapper, unlubed condom?
Am I missing something here ... it's just a tube of latex.

I haven't tried it, but I think it's very difficult to do especially if we're talking standing sources where you can't submerge it and scoop water up.

While I'm sure they'll carry a liter, there's no way to measure it. I went from condoms to baby milk bags, going back to condoms would be a step backwards <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Of course, it's better than nothing

If I recall correctly, there were several threads about two years ago regarding filling condoms with standing water. Do a forum search, set the parameters to all dates, all threads. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Comanche7

I carry this in my "man purse". It folds very small and is quite rugged. I have the one litre version.

http://www.platypushydration.com/product_detail.aspx?ProdID=2

Marc

That is my plan. I have been looking for a .5 or 1 liter platypus at the stores but can’t find any. I hate spending a lot on shipping compared to the price of the product.

I think REI has the Platypus canteens. There's probably an REI near you. I had the 1L version a while back and IIRC it sprung a leak. They're certainly more durable than ziploc bags, but much bulkier too. I'd say you can't really put one in a typical pocket kit. I guess they could be handy in a larger kit but at that point I'd go for the 2L version or an even larger one. Nalgene also makes some canteens like that, up to 3 liters. See rei.com for a wide selection.

Didn't Cody Lundin in 98.6 have a bit on that?

For rubbers [sorry] you would just have to fill them gradually, allowing the water to expand them before adding more. Dind of a sip more than a swallow concept.

Hello, is this thing on... Okay.

Mylar balloons folks. They are the perfect membrane, relatively easy to fill, just like a bag, no elasticity, just pure volume, small go hole so easy to pour. I have yet to have one fail on me before it's usefulness was exhausted. Can be rolled or folded into very small dimensions. Usually comes with a cool picture or slogan on the outside. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

And the graphic may make you smile. Good one Ben.