I bought a carton of 4 oz. water packets a while back. They're O.K., but I've had a few leak into my daypack, and they're a bit difficult to open and use. Does anyone have any experience with Aqua Blox? It's a 'juice box' size purified water container with a straw. Specifically, any experience with keeping them in a car, where they freeze and thaw numerous times over a winter.

I use to try the different “fancy” solutions to keeping water but found that they had down sides that did not out weigh their expense. Now I just throw a couple of 6 packs of bottled water in the trunk with the kit stuff and find it works very well.

I have a six pack in a 72 hr bag at my office and in my car. They're fine for what their intended use is for. They seem sturdy enough and should hold up transporting from point A to point B if need be.

I don't understand the "need" for things like those. What's wrong with a 99 cent gallon plastic jug of water, or a canteen? I am wary of things in little packages, because as they are designed to be thrown away after one use, they are so wasteful. All that plastic and mylar can't be wise use of resources, in fact it isn't, it is used once, and then it all goes to the landfill, or is burned. The manufacture of plastic produces toxins even when made of recycled materiaIs. I prefer more permanent, larger, reusable containers that last for years, like a good canteen for outdoor excursions or an even bigger water container like a five gallon plastic water can for indoors.

Ever try storing one of those in a lift raft for five years?

They were originally designed for military and commercial survival kits (aviation and marine kits) that must be stand alone and survive environmental extremes with a reasonable shelf life. They are overkill for most peoples' needs, but they do have their place.

In my truck, I've got the entire bottom of my Rubbermaid Action Packer filled with a layer of Aqua Blox. They've been in there well over a year with no leaks or problems. I sample one every once and a while to make sure they are OK tastewise. It gets unbelievably hot in there in August here in Houston. No problems, so far. BTW - sturdy packaging makes for better quality, long-lasting products.

I have some with me now. It lists various uses on the side, one of them being "First-Aid Cold Pack (when frozen)" suggesting they are designed to handle freezing. Confirmed this by freezing one.

Not sure how well it holds up to repeated freezing/thawing cycles, but I don't think it would be too big a problem.

They are a lot better than those 125ml water packs. You can reseal them in a survival situation with a piece of duct-tape.
If I should purchase them, I would vacuum-pack them,so if one leaks, you don't spill the water.