Its a simple concept: you dig a shallow hole, lay in a clear sheet of plastic and wait for the sun to do the work. But has anyone successfully built one and collected water?

TRO

Yep. They work. I used to make them in Arizona. Even there, when it is hot and sunny, the amount of water they collect isn't that great. And it takes a while. I would use another option if I had a choice.

Tanspiration bags on vegetation will produce meaningfull amounts of water, assuming you don't tie them to posion oak like a local 'survival instructor' I quietly watched during a local community sponsored class. True solar stills cost far more in 'sweat equity' than gain.

Yes, I've used them before, and as with the transpiration bags, it works a lot better if you add vegetation to the hole first. Busted open cactus makes pretty good solar still moisture source.

I have used them and like everyone else has said unless you add some plant material (or urine ) you won't get much production. Transpiration bags are better, but in either case if this is your only source of water make more than one still.
I usually carry enough plastic to make at least 4.

Oh, they work. Just not very well. If you are near the ocean, I'd use them by digging down below the high tide mark, but that's about it. They are better rain catchers.

Built, yes. Collected water, not much. Even in the 100 degrees of central CA in August. With some greens in the hole to boot.

I was always amazed at my USAF survival manual that showed one with a flight helmet in the bottom to collect the water. Besides requiring a deeper hole, who wants a little bit of water that tastes like sweat???

What bags do you use to collect transpiration vapor? I want to add some to my gear but I'd like input on the type, size, brand if possible...

Thanks.
-Blast

I use clear trash bags the size for an office can. I don't have a particular brand I like as long as it dosen't have any holes.

I think that the solar still deserves a good scientific test. So, this summer/spring, I believe I'll be digging a few holes in the backyard ('s OK, some idiot did a 720 degree turn back there in the last ice storm and killed off half the grass).

Parameters:

1) Air and ground temperature
2) Time to dig
3) Soil composition (read: clay)
4) Additives (vegetation)
5) Water collected (over time)
6) Plastic used
7) Amount of daylight

Am I missing anything? I'd like this to be definitive.