Mick,

It was a decision the revolved around cost. I had hoped for a $20 kit (silly me!) and the $25 we ended up with (both street prices) was still a fight to meet. In addition to the the expense of the water treatment, and my current choice (Katadyn MP1) is not cheap, there would also be the need for a container to be included and I have some specific ideas on what I want for that component, it also isn't cheap to have done as I'd like. The HD aluminum foil provides a means to boil water and that, combined with the good odds in the survivor's favor in most cases, will have to do. As you note, that is the sort of thing that a purchaser can add and the package insert makes specific suggestions as to that. If this kit is a commercial success, the possibility exists for an "advanced" kit follow-on that covers water treatment and some other upgrades and additions, though obviously at a much higher price point.