Backwoods Home Magazine #124 - July/Aug 2010

Author:Backwoods Home Magazine
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Do-It-Yourself, Hobbies & Home, Home Improvement & Design, Crafts, How-To & Home Improvements, Sustainable Living
Publisher: Backwoods Home Magazine
Published: 2010-07-02T06:00:00+00:00

Storage containers

In most cases, it is desirable to treat enough water to keep you going for a while, so proper storage is important. In an emergency, there are all sorts of containers that can be improvised, but beware of garbage bags—some of these can be treated with toxic disinfectants or deodorizers. “Solar showers” hold a lot of water and are often quite inexpensive. They can be a good choice for storing water not intended for consumption (and warming it for cleanup uses), but they are usually made of inexpensive polymers that can impart chemical tastes and odors. For emergency preparedness at home or for a cabin, the rigid plastic containers sold by companies like Reliance are designed for potable water and they are a great choice, but their bulk can be prohibitive when you need to keep things compact.

When size is an issue, there are a number of collapsible alternatives, and I would suggest fitting them to your needs based on four specific factors: cost, bulk, capacity, and durability. Companies like Coghlan’s and Reliance sell collapsible polyethylene (translucent plastic) containers with capacities up to 5 gallons that are reasonably priced, but these are not the most compact to store when empty and they are not the most durable for hard or frequent use. Platypus makes some smaller-volume clear plastic containers (ranging from a pint to 6 quarts) and their design allows them to be rolled up instead of being folded up. This makes them very compact and it also reduces stress points in storage that can lead to leaks.

If you need a more rugged alternative, MSR’s “Dromedary Bags” are another option. They are more expensive and are only available in sizes up to 2.5 gallons, but they pack to a pretty small size and they are very durable because they are composed of a tough woven material that is coated with a waterproof polymer—a combination that provides a high degree of resistance to tears, cracks, and punctures. Those setting up a base camp or preparing for extended emergencies may desire something bigger. If so, there are also products like the “AquaTank II” from Extra Packaging Corporation. This alternative uses a light and thin but surprisingly tough waterproof material, and the smallest unit (30 gallons) can be rolled up into a package not much bigger than a one quart bottle. Thirty gallons may sound like overkill for many needs (and it must be remembered that this translates into about 250 pounds), but you don’t need to fill the thing plumb full when camping, and the large capacity can be invaluable in the event of an emergency. Of course, even the toughest collapsible alternatives are not bomb-proof and they do require appropriate care in handling.

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