Unless you are a fan of explosive projectile diarrhea, you have no doubt tried to come to terms with the safety of our backcountry water sources. It seems like the days of reckless abandon are gone when it comes to drinking from creeks, lakes, and rivers. With the ever present Giardia, cryptosopridia and a laundry list of viruses and bacteria which can lead to months on the porcelain throne and debilitating cramps, nausea, vomiting, as well as the afor mentioned EPD, we must filter, boil, irradiate or chemically purify our water to stay healthy in the backcountry.

I have in the past have tried every method and each have their drawbacks, some take hours, or fuel, or taste nasty. Others are cost prohibitive or rely on batteries which does not really work for extended outings. Even to this day I switch up what I am using on almost every trip because there is no all in one kick ass water treatment device. I am sold on none…yet.

I must admit that I do still drink untreated water often even though I have done the research and read the reports. I know better! And I still am playing with fate.

Think about the enjoyment of a trip and taking a few minutes out of the hike to filter/treat whatever your water. No big deal right? Then why do so many of us play russian roulette with our health? I don’t know, but I am making the commitment now to be safer. And as such I was looking for a new whiz bang water treatment to be my all in one when I came across the Reliance PUR Purifier of Water

The PUR system utilizes powdered iron sulfate and calcium hypochlorite which happens to be the same system used all over the world to clean up water for humanitarian missions, as well as in most water treatment plants in U.S. cities.

Basically you add the chemicals to nasty water and it congeals the funk and you then filter it out via a cotton sheet (check out the video). This new system is supposed to be the most effective and with a creek to mouth time of around 30 minutes it might not be to bad. Each PUR packet treats 2.5 gal. of water. So if I only need two water bottles full how am I sure to get just enough chemical?

PUR is also marketing a Reliance PUR Clean Drinking Water Kit which has two collapsible containers a stir stick and a few other items.

I think I might give this one a go and see how I like it, especially since it promises no chemical taste, after all isn’t that why we drink out of streams in the backcountry?

I will give a report once I can test it for myself, or if any of you have given it a shot let us know how you liked it. Whether you buy this kit or not always carry a backup method, such as my current favorite Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Tablets - 20 Pack. They take a bit longer but are light and dummy proof!

For this awesome Leatherman!!!

Not really but come on $40,000!!! Holy crap!! How many of these will really sell? I mean it is unique I think only 25 will be made I just cannot justify it.

However I bet JuiceBox has three!!

Sounds cool huh? Well, not exactly, this compilation of gear was developed utilizing technology as a means to thwart the elements. These devices were presented in the latest posting on WIRED magazines page. And trust me they do not seem to be all that practical, however some are quite interesting.

My favorites are the Bedu Emergency Rapid Response Kit (seen to the right) which is packed full of survival gear and is designed to be dropped to individuals and is “built to support eight adults for up to five years” hmm seems like a long time waiting for a rescue! I also like the fact that it comes with a multi fuel stove but no fuel, so if you can find fuel you can probably figure out where to get the rest of the gear it supplies.

I also think the Microfix 406 is pretty neat but it is a reality as there are several models that have been out for a few years and I do agree that these could potentially be abused. The Hydran Turbine is a pretty intriuging idea but I need to learn a little more about it before I’m all in.

Check out the other inventions and let me know what you think. Although a few of these are leaning towards the ridiculous at least the techno-geek generation is breaking away from video game programing and looking outside!

Yesterday I went on a hike with Uncle Travelin Matt just west of Denver and as we were walking down the trail we both were sharing information about the types of plants along the trail as well as the edibility of some. We found an abundance of Geyer’s Onion (Allium geyeri) that I was familiar with and I had UTM give it a taste.

Fortunately UTM and I know each other well enough to know that accurate knowledge of subject matter is paramount and never to pull any fast ones especially when health or safety is involved. Anyhow after UTM gave the onion a taste I thought of the Universal Edibility Test and figured it would aid you guys if you are out and about looking for edible plants. I implore you to carry a guide with pictures as a reference but also utilize EVERY step in the test remember your life depends on it! (more…)

Deep Survival written by Laurence Gonzales delves into the psychology of survival. Subtitled Who Lives, Who Dies and Why, Gonzales deftly breaks down and analyzes the information he has gathered during 30 years of research.

His book is a pleasant mix of personal reflection as well as a wealth of experience around activities that claim the majority of our risk takers. Balance is the point of this book, Deep Survival blends the unlikely survivor tales with the astoundingly idiotic fatal mistakes. Gonzales sets out to discover what it means to survive and ultimately discovers that it is all contained within. From inexperienced young children surviving amazing disasters to the experienced combat proven soldiers taking foolish and ultimately fatal risks Deep Survival allows every reader the benefit of years of research and personal reflection that only Laurence Gonzales could provide.

All in all this was a great read with that constant yearning for the next page, the stories are clear and concise with a feeling of continuity often lost when dealing with issue of survival.

Some, if not all of you, have at some time come across a can stove. Often called a beer can or soda can stove. The concept is simple. You take two aluminum cans cut the bottoms of off both, cut the center out of one of the bottoms and the side out of one of the cans and place them all together. First is the solid bottom can then the side piece next is the bottom piece that has the center cut out. Drill some vent holes add denatured alcohol and voila, you have a .3oz stove! Check out this video to better understand.

I actually was lazy and purchased one from ebay for a few bucks and have been very happy. As mentioned in previous posts I have used it on several occasions and love it. The only real issue that I have is that it must be protected in your pack so as not to get crushed. In this demo the guy uses a Fosters can but I have seen it done with all types of cans.

The stove I bought is found here.

Additionally I just saw a new titanium stove at REI that is much like the can stove but the price was a bit high and it weighed 3x as much as the can stove I use, however it is indestructible.

Don’t forget that a wind screen is key. Also understand once you fire the stove up there is no off so practice and know how much fuel you will need prior to ignition. And unless you are competing for the next Darwin Award DO NOT add alcohol to a hot stove!!!