Re: Survival straws; flint strikers

Al Bell wrote:
I understand that there would still be carcinogens and might be some viruses in the water, but, if I filtered the water through cloth, let it sit, and used filtration or water purification stuff on the clearest water, could that be a short-term substitute for clean water?

It could be done by someone who knows enough and either has or can improvise the proper equipment. The information required takes a lot of study. While it can be learned "on the job", a failing grade means a long and painful death. (Ever spend a week trying to *** your tonsils when not trying to heave up your toenails? Believe me, it's an experience you should look forward to as long as possible.)

Some things you should take on faith. Depending on using flood water for your drinking water is exactly the last thing you want to do before dying from thirst.

That said, here is one water filter used to make the local water less lethal (note: not exactly safe for Westerners to drink):

<http://www.echotech.org/technical/technotes/Sand%20Water%20Filter.pdf>

Additional filtering after is very desirable.

Storing extra water is much, much easier and safer.

- Flint striker: I never even tried to smoke, and I've never really learned to light a match, and I hate the idea of carrying a butane lighter around.

The flint strikers take up too much room to suit me. They are really good in a shop where you have some place to hang them or a drawer to put them in, but not a pack. I've only used them for lighting gases, not anything solid.

I've had a few butane lighters empty themselves in my pocket before. It's aggravating. What I do is either nibble back the valve lever with a pair of pliers or stick something under the lever and wrap the lighter with lots of tape.

Tape will help keep little kids from messing with them, too, if you are thinking of leaving one in a drawer.
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