Gifts for the Prepper Part 1, Water Aug. 8, 2010

First, an update...  TS Colin has disipated into a low pressure system and is off the radar (literally and figuratively).  There is a low pressure system about due east of Cuba/Miami, that seems to be strengthening and moving west/north west.  We'll keep an eye on that one.

What can you give a person who has started into the prepping mindset?

This topic came up because we are joining two other families next weekend for one of the husband's 40th birthday.  Over the past year, he has awakened to the problems in the world, and has begun to prepare for his family's safety and security.  For his birthday, I wanted to give him some items to help him get there.  I won't say what in case he reads this.

I could just list a lot of gear that would be good for a person to have, but I will break it down into several categories, with several items in each category.  Each item will be one I either own or have other hands-on experience with and will suggest based on that.  I am linking each item through Amazon.  If you can find the items at a better price elsewhere, go for it.  But, if you are going to buy it through Amazon, please use my link.  I'll get a small commission out of the deal.  If you are going to buy anything through Amazon and use my link to get to thier website, that will also benefit me.  Thanks in advance.

Let's get started on the suggestions and remember, these are not just good for birthdays, but Christmas is only 139 days away!


Water

Water is needed for all life.  The budding prepper will probably have room in the larder for both storage and purification methods.  Let's take a look at several of both that I have worked with.

Potable Aqua Purification Iodine Tablets $6.99 These are from the same supplier that the US military uses.  They will kill Giardia and other nasty micro organisims.  They do nothing for visibly dirty water or water contaminated by chemicals.  The small bottle is great for keeping in a GHB (Get Home Bag) or 72-hour kit.

Katadyn Combi Water Microfilter  $139.90 This is a hand-pumped water filter with an activated carbon prefilter and a silver inpregnated ceramic filter.  It gets out chemicals, protazoa, chemicals and dirt.  It takes some time and effort to use, but the water comes out great.  I used mine one time when the public water had a broken line and when I turned on the faucet, got out gross, dark brown, thick water.  The Combi Filter gave me clean and crystal clear water.  If you get this, also consider the Katadyn Combi Replacement Element Carbon (2-Pack) $8.95 to keep it at tip top condition and ready to go.

Berkey Light Water Filter With 2 Black Filters & 2 Free PF-2 Fluoride Filters $209.00 This will purify 4 gallons and hour with a capacity of 2.75 gallons.The black filters are good for pond water or third world rivers.  I have a friend who keeps his on this kitchen counter and uses it for all of his drinking water.  He lives in a major US city and gets flouride-treated water.  He uses this for this drinking and cooking water to avoid the unneccessary intake of fouride (which is toxic at high levels).  A great example of something to have on hand If It Hits The Fan, but also for daily use.

Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container $21.12 OK, first of all, this can be found at Wal-Mart for about $10, so I'd suggest you go there to buy it, but you can see details on this link.  This is a fantastic way of storing water in minimal space.  These Aqua-Tainers stack neatly and are very stable.  They also have a handy spigot for getting the water out.

Olive Drab Genuine GI USA Made 1 Qt Plastic Canteen $4.95 613 GENUINE GI CANTEEN COVER - OD $12.50 There are newer and fancier water bottles, but these are proven in the toughest of environments.  The cap seals tightly and the cover will keep the water cool.  The cover even has a small pocket to hold a bottle of purification tablets.  The ad doesn't say, but the cover should have two "ALICE" clips on it to attache to your belt, pack, or other location.  Just in case, consider getting G.I. Alice Keeper Clip/belt Slides (10 Pack) $3.95 (spares are always good).  Also look at getting G I Spec Stainless Steel Canteen Cup $9.95 for use with mixing in instant coffee, kool aid, or other mixes, as well as putting it over a heat source for hot drinks or stew.

Camelbak H.A.W.G. NV 100 Oz Hydration Pack, Black/Charcoal $109.95 Camelbak is the leader in hydration systems.  There are other makes out there, including some a lot cheaper, but you get what you pay for.  The H.A.W.G. (Holds A lot of Water and Gear) was the first Camelbak I bought, back in the late '90s.  The design has been modified since then, but in positive ways.  The 100 oz reservoir will provide enough water to get you through a strenuous, hot day.  The 1,120 cubic inches of gear space will allow you to keep some extra clothes and a little food and gear, making this a great day pack for hiking or mountain biking, or keep in the car for a GHB.  It can also attach to larger packs if you need more capacity.

Siphon Pump $14.95 I'm not going to suggest a particular brand of 55 gallon water barrel, but a number of them are available on Amazon, or through local sources.  I will say, that if you are storing potable water, get a new barrel, approved for drinking water.  Don't risk it with a used drink syrup or olive importation barrel (although those are good for water you are harvesting from rain water and will use for sanitation or gardening).  Anyway, if you are going to store water in 55 gallon barrels, you need a way to get it.  These pumps are handy, easy to use, and inexpensive.  I had several with my Y2K supplies, but don't currently store water in that fashion.

Well, this has ended up being a lot longer than I expected.  I will break this up in to several categories over the next few weeks to help you fill out your Christmas shopping (or wish) list with some basic prep gear.