Procuring water can become a vital challenge in the wilderness – especially in hot conditions, on long marches or when you lack equipment. But with the right techniques and a bit of improvisation, it is possible to find valuable water even in difficult situations.
Whether you’re hiking through dry valleys or moving through damp forest – knowing about natural water sources and suitable filtration methods is one of the most important basics in survival or bushcraft. In this article, I’ll show you what to look out for to escape dehydration – and which tricks will help you even when there isn’t a stream in sight anywhere around you.
Identifying and using natural water sources
Nature offers us many ways to obtain drinkable water – provided you know what to look out for. As a rule of thumb: running water is preferable to standing water. Pay attention to clarity, smell, animal life and vegetation – they give you clues about quality and cleanliness.
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Springs & streams: Ideal are spring-fed streams in the mountains or clear mountain brooks with a visible bottom.
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Morning dew: Early in the morning you can use fabric or clothing to collect dew from grass and leaves.
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Plants as indicators: Reeds, mosses or water-loving bushes often indicate moisture in the ground.
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Dripstone caves: Condensation on cave walls is often drinkable if no contamination is visible.
Purifying water: filters & boiling
Even if water looks clean, it may contain bacteria, viruses or parasites. You should therefore always filter or boil it before drinking. For on the go, I recommend compact water filters that work mechanically and reliably remove suspended particles and germs.
Alternatively, you can boil water vigorously for at least 5 minutes. Use a hobo stove, gas stove or an improvised fire – and a robust container such as a stainless steel mug or pot.
Improvised water supply
If you don’t have a stream or spring within reach, creativity is required. With simple means you can still collect water or extract it from plants:
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Evaporation bag: Place a plastic bag over green branches – the sun creates condensation water.
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Solar still: Line a hole with plastic sheeting, place a stone in the middle, cup underneath – through evaporation and condensation, water drips into the cup.
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Plant water: Some plants, such as bamboo, store drinkable liquid. Caution: Only use non-toxic species!
Fazit
The ability to find and treat water in the wild is one of the most important survival skills. With a bit of preparation – such as carrying a filter in your pack – you’ll be on the safe side even in dry regions. And with creativity and the right knowledge, you can even extract moisture from your surroundings when all else fails.
(This article first appeared in the ASMC customer magazine, issue 2 – Winter 2024)
Which methods of water collection have you already tried? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
