6 types of snow prep equipment: #1 Water

Here's the deal - you will get thirsty. And you've heard it before, once you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. I'm thirsty right now just typing about it. You? Go grab a water and come back for an interactive experience.

More so than any of the other supplies on this list, in a long-term situation, you can't live without water. Science says we can't live for 72 hours without water. Science is smart. I've never tried to test this theory, and I don't plan on doing so.

Out on the road, there are several factors to keeping water within reach.

• Freezing: Water can freeze in winter temps, so you probably shouldn't leave your stash of agua in the trunk 
• Ample supply: In a snowy situation, there may be some extra solid water around, but you can't count on this
• Convenience: Carrying three or more liters of water is not terribly convenient in daily life.

To cover yourself, as the nights turn colder, keep plastic water bottles ready to go and throw in the car on a daily basis.

Three key pieces of gear to keep you hydrated

Fill 'er up
To be prepared for found water sources, have a metal bottle like Kleen Kanteen, or mug or a generic camping pot around to melt snow or boil found water in. You'll want to filter this on some level, so a stocking or coffee filters and rubber bands can come in handy. I have also loved my Platypus hydration pack. Don't fold them for storage or it will meet an untimely demise, like mine did on my trip to Hawaii.


Come on baby light my fire
Then the EPA recommends boiling water. So you'll need to light a fire under that receptacle. A jet boil or solid fuel tablets get this job done. I have the Esbit folding stove and it's pretty handy, but very small.


One-stop-shop
You can also get a handy and highly popular life straw. I've never used one, but they aren't expensive and could SAVE YOUR LIFE. Or, just keep you from getting too thirsty.




Subscribe via e-mail now (feedburner) | Ask a question