First Impressions of Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit
The Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit promises to be a compact and comprehensive solution for obtaining potable water in survival scenarios. Off Grid Tools aims to provide a lightweight, easily transportable kit containing various methods for collecting, filtering, and purifying water. This kit aims to offer peace of mind for hikers, campers, preppers, and anyone venturing into areas where reliable water sources are uncertain.
My foray into survival gear began after a harrowing backpacking trip in the unforgiving Utah desert. Dehydration became a serious concern when my water bladder sprung a leak miles from civilization. This experience underscored the critical need for a reliable backup plan to acquire safe drinking water, even under the most challenging conditions.
Upon receiving the Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit, the first thing I noticed was its impressively compact size. The resealable package felt durable and contained a surprising amount of gear. Initial inspection revealed a collection of items designed for various water sources, suggesting a thoughtful and versatile approach to water acquisition.
Several products on the market promise similar capabilities, like the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter and the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. I chose the Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit because it goes beyond simple filtration, offering a holistic approach with multiple collection and purification methods. My initial thought was one of cautious optimism, wondering if this compact kit could truly deliver on its promises of providing safe drinking water in a survival situation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit during a weekend survival skills training exercise in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. This environment presented diverse water sources, including streams, puddles, and rainwater runoff. I wanted to evaluate its performance in various conditions.
The first challenge involved collecting water from a murky stream using one of the provided plastic bags. The coffee filter served as a pre-filter to remove larger debris. Next, I used the survival filter straw to drink directly from the pre-filtered water. The filter straw worked effectively, and the water tasted noticeably cleaner, though the flow rate was slower than I expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent testing during various outdoor activities, the Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit continues to prove its usefulness, albeit with certain limitations. The plastic bags show no signs of degradation despite repeated use. However, I noticed the compressed sponge loses its absorbency after repeated wringing and drying.
Maintaining the kit is straightforward. I rinsed the plastic bags and metal bowl after each use and allowed everything to air dry completely. Compared to relying solely on a single water bottle or water bladder, the Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit offers a flexible and redundant system. This redundancy brings significant peace of mind in potentially life-threatening situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit
Specifications
The Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit comprises several components designed to provide a comprehensive solution for water acquisition and purification. The kit weighs 0.72 lbs, making it lightweight and easily portable. Included are:
- Survival filter straw: Removes bacteria and protozoa.
- (3) 1-liter stand-up bags: For water collection and storage.
- (2) 24″ x 30″ plastic bags: For larger-scale water collection.
- (6) Water purification tablets: Chemical purification for killing viruses and bacteria.
- (6) Coffee filters: Pre-filtration for removing sediment.
- 10ml syringe: For backflushing the filter straw.
- Compressed sponge: For absorbing water from small sources.
- 5″ tubing: For siphoning water.
- Metal bowl: For boiling and water collection.
- 1 oz activated charcoal: For removing odors and improving taste.
- (2) Mesh bags: For transporting the sponge or charcoal.
- (2) Foil sheets: For reflecting sunlight in solar distillation.
- (3) Compressed towels: For cleaning and drying.
- Survival instruction sheet: Provides guidance on water collection and purification techniques.
These specifications matter because they indicate the kit’s versatility and comprehensiveness in addressing various water acquisition and purification needs in a survival scenario.
Performance & Functionality
The Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit performs reasonably well in its intended function, providing multiple avenues for securing potable water. The survival filter straw effectively removes bacteria and protozoa, making water safer to drink. However, the flow rate can be slow, requiring patience. The water purification tablets offer a reliable method for killing viruses, though they leave a slight chlorine taste.
The kit’s strength lies in its redundancy and versatility. The multiple collection bags, filtration methods, and purification options provide a backup plan if one method fails or proves inadequate. One area for improvement would be the filter straw’s flow rate, which could be faster. It is important to consider that activated charcoal can help to remove some chemicals but isn’t effective on its own.
Design & Ergonomics
The Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit is designed with compactness and portability in mind. The components are lightweight and pack down into a resealable package, making it easy to carry in a backpack or survival kit. The kit is relatively user-friendly.
The survival instruction sheet provides clear guidance on using each component. A more durable carrying case would improve the kit’s overall durability and organization.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit is decent, though some components are more robust than others. The plastic bags and metal bowl should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The filter straw has a limited lifespan based on the amount of water filtered, so it will eventually need replacing.
Maintaining the kit involves cleaning and drying the components after each use. The filter straw requires occasional backflushing using the provided syringe to maintain optimal flow. Properly maintaining the individual components can significantly extend the overall lifespan of the kit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including collection bags, filters, purification tablets, and tools. There are limited options for customization, as the kit is designed as a self-contained system. However, users can supplement the kit with additional water bottles or a larger water filter if desired.
The kit is compatible with standard water bottle threads, allowing users to pre-filter water into a bottle for storage. You can always add a higher quality water filter to improve performance, and adding a larger metal container for boiling water would be helpful as well.
Pros and Cons of Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit
Pros
- Offers a comprehensive and versatile approach to water gathering and purification.
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a backpack or survival kit.
- Includes multiple methods for collecting and purifying water, providing redundancy.
- Survival filter straw effectively removes bacteria and protozoa.
- Relatively affordable compared to purchasing individual components separately.
Cons
- Flow rate of the survival filter straw is slow.
- Plastic bags are vulnerable to punctures.
- Purification tablets leave a slight aftertaste.
Who Should Buy Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit?
The Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit is perfect for hikers, campers, backpackers, survivalists, and anyone venturing into areas where reliable water sources are uncertain. It’s a valuable addition to any emergency preparedness kit or bug-out bag. Those who prioritize convenience and redundancy in their water acquisition strategy will benefit the most.
Individuals who require a high-flow rate water filter or prefer not to use chemical purification methods should consider alternative options. Those seeking a more robust and durable water collection system may also want to explore other alternatives.
Conclusion on Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit
The Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit is a valuable and versatile tool for anyone venturing into the great outdoors or preparing for emergency situations. While it has some limitations, such as the slow flow rate of the filter straw and the vulnerability of the plastic bags, its comprehensiveness, lightweight design, and redundancy make it a worthwhile investment. The Off Grid Tools kit truly provides an accessible approach to creating potable water in a survival situation.
At $59.99, the price is justified given the number of components and the peace of mind it provides. I would personally recommend it as a backup water acquisition and purification system. Be prepared, stay hydrated, and stay safe with the Off Grid Tools Water Gathering Kit.