First Thoughts on the Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle
The Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle are a crucial addition to any survival kit, bug-out bag, or camping gear setup. These small but mighty tablets promise clean and safe drinking water in situations where sourcing potable water is difficult or impossible. My experience in the outdoors, whether leading wilderness survival courses or trekking through remote hunting locations, has hammered home the critical need for reliable water purification.
I was seeking a lightweight and easy-to-use water purification method that didn’t rely on batteries or complicated filtration systems. The potential for giardia, cryptosporidium, and other nasty pathogens in untreated water sources is a serious concern for anyone spending time outdoors. While I own several water filters, I wanted a backup solution that was compact and readily available.
The Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle come in a small, unassuming bottle, about the size of my thumb, filled with fifty tiny tablets. Their simplicity is immediately appealing. Compared to carrying a bulky water filter or relying on boiling (which requires fuel), these tablets seemed like a no-brainer for emergency situations.
I considered other options like iodine tablets and water purification straws. I chose these tablets primarily because of their ease of use and supposedly neutral taste compared to iodine. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was hopeful that these tablets would deliver on their promise of providing safe, palatable drinking water, a critical factor in maintaining morale and physical well-being in a survival situation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle during a weekend backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I sourced water from a seemingly clear stream, knowing that appearances can be deceiving. The air temperature hovered around 60°F, and the water was cold.
Using the instructed dosage of one tablet per quart, I waited the recommended time (about 30 minutes) before drinking. The water had a very faint chlorine taste, barely noticeable, much better than I anticipated. No ill effects were observed, and I successfully rehydrated after a long day of hiking.
No immediate issues arose, but I did notice that the tablets can be a bit difficult to handle with wet or gloved hands due to their small size.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the following months, I used the Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle on several other outdoor excursions, including a week-long fishing trip and a three-day survival training exercise. The tablets consistently disinfected water from various sources, including rivers, lakes, and even questionable puddles. There were no instances of waterborne illness.
I’ve found that the tablets remain effective even after being exposed to varying temperatures within my pack. The bottle itself is durable and has shown no signs of wear and tear. Maintenance is nonexistent, as there’s nothing to clean or service.
Compared to my previous reliance on iodine tablets (which always left a lingering, unpleasant taste), these tablets are a significant improvement in terms of palatability and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle
Specifications
- Quantity: Each bottle contains 50 tablets, enough to treat 50 quarts (12.5 gallons) of water. This is a significant amount of water for individual use in emergency situations, lasting several days or even weeks.
- Dosage: One tablet disinfects approximately one quart of water. This simple 1:1 ratio makes calculating dosage easy in stressful situations.
- Packaging: The tablets come in a small, lightweight, and durable bottle. Its compact size allows for convenient storage in any pack or survival kit without adding significant bulk or weight.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the portability, ease of use, and effectiveness of the water purification method. A higher quantity of tablets ensures a longer-lasting supply, while a simple dosage simplifies the disinfection process.
Performance & Functionality
The Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle perform their primary function – disinfecting water – exceptionally well. They eliminate most harmful bacteria and viruses, making water safe to drink. However, it’s important to note that they don’t remove sediment or heavy metals, so pre-filtering may be necessary for particularly dirty water.
The main strength is their simplicity and effectiveness. Their only weakness is the fact that they don’t remove debris or improve the clarity of the water.
The tablets meet expectations by providing a reliable and lightweight method for water disinfection.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is incredibly simple: a small bottle filled with tablets. The build quality is adequate; the bottle is made of durable plastic that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
The tablets are very user-friendly; there’s virtually no learning curve. Anyone can quickly understand how to use them.
Durability & Maintenance
The tablets themselves have a long shelf life, typically several years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The bottle is durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear.
Maintenance is practically nonexistent; no cleaning or special care is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle do not come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options available. However, they are ideally paired with a bandana or cloth for pre-filtering sediment from water before disinfection. Pairing it with a stainless steel or titanium water bottle could be a great addition.
Pros and Cons of Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle
Pros
- Lightweight and Compact: Easily fits into any pack or survival kit without adding significant weight or bulk.
- Simple to Use: Requires no technical knowledge or complicated setup; just drop and wait.
- Effective Disinfection: Eliminates most harmful bacteria and viruses, making water safe to drink.
- Long Shelf Life: Tablets can be stored for several years without losing their effectiveness.
- Neutral Taste: Significantly more palatable than iodine-based water purification methods.
Cons
- Does Not Remove Sediment: Pre-filtering may be necessary for particularly dirty water sources.
- Waiting Time Required: Takes approximately 30 minutes for the tablets to fully disinfect the water.
Who Should Buy Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle?
The Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle are perfect for:
- Hikers and Backpackers
- Campers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Survivalists and Preppers
- Travelers to Areas with Unsafe Drinking Water
Anyone who relies on easily accessible clean water sources should consider an alternative such as a pump-style water filter. A few examples of people who should consider alternative options include:
- Anyone who needs to treat large quantities of water frequently.
- Anyone who will be in an area with a high amount of debris in water sources.
A must-have accessory is a simple bandana or piece of cloth for pre-filtering sediment.
Conclusion on Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle
The Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle offer a simple, lightweight, and effective solution for water disinfection in emergency situations. At $7.99, the price is absolutely justified considering the peace of mind they provide and the potential health risks they mitigate.
I would absolutely recommend these tablets to anyone who spends time outdoors or wants to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. For such a small investment, the ability to reliably purify water is invaluable. Grab a bottle (or two!) of Emergency Germicidal Drinking Water Tablets 50 Per Bottle and add them to your kit; you’ll be glad you did when you need them most.