Twas cleaning my aquarium recently when

[southernfryedyankee]

I got a brainstorm for an outdoor emergency lightweight water filter. I was looking at the components that make up my aquarium filter and it started to hit me that I could make something about 1'L x 1W" that could be used as an emergency water filter. Because I have an aquarium I keep everything except the PVC on hand but could easily get from HD or Lowes. Here is my idea I am curious to know what yall think. If its stupid by all means tell me, if its awesome by all means tell me or if you think you can improve it by all means tell me. The components are basically

Blue filter material for larger particles, filter floss (polyester stuffing) for fine particles and the activated carbon for odor and some less desirable removal. I figure after running the water through just boil it and you SHOULD be good to go.

The filter material weighs almost nothing and the charcoal weighs a drop and one could easily pack a filter recharge kit. You could also use charcoal from a wood fire in a pinch. Best of all the whole unit can disassembled to clean.

This is in no means perfect and I would feel most comfortable using something like this where the risk of chemical contamination from human population is minimal. I would also like to reiterate that the water MUST still be boiled but I think in a pinch this might come in handy if you find yourself on mother natures less desirable terms.

http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g452/southernfryedyankee/Untitled.jpg

[T Co]

Good idea. Reminds me alot of this vid by Pict. Might help you out.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Colhane#p/search/0/m8VQk4isaOM (http://www.youtube.com/user/Colhane#p/search/0/m8VQk4isaOM)

[Skab]

Check out this post, I did a short video on a water filter and others took up the challenge.

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41838&highlight=water+filter

[Mykos]

It would certainly work to remove particulate matter. My thinking would be that if you're boiling it anyway, it'd be lighter and easier to strain your water through a bandana or sock (clean of course) to remove junk. You could add charcoal from a fire in the cloth filter if you need to remove stale or boggy taste. I'm not sure if the PVC device would add that much more to justify the extra space and weight it takes up.

This is assuming you're carrying it in a pack. If you've got a car/canoe/dogsled or something to carry gear then go ahead and bring it along.

[hunter63]

Good idea. Reminds me alot of this vid by Pict. Might help you out.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Colhane#p/search/0/m8VQk4isaOM (http://www.youtube.com/user/Colhane#p/search/0/m8VQk4isaOM)

Thanks for the reminder, I carry one of Pict's filters in each vehicle.

[Steveo1o9]

It would certainly work to remove particulate matter. My thinking would be that if you're boiling it anyway, it'd be lighter and easier to strain your water through a bandana or sock (clean of course) to remove junk. You could add charcoal from a fire in the cloth filter if you need to remove stale or boggy taste. I'm not sure if the PVC device would add that much more to justify the extra space and weight it takes up.

This is assuming you're carrying it in a pack. If you've got a car/canoe/dogsled or something to carry gear then go ahead and bring it along.

+1, if the idea of this is only for emergency situations then I think it is a little overkill to carry. If you are truly in an emergency then I hope the taste of your water is not a major concern as that is only what this filter is treating. As long as you boil it you will be safe.