Overlanding is the act of traveling off-road in a vehicle. It’s a great way to see the world, but it does require some preparation. One thing you’ll need to think about is how you’re going to store water for your trip. The most common method for storing water is by using large plastic containers or jerry cans (the metal ones). You can also use smaller bottles like those used for sports drinks or soda pop if they’re empty and clean them thoroughly before filling them with fresh water from your spigot at home!

Water is one of the most essential resources in any survival situation. It will be essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning and watering your survival garden. Water storage can be a real issue for overlanders with limited space, but there are some solutions that can help you store an ample amount of water to last your family for extended periods.

In a Nutshell: Overlanders & Water Storage

Overlanders store water using various containers and storage systems to ensure they have an adequate supply for drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs during their trips. Some common water storage options for overlanders include:

  1. Jerry cans: These durable, rectangular containers are designed to carry and store liquids, including water. They come in various sizes, typically ranging from 5 to 20 liters, and are made of food-grade plastic or metal. Jerry cans are popular among overlanders due to their sturdy construction and stackable design.
  2. Collapsible water containers: These containers are made from flexible, food-grade materials and can be folded or rolled up when not in use, making them a space-saving option. They come in various sizes, usually between 5 and 20 liters, and often have built-in handles and spouts for easy pouring.
  3. Water bladders or bags: Water bladders or bags are made from flexible, food-grade materials and can be filled with water to provide a lightweight and compact storage solution. They usually have a hose or spout for easy access to the water and can be hung or placed in a backpack.
  4. Built-in water tanks: Some overlanders choose to install custom or aftermarket built-in water tanks in their vehicles. These tanks can hold larger quantities of water and are often made from durable materials like stainless steel or food-grade plastic.
  5. Water bottles and hydration systems: For personal hydration, overlanders often carry reusable water bottles or hydration systems, such as hydration bladders or reservoirs, which can be easily refilled from larger water containers or natural sources.

Using Coolers for Cool Water Storage

There are a few different options for storing water in your vehicle. The first is a soft-sided cooler, which is just like the one you have at home except smaller and with wheels. These are great because they’re easy to carry around and can hold ice for up to three days before it melts. They also have some downsides: they’re not very durable, so if you drop them or drive over them with your truck (which we’ve all done), then they will probably break open and spill everywhere.

Hard-sided coolers come in two varieties–one that’s insulated on all sides and another that only has insulation on top and bottom but not on either side of the lid opening (which makes it easier to access). The former type will keep ice frozen for up to five days while the latter will keep ice frozen for three days–both longer than any soft-sided option available today!

Insulated bags are another option; these work well if you want something lightweight but still need something durable enough not leak when exposed directly under hot sun or driving rain conditions such as those found during long road trips through Africa where temperatures can reach well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during midday hours.”

Essential Accessories: Water Storage Solutions

Water is an integral element of any kitchen, especially out in the backcountry. It’s used for cooking, washing dishes and drinking – having quality water for these tasks is paramount to successful overlanding.

Due to this need, Overlanders must have a way of storing water in their vehicles. From collapsible containers to permanent tanks, there are various options for keeping liquids on the go.

No matter which water storage you opt for, make sure it’s easy to fill and secure. Portable options tend to be easier to transport but require bungee cords or ratchet straps to hold in place while driving so there are no leaks while driving.

When using water for dishes or cooking, make sure it has a filtration system installed. These filters will eliminate parasites, bacteria and any other unwanted elements present in your water supply.

Overlanders typically bring extra water for drinking and personal hygiene on their adventures. This is an essential factor to take into account when planning your overlanding expedition, as it will help keep you feeling refreshed and alert for extended periods of time.

To save water while traveling, prepare meals in advance and freeze them to save space. One of our go-to overlanding meal ideas is chili – which freezes easily and tastes amazing when reheated on the stove top or over a campfire grill.

Another tip is to cook meals in bulk, such as spaghetti dishes, before packing them away for the trip. This will save you water during the day and free up space in your vehicle for other food items.

Finally, water should always be taken into consideration when storing leftovers and trash. It’s essential to have a means of storage which keeps these out of harm’s way for animals and other wildlife; thus, using something like an Alubox or Trasharoo with a strong garbage bag inside is ideal.

Finding places to refill your water tanks on the go can be a hassle, but you should always be able to locate an accessible spigot. Some fuel stations will have one on site, while many grocery stores and big-box retailers provide free water refill stations that you can use at no cost.

Part #1: Water Collection

When camping or backpacking in the wilderness, water collection is essential. Depending on the environment, boiling might be necessary to make it safe for drinking; alternatively, you can collect it naturally from sources like wind or sun.

Water is an invaluable resource in almost every environment, and knowing how to access and utilize it properly is paramount for survival. This includes understanding how to collect, store, filter, and purify water effectively.

One of the best ways to conserve water is by collecting it in a container. Large containers work great for catching rain from above or condensation on grass and tree leaves. You can also collect dew by wrapping plastic around plants that produce water vapor, such as lavender.

You can use a tarp to collect water that seeps off the ground during heavy rainfall. Store collected liquid in an easily sterilizable container before using it for drinking or cooking purposes.

Collecting and storing water is a great way to prevent dehydration, and it can serve as an invaluable emergency preparedness tool for long-term survival. However, remember that rainwater is not always pure – it may contain bacteria or other contaminants.

Waterborne illness or even death are possible without filtering, so it’s essential to filter your water before drinking or cooking with it. Water treatment tablets or fresh bleach are an effective way to prepare collected rainwater for storage.

Some overlanders opt to purchase a small rainwater tank as an effective way to store more rainwater during the rainy season. These are especially helpful for those living in areas that receive frequent rainfall.

When selecting a water tank, the size should be determined by your climate. For instance, those living in the Pacific Northwest should invest in larger tanks which will hold more rainfall and provide you with longer storage.

Another effective way to store water is by creating a solar still. All you need is a clear plastic bag tied around a leafy branch, and the sun will provide enough energy for it to create a vacuum inside that traps the liquid inside.

Part #2: Water Storage

Water is an invaluable resource, used for cooking, washing clothes, flushing the toilet and even brushing hair! That is why having a water storage container on hand at all times is so important.

Many overlanders use a range of containers to store water. Sizes range from the smallest 5-7 gallon containers up through 55-gallon water barrels and other larger storage options designed for long term preservation.

In most parts of the world, boiling drinking water before consumption is recommended. This process sterilizes the liquid and prevents bacteria and other pathogens from causing sickness or death.

While it’s recommended to always boil water before drinking it, in an emergency you can store it without sterilization in a container without worry. The most straightforward method is placing a large container filled with clean drinking water under your bed or in a bathroom cabinet and keeping it there until use.

Another way to store water is to dig wells near lakes, ponds and swamps that you can access in an emergency. Doing this allows you to have water close by your home when needed instead of having to transport it away for camping.

If you’re not sure where to locate a well, look for sand dunes and other sandy areas near bodies of water. These places act as natural filters for water, allowing you to extract it from them.

Additionally, you can dig deeply into the ground near your campsite to check for any wells that lie buried under the sand. If so, you may be able to drink from these sources; however, make sure the well is sufficiently buried so that sand and dirt do not enter it.

Another way to store water is by using a tank. These can either be underground or set into the ground on a concrete pad. Tanks are an ideal option for overlanders as they collect and store large amounts of water simultaneously.

Part #3: Water Filtration

Overlanders require clean and safe drinking water when traveling in the backcountry. Filtration systems are essential in guaranteeing that the water you drink is free from contaminants like bacteria or parasites.

Filters can also eliminate unpleasant tastes and odors from water, making drinking filtered water enjoyable and helping prevent dehydration – particularly important when traveling in remote regions where access to medical care may be limited.

Overlanders find bottled water an expensive, wasteful option. Filters reduce plastic waste generated from packaging while offering a safe solution for those worried about health risks associated with contaminated drinking water.

Water filtration is the process of filtering or purifying water through physical, chemical and/or biological means. It starts with pretreatment which involves pumping, screening and storing raw (source) water for later use.

After adding positive ions to the water, chemicals with positive ions attach themselves to negatively charged particles like dirt. These chemicals bind these particles and form larger ones which can then be separated in the next stage of filtration, flocculation.

These large particles will settle at the bottom of the tank and out of sight. The clear water on top can then pass through different filters for disinfection, eliminating any remaining dissolved particles such as dust, parasites, bacteria, viruses and chemicals.

Chemical filtration utilizes activated carbon, which has adsorption properties that can help filter out many impurities from water. This process removes chlorine, chloramines and other common chemicals found in drinking water.

Activated carbon can improve your water’s flavor and odor by absorbing chemicals from the solution. It is especially effective at eliminating organic compounds that add an unpleasant taste to water.

Typically, this filtration method involves two stages that utilize sand and activated carbon to clean the water. However, you may opt for a reverse osmosis water filter; while these tend to be more expensive than traditional filters, they are highly effective at eliminating harmful impurities from your drinking water.

Part #4: Water Purification

Water is one of the most essential resources that overlanders must have in their backcountry backpacking gear. Without it, many would be unable to survive in the wilderness.

Overlanders have several methods for purifying water while on-the-go. These include boiling, disinfection with tablets or ultra-filtration.

Boiling water is the oldest and most reliable method for eliminating pathogens from a source. This process works by raising the temperature to 212 degF (100 degC). Bacteria, parasites and viruses cannot survive at this high temperature.

Chemical treatment is another popular way to preserve water. This involves adding iodine or chlorine tablets, which can be purchased at any local drug store.

These chemicals effectively eliminate most bacteria and microorganisms in water, but can leave behind toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic. Furthermore, they cause taste and odor changes which may be an irritation for those who would prefer not to have their water smelling or tasting like chlorine.

Chlorine Dioxide, another widely-used chemical, is highly effective at eliminating all bacteria and other contaminants from water. It’s particularly useful in cold, murky waters where other chemicals may not work as well. Chlorine Dioxide has long been considered the best option available.

In a survival situation, these tablets can be an invaluable ally as they’re portable and require little effort. Not only that, but they’re easy to use too; one tablet can generate up to 20 liters of clean water at once!

When using this method, be sure to read the directions on the bottle and ensure your tablets have not expired. Furthermore, bear in mind that not all water sources respond the same to these tablets, so they may not be 100% effective for some.

These tablets are an effective way to purify water while camping or backpacking in the wilderness, and should always be carried as a backup in your backpacking or hunting pack. Be aware that many of these items have an expiration date, so make sure you use them within their intended time period.