Free Filter Hobo Style for Rain Water Run Off

I just finished this video for Youtube. Its part of my Hobo Series. I take "junk" and free stuff to create usable survival systems. This one is all about what to do with the rain water collected in buckets from off the roof. I have used bleach exclusively for all my long distance hikes, including The Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico to Canada), the Appalachian Trail, the entire 2,172 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Colorado Trail, can we say Bovine and Beavers?? I know bleach works.

Its important to get the organic material out of the water, hence the double filtration. First, the netting removes the larger debris. Its easy to clean this netting too. Then, the cotton bandanna creates a fine filtration. Its a cheap easy way to get it down to the finest particles.

The straw is inserted into a hole created by a hot soldering iron. You can use a hot nail, or match. Then insert straw, seal with glue. I prefer a 100% silicone in a caulking tube. I keep this stuff around all the time. Once open, you can double wrap it in a couple plastic walmart bags. When you need it again, apply pressure, unplug by pulling out that little solid piece, and it will flow freely again. The stuff is great for all kinds of repairs and water proofing. It will withstand direct sunlight and has survived my solar water testing procedures.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the short video.