Safe Water
Solar still
Transpiration and pit stills condense moisture using sun and plastic or large leaves—useful teaching tool; often low yield in true survival.
At a glance
Energy investmentLow energyLow muscle cost, high time cost. Rarely replaces a real seep or known spring.
ReliabilityLow reliability
TimeHalf a day for small volumes
Materials
- Clear plastic sheet or broad non-toxic leaves
- Container under the low point
- Optional green vegetation in the pit
Steps
- 1Dig a pit; place container in the centre.
- 2Add chopped green vegetation around the container if available.
- 3Seal with plastic; weight the centre so condensate drips into the cup.
- 4Wait through peak sun; collect sparingly.
- Expecting litres—yield is often tablespoons
- Punctured seal or no temperature gradient
- Using toxic plants inside the still
Region fit
Poor in: Temperate forest, Tropical jungle, Desert, Mountains, Coast & swamp · Avoid in: Snow & ice
Temperate forestPoor fit Tropical junglePoor fit DesertPoor fit MountainsPoor fit Snow & iceAvoid Coast & swampPoor fit
Fit keyGood fitPoor fitAvoid
Other methods
Rate yourself
Take the PSR assessment and score this skill honestly.