Water
Boil water in a plastic bottle over coals
Water inside a plastic bottle protects the plastic from melting long enough to bring the water to a boil — a genuine emergency trick.
Step-by-step
Fill a clear plastic bottle (PET, like a common soda or water bottle) completely full — no air gap.
Set the bottle upright directly on hot coals raked to the edge of the fire, not in active flame.
Turn the bottle a quarter-turn every 30 seconds so it heats evenly.
The water will reach a boil while the bottle scorches on the outside; contents remain drinkable.
Handle with sticks or a bandana — the bottle is soft and hot; let it cool before pouring.
Warning: Emergency use only. Repeated heating of plastic bottles releases chemicals into the water. Use once, then discard the bottle.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.