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Water

Solar still basics

A solar still gives small amounts of clean water at a large cost of sweat.

Water 30 min practice

Von Malegowski — Solar Still

Step-by-step

  1. Dig a pit two feet wide and a foot deep in a sunny spot with damp soil or green vegetation.

  2. Place a container in the center; line the pit with green plants around it.

  3. Cover the pit with a clear plastic sheet and seal the edges with soil.

  4. Set a small stone on the plastic directly over the container to form a low point.

  5. Water condenses on the underside, runs to the low point, and drips into the container.

Tip: Yield is small — a still is a supplement, not a plan. Dig it only if you're already staying put.

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.