Jul132010
High-tech vs. Low-tech, it’s all good!
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PDFIn this world of modern day prepping, high-tech survival tools and gadgets are everywhere. For example, the SteriPEN. If you haven’t added one of these to your bug-out bag or camping gear, you really should check it out. With the press of a button and a swirl of an ultraviolet-lit wand, you have water safe enough to drink!
image by Danny et Maryse
When you don’t want to carry around bleach for fear of leaks and don’t have time to boil water, the SteriPEN is worth the money.
Now, high-tech is great for some gadgets, but the Sun Oven is so low-tech, ya gotta love that, too. Last week we traveled to Park City and beyond. The Sun Oven was in the back of the Tahoe, and by the time we got home, it had been knocked around more than a few times. All that abuse took its toll because yesterday I discovered that the glass door was slightly off center and unable to close completely.
Of course I panicked, but I shouldn’t have. The Sun Oven’s very simple, very low-tech design allows the company to offer this warranty on their product: fifteen years, based on daily use in third world countries. I don’t think my little Sun Oven knows the first thing about abuse! So, with a few quick twists of a screwdriver, that glass door was realigned, and my oven was as good as new. Gotta love low-tech!
image by RJL20
So, which is better? High-tech or low-tech? I think they both have their place in survival and preparedness. A tool like the SteriPEN simply makes the task of water purification easier than ever. It would be a mistake to not have at least a couple of back-ups, but nevertheless, being able to purify water in thirty seconds is hard to beat. A solar-battery charger would help insure its usefulness over the long haul. If you’re more the mountain man type, don’t sneer too much at high-tech survival tools! There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of a really cool gadget that makes life easier.
Survival tools that are low-tech are usually more simple to maintain, use and repair, and are often less expensive. I strongly recommend that every household have at least one way to cook food and heat water other than their kitchen stove. The Sun Oven is useful for that purpose while having the advantages of solid construction and being easy to use. When you’re thinking about survival, low-tech is the best choice as a back-up to your back-ups.
If survival and preparedness are your goals, high-tech and low-tech are all good.
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(7) Readers Comments
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Melinda
You make a great point here. It's easy to get hung up on either high or low tech, but a little of both could really take you a long way in a crisis.
Guest
For the Steri-pen a solar battery charger is key. I recently ordered the Sanyo Eneloop batteries, which can be charged up to 1,000 times and hold 85% of their charge for 1 year. However, in the absence of electricity they are no different than throw-away batteries. With a solar battery charger and the Eneloop batteries, you will be able to purify an amazing amount of water.
LizLong
We also have little "cases" for the eneloop batteries that make them C or D cells. Very handy since rechargeable C and D cells aren't exactly common.
Dagny
Speaking of low-tech, check out the Kelly Kettle, Eydon Kettle and Thermette — old-school kettles to boil water. They use very little fuel — such as twigs – and can even burn animal dung. I have one of each.
I also have the Steripen with solar battery charger. Quite compact.
Barbara
I have a paranoia that emergency water will have more than just organic contaminants in it. Chemicals are everywhere these days, and in a disaster may end up in the water. Gasoline, industrial chemicals, etc. won't be removed with bleach, boiling, or ultraviolet. I have good supply of activated charcoal filters to help with this. They can be bought at aquarium supply stores.
L P
We use a Berkey Light here at the suburban retreat. We tested for chlorine, which is quite heavy in our tap water, and could detect nothing with the kit….. The gritty taste and hard water fouling is gone, too. Berkey Lights can go with you camping, and do quite well in a camp setup.
I have to agree, mechanical filtration is very nice to have BUT….. (and there always is a "but", right?), for quick BIOLOGICAL treatment, them Steripens are very handy. We don't have one yet, but it's "on the list"…
Gary Wolf
This sounds Kinda stoopid but why not just get a ultraviolet light light? that way you can use it a glass at a time. or a bucket…. build your self a fire. get some charcole and sand and your set for a tank of water! I must admit… I do like the pen! i just see it being a pain if were trying to clean any appreciable amount of water.