The idea of a self-filling water bottle seems like an idea out of a science fiction movie. Clean, potable water for everyone in the world is often seen as a fantasy. The team at Fontus aims to make these dreams a reality with their new self-filling water bottle. It is able to extract humidity from the air and provide half a liter of drinkable water an hour. Although some are skeptical, it’s an amazing step in the right direction to provide clean water for those in areas without access to it across the world. On a smaller scale, it’s great for hikers, cyclists, campers, and anyone else in the outdoors who like to travel light and without a lot of heavy water weighing them down.
Initially developed with cyclists in mind, the self-filling water bottle was dubbed the Ryde. Once Fontus realized their bottle could be a hit for more than just cyclists, they began development on the Airo, creating this version for hikers, backpackers, and campers. No matter what your chosen activity, Fontus hopes to provide clean, drinkable water for anyone in the outdoors.
The self-filling water bottle uses a solar device that utilizes hydrophobic surfaces to repel and funnel drops of condensation into the bottle. In short, it captures the humidity from the air and puts it in the water bottle, providing the user with drinkable water from the moisture in the air. The water will be clean, as long as the air isn’t too polluted. Fontus hopes to eventually add a carbon filter to the water bottle, filtering polluted water and providing clean drinking water no matter where you’re located.
The humidity of the air is a major factor in how much water the Ryde or Airo can harvest. The temperature also has an impact on fill rate. If you’re anywhere with a temperature between 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and have 80 to 90 percent humidity, you can hit the maximum fill rate of half a liter per hour. If you’re in a location with little humidity or a lower temperature, you won’t be able to hit this rate. Fontus states that even in dry environments, like deserts, there is enough moisture in the air that their bottles can successfully harvest it. In situations like these, the Fontus may be a lifesaver.
Although Fontus hasn’t released their self-filling water bottles yet, the buzz is definitely real. Many believe this is the next big item in not just backpacking, hiking, and any other outdoor activity, but the world. Still, others are skeptical. They don’t believe that the Ryde or Airo will be able to deliver on the fill rates that Fontus advertises. Fontus plans to soon release data backing up their data, showing temperature, humidity, duration, and water volume created, hoping to prove the naysayers wrong.
Despite your position on the debate whether Fontus is releasing a revolutionary product or a pipe dream, the buzz is undeniable. These self-filling water bottles may be the next big piece of gear for any of those that love the outdoors, or they may fall flat on their promises. Only time will tell.
Check out this Awesome Self Inflating Bottle
However, depending on the time of year, nights may not get as cold as expected. In fact, it can sometimes get so stifling hot that you need to sleep outside of your tent. If you choose to do this, however, watch out for scorpions that come out after the sun goes down. Bring an extra pair of sandals to wear around camp. Scorpions will often crawl into boots and shoes during the night, so another pair of footwear to slip on in the night is a great idea. Additionally, wear a pair of loose fitting gloves while sleeping if you choose to sleep outside of your tent. Most scorpions aren’t life threatening, though their stings can be extremely painful, and the last thing you want to do is slap one in your sleep.
Buying something new makes us happy. After a while, though, the happiness fades, and we’re looking for the next new thing to buy, repeating this process indefinitely. You’ll end up with more things, but will you be happier than before? Most experts say no. They recommend using your money on new experiences, like outdoor activities, traveling, or learning new skills. These new skills can range anywhere from rock climbing to sky diving, or even just camping at the lake. Getting out and enjoying life can be just as enjoyable as purchasing something new.
A successful fire foundation is the result of the perfect combination of oxygen, fuel, and heat. In nearly every imaginable situation, you’ll have ample oxygen and fuel in the form of twigs, sticks, and logs. The heat will usually come from a lighter or matches, which you should always have on you while outdoors. Even if you don’t plan on using them, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Check out 
The K-PAK is a new foldable boat from The Folding Boat Company, created by outdoorsman and SAS employee Pete Flood. The Folding Boat Company was formed after Flood had to walk over two miles to a duck hunting site, all while carrying a heavy canoe over land. By the time him and his partner reached the site, they were already out of daylight. Instead of being discouraged, however, he came up with an idea to create a foldable, portable boat that is small and light enough to fit inside of a backpack.
To begin with, one of the most obvious problems seen in climbing is the use of improper carabiners. Carabiners are used everywhere, from backpacks to key chains. However, many of these carabiners aren’t rated for climbing. You won’t see anyone climbing using these carabiners for support, as they simply can’t support that much weight, but you may see them used to clip shoes, water bottles, or any other types of gear to climbers. While they probably won’t break, it’s best to be safe, as you certainly don’t want any of your gear breaking off, falling down a cliff, and striking another climber.
themselves growing too relaxed, especially during the beginning of the ascent. Indoors, if a climber doesn’t attach their first bolt correctly, they fall a few feet to a soft foam mat. Outdoors, a fall of a few feet can be devastating. Sharp rocks, roots, and hard ground can cause injuries even from the tiniest of falls. Always pay attention to your climber. Additionally, if you’re the belayer (the person who acts as a counterweight in the event of a climber falling) to your climber, make sure you’re close to the rock wall. In many gyms, belayers are told to stand far back from the wall, letting them get a good view of what’s going on, so they can learn what to do. In real life situations, this can be dangerous. A lead climber falling will jerk a belayer into the hard rock wall instead of jerking them upward. It’s dangerous for both parties.
Before you think about hitting the ice, know that safety is the biggest concern. Ice fishing can be dangerous and deadly, but it doesn’t have to be. To safely ice fish, you need at least four inches of solid ice. If the ice isn’t that thick, don’t risk fishing on it, even if it feels solid and safe. Many anglers will take snowmobiles and four wheelers onto the ice once it is eight to twelve inches thick, though this can be a recipe for disaster. Always err on the side of caution. If there are no other anglers on the lake, drill test holes as you move outwards from the shore, ensuring proper ice thickness. Finally, never go alone. Always go fishing with at least one other friend.
To begin with, your most important piece of gear is always going to be your shelter. Most campers will choose a large tent that is big enough to fit their whole family in it, but it’s certainly not your only choice. Consider smaller and lighter tents. They are often easier to set up and don’t take up as much room around your campsite. If your campground has a lot of trees, consider using a hammock. They’re great places to sleep and lounge around in.
If you’re looking at getting into hiking, it’s important to realize how hiking is similar and different when compared to camping. Camping and hiking share much of the same gear: tents, hammocks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and many easy cook meals. Camping is most often experienced by driving to a popular campground, putting up a large tent, and hanging out around a campfire. Hiking is certainly similar to camping in this regard, though in most cases, you’ll be walking to your campsite instead of driving. Most days, you’ll spend your time walking on trails, climbing mountains, and crossing streams. Whether you choose to hike back to your campsite each day or simply pack up and find a new one every evening is up to you.
Inflatable air mattresses and blankets are left at home in favor of inflatable sleeping pads and lightweight sleeping bags.