SURVIVAL TIPS: Charcoal as Activated Carbon & it's uses

I explain the uses of charcoal as a useful byproduct of your campfire when crushed into a coarse & fine consistency. In this state, it is no longer charcoal, but rather 'Activated Carbon' in it's purest state. In a coarse consistency, it can be used in conjunction with a cloth of some kind like a bandana, and varying sizes of sand to filter extremely dirty water. NOTE: After filtering your water in this manner, you MUST first either treat it chemically or by boiling to purify it in order for the water to be drinkable.
When the charcoal is crushed into a very fine consistency, it can be ingested as a stop-gap measure for stomach problems associated with raw food or undercooked food (as in a survival situation). Where you may not have the means to start a fire to cook the food propperly. When ingested in this manner, the activated carbon acts to absorb some of the bad "juju" as it were and will calm your stomach and lessen the effects of whatever you put in your mouth. NOTE: All foraged food or game you plan to consume in the field should be cooked thoroughly.

DISCLAIMER: I cannot take responsibility for anyone who uses this information. It is presented here as an emergency measure only, and is intended for educational purposes. Any use or misuse of this technique becomes the sole responsibility of the person(s) who choose to use it.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• survival
• tips
• bushcraft
• self
• reliance
• camping
• tricks

[jkurse555]

I have been looking for something like this. I was thinking it would work, and I made charcoal for another application, so I've been filtering my tap water (tastes much better now!) Thanks for the awesome info!

[ArmyStinger150]

@jkurse555 Thanks, glad it works for ya.

[dogbone222]

If i were to use this in a gas mask filter would it work? As in regular fire charcoal right?

[ArmyStinger150]

@dogbone222 That, I have no idea if it would work. Usually the tilter canisters are sealed. I would not trust this for that application.

[treasurebooking]

Thanks so much for this! It could save lives in a shortage of clean water! In fact . . . thinking about it . . . wouldn't this help people who are drinking filthy water in 3rd world countries?!! I'm going to contact Charity Water and point them to your excellent idea! Good on you!

[ArmyStinger150]

@treasurebooking Thank you...they do sell a refined version of this( I forgot the name of the actual product, sorry). This isn't a original idea specific to me....so I cannot take sole credit for it. I was taught this trick by my Grandfather when I was little. I know it works...I have had to use it once or twice! Thanks for the compliment all the same. Take care.

[dogbone222]

@ArmyStinger150 Gotcha. found out you needed activated charcoal. Lol people call me too paranoid, but hey, I'm a bug out kit as it is for a Nuke or bio attack.

[treasurebooking]

@ArmyStinger150

You never claimed to have come up with the idea - but you did take the time to share it! I went over to the Charity Water site and looked for a way to send them your link, but haven't found the contact link yet. Will keep trying! Horray for grandsons that listen to their Grandfathers! Warmest wishes your way!

[ArmyStinger150]

@hillbillybushcraft Thanks man! I appreciate what you are lookin' for. I will put up more when I get the chance.

[hillbillybushcraft]

Thanks for posting. I don't think you said how much activated carbon you would need to take? If you have more tips that are out of the ordinary please post as well. I am looking for the tips that are out of the norm like this. There are a million fire videos but this is the first I have seen like this. Thanks again. Subbed