Bushcraft Survival Australia - Water "Transpiration Bag"

This how to video shows how to use a transpiration bag to extract water from trees in the Australian environment. It details the selection of tree, aspect, fitting of the bag, the process of photosynthesis and the resulting yield of drinkable water.
The video is presented by Gordon Dedman, founder of Bushcraft Survival Australia (BSA). Gordon has travelled extensively and completed numerous Survival and Bushcraft Courses worldwide at schools run by Ray Mears, Dave Canterbury, Lofty Wiseman and Bob Cooper.
Gordon is a former member of the Australian Army 1st Commando Regiment and is presently attached to NORFORCE, an Australian Army Reserve Regional Force Surveillance unit (RFSU).
NORFORCE conducts patrols in the remote areas of Northern Australia, working closely with Aboriginal communities.
Please follow all safety procedures when lighting fires outdoors and always adhere to the laws and guidelines set down by your State or country of origin, governing fire lighting.
More videos available on www.BushcraftSurvivalAustralia.com.au
On the Person
Morakniv Garberg (Carbon) full tang knife alnk.to/hDjqBEe
Bacho Laplander folding saw bit.ly/3b8hXI0
Fire striker (Strikefire or Light my Fire or Morakniv) on a lanyard alnk.to/gdZmL94
Leatherman Supertool alnk.to/3TUk6RC
10m hank of 550 paracord bit.ly/3nQeK5b
Small Day Pack (Fjallraven Kanken or Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Satchel - alnk.to/e70gZnA
Kleen Kanteen 20oz or 40oz stainless steel, wide mouthed, single walled bottle with nesting cup alnk.to/7WXKFps
Pathfinder or Survival Supplies Australia /Bushcraft Survival Australia special edition All Weather Emergency Blanket (in production and coming soon) bit.ly/3h6Cnov
Heavy duty extra large non pleated garbage bag (new BSA survival bag in production and coming soon)
SOL Emergency Space Blanket/Bivvi bit.ly/3vLLi2X
Ledlenser MH4 head lamp alnk.to/4Bzm1V3
Falkniven DC4 sharpening stone bit.ly/3eYkSo1
Bushcraft Survival Australia Bandanas bit.ly/3nQ8iem
Suunto MC-2G Global Compass OR Silva Ranger Compass (also worn on the person) bit.ly/3tsGRZj
Small First Aid Kit bit.ly/3f3alI7
Military wound dressing/bandage bit.ly/3bbanMK
Overboard 10-15 litre dry bag alnk.to/7qdtJ0b
Helikon-Tex Military Poncho bit.ly/3xR28iI
Fjallraven Wool Beanie alnk.to/3y4O95k
Fjallraven Keb long sleeved wool t-shirt alnk.to/fS9QOdf
Fjallraven Vida Pro Trousers alnk.to/60TpSzj
Fjallraven Singi Trekking Shirt alnk.to/6bOaRoM
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Jacket alnk.to/3y4O9aV
“Rite in the Rain” Tactical note pad alnk.to/dequ64y
Large Pack (Snugpak 45L Rocket Pack with PLC side pockets) bit.ly/3eYEb0h
Alton Goods 3x3 Ultralight Tarp bit.ly/3en0VYR or Helikon-Tex Supertarp (small or large) bit.ly/33nd8Xa
Snugpak Softie 3 Merlin or Softie 6 Kestral synthetic sleeping bag bit.ly/3tntjy9
Sea to Summit Thermolite “Reactor” sleeping bag liner bit.ly/2QRAfGR
Snugpak Special Forces Bivvi Bag or ex army bivvy bag bit.ly/3ur1hD7
Snugpak 3/4 Mini Matt or Klymit Static V (short) sleeping matt bit.ly/33kTMSo
Military nylon ground sheet
Wash kit and Helikon-Tex Shemagh (towel) bit.ly/3h9jphk
“Survival” Snake Bite First Aid Kit
Ledlenser ML4 mini lantern alnk.to/4qEB371
Powertraveller Extreme Tactical Solar Powered Charger alnk.to/6mIVQgx
Helikon-Tex Enlarged Packcell Bag (for spare clothes) bit.ly/2SmC4vx
Fjallraven Granit Lumberjack Wool Shirt alnk.to/74nXLv4 OR Swandri Ranger Wool Bush Shirt
Swazi Tahr Anorak
fishing kit (optional) bit.ly/2QTrUT0
Alton Goods Lightweight Hammock bit.ly/3xNJrwl and Bug Net bit.ly/3b5ftKB (optional)
Side Pocket 1
Pathfinder Woodsman’s Pantry
Wildo Camp-A-Box (optional) bit.ly/3nUJcuT
Food/Rations (4-6 days)
Side Pocket 2
Kleen Kanteen 40oz stainless steel, single walled, wide mouthed, water bottle bit.ly/3nSvys4 OR Pathfinder 32oz bottle, nesting cup and pot hanger bit.ly/3nQ90bw
Snowpeak Mini Solo Cookset
Zebra 14inch Camping Pot/Saucepan bit.ly/3h1It9T
Alton Goods Ultralight Titanium Grill bit.ly/3enqh8N
Military Milbank Filter OR Brown Bag
MSR 4 Litre Dromedary Bag
Sea to Summit Mini Pocket Shower bit.ly/3xSvbT7
Collapsable bowl

[@source1zero]

These videos are fantastic Gordon!! Thanks so much for putting these up as there's really not a whole lot of videos specifically pertaining to Australian survival. Keep em coming please =)

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks very much for the nice comments and feedback. I will keep them coming as long as i can find the time.

[@michaelmcphee2930]

I'm glad you advised not to use black plastic bags as that was my first thought thinking a black bag would create a hotter environment and cause the leaves to sweat more. Nice one

[@franceslionheart]

Bag a small tree and wait 24 hours for it to produce 700ml of water, that's so cool! I can't wait to try this method!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

If you have consistent sunshine, a good spect and good bushy branch its brilliant. Thanks for watching.

[@sovereignaussie8627]

Most thorough demonstration Ive ever seen mate, top class for sure. Best bushcraft-survival vids in Australia mate. Keep 'em coming when you can

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Sorry for the late replies guys. I'm overseas at the moment with sporadic internet access.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks again SA. Overseas at the moment with sporadic internet. Should be another video on the way soon.

[@asheradensein]

Wow, so informative. Thanks so much for the information.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

My pleasure. I'm glad you found the information useful. Thanks for watching.

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

Great explanation and demonstration. Thumbs up

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the positive feedback and thanks for watching.

[@venumeagle4264]

Absolutely fantastic. A very informative video, thank you!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the positive feedback…very much appreciated.

[@TemplarX2]

What a brilliant and practical survivalist.

[@kimbullock475]

Good work Gordon...Well done.....ATB.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks again Kim.

[@elizabethmears5816]

Great videos❤

[@tonykampkes9861]

Impressed!

[@jotdown695]

Might try adapting a cask wine valve to the plastic bag so as to dispense more effectively. I learned about precipitation this way in a year 7 science experiment. It would never have crossed my mind to use it in a survival situation. Great video.

[@tigerou812]

Great video. Thanks for sharing :) Take care. Craig

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks again Craig.

[@jackthemuss2493]

Great one mate. I am going to try this.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks….have fun with it.

[@parkouraction7670]

Keep up the good work👍

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for supporting BSA

[@YazminCrystal]

Amazing Video... Love your work .

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Sorry for the late replies guys. I'm overseas at the moment with sporadic internet access.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks Yazmin.

[@mastamastamasta7985]

I just found your channel, it was recommended to me. Nice video, good explanation and could be very handy.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you for the positive feedback, its really appreciated.

[@chrisbuckee8417]

Great video thanks mate.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Cheers. Glad you liked it.

[@OKBushcraft]

just found your channel. nice and clear information. I just subbed. ATB from Oklahoma US.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Being a teacher i try to explain things as best i can.

[@sinkhole777]

Hi Gordon. Mate, thanks for showing us the transpiration method of collecting water! I had read about it, and I'm sure Les Hiddens talked about it too back in the day, but your demonstration was excellent! So, I thought 'where can I get me a big, clear plastic bag or two (lets be honest, 500ml per day = two bags minimum for anything like comfortable survival)'? So I did some checking, and found, at my local Bunnings Hardware store. I found Wrap and Move furniture protector bags. I bought a couple of dining chair bags. They are 1200mm x 1000mm x 250mm. I Have rolled them down and they fit perfectly inside a large snap lock bag (also a handy water carrier in a pinch). Your video has inspired me to update my kit - Thanks mate. So many hiking/survival/camping vids are Northern Hemisphere/ cold wet climate, it's great to have an Aussie giving us the proper stuff for Oz. I hope the bags idea is helpful for others too. On a serious note, I have noticed that there is 411 Quintillion (that's a real number!)videos about how to find tinder, make tinder and make a fire. Of course, for most of Australia, the bush is ALL tinder, especially in the hot, dry, windy months. The joys of climate change seem to tell us this is getting worse as time goes on. I have added a P3 breathing mask to my Kit in case of bush fire. I was camping about 10KMs from Yarloop three years ago when the fires that wiped it out began. I saw the smoke, packed up and got out, but by the time I drove out of the campground the water bombers were low enough I could have hit them with a thrown stone! If I had been hiking rather than car camping I could have been in some trouble! What's the chance you apply your expertise to a video about camp fire safety in Australia, and perhaps talk about survival strategies and options in the event you are hiking and a fire is heading your way? I've seen some really stupid things done around campfires, and I've read some pretty dumb comments about things like 'running through the fire in the opposite direction to the wind" stuff. It could save some lives and a lot of bush. Our friends in California would probably find it helpful as well. Keep it up, mate, we're loving it!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for that info, I will check Bunnings out. The transpiration is indeed a very effective method for obtaining water. I just used it for two days on operation with a Norforce. My biggest yield from one bag in one day has been 700 mil. Not bad for no effort. I have used the Qantas bags you get when you fly...if you ask nicely. Most plastic bags Bunnings have are flimsy, with pleats and unsuitable. This goes for black bags as well. Thanks for watching and your support.

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Ok then...next summer i'm going to give this a go...sure beats the tar out of a solar still....Thanks again mate!...atb...woods

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Yes, in my experience they are not that productive and you tend to use up more water (sweat) digging the hole…especially if its hard ground and you don't have a shovel.

[@ThemisKoutras]

these videos are fantastic glad i found this site keep them coming also i have a question can you use other trees or any tree for this method? or is it only eucalyptus can you let me know please?

[@SnowmansApartment]

Of course the production slows down, it needs CO2 to work :) Really helpful, thank you!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Sorry for the late replies guys. I'm overseas at the moment with sporadic internet access.

[@BradGryphonn]

Thanks again Gordon. Just a quick query. Do you know a supplier for these bags? I could use discarded packaging bags, but yours appear heavy duty.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Sorry for the late replies guys. I'm overseas at the moment with sporadic internet access.

[@lesleymcbow9304]

Hi Gordon Thanks, I really appreciate the sharing of your knowledge and experience. In this episode on water transpiration, is there a particular type of plastic that should be used? Is the plastic non toxic? How many times can the bag be reused? Is there a shelf life for this eucalypt or wattle water? I look forward to your reply. Kind regards Lesley

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for your question. A non- pleated food grade bag is best. Generally speaking a branch or sapling can be used for two days before it starts to wilt. Even after 3 days, the branch slowly springs back to life after you take the bag off. If you leave it on longer than 4 days you may kill the branch. It's best to consume the water after 24- 48 hours though. Here is a link to where you can find our new BSA Transpiration bag. www.survivalsuppliesaustralia.com.au/BSA-Transpiration-Bag-for-Collecting-Water Thanks for watching.

[@joshua8013]

Hi, thanks for the very informative video. Where did you get these thick plastic bags from?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank for the positive feedback. I get my plastic bags from the US as i'm over there often but you can get them from hardware stores (if they stock them), but they are usually a thinner variety.

[@reallifehorsemanship4333]

Thoughtful bushcraft survival skills there... Once again, whats that knife you're using there? Always interested in the choice of equipment that we use. Whats the knife you use?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the positive feedback. The knife i'm using here is the Ray Mears Bushcraft knife. I also frequently use Mora knives.

[@TOM20000]

great videos mate. Would it be ok to boil the water after collection?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

All wattle trees (Acacias) and gum trees (Eucalypts) in Australia are safe to use this method and drink straight up. You don’t have to boil it! Boiling does not get rid of chemical pollutants anyway if you chose to use a toxic tree. Activated charcoal is the only thing that gets rid of chemical pollutants. Better to know what trees are safe to use so that you don’t have that problem. Thanks for watching.

[@kimberlywilliston6713]

Is this considered distilled water that should not be your main source of water or does it collect minerals from the leaves?

[@leckyman2010]

Hi Gordon, ive been meaning to ask what may seem like a silly question . But where do you like to source your bags from? The best tbing I've been able to find so far is an old plastic bag off an LV rescue kit. Its thick and clear but its a bitt grubby! But its the only thing that seems remotely suitable. 👌

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I know, it is also hard to obtain decent thick large garbage bags. I mostly get both my 55 Gallon drum liners and clear plastic bags either from the states or army. There are places you can get clear bags from in Australia but it not easy and you have to buy a minimum of 100. I have brought some from a place in Darwin but unfortunately the name escapes me at the moment. I have also used the clear plastic bags that are used for office paper shredder machines before and they work ok. Have also used the clear plastic bags that Qantas gives you if you have something that needs wrapping or enclosing at the checkout counter…these are really good.

[@leckyman2010]

Bushcraft Survival Australia ok . Thanks thats pretty interesting actually. I'll keep poking and asking around and see what i come up with. Thanks for your reply. If i find anything that may prove transpiration worthy I'll post it here for anyone else having a similar problem. Thanks again.

[@littlepuppy101]

What if spiders get into the bag and fall in the water?

[@regpickett8317]

After watching this video I went looking for a bag to try this out myself. Where can you get them? I've had no luck. Looking for big (to fit a whole branch, like in the video), clear plastic.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

That’s a great question! Unless you buy a clear industrial strength bag from a specific distributor it is difficult but not impossible to find! I find the easiest answer to this is to politely ask for some of the clear plastic bags that Qantas give you to place your luggage in at the check in counters. If you ask nicely they will give you two or three. They are thick and durable, although they have the Qantas symbol clearly visible on them! Thanks for the great question and thanks for watching. Please feel free to share.

[@driver3899]

Great video. I have a question, I read that after about 4 hours the tree shuts down water to that branch and its best to relocate it to a new branch. Have you ever come across this or checked the yield after 4 hrs vs 24 hours? Curious about this, cheers.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Yes i have heard this and experimented. In my experience it depends on the tree. Sometimes i have found you get production from the same brach all day and other times only for a short period of time before production slows down. Generally i always relocate the bag to another branch after i collect the yield.

[@driver3899]

Thank you for this, it helps clear some things up. Looking forward to watching more of your videos, you really know your stuff.

[@lisamacdouall9768]

Awesome Thank-you. Can tell you where a teacher. lol

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks Lisa. Yes I used to be a school teacher….is it obvious!

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

Is there a good place to find these bags in Australia? Do they go by any other name?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

There probably are places you can get decent plastic bags from. I get mine from the US as i'm over there quite often. You can get plastic bags, painters drop sheets etc from hardware stores but they are usually the thinner variety.

[@Thechist781]

Is not Eucalyptus toxic to humans?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Only if you eat it, and you would have to eat a lot. The water produced from gum leaves through transpiration is completely safe to drink as only the water vapour condenses on the inside of the plastic bag. Thanks for the question.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Sorry for the late replies guys. I'm overseas at the moment with sporadic internet access.

[@marrukurliindustries6122]

Bushcraft Survival Australia I just stumbled across your channel. Good to see another Aussie survival channel, keep the videos comming mate! especially bush tucker ID. Cheers.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Another bushtucker video waiting to be edited.