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How to Collect Water Vapor

In a survival scenario, knowing how to draw drinkable water out of thin air could save your life. Successfully collecting water vapor requires air humidity of at least 50 percent, argues Cate Trotter of "Inhabitat." With the right conditions, harvesting water vapor can take from several hours up to a full day. Furthermore collecting water vapor involves setting up a few pieces of common survival or camping equipment which you're likely to have on hand in the wilderness.

Things You'll Need

Small shovel
Cup or water container
Plastic tarp
Hiking poles (preferably two sets)
4x cord
Knife

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole roughly 3 feet deep by 3 feet in diameter. Place a cup or water container on the bottom of the hole.
- 2
  Roll out a plastic tarp over the hole, with the middle of the tarp over the hole.
- 3
  Tie each corner grommet of the tarp to a hiking pole handle with a small piece of cord. Expand each hiking pole to its longest setting. If you have only one set, disassemble the hiking poles to create four short poles.
- 4
  Firmly push each hiking pole into the ground, at least 3 inches deep, making sure the tarp dips in the center with the lowest point only a few inches above the cup or container. Dig a small hole for each pole if the ground is too hard.
- 5
  Cut a small hole in the center of the tarp, creating a direct line to the cup. Wait as water vapor collects on the tarp and slides into the cup. Flick the underside of the tarp occasional to help the water drops slide into the cup.

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