Page 2 of 2

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2017 2:33 am
by Elleth
If memory serves, a 1.5L version was a standard option, but I don't see it on the seller's ebay page now.

What I'd do now were I to do it over is arrange to send a nozzle and hanging cord to the factory, and have them do the rest.
I looked into doing it myself, but couldn't find -

A. traditionally tanned, hair-on, goatskins.
B. a recipe for the pitch lining. (I think it's some mix of pine pitch (or maybe unprocessed sap?) and beeswax from references I've seen, but I don't have the expertise to recommend proportions or preparation - I can tell you what's in mine is thick, sticky/gooey, pine smelling, and opaque yellow in color. Come to think of it - I might have seen little bits of clear resiny-looking sap stuck here or there when I opened it up. It is NOT black, like in the below video.

When you first receive the bag, the sides are stuck together, and you're instructed to leave it in the sun for a bit to get soft, then gently blow it up like a balloon to fill it.

Anyhow, here's the promo video from (perhaps a different?) manufacturer giving the high points of the process:


Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2017 3:24 am
by Greg

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2017 12:53 pm
by Ursus
I think for research sake I'm going to look into making my own at some point in 2017. In the interim I'm going to rehab my current one to suit my needs more efficiently.

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2017 2:15 pm
by Elleth
Ursus - awesome! I'm looking forward to hearing your results!

Greg - thank you! I'd looked into that option late last year. Sadly that product is fit only for hardsided canteens and bottles. As their rep told me -
... we are sorry to disappoint you; however, our pitch becomes more stiff and brittle as the temperature of the lining/pitch decreases. We know of no sources for "flexible pitch."
On with the search, I suppose. :)

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 4:50 pm
by Elleth
In preparation for a trip later this year, I'm looking at having another of these made in a 1.5L size, with a custom turned neck of maple similar to the one shown above.

Before I place the order, is anyone interested in adding one to my order? I *expect* the pricing will work out to around $100, but I've no information yet.

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 10:37 pm
by Greg
I'm in. I spoke with them awhile back, but funds didn't present themselves. If we can simplify things by ordering together, I'm all for it.

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2018 1:17 am
by Udwin
Speaking of which, I had a lead on possibly the kind of true pitch used for botas--sticky, black, flexible. Only thing is, it comes by the 5 gallons, which runs $350. That's a lifetime supply (unless someone wanted to start making botas and jackware as a trade), but perhaps we as a forum might pool our resources and then divvy among ourselves.

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2018 1:30 am
by Elleth
Hunh.

I can't say I have the time or inclination to go into business of crafting waterskins, but I can certainly step in to buy my share of pitch and contribute the occasional sheepskin (not goats, sadly) to the cause if anyone wants to take up that mantle.

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2018 1:17 am
by Greg
Yeah, I'm not terribly inclined to look beyond a first (and hopefully last) purchased skin for a good long time. As I said before, I'm in...but not for a 5 gallon bucket. I wouldn't know where to begin.

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2018 6:06 am
by Kortoso
Elleth wrote:Ursus - awesome! I'm looking forward to hearing your results!

Greg - thank you! I'd looked into that option late last year. Sadly that product is fit only for hardsided canteens and bottles. As their rep told me -
... we are sorry to disappoint you; however, our pitch becomes more stiff and brittle as the temperature of the lining/pitch decreases. We know of no sources for "flexible pitch."
On with the search, I suppose. :)
A little bird did whisper in mine ear, suggesting that beeswax mixed 1/2-1/2 with that brewer's pitch would do the trick.
It has yet, alas, to be thoroughly tested in a laboratory setting....

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2018 8:21 pm
by Elleth
Thank you Kortoso! I'll try that on my existing skin when I get a chance! :)

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2018 10:03 pm
by Ursus
Any idea if they come in 2 liter?

Re: New waterskin- finally!

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2018 1:24 am
by Elleth
They do!

The price will be a bit more, but they do make 2L, and they take the same mouthpiece, so we're set there.

The guy I contacted about turning the mouthpiece didn't get it quite right, so I'll see what can be arranged. I might need to find another source.

Nothing ever goes easy. :)