A very interesting thread. Having been in the Marines and lived in the Mojave for several years and also in the Middle East, don't forget that the best place to "store" water is to drink it. At that last spot to get water before heading in to the desolate areas - DRINK as much as you can without making yourself sick and top off your bottles. And I'll be following my own advice this summer touring across the Southern Tier. My concern is getting across Tx, NM and Az. I have 4 water bottles plus 2-64 oz bottles.