Most of us take the availability of water for granted. In developing countries like Kenya, women must often walk for hours to get water for their families, carrying it home on their heads in large, heavy, often contaminated containers.

 

The Greif WaterWear backpack holds up to 20 liters (5.3 gallons US) of water and can be carried comfortably on their backs, alleviating any potential spinal or neck problems. Made with lightweight polyethylene, this collapsible pack features adjustable strap, a base that lets it stand while being filled, plus a roll top that makes it easy to remove the liner for cleaning. A protected spout on the back of the pack helps keep the water clean for drinking and hand washing.

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A second version of the pack is a 15-liter hybrid WaterWear pack that can be worn as a backpack or carried on the head. This remarkable backpack is seven times lighter and seven times smaller than an average plastic jerrycan and is providing a safe and easy means for transporting water, an innovation that’s also being distributed in Haiti for fast, high-volume emergency relief. The Back the Pack initiative hopes to distribute 100,000 packs by September 3, 2012 and you can help them realize that goal by donating via the Back the Pack website.