The Best Water Container For Camping
Are you planning a camping trip soon and looking for the best water container to keep your drinking water safe and secure?
Finding the right water container can often be a challenge, but with the right information and considerations, you can make sure you have the perfect one for your next outdoor adventure.
I’m sharing tips on how to select the best water container for camping so that you’re equipped with clean, safe drinking water wherever your travels take you.
What is a water container for camping?
A water container for camping is an essential piece of equipment for any outdoor adventure. It allows you to store and transport fresh, clean drinking water with you wherever you go.
There are a variety of water containers available that can be tailored to meet your specific needs, from lightweight collapsible bottles and bladders to larger hard-shell containers.
Depending on the type of camping trip you’re taking, picking the right water container can make a huge difference in how enjoyable your experience is.
Why do you need a water container when camping
No matter how close you are to a water source, you need a water container to store extra water. You can use it to refill your water bottles, cook with and even help keep your food cold.
Car Camping
Scepter 5 Gallon
Collapsible Car Camping
Water Storage Cube
The Best Water Container For Camping
Platypus Platy 2-Liter Flexible Waterbottle
The Platypus Platy 2-Liter Flexible Waterbottle is an ultra-light, collapsible bottle made of BPA-free materials that won’t affect the taste of your water.
It stands upright when full, and is compatible with Platypus caps and drink tubes.
It’s perfect for camping, hiking, and travel, and can be used with the GravityWorks filtration system.
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MSR Dromedary Bag Water Reservoir
MSR Dromedary Bag Water Reservoir for camping is the perfect choice for your next outdoor expedition.
This collapsible, four-liter water storage bag is built to last with a tough 1,000-Denier exterior and improved BPA-free food-grade lining for better-tasting water.
The low-profile 3-in-1 cap lets you fill, drink, and pour with ease and the perimeter webbing allows for easy carrying and hanging. Plus, it’s made in the USA and assembled with U.S. and imported materials.
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UPWOIGH 6.6 Gallon Water Containers
UPWOIGH 6.6 Gallon Water Containers are sturdy and environmentally friendly, making them ideal for camping and outdoor activities. They come with a tool kit bag and won’t leak, and can be easily cleaned by hand.
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WaterStorageCube
WaterStorageCube: Perfect camping companion – Food-grade, USA-made PE plastic container that’s odorless, BPA, PVC, and DEHP free.
Lightweight, foldable, with molded handles for easy carrying. Gasketless spigot and thicker lid for no-leak assurance.
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Scepter 5 Gallon True Military
Scepter’s 5-Gallon True Military Water Container is a rugged, BPA-free option for outdoor enthusiasts and soldiers.
It meets military specs for durability, has a large cap assembly with pour cap and vent, and won’t affect your water’s taste or odor. Perfect for camping and emergencies.
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Reliance Products Fold-A-Carrier
The Reliance Fold-A-Carrier for camping has a one-piece construction that is flexible even in extreme cold.
It features an easy-pour leak-proof spigot, ergonomic handle, and is perfect for camping, fishing, and water transport.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Container for Camping:
Size and weight
The size of the water container you choose for your camping adventure will depend on a few factors, such as how long you plan to stay in the outdoors and how many people are coming with you.
Depending on these factors, you may need anything from a smaller 2-liter bottle all the way up to a 5-gallon jerry can or larger.
For shorter trips (1-2 days) with just one or two people, a 2-liter or even 1.5 liter container should be enough. If you are close to a water source and can refill often, 2-liter container is fine.
Make sure to bring at least one extra bottle in case of an emergency and plan on refilling it throughout your trip.
If your trip is slightly longer or if there are more people coming with you then it might be worth looking into getting a larger container like the 5-gallon jerry can that comes with its own spigot and handle.
This allows for easier carrying and more efficient refilling without having to lug around multiple smaller bottles.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Water weight is a big factor when choosing a container. 1 liter of water weighs 2.2 lbs. The larger the container, the more weight.
When it comes to backpacking, make sure you have a minimum of 1 liter of water on you at all times, in addition to a full water bottle.
If you are car camping some people make the mistake of filling up gallons of water in their portable water container and struggle to get it back to their site.
Instead, fill up just the amount of water you will need. Also, make sure your container has a good handle that will allow easy transportation.
RV’s campers often have the luxury of water hookups and tanks. But if you are particular about your drinking water, consider bringing with water containers of fresh water from home.
Clean vs Dirty Water
Depending on the type of camping you are doing, you may need more than one container. Especially if you are collecting water that needs to be filtered first. Collapsible water containers are an incredibly durable water containers for your adventure.
When backcountry camping, having a dirty water bag, dripping into a clean back is a great way to easily create water with minimum effort from you. You can easily hang your setup in a tree and allow the water flow into the other bags.
Make sure to label your bags so you don’t mix them up.
Durability and Leak-Free Design
In almost every situation, camping equipment needs to be durable. From Backpacking to Car Camping and RVing, water containers will take a beating. It is important to make sure your container will hold up.
If your container does get a crack in it, you’ll watch your water quickly slip away.
Cost
When it comes to cost, there are plenty of options to choose from for any budget. Some of the cheapest options out there can be found at the dollar store and a gas station.
If you are looking for a temperature-controlled option, a Stainless Steel insulated water bottle like a Hydro Flask is amazing at keeping your cold water cold.
For a mid-range water container for camping, I recommend spending in the $20-$30 range for a good-quality water bladder.
Types of Water Containers for Camping
When it comes to camping, having a reliable and well-made water container is essential for long trips out in the wilderness. Whether you’re looking for something lightweight for backpacking or a large, durable option for car camping, there are many different materials to choose from.
Some of the most popular water container materials include stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, and collapsible containers.
Collapsible Water Containers
Collapsible containers offer the best of both worlds when it comes to weight savings and convenience since they can be folded down when not in use making them easy to store inside your gear bag or car trunk without taking up too much space.
These are a great option for backpackers as they can fit in a small space.
They usually have strong nylon exteriors which makes them highly durable but like other materials, they may absorb odors over time so they might not be suitable if you plan on storing food items in them as well.
Hard Plastic Water Containers
Plastic containers are great because they’re lightweight and come in all shapes and sizes that make them easy to pack away into your backpack or car trunk.
They’re also relatively inexpensive which makes them an appealing choice for those on a tighter budget.
However plastic containers can absorb odors easily so they may not be the best option if you plan on storing food in your container as well as water.
Stainless Steel Water Containers
Stainless steel is an ideal choice when it comes to selecting a water container because it’s durable and won’t impart any flavors or odors into your water.
It’s also rust-resistant, dishwasher safe, and easy to clean. On the downside, stainless steel containers tend to be on the heavier side so they’re not ideal if you’re looking to save on weight during backpacking trips.
Aluminum Water Containers
Aluminum is another lightweight option that’s becoming increasingly popular with campers due its low cost and durability.
It’s corrosion-resistant, non-porous, dishwasher safe, and easy to clean – making it perfect for car camping or long hikes.
However since aluminum is a softer metal than stainless steel it may dent or scratch more easily over time.
