Camping Panda
When camping, having a cooler with cold beverages at hand is paramount. But one thing you should never forget about is water. Some campsites may have drinking water supplies, but if you plan a wilder adventure, you need a camping water container to get you through the trip.Â
So, whether you need clean water supply for primary use or backup, here are the best camping water containers you can get.
Handle
Is it built-in?
Leakage
Is it leak-free?
Pouring
Is it easy to pour?
Space Saving
Is it collapsable?
Portability
Is it easy to carry?
Safety
Is it non-toxic?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
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Igloo is known for its high-quality camping equipment, and this water container is no exception. With a capacity of 6 gallons, it can take you through a few days of camping easily. Lightweight for its size, it comes with two built-in handles and flexible spout.
The spout makes it very easy to pour water in bottles, cups, or smaller containers. Maintaining is also a breeze. Most stains and dirt only need a quick rinse, while stubborn stains can be removed with a diluted baking soda solution. The container withstands colder temperatures, and can be placed in a cooler if you want to. All in all, an excellent choice for most campers.
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If you need an affordable, high-capacity camping water container, the Aqua-Tainer by Reliance Products could suit your needs. This polyethylene container can hold up to 7 gallons and resists both low temperatures.
Similar to the Igloo 6-gallon, it comes with a hideaway spigot for easier pouring. We also like the molded handle, that makes the container easy to carry. Ideal for everything, from car camping to tailgating to camping in an RV, this water container is great for campers on a lower budget.
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The Igloo Orange Cooler is the best camping water container you can find. It may not be as affordable as the Aqua-Tainer, but it’s designed to keep the water cool for up to three days – ideal for a weekend getaway.
With a capacity of 5 gallons, it can provide sufficient drinking water for a smaller family. Handles on both sides make transport easy, and the product is stackable for easier storage. This top quality container is BPA-free and designed to last for a long time; just perfect for car camping.
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Affordable and versatile, the WaterStorageCube is much more than a camping water container. You can use it for camping, but also as a handwashing station or emergency water container in a car, RV, or even your wooden cabin.
We particularly like the collapsible design that allows you to store and transport it easily when empty. In terms of capacity, it can hold up to 5.3 gallons, and comes in a pack of two. Highlights also include a leak-free lid and spigot with easy on/off and controllable flow.
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Last but not least, the Jumbo-Tainer has everything, from a large capacity to durable construction. It is the best camping water container for trips requiring lots of water, and impresses with a rugged, functional design.
We particularly like the dual handle and hideaway spigot that makes it easy to fill your cup. The handle placements also allow you to fasten down the container, should you want to use it as a hand or dish washing station. The only downside is that the spigot tends to leak, but you can easily replace it with a higher quality one.
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Ideal for camping and sporting events, this durable just with water carrier from Coleman comes with an easy-pour spigot that lets you fill the glass conveniently. Made from polyethylene, it boasts a resistant structure that withstands shocks.
Easy lifting and carrying is ensured by the built-in, molded handle. The handle design is ergonomic and overall, the jug is lightweight. This camping water container is not collapsible, but is compact. All in all, a good choice if you’re looking for a dependable, wallet-friendly camping water jug.
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Water jugs provide convenient water storage when you’re camping, but sometimes, a collapsible bucket might be a better choice. The YUZHISEN Collapsible Bucket is a versatile option for camping, fishing, and picnics, helping you collect and transport water with ease.
Despite the thinner material, it also doubles as an ice bucket – it won’t prevent ice from melting quickly, but it can still keep your drinks cold for a short period. Weighing only 7.6 ounces, the bucket is also lightweight and portable. A great option if you want a versatile container you can use for various purposes.
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The Hudson Exchange is a heavy-duty water container designed for frequent use. It doesn’t have many bells and whistles, such as a spigot or spout, but boasts a solid construction that will last for many years.
A large mouth makes it easy to fill, while the watertight red cap prevents leaks. The container is also stackable, for easier storage. Like most water containers, it comes with a built-in handle; a bit on the heavier side, but ideal for car camping.
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RV lovers looking for a water tank to mount on their vehicle might like this one from A.A. This 10-gallon tank is built specifically for vehicle use, and is compatible with most RVs, horse trailers, and boats.
Four ports allow you to connect different tubes and hoses, for seamless water usage. The tank is not pressurized, and features a non-leak vent that lets the air in and out. A thing we like less is that it comes with no instructions. Unless you’re an expert, you’ll probably have to have it installed by a professional.
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More than a collapsible water container, the SUPANT is an oversized pouch you can use to transport drinking water or make iced water for your trip. It resists cold and hot temperatures alike, and the material is freezer-friendly.
You can simply fill it with some water, place in freezer overnight, then fill with water at room temperature before departing. Compact and flexible, it fits easily in a camping cooler, keeping your beverage fresh for days. The container comes in a set of four and is very affordable. All in all, a true bargain.
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Picking the right camping water container is essential to your camping trip to ensure sufficient water supply. As you’ve read in our best camping water container for storage list, water containers come in different sizes, materials, and styles. To lessen the complexity in choosing the best camping container for your storage, we prepared a buying guide for you. Check out the considerations below to help.
Collapsible:
A collapsible water container is easy to store and works well if you have limited space. They are usually made from plastic like the Supant Collapsible Water Container which only weight 10.4 oz. Collapsible water storage is built for easy transport and flexibility in storage. They are lightweight along the range of few ounces up to 2 lbs, which is usually the choice of backpackers due to its weight and it easily fits in your backpacking bag. You can put them in the freezer the night before departing and fill them with water before leaving.
The downside of a collapsible water container is it can be easily punctured because of its material and it loses its shape once empty.
Firm Shells:
Firm shells take a lot of space and are usually stackable for easier storage like the Hudson Exchange 5 Gallon Container. But they are built from more durable materials than collapsible water containers. Given this, they can carry more water when compared to collapsible water containers. The bad thing about firm shells is they take up too much space in the car and are heavier around 2 to 5 lbs even without water.
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Most of the water containers for storage use plastic, this is because they are cheaper. Plastic is also lightweight which is the choice of most campers for easy transport. Plastic aslo keeps the water in ideal temperature regardless of the weather.
As compared if your water container is made up from steel or metal, the container can heat up and water can become hot during summer. Although there are some storages that use other materials like steel or nylon. Check out YUZHISEN Collapsible bucket that uses nylon. One good thing about this is it doubles as an ice bucket and prevents ice from melting quickly.
You also would want to take a look at how your water container is built. Check out what materials the spigot or the gasket was made off. These parts should not easily come off when in use or during storage. Look into Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer that has a hideaway spigot.
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The quality of your stored water is also highly dependent on the type of material of your water container. Some materials might infuse in an order or taste in the water.
Make sure as well that if your water container is made of plastic, check out that the material used is listed as food grade and BPA-free like the Igloo 5-Gallon Orange Cooler with Seat Lid. Having these guarantees that the plastic is free from harmful chemicals. Avoid water containers that are made of PVC plastic, PVC has been known to potentially contain health hazards.
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Spigots make water transfer easier. Make sure to look for water containers that are safe and spill-free transfer of water to and from the container. The Reliance Products Jumbo-Tainer Jerry Can has a hideaway spigot that makes it easy to fill your cup.
Rubber gaskets are the best to keep the water from leaking while in transport. Check out the gasket in your water container to ensure that its gasket is made from durable material and won’t break easily. We choose the Coleman Jug with Water Carrier that has a durable gasket to withstand outdoor use.
We also like how the A.A 10 Gallon RV Fresh/Gray Water Tank is one exceptional water container in terms of the spigots and gaskets. It has four ports that allows you to connect to different tubes and hoses for seamless water storage.
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To keep your water safe to drink, it is essential that your water container can be easily cleaned. Remember that unclean water containers may cause build-up of bacteria that can contaminate your water supply in your next trip. Check out the mouth of your container if it is wide enough for cleaning or if not, if a brush can be easily inserted through it.
The Igloo 6 Gallon Water Container is easy clean and is stain resistant. Most stains can be removed by rinsing while stubborn stains can be rinsed by mixing baking soda with water when cleaning. We also like the Hudson Exchange 5 Gallon Container that has a wide mouth for easy cleaning and filling it as well.
The WaterStorageCube Collapsible Water Container is a collapsible type of water storage but has a wide mouth for easy cleaning; its spigot has an easy on/off controllable flow to ease in the cleaning as well.
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Before purchasing your water container storage, think of the purpose it will have to serve. Will you use them as your main water source? Do you need it for drinking only? Is your camp going to have a water source? These scenarios will help you plan how much water you need to bring and therefore what capacity do you need for your water container.
Consider the following if you’re using your container for drinking water only; where you’re going and for how many days. Check if you have access to a water source nearby or not. As a rule of thumb, a container with a capacity of 5 gallons of water like the Coleman Jug with Water Carrier, will be sufficient for most short camping trips.Â
If you are opting for portability during backpacking or if there will be a water source in your campsite you can opt for a 2 gallons of water capacity like SUPANT Collapsible Water Container.
If you will be using the water container as an emergency back-up or to wash your belongings, choose a container that has higher capacity like the A.A 10 Gallon RV Fresh/Gray Water Tank that has 10 gallons water capacity.
Water containers usually are sold on their own and not much of accessories are needed. But considering the environment where you’ll be in the campsite we recommended buying a portable water purifier to ensure harmful elements are removed from your drinking water.
We particularly like the AquaBrick Portable Water Purification System. It guarantees effective water purifying system with its DuraFlo filter removing bacteris suhc as salmonella , cholera and E.Coli.
Gaskets are one part of campng water containers that is bound to receive constant use thus exposing it to wear and tear. We recommend Igloo Replacement Triple Snap Drain Plug.
According to the National Park Service, you should carry at least one water jug and refillable water bottles for personal use. Collapsible containers are undeniably your best bet if you’re car camping, taking up less space in the trunk. If space is not an issue, hard-sided jugs bring more value for money, thanks to their durability.
A water container is a container designed specifically for storing and transporting drinking water. Most water containers are made of BPA-free, food-grade plastic and come with a spout or spigot for easy pouring.Â
All camping water containers should be sanitized before use with a solution of household chlorine bleach (unscented) and water – 1 teaspoon of bleach to 1 quart of water. Rinse thoroughly before use. To clean the container after use, rinse thoroughly with clean water, then sanitize and rinse again. The exterior can be cleaned with water or mild dish soap if it is heavily soiled.
Polyethylene-based plastic containers are the safest to store drinking water in. The container you choose should have a watertight cap as well as a vent. Make sure that the seal on the cap can resist mold and mildew.
Yes. All plastic water tanks are FDA-approved as food-grade and made from safe materials. They are also BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about kids drinking water that has been stored in it.
