Itraz Collapsible Water Container With Spigot
The ITRAZ Water Container is a basic collapsible water container thats available in a 2.6-gallon or 5.3-gallon size. As the name implies, it folds flat for storage when theres no water in it. Adding water expands it to full size so you can carry the full capacity of water.
This container is made entirely from non-toxic food-grade material. You dont have to worry about unsafe chemicals making their way into your body by way of this water container. But it did have a strong plastic smell and taste, unlike many similar containers we tested. This was very off-putting, but since there are no harmful chemicals in the container, its not detrimental to your health. Still, its not something we enjoyed.
Though this container folds up, it doesnt seem to fold as flat as others we tested. Its also not as durable as some of the other containers, and it was starting to crease along the fold lines within the first few weeks. While it didnt break during our testing, we dont expect it to hold up for more than a few months of regular use.
- Strong plastic smell and taste
Moose Bag Collapsible Water Container And Ice Bag
Specs:Capacity: 2 gallons Materials: BPA-free plasticConstruction: Collapsible/dry bagPreferred usage: Ice water/camping with a cooler
If a large cooler system is an integral part of your typical camping setup, the Moose Bag Collapsible Water Container is a great choice.
Thats because Moose Bag uses a unique ice-to-water system for their camping water container, which relies on melting ice throughout the day to create seriously cold water for your campsite. Each Moose Bag holds about a 20-pound bag of ice, which melts down to roughly two gallons of drinking water over time.
We love that you can fill up a Moose Bag with ice, throw it in your cooler , and not have to worry about that nasty cooler soup pooling up around your food stuff as the ice melts. You can also use the Moose Bag as a standalone system with or without ice, but youll probably want to use the handy roll-top dry bag design to hang it from a nearby tree branch or stand to get the best results.
Ultimately this is a fairly niche product that will be incredibly convenient for some campers but less than ideal for others. The flexible bladder design is well made and well-sealed, but just isnt going to have the kind of abrasion or puncture resistance that a rigid container provides. If youre the kind of camper that never leaves the house without their trusty ice chest though, the Moose Bag is a great way to get double duty out of your ice.
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Coleman 2000014870 Water Carrier
Affordable and simple, the Coleman Water Carrier is a cheap way for you to transport your water to and from your campsite. But its got a quality that matches its low price, which is why it didnt rank higher on our list.
We like the large capacity of this container that allows you to carry five gallons at a time. Theres also a hole on the back that you can hang the container from. To that end, a hook and rope are included so you can hang it from a nearby tree since it wont stand on its own. We like this concept and appreciate the hook and rope were included. However, the hole isnt strong enough to support this container when its full of water, so it doesnt quite work as intended.
Like many similar products we tested, the Coleman water carrier collapses when empty so it takes up less space for transportation or storage. But unlike competitors, this one pours extremely slow. It took about a minute to pour a single eight-ounce glass of water from this container. The container is decent, but were not patient enough to wait that long every time we need a drink!
- Hook and hole for hanging
- Collapses for easy storage or transportation when empty
- Doesnt stand on its own
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Best For Camping Boxes: Ust Roll
UST Gear
- Spigot is positioned too high, making it difficult to extract all of the water
Product Description
When I first started camping, it was in a four-door sedan. Packing space was tight, so if I was going to bring anything more substantial than a nalgene, it had to fit in my camping box. Thats what the UST Roll-Up Water Carrier does, rolling up effortlessly without needing to crease the plastic material. This had the smallest packed size of anything I triedabout the size of a mostly used paper towel roll.
Laura Lancaster
There are some drawbacks to the UST Roll-Up Water Carrier, however. First off, the same characteristics that make it easy to roll up also make it excessively difficult to fill, as the back of the water container must be pulled away from the front side to create space for the water to flow into the container. At one campground, where there was nothing other than an old-fashioned style water pump, it was impossible for a single person to fill it up. Next, youll need to bring along some rope or twine to tie this to a tree branch, as this is easiest to use when hung up, but the attached handles dont lend themselves to hanging without additional reinforcement. Finally, the position of the spigot is high enough up the carrier that its difficult to get the last liter or so of water out.
Buying Guides For A Water Jug For Camping
If you’re planning a camping trip, one essential item you’ll need is a water jug. But with all the different options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for a water jug for camping.
1. The size of the jug
First, consider the size of the jug you’ll need. If you’re traveling solo or with just a few people, a smaller jug should suffice. However, if you’re going on a longer trip or with a large group, you’ll need a larger jug that can hold more water.
2. Use
Second, think about how you’ll be using the jug. If you’re mostly hiking and staying in primitive campsites, you won’t need an insulated jug that keeps water cold for long periods of time. However, if you’re car camping or spending time in hot weather, an insulated jug will be worth the investment.
3. Budget
Finally, consider your budget. You can find water jugs at a variety of price points, so decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
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How Much Water Do I Need For Camping
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves here, lets talk a bit about how much water you actually need for camping. The US National Park Service recommends that campers drink at least 1/2 gallon of water every day. However, this amount can increase substantially, to about 1 gallon of water in a hot climate.
In addition to the 1/2 gallon people need for drinking each day, campers also need to factor in how much water theyll need for cooking, cleaning dishes, and washing their hands. With this in mind, wed recommend at least 3 gallons of water per person per day of camping if youre good at rationing your water.
To be on the safe side, 3.5 gallons per person per day is likely sufficient for regular weather conditions, but upwards of 4 gallons/person/day might be necessary for very hot climates.
Heres a simple formula you can use to determine how much water you need:
Water = 3.5 x # People x # Days
If youre traveling somewhere particularly hot, consider bumping 3.5 up to 4 or even 4.5 to account for this extra water usage.
This may sound like a lot, but if you consider how much water we often use at home, 3.5 gallons for a single day of camping is nothing. In fact, the USGS estimates that we use between 80-100 gallons of water a day at home, the majority of which goes to flushing our toilets. That figure makes 3.5 gallons seem like a drop in the ocean.
How Long Can You Store Water
Clean, fresh water should be safe to drink for 2-3 days from the time you filled your container. This is ideal for most camping water containers since their size limitations typically require them to be refilled every 24-48 hours anyways.
For this reason, we dont recommend filling your water containers for camping trips days in advance. If theres drinking water at the campground youll be staying at, its often easiest to simply fill your containers when you arrive. If youre staying in the backcountry or at more primitive campgrounds, for best results youll want to fill your containers just before you hit the road.
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The Best Water Containers For Camping
- High-quality water containers are ideal for camping and negate the need for single-use plastic bottles
- These clever water containers are surprisingly space-saving
- Stay hydrated while camping with ease
Storing water can be a tricky issue when camping, primarily due to the quality of the receptacle. Having your water stored in a clear plastic container or bottle doesnt bode well for the environment and can also give the water that unpleasant taste after a while, caused by light and warmth penetrating the container.
There are some neat water containers around that are aimed at campers, and they vary enormously in design. Some are super-compact, while others are extremely durable or capacious. Weve recommended the current reigning champions here. Different from one another in style they may be, but all of these water containers share a high level of build quality and provide an excellent user experience in addition to longevity.
Rotopax Rx2w Water Pack: Best Water Container For Camping Overall
Specs:Capacity: 2 gallons Materials: Seamless rotoformed plastic Construction: RigidPreferred usage: Car and motorcycle camping, vanlife
If you want the best water container for camping money can buy, the RotopaX RX2W is the most durable, high-quality, outdoors-ready system out there. Rotopax are designed for serious overlanding duty, and are built from thick rotoformed plastic to stand up to the rigors of the trail.
Throw em. Stand on em. Hit em with a hammer. Whatever. You wont damage a Rotopax water container. Add to that the fact that every part of a RotopaX, from the lid to the nozzle and even the gaskets themselves, is completely replaceable, and youve got a camping water storage solution thatll last you a lifetime.
We particularly like that RotopaX designs their containers to work by themselves, or as part of a larger modular system. For instance, every Rotopax container is designed to mount securely to any flat surface on your vehicle, trailer, or camper, and can be stacked or linked together with additional Rotopax containers like gas cans or trailside emergency kits.
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Things To Consider Before Buying A Camping Water Container
Packed Size
While some car campers and overlanders are looking for a giant blue jug that can hold all the water they will need for the weekend, others will be carefully testrising everything into the back of their car along with sleeping bags and camping stoves, hoping they wont have to leave their camping chairs at home for lack of space. Consider how much space you are willing to dedicate in your vehicle to your camping water container before committing to a purchase.
Durability
Typically, the thicker the plastic, the sturdier the camping water container will be and the longer it will last. The tradeoff for durability is almost always cost and packed size, as the thicker the plastic is the less likely it is to collapse.
Spigot versus Tap versus Spout
Whether you choose a camping water container with a spigot or a spout is largely a matter of personal choice. With a tap, you must have one hand free to press down on the top lever, but very little water will be spilled out while in useuseful if you are camping somewhere where water is scarce. Spigots seem straightforward, but in practice some are much easier to use than others, and the strength of their flow can vary. Spouts are the simplest mechanism, generally little more than an added tube or rubber insert that gives you greater control over how fast the water flows out of the camping water container when the lid is unscrewed.
Materials
- No provided spigot or tap option
- Small top opening makes it harder to clean
Cons
Important Features Of The Water Jug For Camping
There are a few key features to look for when choosing a water jug for camping.
1. The capacity
First, consider the capacity. How much water do you need to store?
2. The material
Second, think about the material. Some jugs are made of plastic, while others are made of stainless steel. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
3. The weight.
Third, consider the weight. If you’ll be carrying the jug long distances, you’ll want something that’s lightweight and easy to transport.
4. The lid
Finally, take into account the lid. Some lids are screw-on, while others snap on. Make sure the lid is secure and won’t leak.
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Coghlans Expandable Water Carrier
With a cheap price and an expanding capacity, the Coghlans Expandable Water Carrier is an interesting container thats meant for camping and backpacking. When folded closed, its a tiny container thats just an inch thick. But when you add water, it expands to hold up to two gallons.
This container has a built-in spigot with an on/off lever and a screw-in cap. Remove the cap for easy filling or draining and use the spigot for pouring your drinks. Its a convenient design, or it would be if it would stay standing. Unfortunately, once its full of water, this container wont stay standing and just falls over. You cant really pour water from the spigot while its tipped over, so this is a frustrating issue.
Though its well-built overall, the Coghlans water carrier isnt going to last you for years. Ours lasted for about six months of light use before it split open. But for a product thats so cheaply priced, thats still not too bad. If it would stay upright when full, this container would probably earn a much higher position on our list.
- Wont stand up when full
- Only lasts about six months
Q: Should I Bring A Camping Water Container If There Is Drinking Water At A Campsite
While you do not have to bring a camping water container if there is drinking water available at your campsite, it can be a helpful accessory. Growing up, my familys water supply strategy while camping was to fill up a dozen nalgene bottles at one of the campground water spigots and then carry them all back to camp. This worked fine, even if it was annoying . If you plan to camp somewhere where water will not be available, such as dispersed camping in the deserts of the Southwest, then a camping water container goes from being an accessory to being a necessity.
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Brita Premium Water Bottle
If you are searching for a premium bottle with a water filter and want to take it everywhere, this is the water bottle for you.
It is made of durable BPA-free plastic and features a filter to reduce chlorine, rust, and sand.
Note: The filter will eventually need to be replaced for optimal water quality.
Plus, you donât have to worry about spills or leaks with a flip-top lid and sip straw. It is dishwasher safe and can fit in a car cup holder.
Pros:
This water bottle is not only stylish, but practical with its wide mouth opening and push button. You can quickly open and close it using only one hand.
The wide mouth allows you to easily add ice cubes or fruit or to refill it.
The water bottle comes with a strap and is odor- and BPA-free. It is a great option for daily use and comes with a strainer if you like to infuse your water with fruit and vegetables.
Pros:
- Spigot is less durable than some
- Water flow slows as it is emptied
How To Clean Camping Water Containers
- Step 1: Wash and rinse the container completely with water.
- Step 2: Sanitize the container with bleach that contains 5-9% sodium hypochlorite. The solution should be mixed as follows: 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach to 1 quart of water.
- Step 3: Close the container tightly and shake vigorously. The bleach solution should touch all sides on the inside surfaces of the water container.
- Step 4: Wait approximately 30 seconds, then dump the solution out of the container.
- Step 5: Let the sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with safe treated water.
- Step 6: You can now add clean water to the sanitized container and cover it with a lid
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Q: How Do You Clean Camping Water Containers
Its a good idea to clean out your camping water container both when you first purchase it and at the start of each season, to ensure that no unwanted smells, mildew, or bacteria make their way into your drinking water. Per the Center for Disease Control, you should following the following steps to clean a camping water container: 1) wash the storage container and then rinse with water, 2) mix one teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in one quart of water and add add to your camping water container, 3) screw the lid back onto the open cap and shake the camping water container until the bleach solution has coated the inside of the container, 4) wait 30 seconds before pouring the bleach solution out of the camping water container, and 5) rinse the empty water container with tap water.