Camping is a great way to get out into nature and enjoy the outdoors. However, one of the biggest challenges can be ensuring that you have enough clean water to drink.
That’s why it’s important to bring along a camping water container.
In this blog post, we will review some of the best camping water containers on the market today.
We’ll also provide a buying guide to help you choose the right one for your needs. So whether you’re looking for a portable container that you can take with you on hikes, or something larger that can store enough water for an entire camping trip, we’ve got you covered!
The Best Camping Water Containers
We’ve reviewed the top selections for water containers for camping and rounded them up below. Read on for our top picks.
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Camp Water Container
The Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer is a great option for campers who are looking for a portable water container. This container holds up to seven gallons of water, making it perfect for short camping trips.
It comes with a 5-year warranty and has a screw-on vent and hideaway spigot which makes it easy to fill up cups while camping.
It’s boxy design makes it easy for storing and stacking when empty, and there’s a liquid level indicator so you’ll always know how much water you’ve got left.
WaterStorageCube Collapsible Camping Water Container
The WaterStorageCube gives you the ability to store the water you require without taking up tons of extra space.
This collapsible water container holds up to 5 gallons and is super lightweight and compact when empty, making it very convenient.
There’s a removable spigot for easy filling and draining, and the material used leaves no odd taste in your water, which is super important.
Reliance Products Jumbo-Tainer 7 Gallon Water Container
The Reliance Jumbo-Tainer allows you to easily keep 7 gallons of potable water on hand in a unique narrow shape.
It’s shape is great for saving space, and the high-density polyethylene plastic is both BPA-free and extremely durable.
There’s also two handles for easy lifting and pouring, and a tap-style spigot for filling bottles or cups with ease.
Igloo 6 Gallon Portable Camping Water Container
If you’re looking for simplicity, the Igloo 6 gallon water container is a great choice.
It’s affordable, has two handles for stability while pouring and filling, and features a space saving design.
The long spout stores inside the container when not in use, making sure it stays clean, and the container comes with a 1-year warranty.
Coghlan’s 5 Gallon Collapsible Water Container
Coghlan’s 5-gal collapsible water container provides an efficient way to move and use water wherever you need it.
The on/off spigot is removable for easy filling, and the molded handle helps when carrying the water.
The mouth is large enough to fit ice cubes in, and the seamless, single-mold design adds extra durability.
API Kirk Containers 5-Gallon Stackable Water Containers
If you’re needing to carry a lot of water, you’ll have a hard time finding a better solution than the API Kirk Containers Stackable Water System.
These 4 separate containers hold 5 gallons each, so you’ve got a self-contained 20-gallon water storage solution ready to go out of the box.
The containers come with a lid wrench and a single spigot, and you can stack them three high for saving tons of space.
Camping Water Container Buying Guide
Of course a water container is a pretty straightforward item: we know it needs to hold water without leaks, and that’s pretty much it, right?
There are a few other considerations that are important when selecting your water container, which we’ll cover below.
Size
Depending on the size of your camping party and the length of your trip, you’ll need to decide how much water you need to bring.
For short trips or small groups, a smaller container like the Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer is a great choice.
If you’re looking to bring more water or have a larger group, something like the API Kirk Containers Stackable Water System would be a better option.
Rigid Vs Collapsible Water Containers For Camping
Rigid water containers hold their shape whether full or empty, and can be a little easier to use, especially as they get closer to empty.
The downside is that rigid containers take up more space.
Collapsible water containers pack up much easier because they fold down very compact, but can be a little tougher to use and carry when full because the sides are flexible.
Additionally, flexible water containers can sometimes be a little more prone to leaks.
If you’re wanting to save space, look for a collapsible option like the WaterStorageCube Collapsible Camping Water Container.
Material
The material your water container is made from is important for both durability and taste.
Most containers are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is durable and doesn’t affect the taste of your water.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is softer, more flexible, and used in collapsible water containers.
Look for containers that are rated for both freezing and high-heat temperatures, and those that are rated as food grade and BPA-free.
Portability
When you’re out camping, you’ll want a water container that’s easy to carry with you.
Look for one with handles or a strap, and make sure it’s not too heavy when filled.
One gallon of water weighs a little more than 8 pounds, so consider the total filled weight when you’re picking out your container!
A good rule of thumb is to choose a container that’s no more than half your body weight when full.
If you’ll be leaving your water in the car or in a camper, then you don’t need to worry about portability nearly as much.
Price
Water containers can range in price from around $15 to $100 or more. When deciding how much to spend, consider how often you’ll use it and how long you want it to last.
If you’re an avid camper, something higher-end might be worth the investment.
But if you only go camping a few times a year, something like the Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer is a great budget-friendly option.
Spigots And Additional Features
Some water containers come with additional features like a spigot or tap.
A spigot can be really convenient for filling up smaller containers and doesn’t require you to lift the entire container.
You’ll also find some containers with built-in filters, which can be great for camping in an area where the water quality is questionable.
Always look for spigots or caps that have gaskets built in to ensure there are no leaks or drips in your container.
Jugs that have spigots that store inside the vessel when not in use are best.
The Best Camping Water Containers: Wrapping Things Up
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when choosing a water container for camping.
Be sure to pick the right model (collapsible or rigid) for your needs, and be sure to pick one that’s not too heavy for you to lift when the container is full.
Which camp water container did you pick, and how did it work for you? Let us know in the comments below.
Check out our other helpful camping guides while you’re here:
- The best camping string lights
- How to lock a tent
- What is a tent vestibule?
- The best e-port tents
- How to make a DIY camping bed
- Tents that fit a queen air mattress
- How long does wood take to dry after rain?
- How long does Jetboil fuel last?
- The best heated camping chairs
- The best tent waterproofing spray
- Our guide to cowboy camping
