In this article, I review and compare the best personal water bottles and water storage containers for camping in 2023. A good water container will keep your water supply clean and readily available during your next camping trip.
In a Hurry? Here's My Top 3 Picks
My personal favorite container is the QuiFit Motivational Gallon Water Bottle. It gives me an ample water supply whether I am hiking, camping, or sitting at the office. I have this water bottle in several colors and find it to be a great option for daily use.
My pick for the best overall water container is the WaterBrick. I am a huge fan of the fact that it is stackable and can be moved together as a unit or individually.
It is smaller in size than some, but it comes in a four-pack that makes up the difference. The WaterBrick is also available at a reasonable price point and is very durable for the cost.
My best value pick is the Reliance Aqua-Tainer. This water storage jug is affordable, durable, and a sound purchase decision for most camping needs. The fact that it holds seven gallons and is stackable adds to its desirability.
21 Best Water Containers for Camping
To simplify the process of selecting the best camping water containers, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best personal water bottles and water storage tanks.
Personal Water Containers
QuiFit Motivational Gallon Water Bottle
This large capacity water bottle comes in two sizes: 64 oz. and 128 oz. It has a wide mouth opening, plastic flip-top lid, screw cap, and removable straw for ease of use.
The gallon container is made of high-quality food-grade material and is BPA- and odor-free. You can easily tote this product around with its large portable carry handle.
Pros:
- Time marker and motivational quotes
- High-quality, durable food-grade material
- Large handle for carrying
- BPA- and odor-free
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- No filter
WaterBrick
This portable container provides clean and safe drinking water with its FDA-approved, BPA-free plastic.
The WaterBrick holds 3.5 gallons and comes in a set of four receptacles that can be interlocked, making it possible to carry them as a single unit.
The individual canisters are lightweight and easy to move with sturdy handles.
Pros:
- Interlocking and stackable design
- Sturdy handles
- Sold in four-pack
Cons:
- Difficult to tighten the lid properly
Reliance Aqua-Tainer
This portable water container is popular among campers because of its durable construction. The Aqua-Tainer can hold large amounts of water, with a seven-gallon capacity.
The large container is easy to use with a spigot and has a space-saving stackable design for storing.
Pros:
- Durable BPA-free plastic
- Stackable design
- Stowable spigot
Cons:
- Possible leaking around the spigot
Nalgene Wide Mouth
You can’t go wrong with this type of camping water bottle. It has a wide mouth opening, making it easy to fill and add ice cubes.
It’s BPA-free and odor-resistant. The screw-top fastens and locks the lid securely in place, allowing you to clip it onto a bag or harness.
It can hold 32 oz. of hot or cold water. You can place it in a freezer overnight. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe with a durable design.
Pros:
- Wide mouth opening
- BPA- and odor-free
- Dishwasher safe (top rack)
Cons:
- Kind of big
- Wide mouth might cause spills
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 don’t 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:
- Leak-proof lid
- Dishwasher safe (top rack)
- Replaceable filter
- BPA-free
Cons:
- Straw can be burdensome
- Smaller container (26 oz.)
Hydro Cell
This stainless steel water bottle is a good choice for a durable water storage container when camping. It will keep both hot and cold beverages with its double-walled and vacuum-sealed design.
Plus, you can enjoy zero condensation on the slip-resistant Grip Tech powder coating. The cap has lock technology for no drips or spills.
The Hydro Cell is offered in a variety of colors and sizes (18, 24, 32, and 40 oz.).
Pros:
- BPA- and plastic-free
- Stainless steel
- Multiple capacities and colors
- Grip Tech powder coating
Cons:
- Straw may be burdensome
- Heavier
Cactaki by Green Sequoia
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:
- Wide mouth opening
- Strainer feature
- BPA- and toxin-free
Cons:
- Not insulated
- Non-removable strap
Giotto Water Bottle
The Giotto Water Bottle is a good option for daily use. It has a carry handle that allows you to take it anywhere and makes it great for outdoor use.
This water bottle is BPA-, toxin-, and odor-free. It is leak-proof and features a flip-top lid and silicone straw. The wide mouth design lets water flow swiftly from the mouth.
Pros:
- Removable straw
- Time marker and motivational quotes
- BPA-, toxin-, and odor-free
Cons:
- Not dishwasher approved
Coleman FreeFlow AutoSeal
With a double-walled and vacuum-sealed, heavy-duty stainless steel design, the Coleman FreeFlow AutoSeal water bottle is perfect for keeping cold water up to 58 hours and warm water up to 24 hours.
The AutoSeal feature prevents leaks and drips, but still allows you to easily add ice cubes or refill it. You can choose from several color options and two different sizes (24 or 40 oz.).
Pros:
- Protective spout cover
- Slide lock
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
This collapsible container has everything you want for outdoor camping and then some. It features a wide mouth opening, sealed twist cap, and flexible silicone.
It is made of 100% chemical-free material that can be rolled up and stored when not in use.
Want to put it in a freezer? No problem, as it’s freezable. Also, it’s dishwasher safe for easier cleaning.
Pros:
- Collapsible
- BPA- and chemical-free
- Freezer safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Color options
Cons:
- No filter or purifier
- Strap can be unreliable
Water Storage Jugs and Tanks
Scepter Water Jug
This heavy-duty water jug is made with military-spec food-grade plastic material that is BPA-free and odor-free.
The water jerry holds up to five gallons of water and is strong enough to withstand frequent use. It features a multi-function cap and molded handle for portability.
Pros:
- Durable
- Food-grade plastic material
- Multi-function cap
Cons:
- Expensive price point
WaterStorageCube Collapsible Container
If you are looking for flexibility and durability in a collapsible water jug, this water container is a great option.
It’s foldable and can hold 5.3 gallons of water. It has a one-piece design that is seamless to prevent leaks and is made from food-grade BPA-free plastic.
The WaterStorageCube also features a handle for transporting, an on/off spigot, and a large opening for filling from almost any water source.
Pros:
- Single-piece design
- Self-collapses and flexible
- On/off spigot
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Spigot is less durable than some
- Water flow slows as it is emptied
API Kirk
This water jug comes in a four-pack and is quick to store due to its stackable design. Each jug holds five gallons of water and is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.
The plastic is BPA-free and of food-grade quality. A single spigot can be attached for ease of use when accessing drinking water. The jug is very portable and fits nicely in the back of a car.
Pros:
- Stackable
- Includes four receptacles
- BPA-free
Cons:
- Not as durable as other jugs
Legacy Premium
This portable water drum boasts the highest quality plastic available. It is also BPA-free and UV-resistant. It features two pouring spouts and a carrying handle for ease of use.
The Legacy Premium water container is perfect for longer dry camping trips, as it holds roughly 15 gallons of water.
Pros:
- Two pouring spouts
- Large-capacity container
- Food-grade quality
Cons:
- Large size
- Not stackable
Saratoga Farms Stackables
Saratoga Farms Stackable water units are great for saving space on camping trips.
They are built with a carrying handle and are durable for long and frequent use. Each container has a five-gallon capacity.
Also, they are sold with spigots and are made of HDPE food-grade plastic to last for many years.
Pros:
- Stackable design
- Spigots included
- Food-grade plastic
- Durable
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
Nalgene Narrow Mouth
Similar to the wide mouth variety, this water container is durable, BPA-free, and suitable for cold or warm drinks.
It is dishwasher safe for quick cleaning and features a marker so that you can keep track of the amount of liquid you consume. The 32 oz. size enables you to take it anywhere.
Pros:
- Marker to track your liquid consumption
- Good for warm or cold drinks
- Narrow mouth design
Cons:
- Narrow mouth can be challenging to clean
- No filter
Healthy Human Water Bottle
With a double-walled exterior and vacuum-insulated interior, this water bottle is a great option for retaining water temperature.
It is made of food-grade stainless steel and is BPA-free. It also comes in a choice of capacity sizes: 16, 21, 32, or 40 oz.
A carabiner is included for carrying; it also has a convenient handle.
Pros:
- BPA-free and stainless steel
- Size choice
- Double-walled vacuum insulation
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
Embrava Best Sports
The material for this water bottle—eco-friendly BPA-free copolyester plastic—is shatter-resistant.
The bottle features a drip- and spill-proof narrow mouthpiece. The company has added a little extra flare by sending the bottle in a gift box and offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Pros:
- Fast-flow spout
- Comes with a lanyard strap
- Shatter-resistant
Cons:
- No filter
- Not dishwasher safe
LifeStraw Go
This personal water bottle features a two-stage filtration system. Its replaceable filter removes bacteria and parasites.
It also has a carbon capsule to reduce chlorine and bad taste. A food-grade flip-top lid makes it leak-proof and you can select from various colors.
Pros:
- BPA-free
- Replaceable filter
- Flip-top mouth
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Straw feature
Reliance Fold A Carrier
If you liked the Reliance Aqua-Tainer, this is the collapsible version of it. It is a convenient option that has a compact size when it’s not in use.
The container is lightweight and features a leak-proof spigot. It holds up to five gallons of water and is suitable for cold weather.
Pros:
- Easy to transport
- Affordable option
- Won’t freeze in cold weather
- BPA-free and food-grade plastic
Cons:
- May roll around when full
- Plastic taste for first uses
MSR Dromedary
This water container, better known as a “Drom,” is a flexible option for outdoor adventurers. It is made of a tough 1,000D fabric that is durable even when filled with liquids.
The Drom is BPA-free and has a food-grade lining that enables it to withstand freezing temperatures. Its multiple hanging straps and three spouts make it very versatile.
It easily packs down to a small size and can be stored almost anywhere.
Pros:
- Durable design
- Three spouts and many straps
- Collapsible and compact
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- Small capacity (2.6 gallons)
How to Choose a Camping Water Container
Durability
You want a storage container that will stand the test of time. Some things to keep in mind when purchasing a new container include its ability to withstand heavy pressure, UV exposure, and climate fluctuation.
Capacity vs. Weight
Measured in gallons or liters, capacity is the amount of liquid a container can hold. Weight, on the other hand, refers to how much the container weighs once it is filled with water.
This is an important aspect to consider, as you will need to move the canister around.
Design
Review the specifications of the container to determine the appropriate dimensions and design for your camping needs.
You will want to consider how much space is available for storage and whether or not a stackable version will better suit your storage area.
Material
Water storage containers are often made of plastic. Ensure that your container is lightweight and non-toxic. It should be BPA-free and food-grade quality.
Ease of Use/Portability
Many water containers have features to make them easier to use, like spigots, quick release drain systems, collapsibility, and stackability.
Water is heavier than the average person thinks, so make sure you are buying a jug that you can move from location to location.
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
FAQs
How long can you store water in a container?
Water doesn’t have an exact expiration date, but for safety reasons, I would follow the CDC recommendation of changing out your water every six months.
How long does a gallon of water last?
A person should drink roughly one gallon of water per day. If you are packing a five-gallon container, it should last a person roughly five days.
Should I bring a water container if the campsite has drinking water?
Yes! A water container gives you easy access to water at your campsite. This will reduce the number of trips to the spigot or the number of disposable water bottles you will need throughout your stay.
How much does a gallon of water weigh?
A gallon of water weighs approximately eight pounds. If you have a five-gallon water storage tank, you can expect it to weigh 40 pounds.
That’s definitely something to think about when you’re purchasing a container!
Final Thoughts
Here are my personal picks for the best water containers and bottles for camping in 2023:
- My Choice: QuiFit Motivational Gallon Water Bottle
- Best Value: Reliance Aqua-Tainer
- Best Overall: WaterBrick
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Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula is a writer born and raised in the Midwest. The Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota provide some of her favorite locations to hike and camp with her three adventurous boys. Brandi also enjoys cooking, reading, and attending her children's sporting events in her spare time.
