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Best Water Containers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
The size of container you choose for storing water should, in fact, be a practical one. By this, I mean don’t choose a container that holds over 10 gallons of water. Once filled, the containers that hold larger capacities of water are much harder to move, in some instances even impossible. You may even find that the 10-gallon capacity containers are slightly hard to manage, in that case, you can certainly find them in sizes such as 3 or 5-gallon capacity. Choosing smaller capacity sizes makes the containers more manageable, but when storing large quantities of water, this will mean you will need more containers and storage space.
Materials
Plastic
Plastic draws huge controversy no matter what it is used for, that being stated there are some things you will want to consider when choosing a water container made from plastic. Look for a plastic container that clearly states that it is safe for food use, containers not rated for use with food are thinner. This can cause them to deteriorate over time, contaminating your stored water supply.
Glass
Finding glass storage containers for water is not an easy task, most people will sterilize glass containers previously used for food, then fill them with water. For a DIY, this is not a bad option, but consider the number of containers you will need to store in order to have an ample water supply. Glass containers are heavier, can be broken more easily than plastic, and need to be stored in an area with little to no sun exposure.
Durability
When looking for a container to store your water supply, choose one that is made from good quality materials. For instance, should you decide to go with a plastic container, be sure that the plastic is thick enough to endure the same punishment you would expect from a camping trip? This way when you need to move your filled container you know it will withstand the move. Watch for water containers that have small plastic plugs, these plugs tend to leak or sometimes even fall into the container, leaving an open hole in the container. Another thing to keep in mind is how the container will open, choose a container that even a child can open. Some will come with fancy gadgets for either opening or be filling the container, having a container like that certainly isn’t necessary. In some cases, these types of containers are a bigger hassle than they are useful.
Ease of Use
Although all containers were designed to hold water, some are just easier to use and store than others. If you are out camping or hunting, how convenient the spout placement and flow of water can be important for you. It makes it easier to wash your hands and equipment. Containers that will be used for long term storage should have a design that makes it easy to store while saving space.
Value
We rated containers based on the cost to quality ratio and how useful they are based on their design. Water containers are perfect for camping/hunting trips or even the sidelines at a sporting event. They hold a larger amount of water than the standard water bottle, therefore they can quench the thirst of more than one person at a time. They also act as emergency backups. Say you are on the road for a long while without another stop in sight. You can have a water container filled with filtered, safe-to-drink water in it to help keep you hydrated and healthy until your next destination. Same with if you are out in the wilderness.
Here are other facts that give containers value:
When storing water in plastic containers, the water can sometimes taste plastic, this is okay. There really is no need to worry, you can simply put the water out in a glass for a bit, this will allow fresh air into the water.
Planning is key in order to store an efficient amount of water for your household. Make sure you account for every instance that water will be used by each person in your household. This should include everything from drinking to hygiene.
Even if you store your water in larger containers, it is always a good idea to have smaller containers on hand. This allows you to fill from your larger container and take the water along with you.
Using the right container, paired with the correct storage conditions, your stored water should last you 2-3 years before having to refresh your stash.
Plastic, when created, comes with a number inside the symbol that stands for recycling, it is typically numbered 1-7, the number 2 is considered the best. You can also look for the numbers 4 and 5 inside the symbol, these are also sufficient for water storage. Any other number within the symbol is not good for water storage.
Plastic is a permeable material, so be sure that you are storing it away from areas like garages. This will eliminate the chance that the plastic storage container could come into contact with chemicals or gasoline.
BEST WATER CONTAINERS REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY
1. WaterBrick 1833-0001
There are a whole bunch of stackable containers available on the market. Granted, it is an incredibly useful and practical idea, letting you stock up and prepare for that (potentially) inevitable worst case scenario. They all tuck away neatly so you can fill them and then move on to the next task for doomsday preparation. You hope to never have to need them, but Waterbrick built them to be durable, just in case.
Not heavy
Even when full, these water containers are the perfect balance of volume and transport friendly practicality. They just aren't so heavy as to become a burden when you need to move them.
Take them anywhere
As I have just stated up above, sometimes you won't need to stack these up, but instead may need to carry one or two with you. The WaterBrick Stackable Water and Food Storage Container were ergonomically designed for this to make this task easier.
Cost and value
At first glance, the cost does seem a bit far-fetched for such a relatively small water container. Once you look closer, though, and see the rugged construction, and the convenience offered by how easily they stack, you'll start to notice the great value.
2. Scepter
While it looks a bit like a blue gas can, it definitely isn't, so don't worry. This Scepter Water Can was built to contain and transport water in as easily and efficiently a manner as possible. It's modeled after military-style water containers, so that has to tell you they intended it to hold up to a lot of abuse.
Don't poke
Or you can try to. This can was specifically designed to be puncture resistant, which can be critical intense situations where one mistake could prove very costly.
Flexible
A flexible spout can be a very handy feature to have in a water can when you may be stuck in a less than ideal circumstance. Having that versatility can be the difference between life and death.
Cost and value
Very basic design, even as far as water containers go, but that's a good thing. It's built to get the job done, without messing around with needless add-ons. It appears to be priced that way as well.
3. Samson Stacker
I like these water containers. They just have a neat look about them, and they're yet another well thought out stackable option. Having said that these features make it the ideal containers for storing emergency water in a cabin or safe house in an efficient discreet manner. Stack them against a wall or in a closet, and you're good for the long term.
Color coded
I'm not entirely sure why you would need this feature, but I’m guessing that if you plan to use these for long-term survival, being able to color code them based on what they contain can be pretty useful.
You can eat it?
No. No, you cannot. What they mean by food grade is that the material used to craft this container contains no harmful ingredients and is so safe it can be used to store food, making it the be all product for long-term use.
Cost and value
Probably the most value-priced water container out of the group listed here. That being said, it's not the most suited for short-term storage, but instead being ideal for the long haul.
4. Aqua-Tainer
Aqua-Tainer Rigid Water Container. Just the name is promising. What's better, they make neat water containers, in the sense that they're strong, well-built, and very functional. As well, it boasts impressive capacity, allowing you to go wherever you need to go for an extended period of time without having to worry about being without hydration. hydration.
Hideaway spigot
In a lot of cases, the biggest challenge with a lot of containers is the fact that the spigot tends to go missing. What do you do about that, besides replacing it every time? Get an aqua-trainer so you can tuck it away and not have that happen.
Lasts a long time
A well built, sturdy container guaranteed to last a long time, and it comes with a five-year warranty too? You'll never be without this water container as long as you live.
Cost and value
Available in a wide range of sizes with an equally wide range of prices. Still, the prices line up nicely with each item, and you're still getting the same great reliability across the entire line, so go ahead and take your pick.
5. Reliance Rhino Pak
You know what I'm going to say, don't you? You can expect tough durability from this tank like water container. Reliance was surely looking for a long lasting container with this one.
It pours so well.
This is a great, high capacity water container with a high-quality spigot and vent cap built from top-level hardware that's meant to last.
Strong and thick
The walls that make up the Reliance Rhino Pak Water Storage Container are built thick in order to achieve two notable purposes: ensuring the bottle won't break, and offering a sort of insulation, helping keep your water cold for an extended time.
Cost and value
Great volume for a great price, all packed into a well built sturdy container. All the storage you could ask for that won't break the bank and really won't break in general.
6. 2 Gallon BPA FREE
This time I'm going nice and simple. A clear blue bottle that looks like it belongs in a water cooler, this 2-gallon bottle will hold a good amount of water for as long as you need it to without leaking or causing you any real trouble. For all the fancy water containers out there with all those extravagant bells and whistles, sometimes you just need to keep straightforward and trustworthy.
Fill and forget
This two-gallon lifesaver is the perfect water container to use when you want a long-term solution for storing a large amount of water in the case of an unplanned emergency.
Easy carry
I'm going to touch on the classic design again for a second. With the built-in handle, it becomes super easy to carry this bottle around wherever you need to go. Also, since it does weigh twenty-one pounds full, you could always do a few curls and build up that muscle.
Cost and value
For the convenience of easily being able to transport and store your water, the container would need to have a much higher price point before people begin to question the value. This sturdy, well-built bottle is classically built and very affordable.
7. Reliance Products
Get used to having the Reliance brand on this list, you're going to see it a lot. It's not surprising though, they've been making reliable, high-quality water containers for a while now, and I think it's safe to say that they know what they're doing. That's good news for the consumer, because every time you buy one of their products, you'll know what you're getting: great value and quality.
Where'd it go?
You wouldn't think that having a low profile would be an appealing feature for a container, but think of it this way: if it's compact and symmetrical, it's going to store that much easier.
Go away, BPA!
Over the past few years, the world has been making a push to eliminate the harmful chemicals that have been found in consumer products for decades. I'm a big fan of this, and Reliance jumped on the bandwagon early, sparing users from potentially harmful chemicals in their water.
Cost and value
There's not a lot that can distinguish value when it comes to water containers. They hold water and let you carry that water from point A to point B. For those purposes, this container does its job well and is very reasonably priced.
8. Igloo 5 Gallon
You’ve most likely seen this one on the sidelines of a football game, and that makes sense because this container is a very well constructed, rugged product meant to hold up in any type of environment. On top of that, it has a very classic look to it, which is sure to draw attention from passersby. But really, as long as it keeps your water fresh and cold, and gets it from point A to point B, what else do you need?
Can't miss it.
High visibility was surprisingly a novel idea. It’s ideally suited to take along on a camping trip or to a beach party, so being able to see where it is at all times is nice.
So dense
In this case, dense is a good thing. What that means is this not so little container will eagerly hold up to everything you throw at it, in any situation. It won't corrode, it won't crack. It will just do its job.
Cost and value
This is a small, compact, niche container meant for a very specific set of purposes. Just kidding, this thing is huge, versatile, and incredibly rugged. For all that, it is also very well priced.
9. New Wave Enviro 5
For Your Water. Well, that is pretty self-explanatory, so in case you needed a container to hold water and were unsure about this one, it's right in the name for you. It also has a wealth of useful features to pretty much guarantee that it will meet all your water storage needs without skipping a beat.
Pours right out
Water flow is important without a doubt, and the designers of this container went out of their way to make sure they addressed this need by including an extra wide spout to allow for effortless pouring.
Hold in all in
I've looked at a lot of water storage containers in preparation for this list, and one thing that I thought would be a constant among them is leak proofing. That's unfortunately not the case, yet this one outperforms by having thick walls and strong seams.
Cost and value
This has two openings! What I mean, is this water container offers ease of use, and while pricey, is everything you would possibly need to have fresh water wherever you are.
10. Lifeunion 5 Litres
It's another bag! I love the concept of them: a water container that is compact as it is when full, and for all intents and purposes, invisible when empty. Keep in mind though, that these are not meant for long-term storage or transport as the material used to make them so collapsible is pretty thin out of necessity. For a quick grab and go day trip though, this is virtually perfect.
Freeze!
The nature of this bag, namely being used for food and having thinner walls, makes it the perfect vessel to quickly freeze the contents inside evenly.
Fill 'er up.
As if all the other features weren't enough to highlight this bag as the go-to for quick excursions, LifeUnion decided to equip this one with a large spout, making fill up and draining very simple.
Cost and value
This unique water container takes up very little storage room, especially when empty, and will also take very little of your money. For convenient water storage, this is the way to go.
Sources
- , Off The Grid News, Survivalist Blog
- , Skilled Survival, Survivalist Blog
- , The Prepared, Survivalis Blog
