Best camping water containers for 2025: Save space, time and money on your next trip

Water flows, gushes, seeps and crashes. But if you have one of the best camping water containers, you can contain it quite well.

Thankfully, humans have developed clever ways to store water that aren’t just two hands cupped together. Now, you can get all sorts of water carriers, each of them begging to be added to your camping kit list.

You might say, what’s the point? Of course, you could just use a large water bottle, like one of those 5L ones you can buy from Tesco. Or multiple smaller hiking bottles.

But a container that’s specifically designed for camping is more practical. With multiple smaller bottles, you’ll be constantly going back and forth from source to camp.

And a large bottle isn’t likely to be durable, so it’s less sustainable. It’s probably tricky to carry, too, and will take up a lot of space.

Where to start, though? From collapsible containers and lightweight hydration bladders to rigid jerry cans, or even water tanks, there’s so many to choose from. Well, you’re in the right place.

What are the best camping water containers?

Best in test: Ortlieb Water Bag
Best for car camping: Alpkit Kamel Water Carrier
Best budget buy: Quechua Camping Jerry Can

How we tested

We selected these camping water carriers for their variety. We wanted to ensure that there's something for both casual campers and wild expeditions.

The containers here were tested from March-April 2025, by LFTO gear tester Evie Nichols. Using waste water where possible, she evaluated these containers against six criteria. She explains the testing process below:

Flow rate: I timed how long it took for each container to fill my 1L Nalgene bottle. While it would be possible to open the lid of each and simply pour, this test focussed on the flow rate of the spigot (a valve you twist or press to let water out).

Weight and packed size: This was tested using a tape measure and kitchen scales. The packed size refers to the smallest size I could achieve while the container was empty. It would be unfair to compare the weight of a 6L container against a 10L one, so I calculated their weight per litre.

Ease of use: I broke this down into three sub-criteria: ease of cleaning, pouring and filling up. While these may be easier with an extra pair of hands, this score is for one-person use.

Some containers are built for ease of use when backpacking, while others are geared towards campsites. To account for this, this rating is based on the most realistic scenario for each container.

Residual taste. I washed each thoroughly, then drank from them and ranked them from unpleasant to neutral.

Portability. This was determined by comparing the ease at which the containers are carried when full.

Durability: Where possible, I compared the denier rating of the fabric (a unit of measurement that describes the density of fibers). If this wasn't available, I researched the type of plastic and observed the carriers' features.

Curious as to how we get products in for review? Read how we test gear for more more info.

Best camping water carriers for 2025

What to look for in a camping water container?

Portability

After filling up your container, it’s important to be able to carry it easily back to camp. Check out the carrying method: is there a strap or a handle? How adjustable is the strap? Is the handle located at the top or on the side?

If your container has a large capacity, say more than 6L, then it’s easiest to carry with a strap over your shoulder. Or, even better, you might be able to attach it to the outside of your backpack, if there’s more than one strap.

Material

All of the containers we’ve come across while researching this review are made of some kind of plastic. The type of plastic water containers are made from varies, though.

The cheapest containers are made of polyethylene, a tough clear plastic. These kinds of containers feel similar to traditional water bottles and will probably degrade over time quite quickly. There’s a chance they might lose their shape over time as well.

Others, including the Alpkit Kamel and Camelbak Fusion, are made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). This is a flexible plastic, which is easy to pack down to a smaller size. It’s also highly durable and abrasion-resistant.

Most containers are BPA-free, but it’s worth checking in the product description whether this is the case (more on this below).

Ease of use

Pouring: Some containers are easier to pour from than others. Self-standing containers with a tap at the bottom, like the Alpkit Kamel and Quechua Jerry Can, really need a table to be used effectively. Rather than awkwardly holding the container and attempting to pour, you can just place your cup underneath it and turn the tap on.

Others need to be hung from a tree or hook or held by another person for easy pouring. This kind of carrier has a strap at the top and a valve at the other end. Without anything to hang from, it can be pretty fiddly.

All of the containers in this test have an unscrewable lid, so if you’re getting impatient with the tap, you can let the water out through the lid. Bear in mind, though, that rigid containers tend to be easier to pour from, as you can easily control the flow of water.

It’s worth checking where the handle is in relation to the lid, as if it’s right next to it, it’s more difficult to pour from.

Cleaning: For most containers in this test, cleaning was a struggle. The containers which are the easiest to clean have a large opening (Quechua Jerry Can, Camelbak Fusion), so you can reach inside with a sponge. This also helps to reduce residual plastic taste. For some tips on cleaning your container, check out the FAQs below.

Filling up: As water fills the carrier, sometimes it’s hard to keep a grip on it. The containers that are easiest to fill have a sturdy handle to hold onto, either at the top or on either side. Make sure the opening is at the top, rather than the middle.

If you’re wild camping, it’s best to use a carrier with a wide, bottle-like opening – like the Ortlieb Water Bag and Sea to Summit Watercell. This will help you to easily fill up from natural water sources.

Weight and pack size

Most camping water containers are designed to pack down small, so they'll fit into your boot or backpack. If space is at a premium, it's best to choose a container that collapses into itself or folds up easily when empty.

Weight and pack size are a concern for backpacking. The most suitable containers are made from flexible plastic, which you can roll. For packability, it's best to opt for a carrier with a twist valve, like the Sea to Summit Water Cell. Avoid valves that work through a lever, like the one pictured on the Highlander Accordion (above).

Of course, both weight and pack size depend on carrying capacity. Ultralight containers, like the Ortlieb Water Bag, start at around 80g for a 2L container.

What’s the best way to store water for camping?

It’s best to use a purpose-built camping water container (see above for our favourite picks). You could use several plastic 1-2L water bottles, or one 5L bottle from a supermarket, but these options aren’t likely to be durable and will use up a lot of space.

Plus, a purpose-built container is easier to re-use, so it’s more sustainable. Generally, these kinds of containers are easier to carry back-and-forth from your tent to the tap.

What type of container is best for storing drinking water?

There are four main types of container: jerry cans (rigid jug-like containers), collapsible containers, water bags and water bottles.

The best container for you will depend on your needs. If you need a sturdy and durable option, say for camping with a car, opt for a jerry can. A collapsible container would be best if you need to save space.

A water bag is best for hiking, as you can drink on-the-go or transport water in your backpack. One with a large capacity (4L+) is particularly useful for wild camping away from water sources.

On long day-hikes, it’s best to take a reusable water bottle with you. They’re more sturdy and sustainable than one-time plastic bottles. For inspiration, see our review of the best hiking water bottles.

What is the healthiest container to store water in for camping?

Mid and top-range water containers, like the Alpkit Kamel, are made from BPA-free plastic. This means that they don’t contain bisphenol A, a chemical compound that some studies suggest poses a risk to health.

There’s still significant gaps in knowledge here, so we don’t know for sure, but it’s probably best to assume that the healthiest options are made from BPA-free plastic.

How much water do I need for 24 hours camping?

It’s generally agreed that you should drink at least 2L during the day, but this varies wildly depending on your level of activity and how warm it is.

At night, you’ll need at least 2-3L for making dinner and drinking, and don’t forget the morning, too, as you'll no doubt be wanting to fill up those camping mugs with coffee or tea.

If you’re hiking up Ben Nevis on a hot summer day, with a heavy backpack, you’ll get dehydrated much quicker. So you’ll need more water to replace the fluid lost through sweat.

In this case, I’d make sure I'm well hydrated beforehand and take at least 3L with me. If there’s no option to fill up en route, I’d also take plenty for overnight. This is subjective though, and you might find you need much more (or less).

How do I clean my water container?

To clean your water container, start by adding warm water and a bit of washing-up liquid. Swirl the mixture around the inside, then rinse. For hard-to-reach areas, an old toothbrush works well. It’s also important to clean the valve thoroughly, as build up can collect there and affect water quality.

To keep your container clean over time, make sure it stays well-ventilated and avoid leaving water sitting in it longer than necessary. Try to use clean water to begin with, as this helps prevent contamination.

About the author

Digital writer Evie has set up her trusty Wild Country tent on hiking and cycling trips all over Europe, and beyond.

She's a big fan of finding the perfect camping spot, which sometimes leads her away from water sources. Luckily, she's always got a good water carrier with her, so fills up at the nearest stream and continues on. What exactly she's searching for, we might never know.