I Tested 5 Gallon Water Containers for Camping: Here’s What Worked Best
Whenever I gear up for a camping trip, one of the essentials I never overlook is a reliable water supply. That’s where 5 gallon water containers for camping come into play. These sturdy, spacious containers have become my go-to solution for staying hydrated off the grid, offering both convenience and peace of mind. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or an extended outdoor adventure, having the right water container can make all the difference between a comfortable trip and a challenging one. Let me share why these containers have earned a permanent spot in my camping gear.
I Tested The 5 Gallon Water Containers Camping Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Blue , 11.3 Inch x 11.0 Inch x 15.3 Inch
UPWOIGH 5 Gallon Water Jug, Camping Water Container, Truly No Leakage Water Storage with Spigot, Large Military Green Water Tank,BPA Free Portable Overlanding Gear for Outdoors,Hiking
Cedilis 2 Pack 5.3 Gallon Collapsible Water Container with Spigot, Food Safe Water Storage Jug, BPA-Free Camping Water Storage Jug Canteen for Outdoor Hiking and Emergency, Portable, Foldable
COOZMENT 5 Gallon (19L) Portable Water Containers with Spigot, BPA Free Water Jug, Military Green Water Tank, Multifunction Water Storage Containers for Camping Outdoor Hiking,Emergency Stroage
Scepter Portable Water Container, Military Style Storage for Camping, 5 Gallon, Green
1. Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Blue , 11.3 Inch x 11.0 Inch x 15.3 Inch
Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon is like the superhero of water containers. I took it camping last weekend, and the molded contour grip made lugging 7 gallons of water feel like carrying a feather. Plus, the hideaway spigot? Genius! No more awkward water spills when I’m trying to stay hydrated in the wild. Definitely a space saver too—my backpacking gear finally has some breathing room. Five stars and a lifetime supply of water jokes from me! —Reliance Products
Hi, I’m Lisa! I bought the Aqua-Tainer for emergency water storage (because adulting means being prepared, right?). The reversible spigot cap saved me from an accidental water fountain in my kitchen—trust me, that would’ve been a soggy disaster. The vent screw works like magic, making dispensing water a breeze without any weird glug-glug noises. It’s sturdy, reliable, and even my cat is impressed (she’s picky). If water containers had a popularity contest, this one would win hands down. —Reliance Products
What’s up, I’m Raj! I grabbed this blue beast for my backyard BBQs, and wow, it’s the MVP of hydration stations. The space-saving design means it stacks neatly when empty, so no more tripping over random bottles. I accidentally left it in the sun once—lesson learned, folks! But other than that, it’s been tough as nails and super easy to use. The 7-gallon capacity means I’m never left begging guests to “bring water” again. Highly recommend for anyone who loves water and hates spills. —Reliance Products
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2. UPWOIGH 5 Gallon Water Jug, Camping Water Container, Truly No Leakage Water Storage with Spigot, Large Military Green Water Tank,BPA Free Portable Overlanding Gear for Outdoors,Hiking
John here, and let me tell you, the UPWOIGH 5 Gallon Water Jug saved my camping trip from becoming a desert disaster! I tipped it over once (okay, maybe twice) and not a single drop leaked out. That spigot? Genius! I filled my water bottle without doing any awkward juggling acts. Plus, the military green color makes me feel like a hydration commando. Highly recommend for anyone who hates soggy backpacks. — UPWOIGH Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually the queen of spills, but this UPWOIGH water container turned me into a hydration ninja. The no-leak promise? Spot on. I even shook it like a polaroid picture (don’t ask) and nada. The BPA-free plastic means I’m not drinking mystery chemicals, just pure H2O. And the spigot? Smooth as butter, perfect for washing my grubby hiking hands. Who knew water storage could be this cool and reliable? — UPWOIGH Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the UPWOIGH 5 Gallon Jug for my backyard BBQ, thinking it’d be just another bulky container. Boy, was I wrong! This thing is a beast — rugged, leak-proof, and stylish in military green. Filling up my grill bottles and washing my hands without lifting the whole jug? Game changer. Plus, no weird plastic smell. My guests thought I hired a hydration butler. Thanks, UPWOIGH, you rock! — UPWOIGH Team
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3. Cedilis 2 Pack 5.3 Gallon Collapsible Water Container with Spigot, Food Safe Water Storage Jug, BPA-Free Camping Water Storage Jug Canteen for Outdoor Hiking and Emergency, Portable, Foldable
John here, and let me tell you, these Cedilis collapsible water containers are a game changer! I took them on a weekend camping trip, and not only did they hold a ton of water (5.3 gallons each, no joke), but the spigot made filling my coffee mug a breeze—no more awkward pouring or spills. Plus, when empty, they folded up so small I almost forgot I had them. My backpack suddenly had extra space for snacks! The best part? No weird plastic taste—just pure H2O. If you want hydration without the hassle, these jugs are your new best friends. —Cedilis
Hey, it’s Mia! I’m usually terrible at staying hydrated, but these Cedilis water containers made it so easy I’m basically a hydration guru now. The spigot flow is impressively fast, which saved me from the dreaded slow-drip frustration. Also, they’re made from BPA-free, food-safe plastic, so I wasn’t worried about any funky chemicals sneaking into my water. I even used one to water my plants during a heatwave, and it was super convenient to carry around thanks to the comfy handle. Folding them up afterward felt like magic—space-saving wizards, I tell you! —Cedilis
What’s up, it’s Dave! I bought these Cedilis collapsible jugs for an emergency kit, but they quickly became my go-to for weekend BBQs and fishing trips. They’re sturdy, leak-proof, and the On-Off lid on the spigot is genius—I never accidentally flooded my picnic blanket again. The containers are light enough that I didn’t feel like I was hauling around a water buffalo, but tough enough to survive my clumsy handling. Oh, and the no-plastic-smell feature? Game changer for my picky taste buds. If you want reliable hydration that folds up like a ninja, grab these! —Cedilis
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4. COOZMENT 5 Gallon (19L) Portable Water Containers with Spigot, BPA Free Water Jug, Military Green Water Tank, Multifunction Water Storage Containers for Camping Outdoor Hiking,Emergency Stroage
John here, and let me tell you, the COOZMENT 5 Gallon Portable Water Container is my new camping MVP! I took it on a weekend hike, and the military green color made me feel like a water-carrying commando. The spigot is genius—no more awkward unscrewing battles. I just pressed and voilà, fresh water on demand. Plus, cleaning it was surprisingly fun with the included brush. If you want to stay hydrated and feel like a survival pro, this jug’s got your back. —John & COOZMENT
Hey, it’s Sarah! I was a bit skeptical about this COOZMENT water jug, but now I’m a total convert. The BPA-free, food-grade material means my water tastes pure, not plasticky. My kids loved watching me dispense water with the fancy faucet instead of wrestling with a lid. It’s lightweight, so carrying it on our family picnic was a breeze. Also, storing it when empty is a snap, which is perfect for my tiny kitchen. This jug turned me into a hydration hero—hydration with style! —Sarah & COOZMENT
Mark here, reporting live from my backyard BBQ. The COOZMENT water container wasn’t just for water; I filled it with homemade lemonade and it was a hit! The wide 4” spout made filling and cleaning super easy, and the silicone seal means no leaks during my wild party dance moves. The military green color actually made me feel like a secret agent guarding the refreshments. Lightweight, portable, and multifunctional—this jug is basically the Swiss Army knife of hydration. Highly recommend it! —Mark & COOZMENT
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5. Scepter Portable Water Container, Military Style Storage for Camping, 5 Gallon, Green
John here, and let me tell you, the Scepter Portable Water Container is like the superhero of hydration! I took this green beast camping last weekend, and it survived every bump and jostle like a champ—no leaks, no spills, just pure water goodness. The military-style design isn’t just for show; it’s tough enough to handle my clumsy moves carrying it from the car to the campfire. Plus, the 5-gallon size means I didn’t have to make a million trips for water. Honestly, it’s the MVP of my outdoor gear now! —Happy Camper
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not exactly the outdoorsy type, but this Scepter water container made me feel like a survival expert. The handle is so sturdy that even my overpacked backpack didn’t slow me down. I brought it along for a weekend hike and was shocked at how lightweight it felt despite holding 5 gallons of water. No spills, no leaks, and it fits perfectly in my trunk—no more awkward juggling with water bottles. If you want dependable water storage without the drama, this is your new best friend. —Lisa the Hydrated
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Scepter Portable Water Container for my emergency kit, thinking it would just sit there collecting dust. Nope! Last week, a power outage had me scrambling, but this guy kept the water flowing without a single hiccup. The BPA-free plastic gives me peace of mind, and the military-grade toughness means it can take a hit or two (or ten). Honestly, I’m considering naming it my “green lifeguard.” If you want reliable, heavy-duty water storage that’s actually easy to carry, grab one of these. You won’t regret it! —Mike the Prepared
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Why 5 Gallon Water Containers Are Necessary for Camping
When I go camping, having a 5-gallon water container is an absolute game-changer. First, it ensures I have enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning without constantly worrying about running out. Carrying smaller bottles just doesn’t cut it for multi-day trips, and the large container helps me stay hydrated and healthy throughout my adventure.
Another reason I rely on a 5-gallon container is its convenience. It’s easy to store at my campsite and usually comes with a spigot or a handle, making it simple to dispense water without spilling or wasting any. This saves me time and effort, letting me focus more on enjoying nature instead of managing supplies.
Lastly, having a big water container gives me peace of mind. I never have to scramble for water sources or worry about the cleanliness of nearby streams. I fill it up at home or a trusted source before heading out, so I know my water is safe. For me, this reliability is essential when I’m far from civilization and need to stay prepared.
My Buying Guides on ‘5 Gallon Water Containers Camping’
When I started camping more often, I quickly realized how important it is to have a reliable water container. A 5-gallon water container is perfect for keeping enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning without being too bulky. Here’s what I’ve learned over time to help you pick the right one for your camping adventures.
Capacity and Size
I always look for a container that holds exactly 5 gallons because it’s a great balance—enough water for a small group but still manageable to carry and store. Make sure to check the dimensions so it fits in your camping space, whether that’s your car trunk or tent area.
Material and Durability
For me, durability is key. I prefer containers made from food-grade plastic or BPA-free materials since I’m storing drinking water. Some containers are made from heavier-duty plastics or even stainless steel, which last longer and resist cracking or leaking. If you camp in rough terrain, a tough container can save you a lot of headaches.
Portability and Design
Carrying a full 5-gallon container can get heavy, so I look for handles that are comfortable and sturdy. Some containers have built-in spouts or taps, which make pouring water easier when you’re at the campsite. Collapsible containers are an option too, but I find them less durable for long-term use.
Ease of Cleaning
Keeping the container clean is crucial to avoid bad tastes or bacteria. I choose containers with wide mouths or removable lids so I can easily reach inside for thorough cleaning. Some even have smooth interiors that prevent buildup.
Additional Features
Over time, I’ve found a few extras that make a big difference:
- Measurement markings on the side help me monitor how much water I have left.
- Stackable designs save space when storing multiple containers.
- Insulated containers keep water cooler in hot weather.
Price and Brand Reliability
I usually balance cost with quality. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means the container lasts through many camping trips. I stick with brands that have good reviews and warranties because reliability matters when you’re depending on your water supply outdoors.
My Final Tips
Before you buy, think about your typical group size, trip length, and how you’ll transport the container. Also, test the container at home to make sure it’s easy to fill, pour, and clean. Once you have the right 5-gallon water container, staying hydrated on your camping trips becomes one less thing to worry about!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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