It is absolutely important to have a clean, safe supply of drinking water whether that is whilst travelling in an RV, camping, or in an emergency at home. You want a durable, effective system for storing and dispensing water. One fantastic option is to go for a collapsible water container as this combines the portability of compact containers with an easy way to store water whenever you require it.
We’ve put together a list of the best collapsible containers out there for your drink water needs, along with the key information about each of them. It is important to consider what your individual requirements are and from there, shortlist your chosen water containers.
Our Recommended Picks
Best Collapsible Water Containers Comparison Chart
Top 10 Best Collapsible Water Containers in the Market
We have put together a list of the 10 best collapsible containers on the market right now, along with key features and functions that you should know about. For each one, we have added some pros and cons to summarise the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you can make an informed decision.
1. WaterStorageCube Premium Collapsible Water Container Bag, BPA Free Food Grade Clear Plastic Storage Jug for Camping Hiking Backpack Emergency, No-Leak Freezable Foldable Water Bottle 1.3/2.6 Gallon
WaterStorageCube specialises in effective, premium collapsible water container bags and we think they are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a collapsible container to take on their journeys. These come in either 1.3 gallons or 2.6 gallons and a range of 2, 4, 8, or 10 packs depending on your requirements.
These are made from non-toxic, food-grade materials that are BPA-free and not only that, are environmentally-friendly premium plastics. What this means is you’re limiting your impact on the environment whilst getting a clear, odorless, and safe supply of drinking water (as long as you check the source of the water first). As a portable and lightweight carrier, it will fold away into your backpack when you’re travelling and that is exactly what you want from this kind of water container. Some extra bonuses include it being freezer-friendly and can also be used for storing dry goods like beans or grains.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
2. Coghlan’s Collapsible Water Container, 5-Gallon, Clear White, 11″ x 11″ x 12″
Yet another strong, portable water container that will provide you with a 5-gallon supply of water to drink, cook with and wash dishes with. This makes it perfect for those wanting water at a campsite, picnic, emergency, or for travelling in an RV.
It is a collapsible water container, made from BPA-free, heavy-duty clean polyethylene which not only makes it strong and long-lasting, but you can see how much water is left before you need to go in search of a source to refill it from. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry and the spigot can be removed quickly to allow you to refill it or add extra ice cubes for a more refreshing drink. The dimensions of this product when expanded are 11 x 11 x 12 inches but when collapsed it will fit into your backpack or tent to keep it safe. The only minor complaint by some customers is that it doesn’t always maintain its shape, as shown in the pictures.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
3. GSI Outdoors Collapsible Water Cube
GSI produces these containers in either a 10, 15, or 20-liter option, with the top size equating to roughly 4 gallons of water. It is a fantastic choice for those going camping or having a picnic that wants to dispense water or beverages or have a supply of water to cook with.
In terms of features, it has a handle that is built-in to the container which makes for a strong and easy aid to both carrying and pouring the water out. We like the simple, ergonomic tap handle that can be used with one hand so you can easily get what when you need it. This water cube is made with polyethylene using a proprietary blow molding method and this means it should be stronger and more durable, standing up to the elements and the wear and tear of travelling. In terms of dimensions, this water container measures 10.5 x 10.5 x 2.5 inches and weighs 10.1 oz when not filled with water.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
4. WaterStorageCube BPA Free Collapsible Water Container with Spigot, Camping Water Storage Carrier Jug for Outdoors Hiking Backpack & Survival Kit, Foldable
WaterStorageCube offers a range of BPA-free collapsible water containers, ranging from a single 2.6-gallon option all the way up to an 8-pack of 5.3-gallon water containers. All of these are made with food-grade, BPA-free plastic so you can trust it is safe to drink from and won’t suffer from a horrible taste.
Its space-saving design and molded handle make it easy to carry and transport in an emergency. This also makes it the perfect choice for outdoor situations like camping, hiking, taking on the RV, or storing in your emergency location at home. Thanks to its custom-made lid and spigot, you can easily get access to the emergency water supply and the lack of parts means it will minimise the chance of leakages. The manufacturer provides a 30-day satisfaction guarantee if you’re unhappy with the product.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
5. Coleman Water Carrier, 5-Gallon
Coleman is another manufacturer that has gone for a simple, yet effective design with this collapsible container. Let’s start with the basics, at 5 gallons is larger than some of the bag-style containers on our list and will certainly do the job for a camping trip or picnic in the park.
It has been made with heavy-duty polyethylene and this means it will stand up to the demands of travelling in the wilderness and being collapsed and refilled regularly. However, it should be noted that a lot of this type of container will end up losing its shape so can wobble a little when full. It will fold flat and come with a hook and rope to help carry/store it, as well as built-in handles to make it easy to carry and pour when it is full. The spigot is the traditional design that makes it easy to pour but also easy to remove so that you can refill or add ice cubes when you need.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
6. WaterStorageCube Premium Collapsible Water Container Bag, BPA Free Food Grade Clear Plastic Storage Jug for Camping Hiking Backpack Emergency, No-Leak Freezable Foldable Water Bottle 1.3/2.6 Gallon
WaterStorageCube specialises in effective, premium collapsible water container bags and we think they are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a collapsible container to take on their journeys. These come in either 1.3 gallons or 2.6 gallons and a range of 2, 4, 8, or 10 packs depending on your requirements.
These are made from non-toxic, food-grade materials that are BPA-free and not only that, are environmentally-friendly premium plastics. What this means is you’re limiting your impact on the environment whilst getting a clear, odorless, and safe supply of drinking water (as long as you check the source of the water first). As a portable and lightweight carrier, it will fold away into your backpack when you’re travelling and that is exactly what you want from this kind of water container. Some extra bonuses include it being freezer-friendly and can also be used for storing dry goods like beans or grains.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
7. LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag – Removes Lead, Bacteria, Parasites, and Chemicals Blue, 1 gal
A very different water storage container now as this is a gravity bag that also has been designed to filter out many of the harmful contaminants found in water supplies around the country. The bag has a 1-gallon capacity which is fairly small but the added features make this a fantastic choice for the intrepid traveller who wants to go off the beaten track.
The hollow fiber membrane will help remove 99.99% of bacteria, micro-plastics, and protozoa. The carbon fiber capsule will help reduce the levels of heavy metals, lead, chlorine, and pesticides, which is great for your health but also for the taste of the water supply. The hollow fiber membrane has an average lifespan of 500 gallons of water and the carbon capsule is 26.4 gallons but this can be replaced fairly easily. The perfect piece of camping equipment for the explorer out there and as a nice touch from the manufacturer, every time one is purchased, they provide a school child in need with safe drinking water for an entire school year.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
8. WaterBrick 1833-0001 Stackable Emergency Water and Food Storage Container, 3.5 gal of Liquid, 27 lb of Dry Food Products, Blue
We really love these stackable emergency water containers from WaterBrick. Firstly, they allow you to store either 3.5-gallons of liquid or 27lb of dry food which makes it the perfect companion for your emergency preparations. They are also very light to carry, weighing only 0.2kg when empty.
They have been designed to stack together in order to maximise storage space and have a sturdy handle that makes it easy to carry when full. They manufacturer these in the USA for both everyday use and for emergency equipment so you can trust in the materials used and the longevity of the product. Add in the fact that the materials are food-grade, then you can trust the water or food kept within will be safe to consume. The dimension of each one is 25.5 x 18.6 x 18.7 inches.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
9. MSR DromLite Bag Water Reservoir
The MSR DromLite bag is an impressive water reservoir designed for individuals who want to have access to water wherever they are. Available in a range of sizes from 2-liter to 6-liter, it is smaller than many on our list but it will collapse down to small enough to fit into any bag.
It has been made with BPA-free, food-grade materials to improve the taste of the water and protect you at the same time. Its exterior has been designed in a way to be extra-strong and will handle freezing temperatures so it is perfect for those more extreme environments. In terms of dimensions, the 6-liter product measures 11.3 x 20.6 inches and weighs 5.7oz before being filled with water. A product that is made in the USA and perfect for those hiking in the mountains. Always remember to check the water supply you’re using and if in doubt, use a filter to purify the water before drinking or cooking with it.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
10. Gowithwind Collapsible Water Container with Spigot, 5.3 Gallon BPA Free Camping Water Storage Jug Water Canteen for Outdoor Hiking & Emergency
You can choose from either a 2.6-gallon or 5.3-gallon capacity with these Gowithwind products, as well as multipacks and our recommendation is definitely the larger 5.3 gallons. This will be the perfect companion for those camping trips or picnics when you want to make sure everyone stays hydrated and healthy.
This water container is made with a BPA-free, food-grade material and this means not only will the drinks be odorless, they will also be safe to drink as long as you’ve filtered the water first or trusted the source. With a transparent design, you can see how much is left and the leak-proof spigot makes it easy to not only dispense water but refill when you need it. The opening is wide enough to add in ice cubes as well for that extra refreshing burst of ice-cold water. It has the usual ergonomically designed handle built-in to the container to make it easy to carry and it can store both cold and warm water if necessary. As collapsible water containers go, you can’t go too far wrong with this one.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Types Of Collapsible Water Container
There are three main types of water containers that come in collapsible form and we’ve summarised them below.
1. Folding Buckets
These are simply bucket-shaped containers that fold away for ease of use. They are often relatively cheap and whilst they do offer some benefits we believe the water cubes and water bags offer a better all-round performance
2. Water Cubes
The majority of the containers on our list are water cubes or water boxes, the traditional design for a water container. Widely used, they provide an efficient way to store and dispense water when you need it most, often with a transparent layer so that you can see how much water is left.
3. Water Bags
The final type of container is a water bag. These are less common than the cubes but offer a fantastic alternative for the individual traveller or those going off-trail into more remote places. You will find they have smaller capacities but some of them come with filters built-in to make sure you can drink from almost any water source you come across.
Conclusions
We appreciate you taking the time to read our article on the best collapsible water containers on the market right now and we hope it has helped you choose the best one for your own requirements. They are a fantastic way to ensure you have a safe, clean supply of drinking water wherever you are, without the hassle of dragging large rigid water containers or water drums in the car or on long hikes through the countryside.
If you’re searching for other types of containers, such as those for emergencies then take a moment to explore the rest of our website today!
Leave a Reply