The Best Overland Water Storage

Our Top Water Storage Picks

Image of RotopaX RX-1W 1 Gallon Water Pack ► Best Overland Water Storage RotopaX RX-1W 1 Gallon Water Pack
Image of Reliance Aqua-Pak 7-Gallon ► Best Water Storage for 1-2 People Reliance Aqua-Pak 7-Gallon
Image of Hudson Exchange 5 Gallon ► Best Stackable Water Container Hudson Exchange 5 Gallon
Overland.Reviews is visitor supported, and we may earn a commission if you purchase through one of our links.

No matter where your off-road adventure takes you or what kind of water source is available, having a reliable water supply is crucial – particularly for long trips out from the beaten path. Water storage is a must-have accessory to get you through the journey. Packing more water than you need is usually a brilliant idea because you never know how far you’ll go between refills. If you’re a camping enthusiast looking for versatile and long-lasting water storage, or if you’re just getting started in the great unknown, this article is for you. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best overland water storage to assist you in deciding what storage to pack on your next Overlanding adventure.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Overland Water Storage

Before you go out and get a portable water container for your Overlanding adventures, knowing few things about this container will assist you in choosing the right one.

Portability:

It comes down to what you want to use the water storage for. If you’re going to take it camping or simply as extra water in the car, your priorities may differ from those who want to store water at home for emergencies.
You may also want something that can last several days but with your vehicle carrying capacity in mind. However, if the container won’t be leaving your car often, maybe you want to go for something more significant.

Spigots and leak points:

Some camping containers include fixtures, whereas others do not. In any case, you’ll need a watertight seal. Anything that has a rubber gasket seal is less likely to leak than a regular plastic cap. You’ll want to make sure that every opening in the container has a rubber gasket seal.

Durability:

The most durable water containers, such as the kinds we reviewed, build rigid plastic with thicker walls. These are resistant to breaking and will survive for many years.

Water Usage:

The top factor to consider when looking at water storage options is the availability and usage of water during your overland trip. Depending on the length of your trip, the size of your party, whether you are going to showering, and the types of meals you will be eating you you may need to carry an additional 2-4 gallons. Consider t you should carry about ½ gallon of water per person per day, ½ gallon of water for instant meals per day, 1 gallon for cookware clean up, and 2½ – 5 gallons of water for a camp shower. Our family of 3 will carry 5 gallons of water per day.

Our Favorite Water Storage of 2024!

RotopaX RX-1W 1 Gallon Water Pack Image

RotopaX RX-1W 1 Gallon Water Pack

★★★★★ (4.9)

With its versatile and high-quality construction, the RotopaX RX-1W Water Pack earns our top overall ranking after making an immediate positive impression for off-road and emergency gear. It’s well-laid out storage and organization options—compact enough to carry inside your truck or vehicle or able to mount on your racks.

The RotopaX RX-1W Water Pack is well-made and long-lasting, and the modular system used by Rotopax provides for a high degree of versatility and customization. For camping vacations, you may fill and freeze the water tank ahead of time. Keep it loaded and use it to wash, to provide water for our dog, or just provide clean water.

This solid water pack holds enough water to go off-roading without you worrying about adequate water. Though it’s a bit pricey compared to most, we like that you can easily lock it on a Jeep and Trailer and don’t have to worry about it falling off. If you’re going to be playing hard on the trail, it’s worth the extra money.

Pros:

  • Slim and functional design
  • Solid and no leaks.
  • Easy to carry and use.
  • Durable and rugged compared to similar products

Cons:

  • A bit pricey but very handy
  • Still smells like plastic
Scepter 05935 Military Water Container - 5 Gallon Image

Scepter 05935 Military Water Container - 5 Gallon

★★★★★ (4.5)

If you need water storage with added space and versatility to accommodate you on all your camping, ATV & Off-Road, or just to keep as an emergency water supply. In this case, we recommend the Scepter 05935 Military Water Container. The Water Container features 5 Gallon (20 Litre) that’s safe to drink from and is made with durable impact-resistant material. It’s a sufficient amount for filling smaller water bottles throughout the days. This container has a handle along the top that makes it simple to hold. Its slim body design also makes it easy to fit inside your automobile.

If you don’t want to use a standard jerry can, it’s an excellent option as it’s made of lightweight plastic that’s safe to drink from. The water does not take bad after storing for several weeks—a good advantage for an Overlanding enthusiast. The wrench fits the caps amazingly and makes for a secure watertight seal. It’s also the only durable water container we could find with a wide enough opening to fit your hand inside.

Though it smells like plastic at first, it quickly fades away—simply keeps it clean and dry, with the cap off, and you’ll be OK. The container seems to be the real deal. Very durable, “will probably outlast the owner, in most cases,” and fit very well in a standard jerry can rack.

Pros:

  • Genuine water can
  • Extremely heavy-duty
  • Well-designed lid
  • Versatile and fits perfectly

Cons:

  • A bit pricy
Reliance Aqua-Pak 7-Gallon Image

Reliance Aqua-Pak 7-Gallon

★★★★★ (4.4)

For those who want a budget-friendly, top-of-the-line car camping or outdoor recreation water container with extra storage or fancy features, the Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer continues to be an optimal option. With a 7-gallon Rigid Water Container, it scores well for ease of filling and drinking.

It comes with an air vent for easy pouring. It’s durable and leak-proof and helps in preventing bacterial. Like the Scepter Water Container, it includes a break-resistant handle, making them comfortable and easy to carry. It can be put behind a car seat if the cargo space is already complete or you need convenient access to a water container. When not in use, the integrated spigot is store inside the cap to prevent the risk of breaking or crushing. However, unlike some other Reliance models, it’s not designed to stack together.

However, we feel that the five-gallon capacity is adequate for a 3-4 days adventure without being overly cumbersome or heavy.

Pros:

  • Value for money.
  • Smart features
  • Durable for outdoor activities
  • For both pouring and storage

Cons:

  • Can’t place anything on top
  • Not the easiest to use
Igloo 6 Gallon Water Container Image

Igloo 6 Gallon Water Container

★★★★★ (4.6)

The Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage does not have many user reviews on Amazon, but it has received positive feedback from various outlets and experts on other websites. Nonetheless, Igloo is well-known for manufacturing high-quality camping gear, and this water jug is no exception. It has a 6-gallon capacity and can easily last you a few days of camping.

It’s lightweight for its size, with two built-in handles and a flexible spout. It’s big, but not so big that it’s challenging to transport. These jugs are considerably easier to pour into freshwater tanks during dry camping due to the large spout and molded-in handles. They are ideal for riding in the back of a pickup truck since the ride is not a smooth one. There are no issues.

The Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage appears to be of higher quality and more accessible to store than the Reliance 7 gallon. Its large size, high durability, great spout for filling camp showers, and vent make it a breeze to use. However, if the cap cracks, Igloo does not offer a replacement.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Flexible spout
  • Small footprint makes it easier to store
  • Very sturdy and dependable
  • Replacement parts are available

Cons:

  • Caps started to crack within two years of use.
Hudson Exchange 5 Gallon Image

Hudson Exchange 5 Gallon

★★★★★ (4.3)

The Hudson Exchange 5 Gallon is recognized for its exceptional value, providing ample storage space and minimal weight at a surprisingly low price. This fantastic pack offers one of the largest storage capacities (20 liters), as well as one of the lightest weights and prices.

If you’re short on space, the simple, straightforward design makes it simple to stack. It’s considerable but not too large—when filled with water, each container weighs 40 lbs. That’s a lot of weight, but not so much that they’re hard to move. The big opening makes it easy to fill, while the impermeable red cap prevents leaks.

The Hudson Exchange is a heavy-duty water container that is meant to be used frequently. It lacks many bells and whistles, such as a spout or stopper, but it’s solidly built, the screw top works well, and it will undoubtedly survive for a long time. It has a built-in handle, as do most water containers; it’s a little heavy, but it’s great for water storage for overland.

Pros:

  • Portable and stackable
  • Food-grade container
  • Cap seals tight
  • Quick filling and pouring.

Cons:

  • The caps are not as durable
  • A funnel would be nice

Our Water Storage Recommendation

Useful Filling Overland Water Storage Accessories

The AquaBrick Portable Water Purification System stands out in our opinion. It provides an excellent water purification system with its DuraFlo filter, removing bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, and E.Coli.

It is worth mentioning a few accessories that make filling much simpler. When loading from any fixture, always use a potable water hose—this is especially useful if you want to refill while your container is in the car.

water bandit is a flexible connector that fits your hose on one end and practically any size outlet on the other. Because not all water fixtures are the same size, they are helpful to have while traveling.

Gaskets are a component of overland water storage subjected to continual usage, subjecting it to wear and strain, and we recommend the Igloo Replacement Triple Snap Drain Plug.

Our Recommendation

Water storage is an essential item to bring to make sure you stay hydrated through all your camping days and nights. The Scepter Water Container is a solid option that’s easy to carry and built to last, but so are almost every other container we review. Though not all overland water storage is created equal, it all comes down to what you want to use the water container for. These models are optimal size and shape, easiest to fill or drink from, highly durable construction, and easy to clean. You can’t go wrong with these containers above.

Don’t hesitate. Grab one of these premium-quality water storage for your next Overlanding adventure, and you’ll be ready for anything.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Storage

What is the safest container to store water for overlanding?

Polyethylene-based plastic containers are the safest to drink water. Also, the water storage you select should have a tight cap and a vent, and check if the cap’s seal can withstand mildew and mold.

How much water do you need per person when camping?

A single person’s daily water consumption might range from 1-2 gallons. To be cautious, we recommend 2 gallons since the last thing you want is to be caught short on the water!

How to Sanitize a Camping Water Container

A simple solution is to use antibacterial dish soap to sanitize the water storage. You may also add rice as a cleaning agent to help remove all particles from the inside surfaces.

Related Gear Reviews