Answering the need for portable, durable water storage, these plastic water jerry cans are designed for camping, emergencies, and everyday use. The top picks emphasize food-grade materials, secure lids, and built-in pouring aids. Best for outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, and DIY homeowners seeking reliable water storage without affecting water taste or purity. Below, explore five standout options, with clear guidance on who each piece is best for and why.
Product comparison at a glance
- Scepter Water Can with Easy-Pour Spout for Camping/Emergency/Off-Road, 5 Gallon, Blue
- Scepter Portable Military Style Water Storage Jug & Container for Camping, 5 Gallon, Sand
- Midwest Can 6700 BPA Free Water Containers with Spout and Dual Handles – 6 Gallon
- ePackageSupply Premium 5-Gallon Hedpak
- Stock Your Home 2.5 Gallon Water Jug, Made in USA
Scepter Water Can With Easy-Pour Spout
Best for: Outdoor campers and emergency kits needing reliable, clean water transport. This 5-gallon jug is crafted from food-grade polyethylene to avoid altering taste or odor. The rigid construction resists puncture, making it suitable for rugged trips and off-road use. A carry handle simplifies moving water between vehicles and campsites, while the Easy-Pour spout reduces spills during transfer.
Why selected: It aligns with needs for durable, safe water storage that won’t compromise quality. Clear benefits include military-spec durability and a design that supports easy relocation and pouring in remote settings.
Caution: The white/or blue color may be easier to spot but ensure the cap and seal remain tight during long-term storage to prevent leaks in transit.
Scepter Portable Military Style Water Jug, 5 Gallon
Best for: Survival-minded households that want rugged reliability with a compact footprint. This 5-gallon jug follows a military-style design that emphasizes long-term storage and leak protection. The molded-in carry handle supports easy transport from car to campsite, especially in limited space or during evacuation scenarios.
Why selected: Its emphasis on durability and portability makes it a go-to for emergency kits and RV trips where space is at a premium. The design supports controlled pouring and sturdy handling in outdoors settings.
Caution: The military-style build can be heavier when fully loaded; consider aids like a cart or strap if you’ll move several jugs at once.
Midwest Can 6 Gal Blue Water Can 6700
Best for: Families and outdoor groups needing a larger-capacity jar with BPA-free assurance. This 6-gallon HDPE container balances capacity with durability and a built-in spout for spill-free pouring. The BPA-free construction helps prevent taste or odor changes, supporting safe, long-term storage for water or other liquids.
Why selected: Higher capacity reduces the number of refills during extended trips or emergencies, and the included spout supports precise pouring. The product’s heavy-duty build is suitable for frequent handling in garages, campsites, or vehicles.
Caution: The larger size may require two-handed lifting and a sturdy storage location to prevent tipping when full.
ePackageSupply Premium 5-Gallon Hedpak
Best for: Practical storage for water, fuel, or other fluids with a reusable, versatile option. The Hedpak features a durable HDPE body and a wide opening for easy filling and venting. Its 70mm cap is designed for convenient use in various settings, including households and off-grid situations.
Why selected: The product’s versatility supports multiple storage needs beyond water, which helps consolidate emergency supplies. The large opening and venting cap simplify handling during refill and monitoring of contents.
Caution: The open design can be more prone to dust or debris if stored in less clean environments; ensure the cap is closed tightly after use.
Stock Your Home 2.5 Gallon Water Jug
Best for: Home garages, workshops, and small-scale camping or boating where lighter, easier-to-handle jugs are preferred. The 2.5-gallon HDPE jug offers a secure lid, thick-walled construction, and a sturdy form that resists cracking with repeated use.
Why selected: Its balance of size, durability, and sealed lid makes it practical for daily uses, DIY projects, and light outdoor storage. The design supports reliable containment of water or compatible liquids for transport.
Caution: Lower capacity means more frequent refills for extended trips or larger groups; plan accordingly for your needs.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Plastic Water Jerries
- Capacity and portability: Choose capacity that matches your intended use. For groups or extended trips, 6 gallons can reduce refills; for solo travel, 2.5–5 gallons may be easier to manage.
- Material safety: Look for BPA-free HDPE or food-grade polyethylene to keep water quality intact and prevent tastes or odors from leaching into liquid.
- Pouring and sealing: Built-in spouts, wide-opening caps, and secure lids minimize spills. Consider models with vented caps for smoother pouring and reduced air pressure buildup.
- Durability: Rugged bodies, puncture resistance, and reinforced handles improve reliability in rugged environments and during transport.
- Versatility: Some jerry cans support water and other liquids. If you may store oils or fuels, verify compatibility and cleaning requirements to avoid cross-contamination.
- Storage and organization: Stackability, shape, and the availability of dual handles affect how you store and deploy multiple jerry cans in limited spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does BPA-free mean for water storage jugs?
It indicates the container is free from bisphenol A, a chemical sometimes used in plastics that can leach into contents. BPA-free jugs help maintain water taste and safety for longer storage.
- Are 5-gallon jerry cans heavy when full?
Yes, a full 5-gallon jug weighs about 41 pounds (18.6 kg). Use a cart, moving strap, or helper to transport multiple jugs safely.
- Can these jerry cans store other liquids besides water?
Many models are designed for other liquids, but verify compatibility with fuels or chemicals before use to avoid contamination or damage.
- How do I prevent leaks in storage?
Always seal lids tightly, keep caps closed when not in use, and store cans upright on a stable surface away from direct sunlight to preserve plastic integrity.
- Which jug is best for emergency kits?
Jars with durable construction, secure caps, and built-in pouring spouts, like the Scepter models, are well-suited for quick deployment and safe handling during emergencies.
- Do these containers affect water taste?
Quality food-grade plastic is used to minimize taste or odor changes, especially if containers are BPA-free and kept clean.