Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer Stackable 4 Gallon Rigid Water Container – Off-Road and Overland Water Storage
Made by Reliance Products in Canada, the 4 gallon (15 liter) Aqua-Tainer is a great choice for portable water storage on the road or in the camp site, and one that doesn’t break the bank.
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer
- 4 Gallon Rigid Water Container: Check Today’s Price
- NRS 1-Inch Heavy-Duty Tie-Down Strap (optional): Check Today’s Price
Design and use
The container is made of tough, BPA-free polyethylene, and weighs only ~1.6 pounds. It has a 5-year warranty that covers manufacturer’s defects.
It is almost cube-shaped, at 11.5 inches long, 11.25 inches wide, and 10.75 inches high. This shape makes the container fairly tip-proof, and simple to stow.
The Aqua-Tainer has a built-in molded handle, which makes carrying easy. Although the container is also available in a seven gallon model, I think that the the four gallon capacity is perfect for 3-5 day trips, without being too unwieldy or heavy.
The design of the container is such that multiples can be stacked together. Two of the Aqua-Tainers would work well for longer trips.
When stood on its side, raised markings on the outside of the Aqua-Tainer, and some backlighting allow for seeing how much water is left inside (increments of half gallons and 2 liters).
The wide mouth makes filling easy, with a gasketed cap contains a hideaway spigot. A screw-on vent allows air to escape for smooth pouring.
When you’re ready to move out, simply unscrew the spigot, thread it into the opposite side of the cap, tightly screw the cap onto the Aqua-Tainer, close the screw-on vent, and hit the road.
Comparison & Storage
The single, four gallon Aqua-Tainer is much more durable and easy to manage than multiple grocery store, one gallon water jugs.
The D-rings that are built into the rear cargo area can be used to easily secure the one or more Aqua-Tainers.
I’m a fan of the 1-Inch Heavy-Duty Tie-Down Straps from NRS, which are available in various lengths, from one to twenty feet long.
To stow an Aqua-Tainer, simply run the tie-down strap through the handle of the container and cargo area D-ring of your choice, and tighten the strap. If this is done with one of the D-rings closest to the front of the vehicle, it is easier to do with one of the rear seats folded forward.
Alternatively, if your cargo area is packed full, and/or you want easy access to a water container, the Aqua-Tainer can be placed behind the driver or passenger seats (even with seats moved fully rearward).
I use Waterbricks. They are stackable, 3.5 gallon bricks which can be strapped down easily. I keep them filled at home for emergency water, and it’s easy to toss as many as I need in the truck quickly when I head out.
I was debating between the 7gal and the 4gal versions. This review was more informative than any retailer’s website and even the manufacturer’s! (I’m going with the 4gal.)