Whether you're setting out for the wilderness or stocking up for a preparedness kit, the best collapsible water containers are a space-efficient way to guarantee hydration and access to water for cooking and washing hands. From ultra-durable pouches to large-capacity cubes, they come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find what works best for you.
If you’re shopping for a water container for a preparedness kit, it’s worth getting a large-capacity water cube. These cubes make it easy to set up a water station on a counter or table, and their built-in spigots make dispensing a breeze. They're also a good option if you're setting up camp and not planning to move around a lot. But if you're concerned about carrying a lot of weight (5 gallons of water weighs about 47 pounds), you may find it easier to manage multiple smaller containers, rather than one large vessel. Likewise, a set of smaller bag-style containers is preferable if you're squeezed for space — I've included some that are only 1 inch wide, so you can store or pack them separately for space efficiency in your car or camping gear.
Now, if you plan to be backpacking, you'll want a compact but rugged bladder-style pouch that takes up minimal space and forms easily to the inside of your bag. A water pouch made with tough materials can help prevent rips and tears, so look for options with a high denier (D), which measures the weight and thickness of fibers. Generally, between 70D to 1,000D is a good bet for outdoor gear (though, this metric won't always be provided by brands).
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