Large Water Carriers

Large water carriers are designed for camping trips, caravan or campervan pitches and fixed base camps where a personal bottle is not enough and repeated walks to the water point are impractical. This collection includes collapsible water carriers, rigid plastic water containers and steel jerry cans in capacities from 5 to 23 litres, with screw-cap, tap and pouring-spout options available.

Choose a carrier based on how far the filled container must be moved, how much storage space is available when it is empty and whether the water will be poured or dispensed while the container remains in place. The range is focused on practical Highlander designs. Browse our wider Highlander Outdoors camping equipment collection for more products from the same brand.

Collapsible, Plastic and Steel Water Carriers

Collapsible and accordion water carriers fold or compress after use, making them a practical choice when empty storage space matters. Models with handles and taps suit tent camping and temporary pitches where the carrier will be filled nearby and kept at camp.

Rigid plastic jerry cans retain their shape, stand more securely and are straightforward to load into a car, caravan or campervan. Screw-top versions provide a simple filling and pouring arrangement, while tap models make repeated dispensing easier without lifting the full container.

Steel water jerry cans provide a more substantial container with a secure spout arrangement for repeated vehicle transport and more demanding handling. They are heavier than plastic alternatives, so they are best suited to situations where robust construction is more important than minimum carrying weight.

What Size Water Carrier Do You Need?

Capacity should be judged against filled weight rather than only the number of people at camp. One litre of water weighs approximately one kilogram before the weight of the carrier itself is added.

5 litre water carriers are compact, easy to lift and useful for one person, a short trip or a smaller reserve. 10 litre water carriers provide a versatile balance between usable capacity and manageable carrying weight. 15 litre water carriers offer additional capacity for shared camping without the bulk of the largest containers. 20 to 23 litre water carriers are better suited to family camping, group use or a fixed base camp where the filled container will only be moved a short distance.

Where the water point is some distance from the pitch, two smaller carriers can be more practical to handle than one fully loaded 20 or 23 litre container.

Tap, Screw Cap or Pouring Spout?

A tap is useful when the water carrier will remain on a stable surface and supply water for drinking, cooking or washing. It allows controlled dispensing without repeatedly lifting the full weight of the container.

A screw-cap carrier provides a simpler arrangement for filling, transport and direct pouring. Steel cans with a shaped or lockable pouring spout offer greater control when decanting water from a rigid container.

Check the individual product listing to confirm whether the tap or spout is built in, included with the carrier or available separately.

Care and Drinking-Water Suitability

Follow the instructions supplied with the individual product and only use a container for drinking water when its specification confirms that it is suitable for potable-water use. Rinse the carrier before first use, keep the cap, tap and spout clean, and allow the container to drain and dry fully before storage.

Do not add hot liquids unless the carrier is specifically rated for them. A water carrier that has previously held fuel, chemicals or other unsuitable liquids must never be used to store drinking water.

Why Buy Large Water Carriers from Wylies Outdoor World?

Wylies Outdoor World is a small outdoor specialist owned by professional product tester Drew Wylie. We focus on the differences that affect real use, including empty pack size, filled weight, stability, closure type and dispensing method, making it easier to choose the right water carrier rather than treating every container as interchangeable.

For drinking water carried while walking, browse our camping and hiking water bottles. Where water must be treated before use, explore our camping water filtration and purification equipment and follow the instructions supplied with the chosen treatment system.