Canteens 101: Everything You Need to Know About Different Styles, Water Capacity, and Their Role in Survival and Bugout Bags

• Posted on 6 April 2023
• Posted in Bugout Bag Essentials, Camping, Survival, Water Purification
• 0

Canteens 101: Everything You Need to Know

Canteens have been a crucial piece of gear for hikers, soldiers, and outdoor enthusiasts for many years. In this article, we'll explore the different styles of canteens, their water capacity, and how they can be essential for any survival situation. Gear Up Surplus offers a variety of canteens from brands such as Rothco as well as Genuine Issued Canteens and other Military Surplus Gear. We remain a trusted source for the most high quality products on the market that are build to last.  Let's dive in!

The Different Styles of Canteens

Canteens come in various styles, equipped with its own unique features. The most common used canteens are those that are issued by the Military and enjoyed by soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Traditional 1 qt. canteens are the standard issued canteens made of a heavy-duty plastic. In addition to plastic canteens, Aluminum and Stainless Steel Canteens also make for viable options. At Gear Up Surplus, we offer a wide range of canteen styles to fit your needs when facing the outdoors. 

Why is it Called a Canteen?

The term "canteen" is believed to have originated from the Latin word "cantina," which means "a small container for holding liquid." The word evolved over time to describe a place where food and drink were served, and eventually, it came to refer to a portable container for carrying water.

Military Use of Canteens

Canteens have been a staple piece of gear for soldiers for centuries. In the past, canteens were made of leather or metal and were often carried on a soldier's belt. Today, military canteens are typically made of heavy-duty plastic or metal and are designed to withstand harsh conditions. They are an essential piece of gear for soldiers in the field, providing them with a reliable source of water.

Canteen Capacity

Canteens come in various sizes, ranging from 1 quart to 2 quarts. The amount of water a canteen can hold depends on its size and design. Military canteens are typically larger than outdoor canteens, as soldiers need a larger water supply to sustain them during long missions. In addition to the traditional style canteens, 2qt. canteen bladders are also a viable option for more water storage. At Gear Up Surplus, we offer canteens in various sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

The Importance of Canteens for Survival and Bugout Bags

Canteens are an essential piece of gear for anyone preparing for a survival situation. In an emergency, access to clean drinking water can mean the difference between life and death. Canteens are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry in a bugout bag or backpack. By storing water in your canteen, you can then apply the appropriate water purification tablets to ensure water is clean and viable. Beyond storage, utilizing an aluminum or stainless steel canteen or a plastic canteen combined with a canteen cup and stove, can give you the ability to boil water. Boiling water can safely result in sterilization of numerous items. At Gear Up Surplus, we offer a variety of canteens specifically designed for survival situations, so you can be sure you're prepared for anything.

Canteen Cups and Stoves

Canteen cups and stoves are accessories that can be used with canteens. Canteen cups are designed to fit onto the bottom of a canteen and can be used to cook food or boil water. Canteen stoves are small, portable stoves that can be used with a canteen cup to heat water or cook food. At Gear Up Surplus, we offer canteen cups and stoves from Rothco, so you can be sure you're getting a high-quality product.

Conclusion