I am looking for a relieable, durable canteen for camping/hiking purposes. I have been trying to locate the canteens firefighters/smoke jumpers carry (or used to carry). All I can find is canteens made to leak after a couple of uses.


ONE DAY CLOSER

Most everyone I know carries 1 quart (32 oz.) wide-mouth Nalgene Lexan bottles fastened to whatever they want to fasten it to using a largish carabiner. The carabiner is fastened using the loop that holds the cap teathered to the bottle.

I have both the Lexan and the HDPE (high density polyethylene - the cloudy white stuff), and I tend to prefer the Lexan. There has been some talk of health issues related to Lexan, but I think most of that has been put to rest. I still use mine without fear. The HDPE feels like it would puncture easier, but so far both have survived just fine.

Every once in a while I come across someone using a Camelbak or similar. They offer a distinct advantage in that the user can hydrate on the go much easier and more frequently. With the Nalgene bottles there is a tendancy to stop to drink.

I replaced my NATO canteen (cookpot included) with a 32 oz Nalgene that nests with the Campmor steel cup. It works great. I also got the blue insert that snaps into the mouth for sipping.

Regards, Vince

I tried the Campmor sipper attachment, but never got comfortable with it. My kids and I seem to do OK with the open mouth of the bottle, but I wouldn't recommend drinking while walking - unless you're wearing rain gear. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

At times I think I've spent enough money with Campmor to buy a small house.

Actually, I find as I get older that I no longer mind stopping for a drink--especially above 9000' or so. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Regards, Vince

I have two different types of inserts for my bottles and as I don?t know which one Campmor sell I will tell you about both of them.

Splashguard was the first one I saw to come on the market and it works pretty well all thing considered.

The insert made by the Nalgene company unmodified in my opinion is not as good but modified I think is better than the Splashguard one.
This simple modification is to drill a ? inch hole at the 12 o?clock position to let air into the bottle.

My lexan bottles and inserts get used almost daily and are kept clean by a trip through the dishwasher which makes it very easy unlike the camelback type of hydration equipment.
An insulated bottle cover keeps things cool in the summer and keeps them from freezing in the winter.

All and all the Nalgene lexan bottles are a durable and low maintenance way to carry hot or cold beverages for your drinking pleasure.

Oh and lest I forget on a really cold night just pour one full of boiling water stuff it in an old wool sock and it will keep your feet warm all night long. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

www.actiongear.com
Has several types of canteens. But as others have posted we use wide mouth (NAL)bottles and hydration paks


ECHO® GI 1 QUART FLEXIBLE PLASTIC CANTEEN ***READY FOR SOLDIER USE***
At last, a way to get rid of all but one of the old faithful hard shell LC-1 1 Qt. canteens. Made to flex or collapse as water is consumed so you can stash the Echo Flex Canteen when empty, and use the space for other gear, ammo or rations. Soft and pliable, it reduces injuries when landing on your side (a feeling parachute troops know well). Reduces noise of sloshing water of half-full canteens. Same size as the hard shell, and nests inside the canteen cup. Equipped with the M-1 canteen drinking cap for use with drinking tube equipped gas masks. Fits in the standard issue LC-2 One Qt Canteen Cover.

alternatie choice: http://www.greenfeet.com/klean-kanteen-stainless-steel-water-bottle-40oz.html

In a age when most consumer products are build to self-distruct on a schedule imposed by the Marketing Department, Nalgene stands as an island of integrity and value. You can't beat the value.