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Brilliantly CHEAP Water carriers! Brilliantly CHEAP Water carriers!
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Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*

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  #1  
Old 2 Nov 2011
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Brilliantly CHEAP Water carriers!
I have just ordered 3 of these ex British Army 5 Gallon water carriers. They are made from robust black plastic and are therefore very light.

Anyone looking for a water carrier on a bike platform would be well advised to get hold of a couple. You could probably get away with one each side (water and fuel).

For only £8 it's a true bargain.

I have used this company many times for hunting gear (cammo clothing). You won't get British Army Surplus cheaper than this. The goretex stuff is particularly good value. They are a reliable supplier.

Boots in almost new condition are only £20 and they last for years with bike use.

This stuff may not look modern but it is top notch, well made and lasts for ages.

British Military Surplus
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Old 2 Nov 2011
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I am sure these jerrycans are good value and do exactly what you expect from them.

However......

I am rather surprised that anyone on a motorbike would seriously consider a hard fixed water carrier when you can buy a 10 litre soft water carrier, like the Ortlieb or MSR Dromedary bag, which can be held on by bungees and rolled up when you don't need it.

I am not trying to start an argument here, but I really don't see the point of these on a bike?
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Old 3 Nov 2011
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If you opt for the flexible rubber bag and ever find the "Swiss Army surplus black rubber water container" (or whatever they call it)... they are cheap and sturdy, but taste like HELL. After filtering with katadyn, water still tasted worse than licking your tires!

Esteban
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Old 3 Nov 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Roach View Post
I am not trying to start an argument here, but I really don't see the point of these on a bike?
+1

Desert nomads have been using goatskins for centuries.

If you want to leave people with the impression your going places.....by all means bolt up a pair.

daryl
Last edited by dlh62c; 3 Nov 2011 at 18:55.
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  #5  
Old 3 Nov 2011
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Someone must like them...they're shown as out of stock now !
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Old 3 Nov 2011
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I use the old soft black rubber 5 Gal bags you can find on ebay as "swiss" or ex army water bags. Has been great for the last year of my travels. And you can hang it for a shower or lie it in the sun to heat up for a hot shower! Mine doesn't taste strange at all!

Skip on hard water containers...you'll get sick of them unless you can pack them withIN your bike frame.
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Old 3 Nov 2011
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Forget water bottles...

What you want is a Russian field gun.. On;y £8000.

Lower the barrel onto any road block and they will soon wave you through..

British Military Surplus - Hardwear
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Old 3 Nov 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richiewizz View Post
Someone must like them...they're shown as out of stock now !


Kentfallen purchased them all !!
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Old 4 Nov 2011
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You lot taking the mick?

Seriously these things represent a superb buy if you want something to hold liquid. I use one to store old engine oil.

Whatever you think on it's use for bike related purposes, it does represent outstanding value for money. Remember these things are only £8

As you say, these things are now out of stock. 26 sold TODAY.

Someone must have thought my suggestion was worthy....
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Old 4 Nov 2011
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Was only joking, I actually looked up their address as I can not buy either clothing or boots without trying them for size first, but the prices seem unbeatable, and thanks for posting, I'm sure many appreciate that.
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Old 8 Nov 2011
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for petrol too?
I know the original purpose of the post was different, but since somebody mentioned the Swiss army bags, has anyone tried to fill them up with petrol? Any other collapsable or foldable bag/jerrycan?

Thanks!
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Old 9 Nov 2011
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I did a bit of time in the forces and these are good strong cans
They do sometimes get a bit smelly inside but I’m sure some sort of sterilizing Fluid like the stuff for doing caravan water tanks would sort it
Also I have seen these made into Panniers and very good they look all you do is cut the top off fit a couple of hinges and locks and Roberts your fathers close sibling small very strong light panniers

Thanks for the link
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Old 9 Nov 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emiraff View Post
I know the original purpose of the post was different, but since somebody mentioned the Swiss army bags, has anyone tried to fill them up with petrol? Any other collapsable or foldable bag/jerrycan?

Thanks!

Never tried carrying fuel in a Swiss army bag, but you can buy fuel bladders for this purpose. Liquid containment and one or two other suppliers make them. There are a couple of reviews on both the HUBB & AdvRider.

Liquid Containment
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  #14  
Old 22 Mar 2014
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Water Carrier Option
I have no experience with these so would be interested in views of someone who has, but the concept seems to answer a few issues with carrying large quantities of fuel or water on a motorcycle, those being weight distribution and also the problem of damaging your one and only fuel or water container putting you at risk if in a remote location (all eggs in one basket).
Flickr: rotopax.com's Photostream

I do no think they fall in to the category of cheap, but it depends if you consider the cost of lost or damaged cheap containers and what it cost you to recover the situation (or your bike).
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