Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Brilliantly CHEAP Water carriers! Brilliantly CHEAP Water carriers!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Nov 2011
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
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
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
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?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Nov 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
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
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
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 19:55.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 24
Someone must like them...they're shown as out of stock now !
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 166
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.
__________________
'10 Suzuki DR650. 2011-12 Sth-Nth Chile-Alaska. Currently in Cairns, Australia. www.followtheakubra.com.au
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Nov 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
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
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Nov 2011
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richiewizz View Post
Someone must like them...they're shown as out of stock now !


Kentfallen purchased them all !!
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Nov 2011
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
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....
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Nov 2011
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
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.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 Nov 2011
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 16
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!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 89
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
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
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
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Mar 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 9
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).
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cleaning an Aluminium water tank? roamingyak Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 17 Jan 2012 12:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:53.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top