Military Surplus Canteen Comparison

[@ArcticGator]

the neat thing about the felt covered aluminium ones they are made so you dip the whole thing in water after filling and as the water evaporates it cools down the water inside the canteen.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Great tip! Thanks Brother

[@jerardorojas7164]

I always thought it was to keep the water from freezing in cold temperatures.... I didnt know about dipping it to keep it cool.

[@ArcticGator]

@@jerardorojas7164 yeah look up evaporative cooling its pretty neat.

[@viewsandreviews180]

Arctic Gator The same is true for the US 2 liter with cover. The practice doesn’t conduct as well as aluminum yet it will be cooler than outside temperatures. Also in winter if water freezes in the plastic I doesn’t rupture (don’t ask how I know lol).

[@TheFrog767]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@rachelf4325]

Rachels dad here, I keep full canteens in the truck for emergency water. They are stronger than water bottles and insulated.

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

The US 2 quart ones first came into service mid to late Vietnam war, as a way to reduce the number of canteens to water carried ratio. Became popular since.

[@jmegown52302]

Wetting the wool covers makes them easier to stretch and fasten. Once you get them fastened, they usually stay stretched enough to refasten easily.

[@justinzhu3437]

Hi Don, on that Chinese Canteen is saying: 1st line: Qomolangma (brand) Military Canteen; 2nd line: Zhu Ji Plastic Factory of Zhe Jiang Province, the making is supervised by The 33rd Station of Department of Aerospace. Thumbs the way up!

[@dickyjohnson]

Insulated

[@Paladinbr]

Milsurp canteens are ok, but I remember how fun it could be to clean my issue canteen. Hydration bladders are good, and Nalgene 1L bottles are easy to clean, cheap, dang near indestructible, and different carry systems abound.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks for stopping by Brother

[@HillbillyNitroUSA]

Doesn't matter who you are or where you're at, everybody has to keep their whistle wet. 🍹 Interesting video Sootch! 👍👍👊

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Brother! Water is essential

[@DaddySki87]

Love these types of Videos. Loved military surplus stores since I was a kid. As a former soldier it makes you wonder why different countries go with certain designs

[@johngoodin3445]

On the canteens with wool covers that have shrunken try this to get them back on Create a vinegar and water bath. Mix 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water in a clean bucket. Totally submerge the item for 20 to 25 minutes. Take it out and try stretching it out by hand in all directions. Put it on the canteen wet and stretch it out to fit. It will shrink some as it dries.

[@2ndTexasCavalry]

Great video! Was nice to meet you last Saturday. Thanks for the patch!

[@SensiblePrepper]

That was a well spent Saturday! Great meeting you as well. Thanks Brother!

[@TheJtjensen]

Oh i love that first canteen, its a cf "civilforsvaret" (civil defense) canteen and the wool, is excellent for, when wet, to cool down your water in the summer.

[@marybrunner9392]

Hey Sootch, that 'wood' canteen is made out of coconut. I forget what video I watched but that's how I found out about those kind. I like those too! :-) GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Mary! It's said Coconut on the SG website but I wasn't sure. They are really cool canteens.

[@marybrunner9392]

SensiblePrepper - Yup, that's where I saw it too come to think about it. Honestly, (lol) I didn't believe it either, so I dug a little deeper. Sure enough - coconut. Basically, it's an isolator & it keeps the metal from clanking up against all of the other things the soldiers carried(this is what I gathered from what I read - I'm sure there's more reasons).

[@offtemp5733]

Mary Brunner it’s wood not coconut, coconut canteen is the collector name given to it because the canteen looks like a coconut. But the Bulgarians used wood.

[@Chanselor_Gowron]

The swedish ones have a newer version made of plastic that come with a pouch with a wool interior for keeping the water from freezing during winter. Both canteens have the same dimensions so they both fit inside the pouch.

[@johngoodin3445]

I heard years ago that one of the key reasons why they moved away from cork stoppers is cork is a potential health hazard in cork is a porous material. As a porous material, it could absorb and hold onto pathogens. I also heard cork soled shoes were banned in some states for trout fishing. Seems the cork could transfer pathogens / diseases from stream to stream that could prove deadly to trout.

[@rustyshacklefort3715]

The Bulgarian version is more often than not used for red wine than it is for water. I remember those guys always had wine with them haha.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Sounds like the perfect use : ) Thanks Rusty!

[@mrlundgren2346]

Rusty Shacklefort The old Swedish one contained moonshine more often then water.

[@johnu3070]

Do believe the clip on the Bulgarian is for a 'D' Ring, not a belt, just an idea.

[@TheoSloat]

the two quart cover makes a good small lunch bag, I bought one for $1.50 CDN

[@bruiser0159]

U can pop off the Czech Canteen lid, U just push down on the very side of the outer lid and look for a little opening in the center little cap and get your finger nail in there and pop it off..🤷🏻‍♂️👍

[@ROE1300]

👍 Nice collection. Good description of each one.

[@russell28533]

Love the video Sootch. I had a bad experience with a used canteen from the local surplus store. I bought it before looking it over and when I got it home, the inside smelled like urine.

[@SensiblePrepper]

That's not good! lol! Thanks for the heads up Russel!

[@matsandresson4758]

Best to sterilise all canteens first.

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

Probably used by the Marines. Look for crayon stains around the spout.

[@MichaelR58]

Very cool, thanks for sharing !

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Michael!

[@johndoes2434]

The check water canteen the plastic top has a little ring in it if you pried open has water purification stored inside their mine is open so I can get a chance to see it but I've seen a lot of other people do it

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very interesting Canteen's of different military's around the world Sootch00. Thanks for showing them an always long live the republic my friend.

[@dannybaker4641]

Love military surplus!

[@dannyl2598]

That second one looks like a giant tick.

[@niterider0629]

The Swedish one covered in wool serves 2 purposes 1) makes it quieter 2) soak in water when water evaporates it cools the water in the canteen like the water bags they used to hang on cars or trucks in the desert

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Greg! Good tips.

[@bqzii5490]

Another great video! Keep up with the great work! God Bless!

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks for stopping by Brother! God Bless you and yours.

[@bqzii5490]

SensiblePrepper anytime! 😃

[@Hungary-k3o]

i have a hungary Canteen and i realy love it and i got a hungary mess kit with it to

[@lauriestlyon8773]

I still use a British Army 58 pattern bottle and cup I "aquired" when I joined up 36 years ago. Just purchased (Finally) a metal cup that fits on the bottom to boil water. (We had two steel mess tins that nested. Used to pack them with socks so they didn't clank when you moved) so I just put on my 58 patter belt and off I trot. Used to have a full set of webbing set up as I liked it and then civilian, Berghous, 30 litre daysack that sat over the top. Could live Comfortably for a week just on that. After that you got a bit ripe and needed a resup! Only just replaced the bag as the shoulderstraps gave. My KFS set is a civi copy of my service one. I guess old habits die hard!

[@HotLZdk]

CF stands for in danish Civil Forsvaret = Civildefence

[@SensiblePrepper]

That makes more sense. Thanks Brother

[@13ECHO20]

Another good video, sir. Metal canteens are great if you need to boil/heat water.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Brother!

[@popuptarget7386]

Used my 2qt canteen removed from its case during desert storm as a pillow. It was quite comfy.

[@leestephenson4952]

The wool covers will stretch easily if dampen. Also I treated my leather straps & cap lanyard with sno - seal. Need to use heat gun or hot blow dryer for penetration or will be tacky. Thanks

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks for the tips Lee!

[@KaylynnStrain]

I have a Polish canteen with wool cover, it holds 750 mil, has a chain to tether the lid to the canteen, it has a wide mouth, not sure of the age but could be from the '70s like my Polish mess kit, you might like the wide mouth of the Polish canteen

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

9:34 My East German didn't come with a cup unfortunately but I don't know that I'd use it anyway.

[@armingrun6735]

The west german looks different.

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

@@armingrun6735 Okay, that doesn't have anything to do with my East German canteen.

[@nicholasdavies213]

The First one is actually for Danish Civil Defence and was made for the medical pack and was not intended for a seperate carrying system

[@sndr9347]

Hey Sootch. I love your videos and I'm from the Netherlands. The first canteens are definitely not dutch army canteens! Keep up the great work

[@sndr9347]

@Markus Brackley yes I like the dutch kit except that some stuff is to heavy and bulky. But still great prepping material

[@sootch00]

Thanks Walther! I appreciate the comment. The Dutch kits I've seen look like good quality.

[@sndr9347]

@@sootch00 yes it's pretty decent quality, except some stuff is cheap chinese material. But in some surplus stores you can find great items. Most of my gear is dutch army.

[@justinlove1984]

@@sndr9347 Looks like corrected their ad.

[@thenorseman2137]

I have 2 of the US canteens and I have them attached to each of the sides of my ALICE bug out bag, I like them a lot but they leak a little from the cap when tilted over on the side

[@Zurgo-fl1kx]

I got ahold of a US GI 1qt canteen and cover for $1. Made i 2004 with the NBC cap. I also happen to have an East german m59? canteen the one with the fabric cover.

[@zacharybarnes6731]

Well I don’t know if there are any out there but it would be cool as hell to have a insulated military canteen

[@couchcamperTM]

The US arctic model is exactly that, just oldschool. It has a round shape and comes with a cover to insulate it. The Dutch issue a normal thermos bottle. You can get one of those from Stanley, it's rugged enough for the military.

[@atleandersen1924]

Regarding the Danish CF canteen. CF is "Civil Forsvar", an option for drafted non combatants. CF is a environmental and crisis corps, that assist in natural and man made incidents. Fire, flood etc. The Danish army canteen from the same period, was similar, if not identical to the US issue. Plastic canteen nested i a kidney shaped alu. cup.

[@ShadowtimeWriter]

So interesting, would be cool to collect those. From ham to hand grenade ahah! The wooden one was art.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Yes, the Bulgarian Wooden canteen is classic. Thanks GGG

[@metalmadsen]

The danish one is either new or really old. We used the old US cantine. It could take two pints and there would be a metal cup that fit around it. A simpel and god system. Hello to all of you from Denmark ✋🏻🇩🇰 Ps: I loved the Bulgarian cantine.

[@bayleyanderson9848]

British army osprey bottles are some of my favourite although they’re sometimes a bit leaky with the old seals

[@ballagh]

Bayley Anderson true, particularly teamed with the crusader cooker and cup.

[@bradbarr5658]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Brad!

[@steffenpost9071]

The „German“ one is East German. So it‘s German but the flag is wrong. The West German and now unified Bundeswehr uses a very different and more compact model.

[@sqwk2559]

Steffen Post - but there was no East German army or East Germany in the 1940’s.

[@steffenpost9071]

@@sqwk2559 indeed not but even in this case, wrong flag ;) - But although it derives from the World War II design the shown canteen is a later model. The East German Army (NVA) continued to use many of the older gear designs. Not much of importance but maybe nice to know. Not only because I used it for more of a decade myself, I personally prefer the Bundeswehr canteen. The bottle is more slim and a bit bend so it is easier to wear on the belt. Also the aluminium canteen comes in an aluminium "box" thats upper (and if needed also the lower) half serves as a cup.

[@hawk2717]

@@steffenpost9071 It is definetly the canteen of the NVA, Nationale Volks Armee, aka: NPA. National Peoples Army of the German Democratic Republic/ east Gernany. You can see it here: www.raeer.com/shopexd.asp?id=43804 And Here: www.raeer.com/shopexd.asp?id=21999 This is the Standard West German/ BRD, Bundeswehr Canteen: www.raeer.com/shopexd.asp?id=21340 By the way this is the oldest an Best surplus Seller here in Germany. Best Regards and Glück Ab!

[@steffenpost9071]

@@hawk2717 Horrido

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks for the info Steffen. I wondered if it was east German. I appreciate your comment.

[@mikeboone4425]

A little free advice get rid of any cork on a surplus canteen .

[@j.clementec.m.1558]

Why is that?

[@slenderspy6540]

Why though?

[@mikeboone4425]

@@slenderspy6540 It's called bacteria .Anything like that is a bacteria breeding ground .

[@slenderspy6540]

@@mikeboone4425 if you use bleach though? wouldn't that kill all the bacteria colonies that may still be in the canteen?

[@mikeboone4425]

@@slenderspy6540 I would have to assume it would but why go through all that with the of chance you could for get just replace the cork with plastic in our case we used some old Rubbermaid containers we pick up at Good Will for $2.99 took one of the learther punches and stamp out about 21 washers enough to replace every ones washers kids grand kid the whole family and yes we boiled the all after punching them out . That was about 11 years ago .

[@jamesdonlan2392]

Sooch love the canteens got to try some of those AWESOME 👍👍👋

[@SanitysVoid]

I got the Czech canteen there sent one that looks un issued and the other looked used, I use the used one. Last time I filled it with limeade then I mis placed it. NO idea where it is now. I got the German one too it's the insulated version. The best thing about the plastic is they were made before all the regulations that made plastic un healthy to use.

[@ryanvictoria6206]

You forgot to add some of the iconic omes like the U.S. 1qt canteen and alum.cup combo and one of the best surplus canteens out there the swiss M84 canteen combo successor to the also legendary M32. Hope you do a sequel on the canteens and messkits video.

[@mrlundgren2346]

Interesting and fun to watch your videos as always. I bring the US canteen with the cup and the old Swedish alu canteen in my backpack. They are married. The Swede.

[@matteonicastro5537]

The dutch never used the first one, they just used a green canteen with a little dent so it could fit in the cup and on the canteen it said: "niet verwarmen kl82 (year it was made)" wich means: don't heat up

[@johngoodin3445]

One military surplus item I’m still trying to find information about is a Pancho / raincoat that I found years ago. It went down to about my ankles and I’m 5 foot nine. It has full length sleeves just like a rain jacket. Also has a rather huge cowl. It’s basically looks like it’s made from really thick grade contractor grade trash bags. It claimed it was military surplus from the Czech republic from the late 80s. The really thing that was weird was it had two large storage pockets in front near the bottom on the inside. I looked inside the pockets. It had two gloves with six fingers. Yeah you heard right, six fingers. I assumed some sort of hand warmer would be put in the six finger between the thumb and pointer finger. The soldier would close his hand around the hand warmer while he was on guard duty. I’d like to see a video on it if someone knows where I can get my hands on a couple more. It’s huge enough that it could easily double as a sleeping bag or a ground sheet.

[@honkiekowboy4941]

I remember the Chinese canteens back in hong kong. Mostly they're made of Aluminum (or some kind of mystery metal that makes your water taste weird)... The strap on it is stupidly handy and on occasion I forgot it was on my hip! Oh and as for the chicom canteens in the Chinese army they're commonly worn over a bread bag.

[@tingowango2576]

I got one that mimics a old tin corked war water bottle but it's plastic so it's safe to drink from I may or may not add a metal cup to ...

[@MikeRyan207]

Big fan of military surplus gear. Rugged, cheap and field tested.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Definitely! Thanks Brother

[@sbcinema]

I have an American one from the second world war ( it was probably taken from a Gi that didn't need it anymore ) But I will soon replace it with a modern one because I don't like the aluminum and it now has a decent collector's value. What I find interesting is that the American ones are far cheaper here, although I am here in Germany ...

[@eleveneleven572]

The French aluminium ones with a canvas cover and chained screw top are great.

[@nikgyver7]

i was for 1.5 year in Greek army.the Greek army use the US bottle(vietnam version).after my training i can say that is a durable,easy to use,healthy,''silent''(in combat) bottle.the belt clips keep it in place very nice.also is very easy to remove it from the belt.the only that you can't do with this bottle is to boil water but in basic military gear included 2 metal containers and 1 cup.

[@stuart7788]

Please go thru and show all the guns you own, the rack behind you is really interesting.

[@eltenda]

Great overview! My preferite it's the yugo army one!

[@SensiblePrepper]

I'll have to check those out. Thanks Brother!

[@tonykaczmarek278]

I like US stainless ww2 canteen with stainless canteen cup , canteen cook stove, and stainless frypan / lid combo. And the German aluminum set up as well. But having at least one stainless canteen you have a way to boil water to drink. If you also have a couple plastic canteens you have a place to store that water. I also like the real old Chinese aluminum canteens with the cork stoppers. Just sooo simple. Aluminum canteens with aluminum screw on caps I don't like because they get stuck.

[@berndf.aus.n.a.d.w]

Nice Vid, i liked it. The "german" Canteen was one Type of Canteen, that was issued by the NVA, the former GDR armed Forces. It has also exist a smaller Version coulored in the NVA´s "Strichtarn" - Camo. The western german, the Bundeswehr - Canteen is completely different.

[@jacksonteller1337]

The Dutch use a 700 ml canteen version of the US 1 liter canteen. With the same nesting cup only smaller. The Danish have their own system. But the Dutch are always confused with the Danish due to the similar sound. And with the French due to the similarity in the flags. The German canteen is east German, the Bundeswehr uses a different type.

[@AusLanderJack]

Can I recommend that you dig up what used to be standard issue Aussie and US GI gear, with the cup and alice cover and alice clips, that is imo by far the most useful, practical and proven to handle almost anything water bottle etc. out there. Cheers.

[@SeaCatFl]

Fun Video. The German Canteens are East German Style. A great set up if a little bit of a Pain in the Butt when you want to drink,

[@royblack8631]

No USA Arctic Canteen with Cup and Cover?

[@theartofprepping]

Interesting 👍 Great job! You won't go thirsty 😁

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Brother!

[@Christombcharcot]

Why the us canteen is squared ? Does it have any save space direction or so ? To make it to fit in some shelf inside the tank ?

[@jrswackhammer8205]

good stuff.. Thank you Sir👍

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks J R!

[@christostefan]

Great video Mr Sootch! I still use old rectangle idf canteens I've had 30 years or platypus 2lr. But speaking of "shtf". Can you do one on toilet paper? My family in the soviet union during the collapse had a terrible time securing toilet paper with the shortages. One time above the tree line I had to wipe with a rock. And I remembered every Mullien plant "campers friend" with thick velvety leaves I passed going up the mountain. Even some old phone books can save your ass :) My old biker uncle taught me that. Instead of looking at the phone while you're sitting there. Spend that time crumpling the pages to soften them so you don't scrape your butt hole off. Thanks! Keep up the great work!

[@sparkyatlarge]

You should make a note, or a link to how to clean old canteens. The right way is with a little bleach, but more importantly, to use BBs and a little water to knock all the crap inside the canteen loose. I think this is really critical with aluminum canteens, since no one wants Alzheimers. Just a suggestion. Love your videos, man.

[@tuxontour]

I still remember going out on training getting the warning to only fill water in to oure canteens ... 3 Hours and a tear gas granade later the sneeky guys knew tat you can't wash your eyes with boose.

[@edierbravo]

Me encantan sus videos. Lo admiro por enseñar tanto gracias saludos y he aprendido mucho más. Ingles Cúando lo escucho gracias

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

I am major fan of the old school era US gi metal and plastic canteens, the WW 2 & Vietnam War eras, the West German Army is another great one & its WW 2 counterpart is another great piece, the last ones on my list are the Swiss Army ones simple, for the fact that they look cute and small,

[@Nordorch53]

The Swedish one have a new modern design but old one is still cool 😎

[@helmsscotta]

That Bulgarian would be a neat restoration project.

[@davidcoalkey6074]

Nothing beats the US GI one quart canteen with cup and cooking stand.

[@realtruth1448]

Rooster Forge link?

[@davidcoalkey6074]

@@realtruth1448 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4DEhoChirh5i5o

[@Shihabdeenrecreationalcyclist]

Please upload a comparison video about survival kit all military

[@Vigilence]

The mess kits need an eating and cooking video.

[@kenhelmers2603]

Cool collection :)

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Ken! This has been fun,

[@shilohskye2056]

GREAT VIDEO

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Shiloh!

[@justinwilliams7148]

I never trusted canteens after I had one of those old bota bottles as a kid. "Oh, time to go out? A quick rinse to clean out the OH GOD WHAT IS COMING OUT OF THIS IT WON'T STOP.". Cleaning them properly without tools or harsher chemicals than soap has always been difficult.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Good point Justin. We'll do a serious cleaning on these. Thanks

[@jelkel25]

The plastic ones freshen up well with an overnight soak in soda crystals and water. The metal ones don't like soda crystals, bleach and water then some kind of substance with citric acid in (I prefer lemon juice) to get rid of the bleach taste and smell. Sometimes the really old ones are unsavable, I have a British P58 in green that's unusable but collector's like them regardless because they're rare.

[@ronparker8582]

A quick rinse with the old gold Listerine or an overnight soak then flush with water will do a good job. The Chinese one worries me a lot of their plastics are not safe with all of the toy recalls involving leaching issues.

[@jelkel25]

Never thought of that but it was created as a domestic cleaner so why not! Soda crystals do make older plastic bottles taste fresher but listerine is a step up from bleach with the metal ones. Have one Chinese Tritan plastic canteen and it's fine though you pay a little more for the Tritan products, often if plastics leaching you can taste it.

[@marcuskaiser898]

What came out though? :| I have a plastic Swiss military canteen and aluminum nesting cup that I keep with me and use every single day. When I first got it, I rinsed it out using bleach, and it looks good to me.

[@mr.zardoz3344]

I thought of Crown Royal when i saw the dutch canteen.

[@EmilReiko]

The danish one is a civil defence thing, the military as far as i know used first surplus german ones after the war, and then switched to british canteens later american

[@markbulgarin5805]

Amazing collection......but you one great kit is missing. The russian VDV canteen.

[@hiker2742]

What about using a GOURD as a canteen? Much like the South did during the Civil War. Gourds work great for storing water... Small Gourds for personal carry water system... Large Gourds for transporting higher volumes of water.. I really think this Gourd thing has been overlooked way to long.

[@wretchpin]

Materials aside...all of these canteen's can/will hold the respected boozes from the countries they represent. You're welcome.

[@RebelSPY618]

Hey Sootch, know of an easy place I can score a strap for my American canteen? I have one from an army surplus store that I bought as a kid in the 90s. Never had a strap with it...

[@trynsurviven2440]

I believe I will stick with my Nalgene bottles and canteens. At least I know where they have been.

[@RevOwOlutionary]

The Danish one isn't actually from the army, but is often wrongly labelled as such online. The CF denotes it as being from the CivilForsvaret, the Danish Civil Defense from 1945 until 1992.

[@resolute123]

Someone once told me during WW1 some countries like Russia were using glass canteen bottles. While I can understand glass would keep the water fresher and probably cheaper to produce, I'm not sure why they would make something out of glass compared to the rigors of war.

[@JohnDoe-ee6qs]

the Danish one looks like a grenade, no water no ammo, fire your canteen shout grenade then run like hell 😊

[@haman316]

The Danish one is NOT militery ,but Homefront ( Civil Defens ) ( Civil Forsvaret = CF )

[@peterdammeliusosterode3424]

Awakens memories of my military service in the Royal Swedish Army. " Fältflaskan" is excellent and practical in all situations. Our new ones, in plastic, are just rubbish.

[@roninkenshi5988]

Non in my platoon conplained about this dricksflaska 90 if it is the one you are referring to, heavy but ok.

[@BRANDONINET]

Hey which surplus gas mask would you consider the best? They all say "For Collectable Only" but which would you buy?

[@censorshipisbookburning3235]

I'd be more inclined to throw the 1st one instead of drink out of it. The Danish one is most definitely a hand grenade, throw it .... and because its plastic, jusy recycle it because water tastes like crap out of plastic... or maybe it's meant to for some sort of cocktails that I wont mention on here because of the thought police

[@h2ocpt]

I like the military canteens, too. But, I strongly suggest something with a matching/nesting metal canteen cup, too. The extra fire-stand is unnecessary excess weight, however. Too easy to improvise something, instead (aka a ROCK!) Fair warning about cammo and green, brown, black canteens (and knives, and flashlights, etc.) When you set them down in the forest, turn your back, then look back -- you have a HIGH chance of overlooking it, and not finding it! So, if you can, put SOMETHING on it that's bright, and stands-out. Blaze-orange cap? Bright-yellow rubber-band around the neck of the bottle? Spray-paint your initials on the side with bright paint? Somethin'... P.S. I LOVE the soft-side 2-quart US military canteen at the end (when we're in desert, or long-term situations.) VERY comfortable to shoulder-carry (instead of weighing-down your belt or pistol-belt or whatever -- like most canteens.) Bonus points: Toss some iodine pills and a little/mini-squeeze-bottle of bleach into the canvas carry pocket, and/or a LifeStraw, too. Personally, I prefer a plastic canteen, inside of of a metal contoured cup, inside of a canvas carry bag. Metal canteen + metal cup = too much battle-rattle. But, you NEED the cup to be metal, so you can mix/heat drinks/teas/soups and such. Reminder: Don't put anything into your canteen, other than water. Do all your mixing and such in the canteen cup, instead. Granted, I've been known to carry TWO canteens (one on each hip.) One with water, and one with rum. After all, every prepper needs alcohol to sterilize wounds and such -- right? (big wink)

[@h2ocpt]

P.S. I don't sterilize wounds with rum. I only sterilize my mental wounds with rum.

[@helmsscotta]

20oz? What's the point?

[@richardfrost4936]

Plastic is better in warm weather. But in a freezing environment you need aluminum. So you can heat it to melt the ice.

[@reisdamata4000]

very Good

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Filho!

[@h8b157]

The German canteen is a East German winter canteen and the straps are original