Reliance Desert Patrol 23 L

The jug I keep in my own basement. Thick plastic, a vent and a spout, and it stacks.

At $29.22 it works out to $1.27 a litre. Full it weighs 23 kg, so most adults can still move it.

Rotate the water every 6 months, or add a water preserver and stretch it longer.

BEST BANG FOR BUCK

$29.22 · $1.27/L

Good: Tough, stackable, has a spout. Easy to carry when full.

Watch for: Heavy at 23 kg. Rotate every 6 months.

THE SPECS

Capacity: 23 L (about 6 gal)

Weight full: About 24 kg

Material: BPA-free HDPE, food grade

Size: About 40 × 24 × 37 cm

Extras: Screw-in spigot that stores inside the cap, air vent

What I like

Thick, rigid walls. It holds its shape and won't sag on a shelf.
The spout and vent let it pour smoothly, so it works as a countertop tap when the water is off.
Flat, square shape stacks two or three high and wastes little space.
Moulded handle makes it possible for one adult to carry it full.
Widely sold in Canada at hardware and outdoor stores, easy to replace.

The spigot is the weak point. Owners report it dripping or popping out if over-tightened or knocked.
At 24 kg it's too heavy for kids or many older adults to lift onto a counter.
Opaque blue still lets some light through. Keep it out of the sun to stop algae.
The wide cap can be hard to clean around. A bottle brush helps.

Keep the spigot in its storage spot when not in use, and check the gasket before filling.
Don't stack more than two high when full. The bottom jug can deform over months.
Store off bare concrete (put a board under it) and away from fuel or solvents, since plastic can pick up smells.
Rinse with a weak bleach solution (1 tsp per 4 L) before filling. Rotate every 6 months, or add a water preserver.
Two jugs is roughly a 3-day supply for a family of four.

BEST FOR

Families starting out who want a solid 72-hour supply that's easy to use and move.