Ancient Indians made do with hollow gourds, animal skins and handmade pottery jars as water carriers. Fitted with a carrying strap, they make good canteens for short hikes. Plastic bottles . Frugal adventurers simply refill commercial bottled water containers, but frequent hikers often buy bottles made specifically for outdoor use. Some models are made of nearly unbreakable plastic and are easy to clean.
Military surplus canteens .
These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They're made of aluminum or plastic and often have fittings for belt attachment. Desert canteens . Large, flat-sided containers equipped with a carrying cord, these canteens come in sizes ranging from a quart to a gallon. They're often insulated, however nominally, with colorful pieces of fabric.