The single most important thing on any adventure is a reliable water supply. Trying to get by with a few small bottles or a flimsy container is a recipe for disaster, especially on a longer trip. I’ve always been a fan of the classic jerry can design for its durability and packability, so I was keen to test out the Pro Quip Water Carry Can. This Australian-made can promises to be tough, reliable, and ready for anything. I’ve been using it to see if it lives up to its reputation as an essential piece of bush kit.
The good
- Large 22L capacity for long trips
- Tough, UV-stabilised HDPE plastic
- Comes with a convenient tap
- Australian-made quality
- BPA-free food-grade material
The not-so-good
- Heavy when full (~22kg)
- Opaque colour hides water level
- Tap needs to be attached for use
What You’re Getting
A rugged, Australian-made 22L water can crafted from UV-stabilised, BPA-free food-grade HDPE plastic. It is a reliable solution for carrying drinking water on camping and 4WD trips.
Quick Specs
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pro Quip |
| Material | Food Grade HDPE Plastic |
| Capacity | 22L |
| Weight | ~2kg (empty) |
| Dimensions | 47cm x 35cm x 17cm |
| Colour | Green |
| Features | UV stabilised, includes tap, breather cap |
| Use Case | 4WD touring, camping, home use |
First impressions
As soon as I picked up the Pro Quip can, its quality was immediately apparent. It’s a classic jerry can design, but the plastic feels incredibly robust and solid, a reassuring sign that it’s not going to crack or leak. The handle is integrated into the body, which feels much more secure than a separate, flimsy handle. The cap is large and easy to grip, and I noticed the clever storage for the tap right under the lid.
The bright green colour is a nod to its UV-stabilised nature, a critical feature for anything being used in the Australian sun. The overall impression is one of no-nonsense reliability. It looks like a simple, well-made product designed to perform a single, vital function without any fuss. The can’s dimensions felt perfectly suited for a cargo bay or a roof rack, which is where it would spend most of its time on a trip.
Materials & Build Quality
The Pro Quip Water Carry Can is made from high-quality, BPA-free Food Grade HDPE plastic. This is a crucial point, as it ensures that your water stays clean and free from any chemical contamination that can occur with cheaper plastics. This can is built tough, and its flexible moulded plastic is designed to handle the bumps and vibrations of a rough track. The UV stabilisation is also a fantastic feature for a product used outdoors. It means the plastic won’t become brittle or degrade over time due to exposure to the harsh sun, which is a real problem for many imported plastic products.
Another thing that gives me a lot of confidence is that this can is crafted right here in Australia. Knowing that it’s been designed and built for our unique conditions is a huge plus. The build quality feels excellent, and everything from the robust handle to the secure cap and breather vent is well-thought-out and executed.
Ergonomics & Weight
The Pro Quip can is designed to be a bulk water carrier, and its ergonomics reflect that. When empty, it’s very light at around 2kg, which makes it easy to handle and store. However, with a 22L capacity, it will weigh over 22kg when full. This is a significant amount of weight, so it’s best suited for vehicle-based adventures where you can leave it in your car or on your roof rack.
Moving it around, the large integrated handle provides a secure grip, and the slip-resistant surface helps, especially when your hands are wet. Pouring from it requires a bit of strength, but the wide mouth opening and breather cap ensure a smooth, glug-free flow of water, which makes it much easier to pour into smaller containers or pots. The standard jerry can shape is a great ergonomic feature for storage, as it packs neatly with other cans or gear without wasting space.
Performance & Features
The can’s performance in the field is exactly what you would expect from a quality product: it just works. The 22L capacity is ideal for carrying a good amount of water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking over a few days, especially if you’re travelling with others. The green colour is not just for looks; it helps to reduce bacterial growth and keep the water fresh for longer.
The most convenient feature is the included tap, which stores neatly under the lid. Once you’re at camp, you can swap it out for the cap and have instant, easy access to your water without having to lift and pour the heavy can. The 58mm wide-mouth opening is another great feature. It makes filling the can from a tap or hose a quick and splash-free process. It also makes it easy to get a brush inside to clean it out thoroughly, which is vital for keeping your water pure.
Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup
Having a reliable way to carry water is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. To complete your camp kitchen setup, consider checking out our reviews on other essentials like portable fridges or durable titanium cookware. Having the right tools for cooking and storage can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the great outdoors.
The Pro Quip Water Carry Can is a simple, no-nonsense product that excels at its job.
It's a fundamental piece of gear that every camper and 4WD tourer should consider. Its Australian-made quality, tough, UV-stabilised construction, and thoughtful features like the included tap and wide mouth make it a standout in a crowded market. It proves that you don't need fancy gadgets to get the job done right. This can is a reliable, durable, and essential piece of kit for anyone serious about venturing into the bush.
This can is best for 4WD tourers, car campers, and anyone who needs a large, dependable bulk water storage solution. Its size and weight when full make it most suitable for trips where you're not carrying it far from your vehicle. It's also an excellent choice for a dedicated home or emergency water supply.
Yes, absolutely. While there may be cheaper water containers available, few can match the durability and build quality of the Pro Quip can. Its food-grade, UV-stabilised material ensures that your water stays safe and the can will last for years. Given its reliability and the peace of mind it provides, it's a very worthwhile investment for any serious adventurer.
