Camping water containers have gone high-tech. For years I’ve lugged the ubiquitous Aquatainer around while car camping and never thought much beyond their utility. But then the HydroBlu Jerry Can crossed my radar and it changed everything. The Jerry Can is more than a way to store and transport water. This jug can be pressurized for a steady flow. This is useful not only for filling up water bottles, but for cleanup like taking a shower or even cleaning a mountain bike. But the main feature that sets the Jerry Can apart is the included water filter. I’ve tested the Jerry Can in Utah’s Tushar Mountains and can safely say the old Aquatainer will be banished to the Land of Misfit Gear.
HydroBlu Jerry Can
The Jerry Can features:
- Removes 99.999% of all bacteria, such as E.coli, salmonella, and cholera. It also removes 99.999% of all protozoan cysts, including giardia, cryptosporidium and other protozoa.
- 0.1 Micron hollow fiber membrane
- Flow rate of 1 gallon in 3 minutes
- Activated Carbon storage compartments
- Filter Capacity (size): 15 liters or 4 gallons
- Weight: 4.7 lbs
A Pressurized Water System
The HydroBlu Jerry Can works because it is pressurized. A simple hand pump does the heavy lifting. With a full can it takes only about a dozen pumps to get a good rate-of-flow from the spigot. That flow lasts a good long time. I could easily fill an entire water bottle with one round of pumping before having to pump again.
The pressurized system also allows this container to be useful in other ways. the Shower Head Attachment is an awesome addition. It can be used for any cleaning-scenario you can think of: camp shower, bike cleaner, hand washer, doing dishes, shampooing the dog, or even spraying down the Jerry Can itself if it gets dirty.
Making Water Safe to Drink
But what really sets the HydroBlu Jerry Can to a higher level is the filtration system. The hollow-fiber and charcoal filters removes not just debris and sediment from outdoor water sources, but also makes it safe from harmful viruses. There’s no need to pack wasteful cases of bottled water on camping trips anymore. With this Jerry Can you can drink clean, renewable water from whatever source you can find. Even if you’re filling up from the garden hose at home, the filter will eliminate any off-flavors for delicious drinking water. The filters exceed EPA standards so you know it’s a filter you can trust.
The pressurization works hand-in-hand with the filter as pumping the system pushes the water through the filters. I’ve found this to be much easier than using backpacking hand pumps. While I do not recommend packing the Jerry Can on backpacking trips, for car camps or travel in areas with questionable water, this system is tough to beat.
Even More Advantages
There’s even more I like about the Jerry Can beyond the pressurization and filters. The can is easy to carry with a stout handle that balances the weight well when full. The spigot is easy to use with a mere half-twist to turn the water on and off. There’s even an integrated compartment inside the container to store an extra filter. Plus, HydroBlu is based right here in Utah (in West Jordan) so purchasing a Jerry Can means you’re supporting a local business.
Final Word
Now you CAN bring the kitchen sink on a camping trip. Well, the HydroBlu Jerry Can comes really close anyway. Having clean water in my camp has never been more convenient, safe, and environmentally friendly than with the HydroBlu Jerry Can.
Purchase your own Jerry Can direct at Hydroblu.com