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Deal.ai › Compare

Scepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water Container vs Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon

Buy the Scepter if you want a tough, compact 5-gallon jug that survives being thrown in a truck bed and carried by one hand. Buy the Reliance Aqua-Tainer if you want more water per trip, a spigot you can pour from without lifting the container, and a vented cap that fills and empties faster. The Scepter has the sturdier molded-in handle and a higher owner rating from a smaller sample; the Aqua-Tainer has a much larger review base and is the more versatile camp kitchen container, though owners say its plastic is thinner and the caps need firm tightening.

  • Choose the Scepter if you need a rugged, BPA-free 5-gallon jug with a molded-in handle for hauling water on hikes, in a truck, or during an emergency.
  • Choose the Reliance Aqua-Tainer if you want 7 gallons, a hideaway spigot for dispensing, and a vented cap for faster flow at camp.

Prices

  • Scepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water Container: $39.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 13)
  • Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon: $22.99 at Campingworld (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon is $17.00 cheaper than the Scepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water Container at the latest prices (Nov 13)
Scepter
Scepter Portable Military Style 5 Gallon Container

Scepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water Container

Scepter Portable Military Style 5 Gallon Container

4.8(79 ratings)
$39.99at AmazonChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Heavy-duty military-style HDPE that holds up to rough handling
  • Molded-in handle carries a full 5 gallons comfortably
  • BPA-free
  • Highest owner rating in this pair (4.8/5)
Cons
  • Smaller capacity than the Aqua-Tainer
  • No spigot, so you lift and pour
  • Heavier empty at 4.74 lb
  • Does not stack when empty
Reliance Products
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container

Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon

Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container

4.9(9 ratings)
$22.99at CampingworldChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Campingworld

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • 7 gallons per trip, 40% more than the Scepter
  • Hideaway spigot stores inside the lid and pours without lifting
  • Vent cap gives a smooth, faster flow
  • Stackable when empty; lighter at 2 lb
  • FDA-approved, BPA-free plastic
Cons
  • Owners say the plastic is not especially thick
  • Caps must be screwed very tight to seal
  • Maker warns direct sunlight makes it brittle and prone to leaks
  • Lower owner rating (4.4/5)

What separates them

Scepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water ContainerReliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon
Capacity5 gal (about 20 L)7 gal (26 L)
Weight empty4.74 lb2 lb
HandleSuper-strong molded-in handleLarge built-in handle
DispensingNo spigot; pour from the openingHideaway spigot reverses into the container
Vent capStandard capPremium screw-on vent cap for smoother flow
Stacking and storageNot designed to stackStackable when empty
Build feelMilitary-style heavy-duty HDPE, rated 4.8/5 by ownersRugged HDPE but owners call the plastic thinner, rated 4.4/5
Sun exposureGreen plastic; store out of direct sunBlue plastic blocks light, but maker warns sunlight makes it brittle

Price history

  • Scepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water Container: lowest $39.99 on Nov 13 at Amazon.
  • Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon: lowest $19.99 on Nov 13 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Prices at every store

Scepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water Container

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by M&R Market, LLCReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $71.32Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Walmart
  • NRSNew

    In stock

    $72.95+ $20.95 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit NRS
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $39.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon
  • Bass Pro ShopsNew

    Availability unknown

    $44.99+ $5.00 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Bass Pro Shops

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 6 stores and price history →

Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon

  • CampingworldNew

    In stock

    $22.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit Campingworld
  • Dick's Sporting GoodsNew

    In stock

    $19.99+ $9.99 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Dick's Sporting Goods
  • Academy SportsNew

    In stock

    $23.99+ $12.28 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Academy Sports
  • TWISTNew

    Out of stock

    $22.12+ $12.50 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit TWIST

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecScepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water ContainerReliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon
MaterialPlasticBPA-free, Plastic
Weight4.74 lb2 lbs
Capacity5 gal26 L
Volume capacity5 gal—
Camping water storage typeWater Jugs—
BrandScepter—
ColorGreen—
Color categoryGreen—
ActivityCamping, Outdoor Activity—
Tank Size—7 Gallon
Product Type—Water Container
System Type—Storage Tank
Show all 29 specsShow fewer specs
SpecScepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water ContainerReliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon
Subtype—Portable water container
Type Features—Hideaway spout, Premium screw-on vent cap, Stor…
Application—Camping
Safety Features—BPA-free
Safety Certification—FDA approved
Installation Type—Portable
Installation Location—Cool shaded areas (recommended for storage)
Included Components—Bag
Size—7 gal/26L

What reviewers say

Scepter 5 Gallon Military Style Water Container

  • 4.8 / 579 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 79 ratings, buyers treat it as a sturdy, no-nonsense bulk water container. Praise centers on build quality and the molded handle; the main gripes are weight when full and the lack of a spigot.

What people mention
  • Build qualityPraisedOwners describe thick, rigid plastic that holds up to rough handling and repeated refills.
  • HandlePraisedThe molded-in handle is called comfortable and makes a full container easier to carry.
  • WeightCriticisedBuyers note it becomes very heavy when filled, which limits how far it can be carried.
  • DispensingCriticisedReviewers miss a spigot or spout and say pouring from the full container takes care.

Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon

  • 4.4 / 5Google Shopping · 1,496 ratings

Reviewers find the Aqua-Tainer a practical, durable container for hauling and storing water, especially for camping and emergencies. The hose-threaded cap and hide-away spigot are singled out as useful. Some note the plastic is not especially thick and that caps must be tightened firmly to seal, so opinions on sturdiness and stacking vary.

What people mention
  • SpigotPraisedThe hide-away spigot that reverses into the container is often called useful and convenient.
  • Cap fitPraisedReviewers like that the cap threads fit a standard garden hose.
  • Build qualityMixedSome find the HDPE durable, while others say the plastic is not especially thick.

Questions and answers

Which is better for car camping?
The Aqua-Tainer. Its spigot lets you dispense water on a table without lifting 40-plus pounds, and the vent cap speeds the flow. The Scepter is the better pick when you have to carry water any distance.
Which lasts longer?
The Scepter's thicker military-style HDPE and molded handle give it the edge on rough use. The Aqua-Tainer lasts well if you keep it out of direct sun, which its maker says makes the plastic brittle.
Is the Aqua-Tainer worth stepping up to from the Scepter?
Yes if capacity and dispensing matter more than toughness. You get 2 more gallons, a spigot and a vent cap. Stay with the Scepter if the container will be dragged, dropped or carried by hand.
Can I pour from the Scepter without a spigot?
Yes, but you tilt the whole jug. At about 4.74 lb empty and roughly 46 lb full, that is a two-hand job. The Aqua-Tainer's spigot avoids the lift entirely.
Which is better for emergency water storage?
Both work. The Aqua-Tainer holds more and stacks empty, which suits a closet or garage. The Scepter is tougher if the water may need to be moved in a hurry. Store either in a cool, shaded spot.
Does the Aqua-Tainer cap fit a garden hose?
Owners report the cap threads match a standard garden hose, which makes refilling and draining easier. The Scepter uses a plain cap with no hose thread.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best 5-gallon rectangular water jugs for camping and emergency water supply
Height
—
15.25 in
Width—11 in
Depth—11.25 in
Length—11.25 in
Tank Material—Plastic
Body Material—Plastic
Housing Material—Plastic
Typical Users—Campers
  • SealingCriticisedCaps must be screwed on very tight to be airtight, according to some owners.