Your Pro Citizen Newsletter 66 - Canteen Options (Part 2); Recon Leader's Guide launch announcement

Author

Jack Morris
April 08, 2025

In partnership with

More Canteen Madness

This is Part 2 of the water vessel series, again we will stick with the belt use canteens. No John Wayne horse cavalry canteens, the modern(ish) USGI design that are somewhat curved to conform to a man’s waist. Every one of these items was purchased and paid for by The Project, we don’t sell or rep any of these so my enthusiasm or recommendation for any particular brand’s model is 100 percent of my own accord (and experience). Other than one of the “yes” recommended models I have used them for years (and in some cases decades). These are the author’s opinions only, this is an opinion piece based on physical assessment and experience with the items.

A Potential Issue

Before we dive in…to write this second part of this newsletter series we wanted to offer specific options and recommendations for you, so we purchased 9 different low(er) cost canteens / canteen sets. The ones we purchased were items our team did not already own or use (we generally stay with HC, Nalgene, USGI etc). We got a nasty surprise when we started the process. As you know we are sensitive to health and safety when we review or assess gear for the community. Since none of us owned the lower cost metal options and they all came from chicom sources we wanted to err on the side of caution and test them for lead. And just to be sure we tested all of our titanium ones we have used for years as well (thankfully they are good to go, no surprise there). The surplus US two piece M1942 canteens can sometimes have issues due to the lead solder used to attach the top and bottom halves. I was concerned the same problem might be present in these new production versions, so we checked them out. I’m glad we did. While the middle seams did not specifically show signs of contamination when we checked them, every one of the neck assemblies in the ones we purchased tested positive for lead. Stainless or aluminum, it didn’t matter. To say we were surprised is an understatement. This is a miniscule sample size so I am not saying they are all bad. I’m saying OURS (the inexpensive metal sets or canteens we purchased for review) tested positive for the presence of lead. Yes, test kits can throw false positives. However, this same kit was used for all of them and has shown nothing but negatives for everything else we checked.

The presence of lead showed up in the necks of each metal canteen in the “cheap” sets. Buyer beware. This is a sample size of one (per model checked) so this does not indicate they are all contaminated. What it does indicate: if you have one of these cheaper sets check them for lead.

Canteens and Canteen Set Options


Aluminum lightweight, inexpensive, but can be prone to impact damage.

Brand: Unbranded

Price: $20-25

Features: Stove stands, short handle cups, and really bad carriers.

Rating: 0/10

Value: 0/10

Recommended: Absolutely not

Why: The one we purchased tested positive for lead inside the neck assembly. These aftermarket canteens always seem to set their own nonstandard standard when it comes to shape and size. The one we tested would not fit in any of the USGI canteen cups or any of the other “off brand” cheap canteen sets we purchased. If you find a set that is not lead tainted and you want to opt for one of these off brand aluminum systems, be sure to get two since they will not be compatible with anything else. The lid sealed properly and did not leak, the internal gasket was a solid round construction (appeared to be silicone but who knows). Again, I do not recommend these for numerous reasons.

Aluminum no brand. I really wanted this one to work out for a budget metal option…but it failed. The handles were short on the canteen cup, but it could be worked around and the covers are always garbage…and you kinda’ know that going in. But they have a fatal flaw that cannot be overlooked (lead).

That red stain is the leftover test chemical from the lead test swab. The neck came up hot on the test, I really wanted this one to work out since it was a good metal set for guys on a budget. Stupid commies.


Stainless. Rugged and cheap, but you will pay a weight penalty.

Brand: Unbranded

Price: $20-25

Features: Stove stands, short handle cups, really bad carriers.

Rating: 0/10

Value: 0/10

Recommended: No

Why: tested positive for lead. The canteen and cup are well made, the construction was actually quite good. The canteen nested well with the cup, be aware it as with many of these is not compatible with anything USGI shaped. I don’t know how they manage to do so but none of these cheap sets are shaped the same, they won’t even fit in each other’s cups. The handle was the traditional M1910 “L” style, it functioned properly and locked in well. The stainless was nice and thick, the cup was sturdy and seemed like it would hold up. The lid had a full disc gasket that appeared to be silicone. The brief leak check turned out fine, the lid did have some resistance on the threads so I am not sure how it will hold up over time. I can see it getting cross threaded easily, especially as the threads wear on the plastic cap. The chain attachment fell off the canteen when we removed it from the box, the split ring failed in transit. All in all it was worth the $22…but that changed to a zero rating once the lead testing turned positive.

Good lookin’ stainless canteen, but stay away from these. Or if you do want to roll the dice make sure you have yours tested. The quality seemed on par with what twenty something bucks should get us, really nice quality cup as well. Too bad this one tested positive.

Brand: Pathfinder

Price: $56-58

Features: Stove stand, L handle cup, wide mouth design

Rating: 8/10 (only because of size and weight)

Value: 9/10

Recommended: Yes

Why: The Pathfinder canteen set is a popular option among bushcrafters and survivalists. It is high quality stainless steel and incredibly durable. The weight penalty is significant, but the benefit gained is a canteen set that will be a generational item just like the HC titanium. It is larger than most other canteens, the only other canteen I can think of that is larger is the old French issue aluminum canteen (which are a cool piece of surplus by the way). Those of you that remember the old “Canteen Shop” website will recognize the stove design. It is a neat design that allows use of an alcohol burner or debris (twigs). Fully admit they are a lot of fun to use in the woods (in permissive environments). Why my recommendation has a slight “yes, but” is not based on quality, it is the design itself. Last week’s newsletter set the stage for this part of the series, and while the Pathfinder is sculpted and kidney shaped in my opinion it is too cumbersome (and heavy) to be carried on a belt system…much less carry two of those rascals. It will not fit in the standard ALICE canteen pouch but will fit in some of the newer MOLLE canteen pouches (model dependent). It is an outstanding system for get home bag / vehicle kit, backpacking, woods bumming etc. For a tactical or readiness rig they may not be for you due to the larger size, but some of you may want to try and make it work. They are somewhat overpriced (my opinion) but not eyebrow raising when you review your bank account entry. The quality is outstanding so either way I can recommend them without reservation.

Unleaded please. No issues detected around the seam or in the neck/threads. Even though these are made in china the quality control seems a whole lot better than the unbranded ones we bought. Gotta be honest I was nervous about checking this one, was imagining that phone call to customer service to start that conversation with them. Happy they are as good as their reputation.

Titanium. Light, incredibly durable, and expensive.

Brand: Heavy Cover, Keith etc.

Price: $120-150

Features: Butterfly handle cup, less than impressive carrier.

Rating: 10/10

Value: 5/10 (you get a lot for your money, but it is a lot of money)

Recommended: Yes

Why: The HC (and similar design) titanium are a known product used across the readiness community. They are popular with bushcrafters due to their durability and material properties. The necks are internally threaded and wider than a standard canteen, but they are not superwide like the Pathfinder. The cups are compatible with USGI canteen pattern / shape but the HC canteen will not fully seat in a USGI cup. My preference is 100 percent titanium for any vessel to heat or boil water, especially if I am going to drink directly from it. So having a cup that can be used on my government pattern or a Nalgene Oasis canteen is a bonus. It is difficult to find the canteen cups sold separately anywhere other than on the HC site itself, but they are very reputable, so it isn’t a huge dealbreaker. It is a 1 liter canteen so you get a tiny bit more volume than the USGI 1 quart (1.8 fl oz to be exact). The canteen and cup will fit in both the ALICE and MOLLE system canteen pouches so they can be rotated on belt kits when metal is desired. The lid is not attached to the canteen so loss is a risk. A short piece of cord with a jam knot will keep it retained while allowing you to quickly remove the lid if you need to process water over a flame/ fire. The major drawback is the extreme cost, with a smaller issue being they are a bit noisy compared to a plastic canteen. Stupid expensive, but these are another one of those generational outdoor items that your grandkids will be able to use.

Heavy Cover titanium canteen in the wild. The two-tone look is because I paint the top quarter of my two canteens to subdue it for pouch carry.

Plastics. Durable and inexpensive

Brand: Nalgene Oasis

Price: $15

Features: Transparent, durable, lightweight.

Rating: 7/10

Value: 8/10

Recommended: Yes

Why: We have used the Nalgene Oasis since they came out years ago. There was a brief “scare” that they were going to be discontinued for good but fortunately they seem to be here to stay. They fit everything the USGI canteen does to include the M1 NBC cap. These used to be a great value at around 8 or 9 bucks, since doubling in price they have slipped down on the value scale - especially when compared to their closest competitor the USGI canteen. The coyote or foliage are the appropriate colorways for us, but they are also available in several colors if you are so inclined. They are not as durable as a USGI, but they are not fragile by any means.

Nalgene canteens are a great alternative to USGI surplus (new). Light and durable with the added benefit of transparency.

Brand: Rothco (set)

Price: $25

Features: USGI shaped canteen, stand/stove, aluminum cup, polyester (seemed polyester anyway) canteen pouch.

Rating: 2/10

Value: 3/10

Recommended: No.

Why: The plastic used for the canteen has the appearance of those dollar store army men, kind of an oily “land of the not quite right” green sheen. The cup seemed ok, nothing special but other than being lightweight construction and arriving with a wavy / bent rim no other apparent issues (we did not check for lead, we bypassed the cups for the testing). The stand/stove was thin, much thinner than an issue stand. The stand would not fit flush with the cup and therefore it could not be put as a system in a standard canteen pouch. Quite a piece if engineering. And the cover? Consistent with all the other low cost sets the cover is a light, slick material that I threw away immediately - but to be fair that is expected with any of these. In my opinion the components all came together to somehow make the sum of the parts actually worse than the individual components.

Behold $25 worth of nope.

As far as the stove will nest on the cup. Good job Mr Canteen set Engineer. (no, it does not fit over the handles and hinge either). My guess is this is why the set ships with the stand around the neck of the canteen and not nested as it should be.

Brand: USGI (various)

Price: $6 - $9 new

Features: USGI shaped canteen because…well it is. Can be bought with plain or NBC caps.

Rating: 8/10

Value: 10/10

Recommended: Yes.

Why: The standard canteen can be found for cheap if you shop around. As warned last week I would think twice about buying a surplus/used one - for reasons. There are lots of new ones available on the market, just beware of fakes / chicom. The legit US made ones can be used and abused, but if properly cared for can last a lifetime. Contrary to Army NCO lore yes you can add electrolyte, gatorade, whatever and they will be fine. You will not wake up dead. Just wash ‘em out and keep your gear clean so they don’t get funky. An issue to highlight is we have had leakage with the new plain caps, be sure to check yours out before use. The NBC caps have always held strong in my experience; my uneducated assumption is because of the gasket on the M1 caps. The new caps rely on compression only and they can actually split if tightened down too far. Calling the plain ones a new design is somewhat of a misnomer since they are the same design as the original caps from back in the Vietnam era. You can find a new USGI (not knockoff) for around $7, a used ALICE or MOLLE cover is another 8 or 9 bucks and a USGI steel cup can be found for $15-20 (sometimes less). If you shop around, you can come out with a set of two for a decent amount, especially if you disregard the influence of the “gotta have the newest thing” youtube bros.

GI canteens, new on the left, new old stock on the right. They are hard to beat and remain the least expensive option.

Summary. Another couple thousand words on canteens. Wow. Hope these last two newsletters have shed some light on the minor decision of what you throw on your belt to carry water. Make smart choices and just know you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great solution.

New release coming soon! (and it isn’t a manual…sorta’)

Many of you have already acquired the first entry in the FR (Field Reference) lineup, the FR-1. Part reference, part fillable shell, half notebook it is a low cost tool to bring to the field. Now meet the FR-2, the Recon Leader’s Guide. No notebook component on this one, the FR-2 is all hardcore face-shooting man stuff. Ok for real it is a tailored handbook for the recon / scout leader. This is a partner to the other recon related manuals in the series, it is NOT a standalone manual. This is a ready reference that is laid out in the order of a mission from TLPs through rehearsals, mission types, and even recovery (cleaning up your stuff and resetting for the next mission). Checklists, quick reference lists, TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) the recon leader needs. We made this one a bit smaller than the standard CM series so it will easily fit in your field uniform cargo pocket. Heavy paper, black and white, spiral bound so you can get where you need quickly, and most importantly it is packed with reconnaissance info curated for “regular” dudes in the readiness community. Going live in the next week or so, just waiting on the printer to deliver the first pallet!

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