The Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote Made a Bold First Impression
The Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote arrives promising a modular hydration solution that’s both compact and functional. Marketed as a collapsible canteen, it aims to bridge the gap between traditional hard-bodied canteens and hydration packs, offering the best of both worlds. I was initially drawn to its advertised packability and potential to lighten my load on extended hikes.
I was looking for a solution to the bulkiness of rigid canteens. My typical hydration setup involved a 3L hydration pack in my backpack, but that wasn’t always necessary for shorter hikes. I wanted something that could function as both a canteen for shorter trips and integrate with my pack for longer ones. I’d even considered water bottles but wanted something more rugged and low-profile.
The Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote arrived in a simple, unassuming package. Upon first inspection, the material felt robust, reassuring me it could handle some abuse. The Coyote color is a definite plus, blending seamlessly with my other gear. It felt significantly lighter than a full 1-quart hard canteen, a welcome surprise.
Compared to standard hard plastic canteens, this obviously wins on packability. Against other collapsible containers like Platypus bladders, the Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote‘s appeal lies in its canteen-like usability: easy to fill, drink from directly, and hold. I had also considered a similar offering from Hydrapak, but the Kangaroo’s seemingly simpler design and lower price point steered my decision.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It appeared well-made, and the concept seemed promising. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it could live up to the hype. I was ready to test its claims of ruggedness and its performance as both a standalone canteen and part of a modular hydration system.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test for the Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote was during a day-long hike in the local foothills. The trail offered a mix of sun-exposed ridges and shaded creek crossings, a good variety of conditions. I filled the canteen to its 1-quart capacity and attached it to the outside of my pack using a carabiner.
The canteen performed admirably. There were no leaks, even during some minor scrambling over rocks. The SOURCE Hydration System’s Storm Push-Pull Drinking Valve proved easy to use, even with gloves on. The flow rate was good, and I didn’t experience any unwanted dribbling or leaking from the valve.
One minor surprise was how much the canteen expanded when full. It’s truly collapsible when empty, taking up minimal space. But filled with water, it takes on a more rigid form, which, while not a negative, is something to be aware of when packing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including a weekend camping trip and multiple range sessions, the Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote has proven to be surprisingly durable. I initially worried about punctures, especially when strapped to the outside of my pack. But the material has held up well against abrasion from branches and rocks.
I’ve noticed minimal wear and tear. The seams are still intact, and the SOURCE valve continues to function flawlessly. Cleaning is relatively simple. I just rinse it out with water after each use and occasionally use a bottle brush for a more thorough cleaning.
Compared to my older, rigid canteens, the Kangaroo canteen offers significant advantages in terms of weight and packability. It doesn’t clunk around like a hard canteen when half-empty, and it folds down to almost nothing when not in use. It’s surpassed my expectations as a lightweight and versatile hydration solution.
Breaking Down the Features of Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote
Specifications
- The Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote features a 1-quart (approximately 0.95 liters) capacity. This provides a reasonable amount of water for shorter excursions while remaining relatively compact.
- Its color is Coyote, a popular and practical choice for tactical and outdoor applications. This allows it to blend seamlessly with other gear and avoid drawing unwanted attention.
- The canteen utilizes a SOURCE Hydration System. This ensures compatibility with other SOURCE products and benefits from their reputation for quality and reliability.
- It includes a Storm Push-Pull Drinking Valve. This valve offers a high flow rate and is designed to be leak-proof, even under pressure.
- The key feature is its collapsible design. This allows the canteen to be packed away easily when empty, saving valuable space in a pack or bag.
The specifications translate to a highly functional and practical hydration solution. The collapsible design directly addresses the bulkiness of traditional canteens. The SOURCE hydration system components ensure reliable performance and compatibility within a broader ecosystem of hydration gear.
Performance & Functionality
The Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote performs its primary job of holding and dispensing water exceptionally well. The SOURCE valve provides a consistent and satisfying flow rate. The canteen itself is leak-proof and doesn’t impart any noticeable taste to the water.
Its strengths lie in its packability, ease of use, and durability. It excels as a lightweight and space-saving hydration solution. One area for possible improvement would be adding some sort of external clip or loop for easier attachment to packs or belts when the canteen is only partially full, to prevent it from folding over on itself.
The canteen meets and somewhat exceeds my expectations. It’s proven more durable than I initially anticipated. The convenience of its collapsible design has made it a go-to choice for shorter hikes and range trips.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is surprisingly good for a collapsible canteen. The material feels robust and the seams are well-sealed. It’s lightweight, even when full, and comfortable to hold.
The design is simple and functional. There’s no unnecessary bulk or complicated features. The ease of filling and cleaning is appreciated, and the SOURCE valve is intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote appears to be built to last. The material shows no signs of significant wear, and the seams remain strong. I expect it to withstand several seasons of regular use.
Maintenance is simple. Rinsing with water after each use is generally sufficient. Occasional cleaning with a bottle brush and mild soap will keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The canteen itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the SOURCE valve. However, being a SOURCE product, it’s compatible with other SOURCE hydration accessories, such as different bite valves and tube adapters.
There are no specific customization options for the canteen body itself. However, its Coyote color and relatively low profile make it easy to integrate into various loadouts and gear setups. The modularity comes from the SOURCE ecosystem and its ability to connect to existing hydration packs.
Pros and Cons of Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote
Pros
- Highly packable: Folds down to a minimal size when empty, saving valuable space.
- Durable construction: Robust material and well-sealed seams withstand regular use.
- Reliable SOURCE Hydration System: High flow rate and leak-proof Storm Push-Pull Drinking Valve.
- Lightweight: Significantly lighter than traditional hard canteens.
- Coyote color: Blends seamlessly with tactical and outdoor gear.
Cons
- Requires external attachment (carabiner, straps) when only partially full to maintain shape.
- The Price: At $23.99, there are other hydration options in the market.
Who Should Buy Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote?
The Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote is perfect for hikers, backpackers, and campers who prioritize weight and pack space. It’s also a good option for tactical users who need a compact and reliable hydration solution that integrates well with their gear. It is well-suited for day hikes, range trips, or as a backup water container.
This product might not be ideal for those who prefer the rigidity and familiar feel of a traditional hard canteen. Also, if you consistently need more than 1 quart of water, a larger hydration pack might be a better choice.
A must-have accessory would be a sturdy carabiner for attaching the canteen to a pack or belt. Also, exploring other SOURCE hydration accessories to fully utilize the modular system would be beneficial.
Conclusion on Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote
The Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote offers a compelling combination of packability, durability, and functionality. It’s a well-designed hydration solution that addresses the common complaints about traditional canteens. The quality SOURCE valve is also a plus.
At $23.99, the price is reasonable for the features and performance offered. While cheaper options exist, the Kangaroo’s durability and integrated SOURCE Hydration System justify the cost.
I would absolutely recommend the Kangaroo 1 Qt. Collapsible Canteen | Coyote to anyone looking for a lightweight and packable hydration solution. If you’re tired of bulky canteens taking up valuable space in your pack, give the Kangaroo canteen a try – you won’t be disappointed. Upgrade your hydration game today!