Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit

The Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit is a classic piece of gear that evokes images of military service and rugged outdoor adventures. Rothco, a well-known name in military and tactical supplies, offers this kit as an affordable and practical way to carry water in the field. It’s a simple system, but in a world of high-tech hydration solutions, sometimes simple is exactly what you need.

I was looking for a reliable and inexpensive hydration system for day hikes and emergency preparedness. Something that wouldn’t break the bank and could withstand some abuse was key. The Rothco canteen and belt kit seemed like a solid contender, promising durability and functionality without unnecessary frills.

Upon unboxing, the kit felt surprisingly sturdy for the price. The plastic canteen had a reassuring heft, and the polyester cover felt adequately insulated. The pistol belt, while basic, seemed strong enough to support the canteen’s weight and other small accessories.

I considered other options like hydration bladders, but I wanted something easier to clean and maintain. I also looked at stainless steel canteens, but the price point of the Rothco kit was hard to ignore. Ultimately, I chose this kit for its simplicity, affordability, and reputation for durability.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While it lacked the refinement of more expensive options, the Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit seemed like a solid value for the money. I was eager to put it to the test and see how it performed in the field.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit on a moderate 5-mile hike in the local state park. The weather was mild, but the trail was a mix of rocky terrain and dirt paths. I wore the canteen on the pistol belt around my waist and filled it with cold water before heading out.

The canteen performed admirably in the mild conditions. The insulated cover kept the water relatively cool for the first couple of hours, and the belt held the canteen securely. The plastic canteen didn’t leak, and the wide mouth made it easy to drink from.

Getting used to the canteen bouncing slightly against my hip took a little adjustment. The two button snap closure on the canteen cover felt a little flimsy at times, raising concerns about long-term durability. Otherwise, the initial experience was positive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple hikes and a weekend camping trip, the Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit has held up reasonably well. The plastic canteen itself shows no signs of cracking or leaking. The polyester cover, however, is starting to show some wear around the edges.

The belt has remained strong and reliable, although the plastic buckle can feel a bit cheap. Cleaning the canteen is easy – just a quick rinse with soap and water does the trick. The cover requires occasional hand washing to remove dirt and grime.

Compared to my previous experiences with more expensive hydration systems, the Rothco kit is definitely less refined. However, it’s also significantly more affordable and surprisingly durable for the price. For basic hydration needs, it gets the job done.

Breaking Down the Features of Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit

Specifications

• The Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen has a volume of 1 quart. This is a standard size, providing enough water for several hours of moderate activity.
• It is made of heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic. This ensures the water is safe to drink and avoids leaching chemicals.
• The canteen cover is made of felt-lined polyester. This provides some insulation to keep the water cool.
• The kit includes a heavy web pistol belt. This allows for easy and hands-free carrying of the canteen.
• The canteen’s height is 7.5 inches. This makes it compact and easy to fit in a backpack or attach to a belt.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the kit’s functionality and durability. The BPA-free plastic ensures safety, while the insulated cover helps regulate water temperature. The pistol belt provides a secure and convenient carrying solution.

Performance & Functionality

The Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit performs its primary job of carrying water effectively. The canteen is leak-proof and easy to drink from. The belt is adjustable and keeps the canteen secure while moving.

The main strength is its simplicity and affordability. It’s a no-frills solution that works well for basic hydration needs. The weakness lies in the quality of the materials – the polyester cover and plastic buckle feel somewhat cheap and may not hold up to heavy use over the long term.

Overall, the kit meets expectations for its price point. It’s not the best hydration system on the market, but it’s a reliable and inexpensive option for casual use.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit is functional but not particularly ergonomic. The canteen is a standard G.I. design, which is practical but can be a bit bulky. The pistol belt is adjustable but lacks padding, which can cause discomfort during extended wear.

The build quality is adequate for the price. The plastic canteen is durable, but the polyester cover and plastic buckle are less robust. There is no significant learning curve – the kit is easy to use and requires no special skills or knowledge.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rothco canteen itself is reasonably durable and should last for several years with proper care. The polyester cover and plastic buckle are the weakest points and may need to be replaced eventually.

Maintenance is simple – the canteen can be cleaned with soap and water. The cover can be hand-washed to remove dirt and grime. The belt can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit includes the canteen, cover, and pistol belt – there are no additional accessories included. There are limited customization options available for this kit. The pistol belt can be replaced with a more comfortable or durable option.

The canteen cover could be swapped out for a different color or material. However, the core functionality of the kit remains the same. The Rothco canteen is compatible with standard G.I. canteen cups and stoves for heating water.

Pros and Cons of Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit?

The Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit is perfect for casual hikers, campers, and those looking for a basic emergency preparedness solution. It’s also a good option for individuals on a tight budget who need a reliable way to carry water.

This product is NOT ideal for serious backpackers or those who need a high-performance hydration system. People who require maximum insulation or a more ergonomic carrying solution should look elsewhere.

A must-have accessory would be a Rothco G.I. Type Canteen Cup and stove. This allows for boiling water directly in the canteen for hot beverages or cooking. Another useful modification would be replacing the plastic buckle on the belt with a more durable metal buckle.

Conclusion on Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit

The Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit is a simple, affordable, and functional hydration solution. While it lacks the refinement and high-end materials of more expensive options, it gets the job done for basic needs. The Rothco canteen offers great value.

The price is definitely justified, considering the durability of the plastic canteen and the functionality of the belt. This kit is a great value for anyone needing a reliable and inexpensive way to carry water.

I would personally recommend this kit to casual outdoor enthusiasts, budget-conscious individuals, and anyone looking for a simple emergency preparedness solution. For the price, you can’t go wrong. Pick up a Rothco G.I. Type Plastic Canteen & Pistol Belt Kit and stay hydrated on your next adventure.