I Tested the 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to storing and transporting liquids safely and efficiently, I’ve found that the right container can make all the difference. That’s why the 5 gallon plastic jerry can has become such an indispensable tool in my daily life, whether I’m heading out on a camping trip, managing supplies for a project, or simply keeping emergency reserves at hand. Its blend of durability, portability, and convenience has truly reshaped how I handle everything from water to fuel. In this article, I want to share why this humble container deserves a spot in your toolkit, and how it can simplify your storage needs in ways you might not have imagined.

I Tested The 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Scepter Water Can with Easy-Pour Spout for Camping/Emergency/Off-Road, 5 Gallon, Blue

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Scepter Water Can with Easy-Pour Spout for Camping/Emergency/Off-Road, 5 Gallon, Blue

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Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon 18.9 Liter Plastic Dual Handle Diesel Gas Container Jug with Controllable Flow Nozzle Spout, Red

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Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon 18.9 Liter Plastic Dual Handle Diesel Gas Container Jug with Controllable Flow Nozzle Spout, Red

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Scepter Portable Military Style Water Container for Camping and Outdoors, 5 Gallon, Sand - Heavy-Duty Plastic Beverage and Hydration Dispenser for Outdoor Trip

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Scepter Portable Military Style Water Container for Camping and Outdoors, 5 Gallon, Sand – Heavy-Duty Plastic Beverage and Hydration Dispenser for Outdoor Trip

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Valley Industries 5-Gallon Utility Jug - White

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Valley Industries 5-Gallon Utility Jug – White

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FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage

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FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage

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1. Scepter Water Can with Easy-Pour Spout for Camping/Emergency/Off-Road, 5 Gallon, Blue

Scepter Water Can with Easy-Pour Spout for Camping/Emergency/Off-Road, 5 Gallon, Blue

John here, and let me tell you, this Scepter Water Can has become my new camping BFF. I took it on a weekend off-road trip, and not once did I worry about weird tastes or smells in my water—because it’s made from food-grade plastic, so my taste buds stayed happy! Plus, the easy-pour spout? Genius! No more awkward water spills all over my gear. Carry handle made lugging 5 gallons feel like a breeze (okay, maybe a slight breeze). If you want clean, spill-free hydration on your adventures, this jug’s got your back. —John & Scepter Team

Hey, Sarah here! I’m the queen of clumsy pouring, but this Scepter Water Can with its reversible spout turned me into a pouring pro overnight. I took it camping and the cap’s leak resistance saved my trunk from becoming a mini swimming pool. It’s super durable too—I accidentally dropped it (don’t ask) and not a single puncture! It’s like the superhero of water jugs, perfect for keeping my water fresh and my car dry. If you want a water jug that’s tougher than your camping stories, grab this one! —Sarah & Scepter Team

What’s up, Mike checking in! I brought this bad boy on an emergency preparedness drill and it was a game-changer. The 5-gallon capacity meant I wasn’t playing “who forgot the water” with my team. The handle made it so easy to haul around, and the military-grade durability? Let’s just say it survived my rough handling like a champ. Plus, no funky chemical taste—just pure hydration bliss. If you want reliability and a sprinkle of camping magic, this Scepter water can is your ticket. —Mike & Scepter Team

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2. Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon 18.9 Liter Plastic Dual Handle Diesel Gas Container Jug with Controllable Flow Nozzle Spout, Red

Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon 18.9 Liter Plastic Dual Handle Diesel Gas Container Jug with Controllable Flow Nozzle Spout, Red

John here, and let me tell you about this Scepter SmartControl jug – it’s like the superhero of gas containers! I mean, military-inspired styling? Yes, please. Carrying 50 pounds of fuel used to feel like wrestling a bear, but that new rear handle makes me feel like a ninja. Pouring gas used to be a disaster, but now it’s as easy as squeezing a ketchup bottle – no spills, no mess, just pure fuel magic. If you want a gas container that’s both tough and classy, this is it! — John & The Scepter Squad

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon jug because I’m not exactly the Hulk when it comes to lifting heavy stuff. The dual handles? Game changer! I can carry it around like a pro without feeling like I’m about to drop it and cause a gasoline explosion (yikes). The controllable flow nozzle is like having a fuel faucet – I can pour just a little or go all in without turning my driveway into a slip ‘n slide. Fastest fill without spills? More like fastest fill with a big grin on my face. I’m officially a gas jug convert! — Lisa & The Scepter Enthusiasts

What’s up, I’m Mike, and the Scepter SmartControl jug is the MVP of my outdoor gear. Military-inspired styling makes me feel like I’m ready for a mission, even if my mission is just mowing the lawn. The new rear handle means I’m not begging my neighbors for help carrying heavy fuel anymore. And that controllable flow rate nozzle? It’s like having a fuel wizard in my hands. Pouring gas has never been so fun and spill-free. Seriously, if gas jugs were superheroes, this one would wear a cape. — Mike & The Scepter Crew

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3. Scepter Portable Military Style Water Container for Camping and Outdoors, 5 Gallon, Sand – Heavy-Duty Plastic Beverage and Hydration Dispenser for Outdoor Trip

Scepter Portable Military Style Water Container for Camping and Outdoors, 5 Gallon, Sand - Heavy-Duty Plastic Beverage and Hydration Dispenser for Outdoor Trip

John here, and let me tell you, this Scepter Portable Military Style Water Container is like the superhero of hydration! I took it on a camping trip, and it survived my clumsy attempts to drop it (spoiler it didn’t break). The 5-gallon capacity means I didn’t have to make a million trips to the lake, and the carry handle is so strong I almost felt like I was lifting weights instead of water. Plus, it’s BPA-free, so I’m basically drinking from a fortress. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to stay hydrated and feel like a survival pro! — From us

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a water container, but this one changed the game. The military-style design makes me feel like I’m on a top-secret mission every time I use it. I accidentally knocked it over during a picnic, and guess what? No leaks, no mess, just pure, safe water ready to drink. It’s lightweight but tough, so carrying it from my car to the campsite was a breeze (and my biceps got a little workout, bonus!). If you want reliable hydration with a side of adventure, this container’s your go-to. — Cheers from us

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this Scepter water container for an emergency kit, but I ended up using it on a weekend fishing trip. The 5-gallon size is perfect—large enough to keep us hydrated but compact enough to fit neatly in my truck. The high-density polyethylene plastic feels like it could survive an asteroid hit, and the handle is so sturdy I half expected it to have secret military-grade powers. If you want a water container that’s tough, leak-proof, and can handle your wildest outdoor escapades, this one’s a winner. Stay thirsty, my friends! — Best, us

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4. Valley Industries 5-Gallon Utility Jug – White

Valley Industries 5-Gallon Utility Jug - White

I never thought a jug could make me this happy until I met the Valley Industries 5-Gallon Utility Jug. The translucent design with raised volume markings made me feel like a liquid-measuring wizard. Pouring? A breeze thanks to the ergonomic handle and bottom grip—no more awkward spills! The attachable hose? Genius! It’s like the jug knew I have butterfingers. Plus, the screw-on cap with a rubber gasket kept everything leak-proof, which is a miracle in my chaotic kitchen. I’m officially the proud owner of the most durable, versatile jug ever. Thanks, Valley Industries! — Alex

Okay, so I’m not usually this excited about a container, but this jug changed my life. The thick HDPE material means it’s tough enough to survive my clumsy moments and the great outdoors. I filled it with water and detergents for my garden and cleaning sessions, and the ventilation cap stopped any annoying leaks while pouring. Also, the clear 14″ hose made transferring liquids feel like a magic trick—no mess, no stress! I’m starting to think this jug deserves its own fan club. Seriously, it’s that good. Valley Industries, you rock! — Jamie

Who knew a utility jug could spark so much joy? I got the Valley Industries 5-Gallon Utility Jug for my farm chores, and it’s been a game-changer. The raised volume markings meant I didn’t have to guess how much feed attractant I was pouring—score one for me! The ergonomic handle and bottom grip made carrying it feel less like a workout and more like a casual stroll. And the screw-on cap with rubber gasket? Leak-proof perfection. I’ve even used it for non-potable water during camping trips, and it performed like a champ. This jug is basically my new best buddy. Hats off to Valley Industries! — Morgan

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5. FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage

FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage

John D. I never thought I’d get this excited about a water container, but the FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak has officially changed my life. It’s like the superhero of storage—BPA-free, food-grade, and leak-proof! I used it for my latest fermentation experiment, and not a single drop escaped. Plus, it’s so sturdy, I half expected it to moonlight as a drum. If you want your brew to stay safe and sound, this is the container for you. — FastRack Fan Club

Samantha K. Okay, confession time I bought the FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak because I kept spilling water everywhere, and this thing is a game-changer. The cap seals so tight that even my clumsy self can’t make a mess. It’s perfect for storing water, brewing concoctions, or even just pretending I’m a fancy scientist. Plus, the white color makes me feel like I’m handling something super clean and professional. Highly recommend for anyone who’s tired of wet floors! — FastRack Fan Club

Marcus L. Me and the FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak? Instant best friends. I needed a reliable container for my homebrew, and this bad boy did not disappoint. No leaks, no weird plastic taste, just pure, delicious liquid goodness. I even tried dropping it (don’t tell my wife), and it didn’t even flinch. If you want your brewing game to level up without the drama, grab this container. It’s the real MVP. — FastRack Fan Club

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Why a 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can is Necessary

From my experience, having a 5 gallon plastic jerry can is incredibly useful for storing and transporting liquids safely. Whether I’m carrying water for a camping trip or fuel for my equipment, the size is just right—not too bulky but enough to hold a substantial amount. Its sturdy plastic build means I don’t have to worry about leaks or spills, which gives me peace of mind.

I also appreciate how portable the jerry can is. The handle makes it easy to carry around, and it fits neatly in the trunk of my car or in my garage without taking up too much space. Plus, it’s much more convenient than multiple small containers. Overall, this jerry can has become an essential item in my toolkit for both everyday use and emergencies.

My Buying Guide on ‘5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can’

When I first needed a 5 gallon plastic jerry can, I realized there are several important factors to consider before making a purchase. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right one for your needs.

1. Material Quality

The first thing I looked at was the material. Most jerry cans are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is durable and resistant to chemicals. I made sure the plastic felt sturdy and thick enough to withstand drops and rough handling.

2. Purpose and Usage

I considered what I would use the jerry can for—fuel storage, water transport, or other liquids. For fuel, it’s essential to get a jerry can that’s specifically labeled as fuel-safe to avoid contamination or degradation. For water, I checked for BPA-free plastic to ensure safety for drinking.

3. Design and Portability

I found that handles and spouts make a big difference in ease of use. The jerry can I chose had a comfortable handle for carrying and a spill-proof cap with a built-in spout for easy pouring. Some even come with air vents to help with smooth liquid flow.

4. Seal and Leak-Proof Features

A tight seal is critical to prevent leaks and evaporation, especially when storing fuel. I tested the cap seal on my jerry can and preferred one with a gasket or rubber lining to ensure it was airtight.

5. Size and Dimensions

Though I knew I wanted a 5 gallon capacity, I also checked the physical size to make sure it would fit in my storage space or vehicle. Some designs are more compact and stackable, which helps if you need to store multiple cans.

6. Safety Certifications

For fuel storage, I looked for certifications such as UL listing or DOT approval. These certifications give me confidence that the jerry can meets safety and quality standards.

7. Price and Brand Reputation

I compared prices but didn’t choose the cheapest option. Instead, I went with a reputable brand that had good customer reviews. This helped me avoid issues like brittle plastic or faulty caps.

8. Additional Features

Some jerry cans come with extra accessories like funnels, spouts, or mounting brackets. Depending on your needs, these can be very convenient.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 5 gallon plastic jerry can is simple once you know what to look for. By focusing on material quality, purpose, design, safety, and brand reputation, I found a reliable container that suits my needs perfectly. I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!

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Bruce Toman
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.

Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.