Scepter Water Containers - Commercial vs Military runs?

[Crimson_Phoenix]

I've been considering getting some of the Scepter water jerry cans for years now, but never had a reliable source to obtain them, or the prices were too high. In undergrad, my geosciences department used them on field outings and we had six or eight of them for the trucks and vans. Looking on Amazon, I found they sell both the blue commercial ones and the military style ones in subdued colors. How do these compare to the .mil ones from the same company? I've only used the military water cans, and the commercial ones have completely different fill caps, but cost half as much. These would be something to have in case of emergencies or have in the car or keep at basecamp while out adventuring.

https://www.amazon.com/Scepter-Easy-Pour-Camping-Emergency-Off-Road/dp/B0D9KNQCTZ/144-5750557-0812062


https://www.amazon.com/Liter-Heavy-Duty-Water-Container/dp/B07JQ955SV

[Yogurt]

I have some of the water 10L military versions I got back in 2017 (I checked my emails) directly from them but the store link shows invalid.  They are definitely heavy but also sturdy.  I honestly was surprised how little a plastic taste the developed (I forgot to rotate the water in them so they had it for like 4 yrs). 

[Moab]

These are the best deal and best usable water containers imho. We've had lengthy discussions in the blow thread and others. The Aquatsiner is the best deal, plenty sturdy, unless you need to throw them off a 7ft tall 6x military truck or something. Then your going to have to buy the molsoec spectre version. Very expensive. 

I have USGi spectre water cans and gas cans. The Aquatainer are a better deal than the spectre commercial cans. And they stack. That's a big plus for storage. Spectre might stack. But the Aquatainer square format suits storage and packing a car much better. 

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=2408.0#msg45123

[MacWa77ace]

Those Aquatainers are stackable and have a spigot made so you can put them on their side on a counter or table to dispense a cupful of water. The main downside discussed was they are 7 gallons and at 8lbs a gallon that's heavy to move around.



I don't have these but have this type of container also. Not being stackable is the downside. But they probably work better for vehicle roof or back rack transport.

[Crimson_Phoenix]

These are the best deal and best usable water containers imho. We've had lengthy discussions in the blow thread and others. The Aquatsiner is the best deal, plenty sturdy, unless you need to throw them off a 7ft tall 6x military truck or something. Then your going to have to buy the molsoec spectre version. Very expensive.

I have USGi spectre water cans and gas cans. The Aquatainer are a better deal than the spectre commercial cans. And they stack. That's a big plus for storage. Spectre might stack. But the Aquatainer square format suits storage and packing a car much better.

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=2408.0#msg45123

They're also roughly 16 lbs heavier when full. That's a consideration when I have a bad knee and a blown shoulder. The 10L Scepter containers were just right for me, but they're almost the same price the 20L ones were 15 years ago.

[Anianna]

Those Aquatainers are stackable and have a spigot made so you can put them on their side on a counter or table to dispense a cupful of water. The main downside discussed was they are 7 gallons and at 8lbs a gallon that's heavy to move around.



I don't have these but have this type of container also. Not being stackable is the downside. But they probably work better for vehicle roof or back rack transport.

To be clear, Aquatainers are stackable when empty.  They are not meant to be stacked when full.  

The Original Aqua-Tainer is stackable when empty for compact storage

https://relianceoutdoors.com/products/aqua-tainer-4g-15l

Water Bricks, on the other hand, are stackable when full, carry a lighter three and a half gallons with a 1.6 gallon half-brick option, as well, and have been tested sturdy enough for humanitarian parachute drops:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGtSWcIUYLk

https://www.waterbrick.org/

They also offer a half-brick ammo can, food bricks, and brick emergency kits.  I have a pile of Water Bricks I got when they first came out that have been stacked in my shed full of water.  In the early years, I would go out and empty them a little for freezing weather, but I forgot to do that in more recent years and none of them have ever warped or burst from ice formation (I'll check them again after Sunday's expected ice storm).  They came in very handy during the Richmond Water Crisis last January.  

Also, the hole design means they can also be pole carried and the makers work with several humanitarian partners.  Of the water storage options I have tried, Water Bricks are my favorite.

[Moab]

Those Aquatainers are stackable and have a spigot made so you can put them on their side on a counter or table to dispense a cupful of water. The main downside discussed was they are 7 gallons and at 8lbs a gallon that's heavy to move around.



I don't have these but have this type of container also. Not being stackable is the downside. But they probably work better for vehicle roof or back rack transport.

To be clear, Aquatainers are stackable when empty.  They are not meant to be stacked when full. 

The Original Aqua-Tainer is stackable when empty for compact storage

https://relianceoutdoors.com/products/aqua-tainer-4g-15l

Water Bricks, on the other hand, are stackable when full, carry a lighter three and a half gallons with a 1.6 gallon half-brick option, as well, and have been tested sturdy enough for humanitarian parachute drops:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGtSWcIUYLk

https://www.waterbrick.org/

They also offer a half-brick ammo can, food bricks, and brick emergency kits.  I have a pile of Water Bricks I got when they first came out that have been stacked in my shed full of water.  In the early years, I would go out and empty them a little for freezing weather, but I forgot to do that in more recent years and none of them have ever warped or burst from ice formation (I'll check them again after Sunday's expected ice storm).  They came in very handy during the Richmond Water Crisis last January. 

Also, the hole design means they can also be pole carried and the makers work with several humanitarian partners.  Of the water storage options I have tried, Water Bricks are my favorite.

Where were you when we had this long discussion on the other thread about water jugs?! 😁 You are very much right about these. And have convinced me these are a way better option. I think the Water brick got largely ignored because of their lack of a 5 gallon option. And we were all trying to be economical with price per gallon cost of water storage. 

@Anianna is very much correct. I wish we had discussed these. Additional comments below after the short comparison. 

Here's a clear comparison:

WATERBRICK 3.5 GALLON vs RELIANCE AQUA-TAINER 4 GALLON. (closest equivalent)
All prices in USD. Typical U.S. retail as of 2025–early 2026. Prices vary by seller and sales.

--------------------------------------------------
WATERBRICK – 3.5 GALLON STACKABLE CONTAINER
Manufacturer: WaterBrick

CAPACITY:
- 3.5 gallons (≈29 lbs full)

PRICES:
- 2-pack (direct from WaterBrick): ~$37.00 total (~$18.50 each)
- 4-pack (Prepper retailers): ~$75–78 total (~$18–19 each)
- 6-pack (Walmart / resellers): ~$120–125 total (~$20–21 each)
- 8-pack (Prepper retailers): ~$145–150 total (~$18–19 each)

DESIGN & USE:
- Rectangular "brick" shape, true cross-stacking system
- Designed specifically for long-term emergency storage
- Multiple handholds, easy to carry and rotate
- Spigot sold separately

REVIEWS & REAL-WORLD FEEDBACK:
- Very strong reputation in prepper and emergency-storage communities
- Rare body failures; complaints focus mainly on cap seal if overtightened or defective
- Excellent for tight spaces, closets, under beds, vehicle storage
- Handles being stored on sides better than budget cans

OVERALL TAKE:
- Costs more than budget cans
- Pays for itself in durability, stacking efficiency, and space savings

--------------------------------------------------
RELIANCE AQUA-TAINER – 4 GALLON
Manufacturer: Reliance Products

CAPACITY:
- 4 gallons (≈33 lbs full)

PRICES:
- Sporting goods stores (Scheels, etc.): ~$18.99
- Survival retailers: ~$18.95–19.95
- Walmart marketplace (varies): ~$18–36 depending on seller/availability

DESIGN & USE:
- Cube-style container with built-in spigot
- Designed primarily for camping, RV, and short-term water use
- Stackable only in a basic sense (not a system)

REVIEWS & REAL-WORLD FEEDBACK:
- Very popular due to low price and convenience
- Frequent long-term complaints: cracked plastic, warped bodies, leaking spigots
- Not ideal for side storage or heavy stacking
- Works best upright, lightly handled, rotated often

OVERALL TAKE:
- Cheap and convenient
- Higher failure rate over time compared to premium containers
- Best for casual or temporary use, not dense long-term storage

--------------------------------------------------
BOTTOM-LINE COMPARISON (NO HEDGING)

COST:
- Reliance is cheaper per container up front
- WaterBrick becomes cost-competitive when bought in multipacks

DURABILITY:
- WaterBrick clearly superior
- Reliance acceptable but inconsistent

STORAGE EFFICIENCY:
- WaterBrick wins decisively (true stacking system)
- Reliance wastes space

DISPENSING:
- Reliance wins out of the box (included spigot)
- WaterBrick requires accessory

FINAL RECOMMENDATION:
- For serious emergency storage, small living spaces, vehicles, or long-term rotation: BUY WATERBRICK.
- For budget camping or occasional household use: RELIANCE IS FINE, EXPECT REPLACEMENTS.

********************************************

I disagree with some of the conclusions this comparison comes to. IMHO Water brick clearly is the better option. Cost is to close to offer any benefit financially to the Reliance. 3.5g vs 4g. 

Unless your dead set on 5 gallon containers. Which on sale are as cheap as eithers 3.5 gallon cans. You may find a benefit in the Reliance 5 gallon cans. But weight is a concern I agree. I can lift a 5 gallon water jug. But not everyone can. And the day will come when I can't. And as beautifully as the Water brick 3.5g cans stack. I see no reason not go with them. 

I do have some lesser quality 20 liter (a bit bigger than 5 gallon) water cans here in the Phillipines with the larger 5 inch(?) fill cap. I also have higher quality 20 liter water cans made of a very thick hdpe plastic with a smaller 2 inch cap. The 5 inch caps are a failure point. And I hate them in mine. But I will not be surprised if the Water brick version caps are much thicker, more solid and water tight. They appear to have put to much R&D into these to let a faulty cap into the mix. And there is a clear advantage 5" cap vs 2" cap. You can reach a arm and hand in there to properly clean them. Something you can't do with a 2 inch cap. 

My 5 inch cap jugs leak easily. I don't even trust carrying them in a vehicle unless they are upright the entire time. My 2 inch cap thicker ones are rock solid. And I added a 5mm rubber gasket to each cap. 

With the pole carry option, the excellent stacking nature, the various carry options, and the nearly identical price - the Waterbricks are a clear winner in my mind. 

Thank you, @Anianna! 

[Crimson_Phoenix]

Apartment living has presented its own challenges for storage. I remember the Waterbricks wowing the original ZS group when they first came out nearly 16-18 years ago, then I forgot about them, right along with the gamma seals. Since I could stash them in my pantry shelf without losing space, that would be the most ideal. I also have 3x 2.5gal countertop water containers with large lids and spigots. I could just pour the bricks into the water containers to top them off if I'm sheltering in place long term.

[Moab]

Apartment living has presented its own challenges for storage. I remember the Waterbricks wowing the original ZS group when they first came out nearly 16-18 years ago, then I forgot about them, right along with the gamma seals. Since I could stash them in my pantry shelf without losing space, that would be the most ideal. I also have 3x 2.5gal countertop water containers with large lids and spigots. I could just pour the bricks into the water containers to top them off if I'm sheltering in place long term.

At first I was disappointed with having to buy the spigot cap separate for the Water Bricks. But I think my strategy with the water bricks would be to keep them stored with the original caps. And just buy one spigot cap to use each time I needed it. But keep them well sealed most of the time with the basic cap. I think that makes way more sense then replacing the caps with the spigot. Spigots done travel well. Or at least not as reliable as a simple cap. 

This is one of the downfalls of my cheap jugs here in the Phillipines. But I have a sense they were only made for water backup on your outside kitchen here. And not really meant for transport. The one I have that leaks - leaks from the spigot. But even the main 5 inch cap on top is very flimsy. None of it is made survive even the smallest drop. But they are 20 liter and about $2. So what do you expect?! Lol. 

My better made ones that just have one 2 inch heavy cap. Are very heavy weight plastic though. Easily Spectre USGI weight plastic. 20 liter and cost less than $6. Could for sure survive a hefty drop. And the cap is for sure leak proof no matter how you placed it in a vehicle or for long term storage. With rubber gaskets I added. These are my go to here. I could probably find a spigot cap. But have not looked yet. 

[Anianna]

Apartment living has presented its own challenges for storage. I remember the Waterbricks wowing the original ZS group when they first came out nearly 16-18 years ago, then I forgot about them, right along with the gamma seals. Since I could stash them in my pantry shelf without losing space, that would be the most ideal. I also have 3x 2.5gal countertop water containers with large lids and spigots. I could just pour the bricks into the water containers to top them off if I'm sheltering in place long term.

Under the bed may be an option, as well, since they're designed to lay on their side.

[Moab]

Apartment living has presented its own challenges for storage. I remember the Waterbricks wowing the original ZS group when they first came out nearly 16-18 years ago, then I forgot about them, right along with the gamma seals. Since I could stash them in my pantry shelf without losing space, that would be the most ideal. I also have 3x 2.5gal countertop water containers with large lids and spigots. I could just pour the bricks into the water containers to top them off if I'm sheltering in place long term.

Under the bed may be an option, as well, since they're designed to lay on their side.

I have to say the "pole carry" design is genius too! 

At the bottom of the homepage there is a blurb about the owner coming up with this water container while having a discussion with Jaque Cousteau's son. You can see the guy was a real explorer. This is a very well thought out design. And has me rethinking 5 gallon/20 liter cans for anything altogether. Those long wire handles also give you the ability (I would imagine) to carry more than one in a hand if you have the strength to do so. And again as many as you like with the pole holes. So your not really limiting yourself in anyway by passing on the bigger 5gal/20l containers. 

Excellent analysis, @Anianna! This is a great find!

[MacWa77ace]

CAPACITY:
- 3.5 gallons (≈29 lbs full)

PRICES:
- 2-pack (direct from WaterBrick): ~$37.00 total (~$18.50 each)
- 4-pack (Prepper retailers): ~$75–78 total (~$18–19 each)
- 6-pack (Walmart / resellers): ~$120–125 total (~$20–21 each)
- 8-pack (Prepper retailers): ~$145–150 total (~$18–19 each

It's $11 shipping per two pack direct from Waterbrick to my AO. And if you do 2 two packs its $22 shipping for both, etc etc. Plus tax. But its free shipping on the 10 pack.
These are nice, can't really figure out the spigot or automatic water dispenser options.

Did your AI exclude the 7 gallon Aquatainer for a reason or did you filter by gallons?

[Anianna]

Apartment living has presented its own challenges for storage. I remember the Waterbricks wowing the original ZS group when they first came out nearly 16-18 years ago, then I forgot about them, right along with the gamma seals. Since I could stash them in my pantry shelf without losing space, that would be the most ideal. I also have 3x 2.5gal countertop water containers with large lids and spigots. I could just pour the bricks into the water containers to top them off if I'm sheltering in place long term.

Under the bed may be an option, as well, since they're designed to lay on their side.

I have to say the "pole carry" design is genius too!

At the bottom of the homepage there is a blurb about the owner coming up with this water container while having a discussion with Jaque Cousteau's son. You can see the guy was a real explorer. This is a very well thought out design. And has me rethinking 5 gallon/20 liter cans for anything altogether. Those long wire handles also give you the ability (I would imagine) to carry more than one in a hand if you have the strength to do so. And again as many as you like with the pole holes. So your not really limiting yourself in anyway by passing on the bigger 5gal/20l containers.

Excellent analysis, @Anianna! This is a great find!

If you're not strong enough to carry multiple by hand, I imagine you could lash some together via the pole holes and jerry rig some straps to carry a few of them like a backpack.  I can carry more weight on my back than I can carry in hand because that weight gets lifted with the legs.

[Moab]

CAPACITY:
- 3.5 gallons (≈29 lbs full)

PRICES:
- 2-pack (direct from WaterBrick): ~$37.00 total (~$18.50 each)
- 4-pack (Prepper retailers): ~$75–78 total (~$18–19 each)
- 6-pack (Walmart / resellers): ~$120–125 total (~$20–21 each)
- 8-pack (Prepper retailers): ~$145–150 total (~$18–19 each

It's $11 shipping per two pack direct from Waterbrick to my AO. And if you do 2 two packs its $22 shipping for both, etc etc. Plus tax. But its free shipping on the 10 pack.
These are nice, can't really figure out the spigot or automatic water dispenser options.

Did your AI exclude the 7 gallon Aquatainer for a reason or did you filter by gallons?

I mistakenly thought we had purchased the 5 gallon. You are right we purchased the 7 gallon. As overall that was the cheapest per gallon basic option. 
 
But I revised a new comparison report in all the top 5 water containers. Including the ones we've discussed here. 

The new thread is here. So as to properly document one overall discussion of water containers. My choice is still the Waterbrick 3.5 gallon. But some interesting data here:

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=3008.0#new

[Moab]

Apartment living has presented its own challenges for storage. I remember the Waterbricks wowing the original ZS group when they first came out nearly 16-18 years ago, then I forgot about them, right along with the gamma seals. Since I could stash them in my pantry shelf without losing space, that would be the most ideal. I also have 3x 2.5gal countertop water containers with large lids and spigots. I could just pour the bricks into the water containers to top them off if I'm sheltering in place long term.

Under the bed may be an option, as well, since they're designed to lay on their side.

I have to say the "pole carry" design is genius too!

At the bottom of the homepage there is a blurb about the owner coming up with this water container while having a discussion with Jaque Cousteau's son. You can see the guy was a real explorer. This is a very well thought out design. And has me rethinking 5 gallon/20 liter cans for anything altogether. Those long wire handles also give you the ability (I would imagine) to carry more than one in a hand if you have the strength to do so. And again as many as you like with the pole holes. So your not really limiting yourself in anyway by passing on the bigger 5gal/20l containers.

Excellent analysis, @Anianna! This is a great find!

If you're not strong enough to carry multiple by hand, I imagine you could lash some together via the pole holes and jerry rig some straps to carry a few of them like a backpack.  I can carry more weight on my back than I can carry in hand because that weight gets lifted with the legs.

I didn't realize either that those holes provide a superior way to tie them down like on a roof rack or similar. Running rope thru those is about as secure an attachment point as you could get. Having offroaded alot I can see the brilliance in that design. The pole and tie down option. And like you say a make shift backpack. Which is superior to hand carrying anything. I agree completely. 

[Crimson_Phoenix]

Apartment living has presented its own challenges for storage. I remember the Waterbricks wowing the original ZS group when they first came out nearly 16-18 years ago, then I forgot about them, right along with the gamma seals. Since I could stash them in my pantry shelf without losing space, that would be the most ideal. I also have 3x 2.5gal countertop water containers with large lids and spigots. I could just pour the bricks into the water containers to top them off if I'm sheltering in place long term.

Under the bed may be an option, as well, since they're designed to lay on their side.

I have to say the "pole carry" design is genius too!

At the bottom of the homepage there is a blurb about the owner coming up with this water container while having a discussion with Jaque Cousteau's son. You can see the guy was a real explorer. This is a very well thought out design. And has me rethinking 5 gallon/20 liter cans for anything altogether. Those long wire handles also give you the ability (I would imagine) to carry more than one in a hand if you have the strength to do so. And again as many as you like with the pole holes. So your not really limiting yourself in anyway by passing on the bigger 5gal/20l containers.

Excellent analysis, @Anianna! This is a great find!

If you're not strong enough to carry multiple by hand, I imagine you could lash some together via the pole holes and jerry rig some straps to carry a few of them like a backpack.  I can carry more weight on my back than I can carry in hand because that weight gets lifted with the legs.

I didn't realize either that those holes provide a superior way to tie them down like on a roof rack or similar. Running rope thru those is about as secure an attachment point as you could get. Having offroaded alot I can see the brilliance in that design. The pole and tie down option. And like you say a make shift backpack. Which is superior to hand carrying anything. I agree completely.

It's too bad they never made an ALICE ruck shelf for the modern polymer pack frames.

[Moab]

Apartment living has presented its own challenges for storage. I remember the Waterbricks wowing the original ZS group when they first came out nearly 16-18 years ago, then I forgot about them, right along with the gamma seals. Since I could stash them in my pantry shelf without losing space, that would be the most ideal. I also have 3x 2.5gal countertop water containers with large lids and spigots. I could just pour the bricks into the water containers to top them off if I'm sheltering in place long term.

Under the bed may be an option, as well, since they're designed to lay on their side.

I have to say the "pole carry" design is genius too!

At the bottom of the homepage there is a blurb about the owner coming up with this water container while having a discussion with Jaque Cousteau's son. You can see the guy was a real explorer. This is a very well thought out design. And has me rethinking 5 gallon/20 liter cans for anything altogether. Those long wire handles also give you the ability (I would imagine) to carry more than one in a hand if you have the strength to do so. And again as many as you like with the pole holes. So your not really limiting yourself in anyway by passing on the bigger 5gal/20l containers.

Excellent analysis, @Anianna! This is a great find!

If you're not strong enough to carry multiple by hand, I imagine you could lash some together via the pole holes and jerry rig some straps to carry a few of them like a backpack.  I can carry more weight on my back than I can carry in hand because that weight gets lifted with the legs.

I didn't realize either that those holes provide a superior way to tie them down like on a roof rack or similar. Running rope thru those is about as secure an attachment point as you could get. Having offroaded alot I can see the brilliance in that design. The pole and tie down option. And like you say a make shift backpack. Which is superior to hand carrying anything. I agree completely.

It's too bad they never made an ALICE ruck shelf for the modern polymer pack frames.

They made one for the next gen. The one with the heavy plastic frame. I have that pack too. The name escapes me. The bug one when ACU came out. There was an obscure website that use to sell them for cheap and it was a shelf. It was also really big. Those packs for carrying like 200lbs or something. Even without a frame shelf those would be excellent for carrying water jugs. They are super cheap. And honestly it's hard to find a use for them. As they are so big and heavy. 10lbs iirc. But they would be perfect in this role. I wouldn't be surprised if one of those big Reliance 7 gallon jugs would fit in one. 

[Moab]

The Molle II Large Rucksack. I think I've seen them in the last year for like $39.  No one wants them because they are big, heavy and ACU. And there are a ton of them out there. You can also dye them easily with RIT dye. To a much better color. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOLLE?utm_source=chatgpt.com

You cannot view this attachment.

[Moab]

MOLLE II Large Ruck + water jug fit (based on commonly quoted dimensions)

Sources:
- MOLLE II Large Ruck (main compartment dimensions and system info):
  https://www.amazon.com/MOLLE-II-Rucksack-Backpack-Assembly/dp/B0046QT4BA
  https://armynavyoutdoors.com/us-army-issue-molle-ii-rucksack-used/
- WaterBrick 3.5 gal dimensions:
  https://www.waterbrick.org/product-specifications/
- Reliance Aqua-Tainer 4 gal dimensions:
  https://relianceoutdoors.com/products/aqua-tainer-4g-15l
  https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/reliance-aqua-tainer-water-container-4-gallon-or-7-gallon?a=2213892

Reference sizes:
- MOLLE II Large Ruck main compartment (quoted): ~18" x 8" x 24"
- WaterBrick 3.5 gal: 18" x 9" x 6"
- Reliance Aqua-Tainer 4 gal: 11.5" x 11.25" x 10.75"

How many fit (practical):
A) WaterBrick 3.5 gal:
- Realistic in main compartment: 2 bricks
- Possible total (main + lower compartment): 3 bricks (depends on divider/lower bay clearance)
- "By volume" theoretical max: ~4, but not realistic in a real ruck and weight becomes ridiculous

B) Reliance Aqua-Tainer 4 gal:
- Realistic: 1 jug
- Possible (tight) if the ruck bulges and you stack: 2 jugs vertically

Weight reality:
- 2 WaterBricks full = already a heavy ruck in water weight alone
- 2 Aqua-Tainers full = very heavy and awkward because the jug shape fights the ruck shape
```�10�

If 4 water bricks fit, and even though it's a ridiculous weight, if your just moving them to load in a car it would work well. But even moving 2 or 3 in a ruck is preferable to hand carry by far. Anything properly mounted to your back like this will ease travel a great deal. 

Another win for the Waterbricks. But I did not ask it to estimate capacity for the 3 other brands of water jug. 

[echo83]

MOLLE II Large Ruck + water jug fit (based on commonly quoted dimensions)

Sources:
- MOLLE II Large Ruck (main compartment dimensions and system info):
  https://www.amazon.com/MOLLE-II-Rucksack-Backpack-Assembly/dp/B0046QT4BA
  https://armynavyoutdoors.com/us-army-issue-molle-ii-rucksack-used/
- WaterBrick 3.5 gal dimensions:
  https://www.waterbrick.org/product-specifications/
- Reliance Aqua-Tainer 4 gal dimensions:
  https://relianceoutdoors.com/products/aqua-tainer-4g-15l
  https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/reliance-aqua-tainer-water-container-4-gallon-or-7-gallon?a=2213892

Reference sizes:
- MOLLE II Large Ruck main compartment (quoted): ~18" x 8" x 24"
- WaterBrick 3.5 gal: 18" x 9" x 6"
- Reliance Aqua-Tainer 4 gal: 11.5" x 11.25" x 10.75"

How many fit (practical):
A) WaterBrick 3.5 gal:
- Realistic in main compartment: 2 bricks
- Possible total (main + lower compartment): 3 bricks (depends on divider/lower bay clearance)
- "By volume" theoretical max: ~4, but not realistic in a real ruck and weight becomes ridiculous

B) Reliance Aqua-Tainer 4 gal:
- Realistic: 1 jug
- Possible (tight) if the ruck bulges and you stack: 2 jugs vertically

Weight reality:
- 2 WaterBricks full = already a heavy ruck in water weight alone
- 2 Aqua-Tainers full = very heavy and awkward because the jug shape fights the ruck shape
```�10�

If 4 water bricks fit, and even though it's a ridiculous weight, if your just moving them to load in a car it would work well. But even moving 2 or 3 in a ruck is preferable to hand carry by far. Anything properly mounted to your back like this will ease travel a great deal.

Another win for the Waterbricks. But I did not ask it to estimate capacity for the 3 other brands of water jug.

I don't know that you can get 2 Aqua-Tainers into a MOLLE II. I have a MOLLE II in M83 woodland and the first thing I did was replace the first gen black frame with a next gen tan frame, as the black frames are notoriously brittle. 

I think it would hold one Aqua-Tainer at best, and you're pushing 56 pounds of water and not much else. The sleep system carrier on the MOLLE II makes it look huge, but the actual cargo area of the pack is deceptively small.