French Army Military Surplus Canteen, Cover / Cup

The media could not be loaded.  The big French metal canteen sold by a German distributer, ironic but then these were apparently not dropped too many times - versus 1 quarter US style canteen  3PC CANTEEN KIT W/COVER &ALUMINUM CUP-BLACK Volume, French win. Weight, with less water volume, US style win.Ability to boil water (canteen direct) - French win (Both can be hung above. Most plastic bottles can, even basic water bottles, but get the distance/heat level wrong and a bottomless bottle fails the water tight test every time which is not a worry with metal - both also have canteen cups but see below on that)Bad taste - plastic version wins - with metal, there is no residual taste from coffee, juice, etc after rinsing out/sanitizing is much easier. Strength - rigid against semi-flexible - really depends on the oopsBetween these two it is really the canteen cups that add value to the French version - longer handles, a heat damper between the cup skin and the handle brace, roughly the same volume for the cups. The US case has a pocket for some sort of small purifying bottle or packet. It also has thicker insulation.I had no quality issues on any I bought and basically bought for the extra volume and ability to boil the entire bottle at a go, and yes old fashion, so I like to boil even if it came up through a filter. It takes a few tries to figure out that you have to pop the lid on so it is on the threads level and then tighten it down - no leaks after that. There are other metal US style canteens offered, but again less volume and seams that separate on some. Look around and see if metal helps and I hope this did on at least about what this French version offers.

Like some of the people rating this, I experienced trouble with the gasket on the lid leaking slightly. However, I went to my local hardware store, got a metic O-ring and fixed it immediately. Now, I would say mine would be in a five-star condition. The cup is very nice. Aluminum construction for both the cup and canteen (obviously). The bag for the canteen is a tight squeeze if you're trying to fit the cup in it as well. Overall, 4 stars only because of the lid/cap issue, which was easy and quick to fix.I would NOT trade this canteen for another if I were given the chance.

Well this was the most expensive aluminum canteen I could find - I wanted the best quality and most durable possible. The canteen body itself seems sturdy; it does not lock or wedge into the cup so unless you use the canteen carry cover the two peices will fall apart. However at some point - as another user pointed out and posted pictures, this newer version of the canteen has a much cheaper lid and chain/chain-hook construction. This will still serve its purpose but since I searched high and low for a high quality canteen and this was the best I could find, I am a bit disappointed.

These are SURPLUS so there is always a chance on quality.The canteen and cup were like new. The cover was ripped up pretty bad.One snap was ripped out and the bottom seem was ripped out about 4 inches.I patched it up well enough to use but am looking for another pouch to fit it.I have used both canteen and cup over a fire for cooking and boiling waterand they held up fine.4 stars because it is not convenient to use without a working cover.If anyone finds a cover to fit these put it up.

This is chunky French canteen. French canteens are metal. Therefore you can heat the canteen as opposed to U.S. plastic canteens that would melt. This chunky French canteen will NOT accept canteen cup stoves. Older, non-chunky French canteens will accept the standard cup stove. Also the cover is not the quality of older French canteen covers. I am using this French canteen. There is NO metal taste even when I add lime juice to the water in the canteen. This canteen is O.K., but if you use cup stoves for your BOB-SHTF try to find an older version of the French canteen.

You get the canteen, the pouch, and the cup. You will probably have to replace the rubber stopper because it is worn out. It looks great and when the rubber is replaced works fine. Get it while you can get something of this quality for this price. Just the canteen cup alone is worth it. It works fine to make Ramon Noodles over a bed of coals and flame. I LOVE IT!hint... just order a new 1/8 inch piece of rubber and use an exacto knife to cut out a new stopper for the lid and your canteen is restored.This is a great way to get noticed by chicks who love camping as much as I do. That's the kind of girl I'm after.... one I can take camping with me. :)

This canteen is old fashion construction at its best. Made of light metal, yet thick and hard to dent. Mine has no leaks and it is easy to use for cooking. After my first one arrived I immediatley ordered another because I like to carry a gallon of water with me when I go in the desert. It is also nice to split the weight evenly throughout my pack or belt. The case is durable and the seems can take a lot of punishment. A great item for the survival enthusiast who needs a multipurpose water container. Some people on these reviews complained of small leaks. Mine did not have any problems like that. The French might not know how to fight a war, but they can damn sure make a canteen.

Bought these for holding water while camping. They would hold water if the lid didn't crack, but low and behold, bought 2, cracked lids on 2. So, rather than be out the money for these, I bought these corks:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PIFVNQ?redirect=true&ref_=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_34And after putting a cork in it, they now work great. Just wish they either had lids that were not cracked, or came with the above corks.