Water Bottles. Alternatives.

There are a number of alternatives to the leather costrel for carrying water, but they are either heavier or hold less water. But for those who are just beginning or for those who carry less weight anyway, these alternatives may be a viable option.

1601-1700AD. Will suit a later period but this type is heavy to carry. Very good for normal events where little travel is involved.

Similar types of bottle ranging from 17th century to 18th century. I found two modern made replicas in a second hand shop.

Dated 1701 this type of bottle can still be bought today containing port. Does not hold a lot but not too heavy either. Can be carried in knapsack or haversack or you can cover it in leather and add a strap for carrying.

1741-1760AD, Wine bottles were rarely thrown away in the 18th century at least not by the middling sort. These bottles were reused for carrying water or to contain cooking oil. There are modern wine bottles available today of very similar shape.

1530-1550AD. This one is a great find. The leather cover is believed to have covered the whole bottle and included ears for attaching a carrying strap. This is a glass costrel. Once again glass bottles of this shape are still being made and available in bottle shops. Should not be too hard to add a leather cover and a carry strap.

This copper kidney canteen dates to the French & Indian War. This is a replica.

An even lighter and less expensive alternative is a gourd canteen. These you can grow and make yourself. Be careful of mould spores when cleaning out the inside after drying, and make sure you do a good job of sealing the inside with melted beeswax.