M-Tac Canteen Water Bottle - 1 Quart Tactical Canteen

Curated from 47 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 16, 2025

M-Tac Canteen Water Bottle - 1 Quart Tactical Canteen

Brand: M-Tac
Price: $11
Snoop Score:
5.4
Sentiment
3.1
Popularity
6.5
Technical
6.2

Snoop's Take

The M-Tac Canteen Water Bottle is a durable tactical water canteen designed for military, hiking, and camping needs. With a capacity of 1 quart (34 oz), this canteen is crafted from food-grade BPA-free plastic, ensuring it withstands rugged use in various environments. Consumer feedback highlights the canteen's military-grade durability, with users noting that "canteens are needed because of winter and ease of use." However, some users express a preference for alternative brands like Nalgene, stating, "I like naglenes or platatac flasks better than canteens personally." Additionally, concerns regarding the persistent smell and the canteen's narrow mouth making it difficult to clean have been raised, indicating mixed feelings about its usability. Overall, while the M-Tac Canteen Water Bottle is appreciated for its strength and practicality, potential buyers should consider the reported cleaning challenges and odor. For those specifically looking for a military-grade canteen, it remains a recommended option in its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Canteens

I know I need to invest in medical, a TQ or two.

Positive Feedback

I like naglenes or platatac flasks better than canteens personally, but I always have at least one.

Negative Feedback
Product
5.4
M-Tac Canteen Water Bottle - 1 Quart Tactical Canteen
Backpacking & Hiking
3 / 10
Camping & Picnics
3 / 10
Military & Tactical
10 / 10
Everyday Outdoor Use
4 / 10
See how this compares to all Canteens

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Durable for military use
I know I need to invest in medical, a TQ or two.
I’d say it needs more mags.
Gonna start doggin on lunch
Water. But looking at my plate carrier or minimalist chest rig, seems kind of hard to fit.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Preference for alternative canteen brands
I like naglenes or platatac flasks better than canteens personally, but I always have at least one.
there are much better options than crappy military issue stuff.
Smell persists even in new canteens
They will always, ALWAYS, have a smell to them. Even brand new they smell off. It's part of the authentic experience
Canteens are bulky
Run a camelbak if you want to be minimalist.
Difficult to clean due to narrow mouth
The narrow mouth makes them difficult to clean.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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5.7
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Stansport 1 Quart Scout CanteenStansport 1 Quart Scout Canteen$17
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M-Tac Canteen Water Bottle - 1 Quart Tactical CanteenM-Tac Canteen Water Bottle - 1 Quart Tactical Canteen$11
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JFFCESTORE Military Canteen Carrier CoverJFFCESTORE Military Canteen Carrier Cover$23
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Rothco 2 Quart Striped Desert CanteenRothco 2 Quart Striped Desert Canteen$17
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Stansport Blanket Canteen - 4 QuartsStansport Blanket Canteen - 4 Quarts$23
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JVNZAM Plastic Military Canteen - 1 Quart Portable Water BottleJVNZAM Plastic Military Canteen - 1 Quart Portable Water Bottle$12
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1.4
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Historical context of military canteens
Most people in the military were issued a canteen that was last cleaned in 1974

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on gear setup and hydration
Most underrated gear aspect is water
The first piece of gear I set into my kit (after my PC) was my hydration bladder.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about canteen lid compatibility
M50 uses Avon’s canteen lids this is a m1 canteen cap which only works with the m1 coupling so the M17A1 through A2 M40 series MCU series
Long range gear: Hydration Water is a essential tool for hydration and use in my Mountain House MREs.
Tips for cleaning canteen odors
Get some denture tablets, put one in and fill it with boiling water.
THIS! Get the antibacterial tablets (maybe all are?) and it kills the smell/taste but also the nasties.
Oh those things can get so gross, I immediately know the smell you are talking about!
Definitely try it, it’s amazing how effective they are
Preference for hydration systems over canteens
IMO, a **hydration system** takes up less space (especially when it's empty), is squishy enough to be adapted to different pouch systems, you can use it one-handed / free-handed and your drink is always accessible.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Historical reference to military canteens
We still have those in the CAF lol I had one issued to me that was made like 40 years ago
You cannot boil water with an item (canteen) that is made specifically to boil water?
I served in the early-mid 2010s. By then my service issued canteens were made of plastic. You would not have been able to boil water in those (safely)- but in the metal cup it came with you could have I guess.

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