New Sportsmans Guide HQ catalog showed up today. This has rapidly become my favorite source for military surplus stuff. It isnt always the cheapest, but they do get some cool stuff from time to time that I dont see anywhere else. I didnt see anything truly exciting, but I do like these:
2 New U.S. Military Canteens with Covers, Coyote – Water that I carry on me is usually in a CamelBak or a Platypus soft bottle 
As an aside, water that I store in vehicles or elsewhere where they may sit for quite awhile I leave in it’s original packaging. I may leave an empty canteen with the sealed bottles of water, but I try not to store water long term in something that I filled myself. Why? Honestly, it’s probably overkill but I’d rather that the water have been bottled in the reasonably sanitized and sterile environment of the bottling plant rather than the not-exactly-surgically-clean environ of my kitchen.
However, for just throwing some extra water in the back of the truck for a roadtrip or long summer day, I definitely like these military 2-qt jobbies. If you really wanna go nuts, fill them halfway, freeze em, then fill them the rest of the way when you leave. Keeps things deliciously cold in August.
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We’ve hit the stage of seasons here where its 20 degrees in the morning, 60 during the day and then back to 40 at night. You really have to dress appropriately for this sort of thing. But, more importantly, it’s proof that its time to start wrapping up the winter goodies and putting them away for the year. I definitely need to tune up the bicycle and start riding to the shop in the mornings…especially if I can get Nuke to behave himself and run alongside without getting under the wheels or yanking me off the damn thing.
I didnt spend nearly as much time outdoors last year as I should have. I think I went hunting once, went fishing once and that was about it. I really need to get out more.
The 2 quarts are sold out. Darn. Oh well, I probably need more milsurp gear about as much as I need another hole in the my head.
The GI 2 quarts aren’t bad as a “sling over shoulder and go” canteen but they’re prone to leaks and bursting. Going prone on one or landing on one in a fall will burst them 99% of the time.
For carrying water in a pack, a 2 liter soda bottle is a better choice. Cheap, nearly impossible to rupture, and if it gets funky (which you’ll be able to see) you can toss it without a second thought.
Yeah I agree wth you on the Sportsmen’s Guide. I have ordered several things from them and while I have had some items that were defective they have always made it good with a speedy replacement.
You mention it, peeps buy it!
2 New U.S. Military Canteens with Covers, Coyote
Sorry, item is sold out.
Just so you know, before I posted that link I made sure to check that it did NOT show it as out of stock. Either they keep very little inventory on hand or I have a tremendous amount of consumer clout.
SPG still has 2qt GI canteens with military style covers are technically available. However, when you put in your cart is states that they are currently due in on April 4th.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/new-2-qt-us-gi-canteen-with-mil-style-cover.aspx?a=187243
Steelheart
If you ever make it to the Twin Cities, SPG has an outlet store which is real fun to visit too.
Being a survivalist in the Northern Plains, one needs to purchaser both summer and winter gear. (Remember what happened to the German Army at Stalingrad without winter uniforms. )SPG also has some real good below zero canteens made out of metal, which we use up here in the Great White North. They’re sort of bulky, but can be carried in a 2qt. pouch.
Zeke’s got a good point there about cold (some would say arctic) weather gear. When the temp drops you NEED proper gear. Yes, you can improvise to an extent but that only gains you so much. I’ve actually got more cold weather gear than warm weather gear, lol.
Steelheart
You should see if Nuke would tolerate this – worked well for Ranger-dog…
http://www.springeramerica.com/
BTW, using the harness vs. collar on above is optimal.
http://www.ruffwear.com/Products/dog_harnesses
Thinking about a joring system, myself…