Colapz 2-in-1 Collapsible Water Container Review: The Best Campervan Water Carrier in the UK
- VanLife.uk
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
Why Every Campervan Needs Smarter Water Storage
When you’re living the vanlife dream, every square inch of storage matters. Campervans and motorhomes aren’t exactly known for their spacious kitchens or utility cupboards. That’s why clever, space-saving gear is worth its weight in gold.
Water is one of the most important resources on the road, for drinking, cooking, washing, and cleaning but traditional water containers are bulky, heavy, and awkward to store. If you’ve ever battled with a rigid plastic jerry can that clattered around your van, you’ll know the struggle.
That’s where the Colapz 2-in-1 Collapsible Water Container comes in. Compact, practical, and designed with campervanners in mind, it’s become one of my most-used accessories. In this review, I’ll share my experience, explain its key features, and show why it deserves a place in your van.
What is the Colapz 2-in-1 Collapsible Water Container For Campervans?
The Colapz is an 9-litre collapsible water container for campervans that doubles as a bucket and water dispenser. Unlike standard carriers, it collapses flat when not in use, saving valuable space in your van.
Key Specs at a Glance
Capacity: 9 litres
Expanded Size: approx. 25 cm tall
Collapsed Size: just 9 cm tall
Material: BPA-free, food-grade, recyclable plastic
Durability: Frost-proof and UV-resistant
Features: Built-in tap, reinforced handle, wide 6 cm filling lid
Extras: Elastic strap to keep it flat when stored
This isn’t just a bucket, it’s a thoughtfully designed, multi-use container that’s perfect for campervan living.
Why Collapsible Design Matters for Campervans
Space-Saving Benefits
Storage is always at a premium. A traditional 10-litre container hogs cupboard space whether it’s full or empty. The Colapz, on the other hand, collapses to the thickness of a chopping board. It slides neatly into cupboards, under seats, or even the glove compartment.
Lightweight but Sturdy
Empty, it weighs almost nothing. Full, at 9 litres, it’s heavy enough to be useful but light enough to carry without breaking your back, unlike 20-litre jerry cans that are impractical for daily use.
Versatility in Use
It works equally well as:
A drinking water container (thanks to BPA-free, food-grade plastic).
A washing-up bucket for dishes.
A portable water dispenser with the built-in tap.
An outdoor rinse station for sandy feet, wetsuits, or muddy boots.
Daily Use in the Campervan: My Experience
Morning Routine
On my last trip through the Lake District, the Colapz sat neatly on the worktop. Filling the kettle for my morning brew was as simple as turning the tap, no more lifting a heavy water jug and risking a spill.
Cooking and Washing Up
For cooking, it provided a steady flow for rinsing veg and topping up pans. After meals, I filled it with hot water and used it as a washing-up bucket outside the van. Collapsible or not, it held its shape perfectly.
Outdoor Adventures
After a dip at the beach in Cornwall, I used the Colapz to rinse off sandy feet before stepping back into the van. Its portability means I can carry it outside for tasks where I’d rather not drag the van’s plumbing into play.
Build Quality and Durability
Some collapsible products feel flimsy, but not this one. The reinforced handle makes carrying easy, while the welded seams feel reliable. I’ve used it in frosty mornings and hot afternoons without issue.
The UV-resistant and frost-proof materials mean it should last season after season. Unlike cheap buckets, it won’t crack in winter or fade in summer. And being BPA-free, there’s no plasticky taste when used for drinking water.
Capacity: Why 8 Litres Works Best
You might assume 9 litres is too small – but in reality, it’s the sweet spot for vanlife.
Big enough for a day’s worth of cooking and drinking water for two people.
Small enough to carry easily, even when full.
Flexible use: carry two if you need more capacity – they collapse so flat that storage isn’t an issue.
It strikes the perfect balance between usability and portability.
Expert Reviews and Community Praise
The Colapz has picked up glowing reviews across UK camping and motorhome circles.
Parkers.co.uk awarded it Editor’s Choice in their roundup of the best camping water containers, praising its space-saving design and durable build.
MotorhomeFun forum users rave about it: one camper said “The bucket is our drinking water supply – it’s become an essential piece of kit for us now.”
Amazon buyers consistently rate it highly, with thousands of positive reviews citing its practicality and clever design.
Alternatives: How Does the Colapz Compare to Other Campervan Water Containers?
When I first went looking for a campervan water container in the UK, I found plenty of options. Rigid jerry cans, large rolling water carriers, and fold-up fabric buckets all had their place, but none ticked every box.
Rigid Plastic Jerry Cans
Pros: Cheap, durable, available in larger capacities (10–20 litres).
Cons: Bulky even when empty, awkward to carry, usually no tap.
Verdict: Good for bulk water storage at campsites, but a nightmare in small vans.
Aquaroll (Rolling Water Carrier)
Pros: Huge capacity, can be rolled along the ground, popular with caravan owners.
Cons: Too large for most campervans, takes up massive storage space, not practical for daily use.
Verdict: Works well for caravans on long stays, but overkill for vanlife.
Fabric Collapsible Buckets
Pros: Very lightweight, cheap, collapse flat.
Cons: Flimsy, no tap, awkward to use for drinking water.
Verdict: Handy as an extra, but not durable or versatile enough as your main water carrier.
Why the Colapz Wins
The Colapz collapsible water carrier combines the best of both worlds: sturdy enough to be reliable, compact enough to store anywhere, and versatile thanks to the built-in tap. For campervans where space and practicality rule, it strikes the perfect balance.
Real-World Campervan Scenarios
Wild Camping in the Highlands
When I parked up in Glencoe for a night of wild camping, there were no facilities nearby. I filled the Colapz from a freshwater stream, carried it back to the van, and used the tap for drinking water and cooking.
Campsite Convenience
At a campsite in Devon, the tap was a five-minute walk from my pitch. With the Colapz, I made a couple of quick trips, filled up, and had enough water for the evening.
Festival Camping
At a music festival, I used it as both a drinking water container and a portable sink. The tap was perfect for filling bottles, while the bucket mode made washing up quick and easy outside the van.
Off-Grid Adventures
I’ve even used it as a makeshift portable shower. Fill with warm water, elevate it slightly, and the tap gives a steady flow for rinsing off.
Why the Tap is a Game-Changer
No More Heavy Lifting
With traditional containers, you end up lifting 10+ kilos just to pour a splash of water. The Colapz sits on the worktop or ground, and the tap does the work for you.
Controlled Flow
The tap gives a slow, steady stream, ideal for filling bottles or topping up a kettle without waste.
Hygienic and Practical
Because you’re not dunking pans or bottles into a shared bucket, the tap keeps things cleaner.
Long-Term Durability: Is It Built to Last?
I’ve now owned my Colapz for over a year, and it’s still going strong. No cracks, no leaks, no dodgy seams.
Frost-proof: Survived freezing temperatures without becoming brittle.
UV-resistant: No fading or weakening after summer use outdoors.
Handle strength: Feels secure even when carrying a full 9 litres.
Expanded Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
Collapsible design saves space.
Built-in tap for easy dispensing.
Food-safe, BPA-free, recyclable materials.
Doubles as a bucket and dispenser.
Sturdy and durable, frost-proof and UV-resistant.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
Trusted UK-designed product.
Cons ❌
9 litres may be too small for families.
Spout could be longer for some setups.
Not designed to be transported full while driving.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Colapz Water Container
Q: Is the Colapz water container safe for drinking water?
A: Yes. It’s BPA-free and food-grade.
Q: How do you clean it?
A: Use warm soapy water or sterilising tablets, then let it dry fully before collapsing.
Q: Can it hold hot water?
A: It’s fine for warm water but not boiling.
Q: How compact is it?
A: Just 9 cm tall when collapsed.
Q: Is 8 litres enough?
A: Perfect for solo travellers and couples; families may carry two.
Q: Does it leak?
A: Not if the lid and tap are closed securely.
Final Verdict: My Honest Recommendation
As a campervan owner who’s tested all sorts of gear, I can honestly say the Colapz 2-in-1 Collapsible Water Container is one of the best purchases I’ve made.
It solves the two biggest problems with traditional water carriers: wasted storage space and awkward pouring. Add in the fact that it’s durable, safe, and versatile, and you’ve got a product that earns its place in any van.
Conclusion: A Vanlife Essential
Water is life, especially when travelling in a campervan. The Colapz 2-in-1 container isn’t just a clever gadget – it’s a genuinely useful tool that makes vanlife simpler, tidier, and more enjoyable.
From morning coffees to campsite cooking, from washing dishes to rinsing sandy feet, it’s a piece of kit that earns its place every single day.
Compact, reliable, and brilliantly designed, the Colapz collapsible water carrier deserves a spot in every campervan.
