L.L.Bean Packable Bucket

Yes, it is just a bucket...but this summer it has become a fixture in our camping and canoe camping gear outfit. It works much better for us than our old rigid plastic bucket, and we have come to depend on having it at the campsite. It is very reasonably priced, and has been very durable.

I was unaware that LL Bean carried this item, until it showed up in one of their sales...for $17.95. With a $10 coupon, I was able to get the item for only $7.95 (it lists for $19.95, and I probably would pay that if I needed another such bucket).

We had not had much luck with rigid hardware store gimme/promotional buckets while canoe camping; they tend to crack, the thin metal handles are not comfortable for carrying a full load of water any distance, and they do not collapse for storage or packing. This bucket is soft sided PVC-free thermoplastic construction, and carried 12 liters. The handles are long, soft webbing, and have shown no signs of deterioration after lots of use this summer.

We use buckets to hold water for campfire safety, for dishwashing and cleanup, and for the dogs to get a quick drink (not all at the same time, of course).

We really like the fact that it can be folded or rolled, making it easy to pack in the canoe. We have, on occasion, packed stuff into it for the trip to camp...with its soft sides it easily can be "squished" into place.

The material seems heavy duty, and is not flimsy; even when empty, the bucket will stand with sides upright. There have been zero signs of leakage. We certainly would recommend this bucket, even at its MSRP of $19.95.