Arctic canteen

[barryasmith]

Hi

I've got a US army issue Arctic canteen like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/US-Army-Arctic-issue-Insulated-canteen-New_W0QQitemZ320313156707QQcmd ZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_ Militaria_LE?hash=item32031315 6707&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1301|66:2|65:12|3 9:1|240:1318

I am off on the Arctic course with Woodlore next month and wondered if anyone had any experience of using these in cold climates and whether it would be a suitable alternative to the flask that they have on the kit list. No bother if not as I already have a flask but didnt see the point in taking both.

Cheers

Barry

[big_swede]

Can't really see how it is insulated, but if it's just insulated with some sort of fabric the water inside will freeze. I used to use a neat thing, a nalgene bottle wrapped and duct taped in sleeping mat foam. Boiling water (with syrup) usually became drinkable (luke warm) after an hour or so when it was around -10.

The bottle is no substitute for a good flask.

[oldsoldier]

IIRC, arctic canteens are dual walled, with wool sandwiched in between.

[Mastino]

As old soldier says, double walled aluminium plus a plastic mouthpiece with a pressure cap (pull-push) instead of a screwcap. Nice but heavy piece of kit.

[rik_uk3]

The mug you can get that fits them is a really odd shape, not comfortable to use, but the flask works really well, I was sent one in 05 but to be honest have not really used it.