M83 canteen alternative

[l1a1man]

Seems to be the M83 SADF canteens are ghosts. I found for a suitable replacement until I find the real canteens. At Walmart they have Rubbermaid 2 liter rectangle water bottles for $3. Just be careful as the drinking lid can pop open if you are being really rough. (Nothing a piece of speed tape won't fix).
They fit perfect in the M83 vest pouches.

Still want (need) two M83 canteens.

[kfranz]

Yep, those fit really well. Nalgene makes a much more durable product, but I haven't checked closely to see if they have a comparably sized offering.

[Enquiring Minds]

Thanks for the heads up on the Rubbermaids. I will have to check out the threading and see if there's a more positive closure top that will screw on.

It is strange how elusive the real-deal 2-liter square jobbies are. Outfit in Australia had a website up for years, offering new high-quality repros of the bottles, AND the M-83 vest, but they never answered their phone or email.

[Andy the Aussie]

EM....who was the company down her you tried to get onto..???? I deal with a mob over in WA that sells second hand M83s and new SA made bottles (out of stock just now). Never ahd a comms problem with them..??

Andy

[l1a1man]

Like their website but they won't return any of my emails? Don't know.

I used a couple of the Rubbermaids this weekend and didn't have any leaks or a pop top come off even throwing them in and out of the back of my Jeep. It was alot more comfortable than having a fat Camelback pressing up against me all day.

If anyone is looking for repro Rhodesian camo Trident has them. They are also getting a ton more in by Christmas (ponhos in this pattern). Had to get a repro hat to go with the original uniforms:sad:

[Andy the Aussie]

When I e-mailed him about the bottles for you he took around a week to get back to me. He is about as far away from me in Australia as he could be and I am not associated with them at all but he has always gotten back to me.

Some people just don't want ongoing business I guess.

Andy:(

[l1a1man]

Just like you said Andy the guy wrote and said the M83's will be in soon. Thanks, Ben

[Andy the Aussie]

Glad to hear it mate.....let me know if he has a problem sending them to the US, I doubt he will be they can always come via me.

Andy:)

[Enquiring Minds]

Originally posted by Andy the Aussie
EM....who was the company down her you tried to get onto..????
Andy

It was some blokes d.b.a. "Hunter's Edge". Had pics of high quality M83 LBV repros in AUScam, black, olive drab, etc. (everything but the original Nutria brown or Kalahari Sand or whatever the SADF called it).

They WERE at: http://www.htpweb.com/huntersedge/vest.html

But they finally packed it in...

Here's some other Aussies that claim they make a real M83, but it doesn't look like it to me... maybe the AUSCAM is fooling my eye... ;)

http://www.militarycraft.com/index.php/product/217/176/?ads=no

I deal with a mob over in WA that sells second hand M83s and new SA made bottles (out of stock just now).

Is this your mob over in Kalamunda, WA? This one looks more like an M83... (at that price, it ought to! :eek: )

http://www.kitbag.com.au/prod38.htm

See? OUT OF STOCK on the bottles, like everyone else on the planet. It's a conspiracy I tell ya... :D

[Andy the Aussie]

Kit bag is the company that L1A1man and I have ben talking about above. In the e-mail he sent us both they are expecting the canteens in soon....we'll see I guess. The Auscam copies of the M83 are big business outhere. The original Nutra Brown ones were a big hit with the ADF the Auscam copies/upgrades cater to this demand. There are some really good ones about Hunters Edge and the ones sold by kit bag spring to mind and then there was (is) some shyte being passed off as well.

Andy

[Enquiring Minds]

Originally posted by Andy the Aussie
The Auscam copies of the M83 are big business outhere. The original Nutra Brown ones were a big hit with the ADF the Auscam copies/upgrades cater to this demand.

Indeed, it's an inspired design that really makes sense in a hot climate--armpits and shoulder blades free and clear! :)

There are some really good ones about Hunters Edge...

Do you mean really good STORIES, or really good LBVs? Their photos and descriptions were impressive, prices reasonable. I emailed asking whether mag pouches could be upsized to 7.62/L1A1 size, never heard back. Bloke in the photos had a politically correct bolt-action hunter, so that was no help.

I imagine the original 5.56/R4-size mag pouches work OK with AUG mags, yes/no?

... and the ones sold by kit bag spring to mind and then there was (is) some shyte being passed off as well.

The ones I've seen from Hong Kong are laughable. Money thrown away no matter how low the price.

[Gun Wielding Maniac]

Nalgene does sell some rectangular HDPE screw cap 2 liter bottles.
http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/subcategory.asp?categorysubcategorycode=6

Wonder if these are sure to fit? You'd expect them to, being the same capacity as the original, but the actual dimensions arent shown. I'm thinking maybe it would be better to get 4 of the rectangular 1 liter bottles. That way, if they fit, you are good to go... But if not, you can put in as much water as you can, cheaply.

12 dollars for the 2 liter bottles
6 for the 1 liter.

They also have some Lexan ones which are square and have a gripping surface for the hand, but they are 15 dollars for a 2 liter.
http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/subcategory.asp?categorysubcategorycode=24



Anyone want to be the test monkey? :)

[l1a1man]

Been trying to find them localy so I don't have to pay shipping but I can only find round ones in this brand. The search is still on.

[Andy the Aussie]

Hey mate....just looking through a magazine out here and noticed that Kit Bag is advertising the 2L SA bottles again. Don't know if he actually has them though.

Andy:cool:

[l1a1man]

Will check it out, thanks, l1a1man

[slikrickabn]

Anyone have the web address for Trident?

Thanks

Rick

[l1a1man]

Are you talking the uniform company Trident?

[Gun Wielding Maniac]

Update!
Tried the nalgenes and they fit the web gear great! The velco portion of the pouch wont close, but the buckles close just fine, so everything is ok. I think I'm going to paint the lids to match.

[tac-40]

Don't know if these will fit but check them out

Square Canteens (http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/product.asp?sku=LEG%2D124&mscssid=0P0TVQ0GPQ509KEGXVE4PWBBS0A34VN4)

[OODA_Loop]

I have one of these rigs, although it smelled like a brothel when I got it. Must have been a sweet SA detergent!

Other questions:

1) It would seem that the top pouch would be nice for a hydration system. Anyone had any luck fitting these? My tac tailor 3L unit is too big.

[Gun Wielding Maniac]

I havent been able to find anything that would fit. I'm thinking of just shoving a pussy pad in there for a little backpack protection.