I'm going to be acquiring an 1860's Army reproduction canteen when I go to the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. I don't expect to use it except at Civil War reenactments, though! For backpacking, Evernew, Platypus or used soda bottles are far better. Smart Water bottles are awesome! The nice thing about Evernew and Platypus is that the bottles roll up small and take up very little space when not in use.