Canteen (bottle)

A canteen is a reusable drinking water bottle designed to be used by hikers, campers, soldiers, bush firefighters, and workers in the field.

It is usually fitted with a shoulder strap or means for fastening it to a belt, and may be covered with a cloth bag and padding to protect the bottle and insulate the contents.

[citation needed] Contemporary designs are made of plastic (especially polyethylene or polycarbonate), titanium, aluminum or stainless steel.

Single-walled metal canteens are generally lighter and have the advantage that they may be placed over an open fire or stove to sterilize water or prepare hot beverages.

The presence of such eggshells dating from the Howiesons Poort period of the Middle Stone Age at Diepkloof Rock Shelter in South Africa suggests canteens were used by humans as early as 60,000 years ago.