WaterPORT Weekender 8-Gallon Tank: Pressurized Water on the Go – Is It Worth the Hype?
ReviewOkay, picture this: you’re miles from civilization, dust coating everything you own, and the only thing standing between you and feeling human again is a trickle from a lukewarm solar shower. Sound familiar? As someone who practically lives outdoors, I’ve been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt (which was probably also covered in dust). That’s why I was so stoked to finally try the WaterPORT Weekender 8-Gallon Tank. I’d been seeing it everywhere, and the promise of actual pressurized water on demand? Well, that’s a siren song to a dirtbag like me.
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So, what was my first impression? Straight out of the box, the WaterPORT feels solid. It’s made of this heavy-duty plastic – High-Density Polyethylene, if you want to get technical – and the rectangular shape just screams “mount me on a roof rack!” Speaking of which, the mounting process was… an adventure. WaterPORT provides the basics, but let’s just say I made a quick detour to my local hardware store for a few extra bits and bobs. Nothing major, but be prepared to get a little creative.
Now, for the good stuff: I’ve dragged this thing on a few camping trips, a couple of dawn-patrol surf sessions, and even used it to hose down my mountain bike after some seriously muddy rides. Honestly? It’s been a total game-changer.
Think about it: no more carefully doling out water from a jug to wash dishes after a long day. This tank holds a whopping 8 gallons, which is way more generous than you’d think. My girlfriend and I could easily wash dishes, rinse off our cooking gear, and even sneak in a quick “navy shower” without stressing about running dry. And the spray nozzle? Forget about it! It’s got settings for everything, from a gentle mist (perfect for rinsing sandy feet) to a full-on jet blast (ideal for blasting mud off tires).
And speaking of sandy feet, as a surfer, I can’t tell you how much I hate tracking sand into my car. The WaterPORT has become my secret weapon. A quick spray down before I even think about changing, and boom – 90% of the sand is gone. My car (and my sanity) thank me.
Mountain bikers, I’m talking to you: you know the struggle of trying to wrestle a mud-caked bike into your vehicle. The WaterPORT makes it a breeze to rinse off the worst of it, saving you from a serious cleanup later.
Pressurizing the tank is pretty straightforward. You’ve got two options: hook it up to a garden hose (easy peasy if you’re near a spigot) or use the Schrader valve with a pump or compressor. I’ve been using a small portable air compressor, and it takes just a few minutes to get the tank pressurized and ready to go.
Okay, time for a little real talk. There are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- It’s Big and Heavy: Eight gallons of water weighs a ton (well, almost – around 90 pounds). Make sure your roof rack can handle the load.
- Sun’s Out, Fading’s Out? While the tank is supposedly UV-protected, I’m a bit concerned about long-term sun exposure. I’m planning on getting a cover to keep it happy.
- The California Warning Label: Yeah, that Proposition 65 warning about Styrene is a bit of a downer. It’s pretty common with plastic stuff, but I’m making sure to give the tank a good rinse before each use, just to be safe.
So, the bottom line? Despite a few minor quirks, the WaterPORT Weekender 8-Gallon Tank has officially earned its place in my adventure arsenal. The convenience of having pressurized water whenever and wherever I need it is just plain awesome. If you’re looking for a reliable way to stay clean and comfortable on your outdoor adventures, you should definitely give the WaterPORT a look. Just be prepared for a little initial setup, and maybe keep an eye out for a good tank cover. Now get out there and get dirty (then get clean)!