The Green Watering Can

2026-01-17

An ordinary green watering can.

Just like the one in the garden, I thought, reading through a list of 40 things worth packing in a campervan. I’ll take it — why not? What’s the watering can for?! Well, the author wrote that it’s the most convenient tool for filling water, apart from a hose. I wasn’t so sure about the convenient part, but it turned out to be the only tool available for filling water.

That ordinary green watering can came in handy sooner than I expected. That day, I parked in Weinsberg — a small town in Germany. A nice free parking spot, quite a few campervans, full service available (free, except for water). Attractions? A walking path that ends on a hill with the ruins of an 11th-century castle, offering views of the surrounding area. I didn’t manage to see the view in daylight — I arrived late, left early, and went up the hill before the town started waking up. There’s something charming about that hour.

So what about the watering can?

Right, the watering can… In any case, that was the day I decided I wouldn’t leave the motorway until I reached the coast — the temperature had dropped to -8°C. After the walk and coffee, the plan was simple — service stop, motorway, coast, sun.

And… I ran out of water, so I pull up to the service point, get out the hose, all the connectors — and nothing. You need some kind of threaded fitting, so I think to myself… the watering can! Filling the campervan’s water tank with the watering can, I have to say, is genuinely very convenient — but filling the watering can itself at that spot was dreadful. The tap was positioned so low that there was no way to hold the can under it comfortably. Water was splashing everywhere, which at -8°C meant my hands, feet and even knees were frozen solid. Yes, I was wet up to the knees — but satisfied, because all things considered, I managed to fill about 50–60 litres of water that way.

40 must-have items — my take.

The list “40 things I always have in my campervan” was a good starting point for me. Most of the items turned out to be useful. Some are worth having but better left unused — engine oil, jump leads — and some you simply must have — fire extinguisher, spare wheel.

To the water hose I’d add threaded connectors with various fittings, and to the warning triangle I’d add a yellow flashing warning light — I’m not certain, but I think it’s required in some European countries. It definitely improves your visibility in the event of a breakdown. The one thing I didn’t manage to pack but thought about several times was a collapsible water container.

40 must-haves — additions.

My suggestions for additions to the campervan must-have list.

Carabiners

Car key, side door key, garage door key, water key, and yet another key. Carabiners make it easy to separate keys so you don’t always have to carry the whole bunch. They also came in handy for quickly clipping the dog lead to various spots and doubled as extra hooks.

Snow chains

One of those things you simply must have, especially when travelling in autumn or winter. You never know where the road will take you, and even if you’re not planning to drive in the mountains, it’s worth having chains.

Gas fittings

I’m not sure how this works with exchangeable gas cylinders, but with an LPG tank it’s a definite must-have. France, Germany, Spain, Poland — I counted at least 4 different fittings.

Key lockbox with combination

Solves the problem of what to do with your keys when you go for a swim in the sea. Also has a second use — mount it in a discreet spot with a spare key inside.

What did that green watering can teach me?

The story of the watering can taught me one very important thing: in a campervan, the winner isn’t always the most “professional” solution — it’s the one that works in the moment.

A hose with connectors? Great — as long as you have a tap at the right height and the right thread. A watering can? Plain, green, garden-variety — zero elegance, but you can always work something out.

Ever since then, the watering can has had its permanent spot in the campervan. Not because it’s convenient. Because sometimes it’s the only option.