The best fuel bladders, tanks and water containers in Australia 2024

With so many remote corners of Australia to explore, and vast stretches of wilderness in between, there’s endless opportunities to explore. But if you don't have a long range fuel tank and you need a fuel reserve – these lightweight fuel bladders are an excellent option, whether you are adventuring on two wheels or four.

When comparing lightweight fuel bladders to rigid containers like jerry cans, it seems like a no brainer. Fuel bladders are lighter and you can roll them up to store them away when not in use. But are they functional, safe and worth the expense?

We’ve reviewed the best lightweight fuel bladders and bags in Australia from Armadillo Bag, Desert Fox, Adventure Moto, Liquid Containment, Fleximate and Naz Bags to find out. We’ve also included a Buyers Guide to help you choose the best lightweight fuel bladder for your needs.

Armadillo Bag Fuel Bladders

Armadillo Bag Fuel Bladders

Specifications

• Capacity (litres): 3.8 / 7.6 / 11.4 / 18.9
• Weight (grams): 368 / 454 / 567 / 680
• Size (filled): 25.4 x 41.91 x 7.62cm / 30.48 x 52.07 x 10.16cm / 33.6 x 62.2 x 12.7cm / 38.1 x 75.6 x 15.24cm

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This is a top-of-the-range fuel bladder and bag built for tough conditions. The versatility of the Armadillo Bags is great – you can use them just about anywhere you need rugged, short-term fuel storage. These fuel bladders can be tied down to motorbikes, ute trays or boat decks and they come in 4 different sizes, ranging from 3.8 litres to 18.9 litres.*

The Armadillo Bags consist of an abrasion-resistant Cordura outer bag and a RF-welded inner bladder. Rubber handles make it easy to fill and pour from the bladder, while daisy-chain strapping gives you more secure tie-down options and will prevent the bag from slipping. Upgrades from the previous model of fuel bladders by Armadillo Bag include reinforcement around the spout and an outer pouch for the spout to be stored in when not in use. You can tell attention to detail has gone into the construction of these bags, with features like dust flaps on the spout pocket.

These fuel bladders undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are leak-proof and durable – every inner reservoir is individually pressurised and tested at the factory. The Armadillo Bags can be used to store hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene and jet, as well as coolant, hydrocarbon based lubricants and other automotive and industrial fluids. Best of all they can be rolled down small to be stored away when not in use. *Note: these fuel bladders are designed in the US and have capacity of 1, 2, 3 and 5 gallons – we have converted them to litres for this review.

Desert Fox – Trail / Overland / Extreme Fuel Bladders

Desert Fox – Trail / Overland / Extreme Fuel Bladders

Specifications

• Capacity (litres): 3 / 6 / 20
• Weight (grams): 300 / 400 / not specified
• Size (empty): 24 x 40cm / 35 x 40cm / 30 x 30 x 30cm

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Desert Fox has three fuel bladders on the market – the 3L Trail and 6L Overland for two wheeled adventures and the collapsable 20L Extreme which would suit a back up vehicle or any 4WD adventurer. The Desert Fox range is also suitable for use as water storage – provided it has not already been used for fuel!

These fuel bladders have large D-rings and daisy chain strapping so there’s no need for any hardware to mount them. They also have carry straps for easier handling and filling. The 6L also has tie-down cinch straps for securing on top of panniers. You can roll these bags down after refuelling and store them away until you need to use them again.

The outer bag is made from durable canvas and the inner bladder is a heavy duty plastic. The fuel spout is included and can be stored inside a dust-proof integrated pouch when not in use. These bags are extremely durable and strong, making them a great long-term purchase that you will have no problems taking off-road.

Adventure Moto – ADVWorx Fuel Bags

Adventure Moto – ADVWorx Fuel Bags

Specifications

• Capacity (litres): 5 / 8
• Weight (grams): Approx 500 / Approx 500
• Size (empty): 55 x 25cm / 59 x 30cm

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Adventure Moto have a new and improved version of their fuel bags for sale in Australia. This Aussie company provides a range of adventure motorbike gear and touring gear built for harsh conditions – and the ADVWorx fuel bags are no exception. These bags are designed to be tough, so you can adventure further.

ADVWorx have upgraded their original fuel bags with this second version – which earns its place amongst the best fuel bladders in Australia. The upgrades include a rubber grip handle at each end and reflective fabric on the daisy chain strapping in case you are searching for it in the dark. The cap has been redesigned to screw on and off easily and an Ezi Pour spout is included with the fuel bladder. There’s also an outer pouch on the bag for storing the spout.

The ADVWorx fuel bags come in 5L and 8L sizes. Each has a welded film bladder sewn into a ballistic nylon outer bag – making it durable and leak-proof. Rolling down these bags when they are not in use, makes them an excellent portable solution for fuel storage. The daisy chain strapping allows you to tie it down securely and the handles are perfect for holding or hanging the bag while refilling and pouring. These fuel bladders are compatible with most petroleum fuels including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet.

Liquid Containment – Jerry Flex Touring Fuel Bladders

Liquid Containment – Jerry Flex Touring Fuel Bladders

Specifications

• Capacity (litres): 2 / 5.5 / 10 / 12
• Weight (grams): not specified
• Size (empty): 22.5 x 35cm / 33 x 41cm / 39 x 45cm / 43cm x 45cm

Find out more from Liquid Containment

Liquid Containment’s Jerry Flex Touring fuel bladders have a simple and straightforward design with enough durability to handle even the toughest conditions. Made from military spec materials and with an option to tailor them to your needs, these are an excellent choice to add to your expedition gear.

Their range of fuel bladders features four sizes – each with the same design and functionality. They are made from reinforced military spec TPU giving them superior strength and adhesion, plus they have an odour proof layer. They each have an ultra light filler with a pressure relief cap design and they are suitable for short-term storage of a range of powersport fuels.

The outer design has either four or six tie-down eyelets and four belly-strap loops to keep the fuel bladder secure. Each size in the range has a spout included which can be stored on the outside of the bag. These fuel bladders cannot be rolled but they can be folded or stored flat. Better yet, they can be tailor-made to suit your needs, so if you haven’t found a good solution for your fuel storage needs in these reviews – consider a custom option from Liquid Containment.

Fleximake – Motorcycle Fuel Bladder

Fleximake – Motorcycle Fuel Bladder

Specifications

• Capacity (litres): 4
• Weight (grams): 500
• Size (filled): 38 x 32 x 9cm

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Fleximake is an Australian manufacturer of a range of flexible products, including a 4L motorcycle fuel bladder that is perfect for two wheeled adventures. If you are planning to ride further than one tank of fuel will take you, this fuel bladder by Fleximate is a simple, durable fuel-carrying solution.

The Fleximake 4L Motorcycle fuel bladder is built tough so you can take it anywhere. The bladder is made from reinforced TPU with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty. It has four tie-down points and a filler with screw on cap. There is a small handle alongside the cap to assist with filling and pouring.

If you want a portable fuel option without all the bells and whistles – but with more than enough durability to face tough, off-road conditions – this fuel bladder by Fleximake is a great choice.

Naz Bags – Motorcycle Fuel Bladder Bags

Naz Bags – Motorcycle Fuel Bladder Bags

Specifications

• Capacity (litres): 4 / 5.5 / 10 / 12
• Weight (grams): 400 / 500 / 700 / 900 (Approx - depending on customisation)
• Size (internal): 45 x 33cm / 48 x 36cm / 52 x 42cm / 58 x 46cm

Find out more from Naz Bags

Naz Bags have designed these tough motorcycle bags to store your fuel bladders while out on (or off) the road. If you own, or plan to buy, a fuel bladder and want a little more protection for it – these customised bags are compatible with the Liquid Containment and Fleximate fuel bladders.

Naz Bags have a range of Australian made motorcycle luggage products. Their fuel bladder bags are designed to give more durability and better tie-down options for some of the fuel bladders on the market. The bags come in four sizes and each is made from ripstop canvas. They can be used individually or joined to create tank panniers.

If you are really looking to customise your gear on your bike, this is a great option. All of the bags are customisable, so you can choose not only the size, but also the number of webbing tabs or steel buckles and D-rings. This gives you a great opportunity to create a storage system that works for you. You can also tailor it further by picking out the colour of the fabric or adjusting the strap length or pocket size at no additional cost.

HOW WE REVIEW PRODUCTS

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles, aftermarket products and camping gear for over 40 years. When looking for the best lightweight fuel bladders in Australia there are some things that are essential to ensure you can safely store and transport fuel for your bike or vehicle.

When we compared each of the fuel bladders in the list we looked at the durability, versatility, design and size, as well as extra features which make them stand out from the rest.

We looked at user reviews and drew on our own experience using lightweight fuel bladders and bags to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

BUYERS' GUIDE TO LIGHTWEIGHT EXPEDITION FUEL BLADDERS

How to choose a lightweight fuel bladder

Fuel bladders are not a new invention, they have been used by the marine industry and the military for many years, but now they’ve been adapted to be available to individual users for powersports, 4WDing and boating. Meaning you can now get your hands on one – and you might not ever want to let it go.

Fuel bladders are designed to be flexible and versatile, yet durable and safe for transporting fuels in even the roughest conditions. With the right fuel bladder you should have no hesitation filling it up, strapping it down and heading out for an epic adventure.

To give you an idea of what features to look for in a lightweight fuel bladder, we’ve put together this Buyers Guide – breaking down the main things to consider when purchasing one.

Short-term fuel storage

These fuel bladders are designed for short-term fuel storage and transporting only. They should be filled up and then emptied (used) at the earliest possible time. If you need to store fuel for a long time, or don’t have a time frame for using it, it is better to get a rigid fuel storage container that complies with the Australian regulations for fuel storage.

Versatility

The beauty of fuel bladders is that they can be filled and taken out on the road, then rolled or folded down and stored away once you’ve used them. When not in use, fuel bladders take up just a fraction of the space that they do when full – which can not be said for rigid fuel containers.

If you are planning a long expedition and may only need a fuel reserve for some sections of the trip, you can keep the fuel bladder packed away until you need it. No need to lug a rigid fuel container around for the entire trip if you may only need to use it for one stretch.

You can also use fuel bladders for a range of different applications – without needing to add extra hardware each time. Grab one good quality fuel bladder and you should have no hesitation strapping it to your motorbike, the back of your ute, or the deck of your boat.

In some products you can keep the same outer bag but swap out the inner fuel bladder for a different size, giving you versatility in how much fuel you can carry. In addition, some fuel bladders can also be used for the storage and transport of water – provided they haven’t previously been used for storing fuel.

Durability

Many fuel bladders come with a tough outer bag and inner bladder which holds the fuel.Before buying a fuel bladder you should check the materials used on both the inner fuel bladder and the outer shell, and also check what fuel types it can be used for.

The outer shell needs to protect from dirt and dust, and be tough enough to stand up to off-road conditions – not just the bumps, but the possibility of being dropped as well.

The inner bladder needs to be fuel resistant and leak proof. The fuel bladders we have reviewed are made of fuel-safe materials which are welded at the edges to prevent leaks. They can be used for short-term storage and transport of fuel when you need to do so safely, quickly and easily.

If you are buying just a fuel bladder, there are fuel bags on the market which will give you extra protection, plus an easy solution for transporting the bladder.

Easy to Use

Checking out the different features on lightweight fuel bladders will give you a good indication of how easy they are to use. Some things to look for include tough handles, the inclusion of a spout and enough tie-down points for you to secure it safely to your bike or vehicle.

Having handles on your fuel bladder will make it easier to hold when emptying the fuel into your tank. They are also useful for hanging the bladder on your handle to fill it.

Check that the bladder comes with a spout, or an option to buy one separately. If the spout is a standard size, you’ll have no issues replacing it out on the road in case you lose yours. Also check if there is storage for the spout so you don’t have to keep it stored separately.

The fuel bladder should have tie-down points, to allow you to secure it to your bike. If it doesn’t you might want to purchase a custom bag to put it in. If you are securing it to a motorbike any kind of cinch strap will work well, or Pronghorn straps by Giant Loop and Rok Straps are quick and easy options to use.

Weight

Fuel bladders are designed to be lightweight, especially compared to rigid fuel containers. The weight and ability to roll or fold them down small are some of the key features. However, it is important to keep in mind the weight of your fuel bladder once it is full. Depending on how many litres you plan to carry, fuel can be very heavy and you don’t want to overload your bike, vehicle or boat.

Keep this in mind when looking at the size of the fuel bladder you are looking to purchase – alongside the weight of any other luggage or gear you will be carrying.

Capacity

The range of bladders we reviewed carry between 2 to 20 litres of fuel. To figure out what capacity fuel bladder you will need, it’s best to know how much fuel your vehicle or motorbike uses in different driving or riding conditions – including when loaded for travel.

This way you’ll know how far you can get with your tank full of fuel and you can plan for how much extra fuel you will need to be carrying. Keep in mind you do not need to completely fill the bladder with each use. You can buy a larger fuel bladder and only fill it to the capacity you need for each adventure.

Price

The price range of the fuel bladders we have reviewed is between $95 and $250 – making them a relatively inexpensive safety investment. If you consider that these bladders will keep you out on your adventure longer, with no stress of having to reach the next fuel station in time – they are an item well worth paying for.