Action Surplus

U.S. Canvas 36 Gallon Water Lyster Bag

The 36 gallon capacity Lister Bag is approximately 36 inches tall by 22 inches in diameter. The bag includes a lid/cover and six water faucets around the base. In use, it is hung from an improvised tripod of tent poles or locally cut material, hung away from anything that could cause potential contamination, such as a tree. A trained technician would fill the bag, then put chlorine ampules into the water to sterilize it. After testing the water for potability, it was available for filling canteens, cooking, or any purpose. The Lister Bag was in common use from before World War I through the Vietnam War. Lister Bags would be found wherever there was an encampment. In addition to its role in providing drinking water, the Lyster Bag was a general water resource for cooking, showers, medical use and many other requirements. Lister bags are constructed of a canvas fabric that weeps, providing some degree of evaporate cooling at the bag surface.