Deep enough for large amount of items to carry to sinks on campsite. Ideal for dishes , laundry. We kept it next to the outdoor table to store bottles in cool water. Used for games, throwing ball into it and bobbing for apples.go on have a try , the children loved seeing the grown ups get a soaking. The handle would not cope with a full load of dishes but the bucket has a lip all around for ease of carrying when heavy.