What Is The Best Camping Mug?

Camping mugs are durable drinking vessels designed for outdoor use while camping, hiking, or other adventures. They are made to be lightweight yet sturdy, provide insulation to keep drinks hot or cold, and have ergonomic handles and lids for easy handling.

Having a good camping mug is essential on outdoor trips to enjoy hot coffee in the morning and other beverages throughout the day. Key features of quality camping mugs include:

Made of enamel, stainless steel, or plastic
Insulated to retain heat
Secure lid to prevent spills
Lightweight and easy to pack
Durable materials to withstand frequent use
Easy-grip handle for holding with gloves or cold hands

This guide will examine the most important factors to consider when selecting the best camping mug for your needs.

Table of Contents

Durability

When choosing a camping mug, durability is a key consideration. The mug will likely get bounced around in a backpack or dropped on rugged terrain, so it needs to withstand some abuse. Three of the most common materials used for camping mugs are stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic.

Stainless steel is one of the most durable options for a camping mug. According to Outdoor Life, stainless steel mugs like the OtterBox Elevation can withstand significant drops onto rocks without sustaining dents or cracks. The hard metal construction resists abrasions well. Stainless steel mugs are virtually indestructible for camping purposes.

Plastic mugs, like the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug, are also fairly durable against drops and dents. But according to TakeTheTruck, the plastic can become brittle over time with exposure to sunlight and hot liquids. Ceramic mugs can crack if dropped and are generally less durable for the knocks of camping.

Lids and seals are another key durability factor, as they can leak over time. Silicone or rubber seals tend to hold up better than plastic. Mugs like the Yeti Rambler provide a secure seal and sliding closure lid that maintains durability even after significant use.

Insulation

An insulated camping mug has a double-wall design with a vacuum-sealed gap between the inner and outer walls. This helps retain temperature extremely well compared to a standard single-wall mug. Insulated mugs keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours.

The key advantages of an insulated mug are:

Maintains the optimal drinking temperature longer
Prevents burns from hot liquids and condensation from cold liquids
Allows you to enjoy drinks at their intended temperature for hours

The downsides are that insulated mugs are generally more expensive, heavier, and require more cleaning care than a basic non-insulated mug. However, most campers agree the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

According to outdoor gear reviews, the Hydro Flask 12 oz Travel Mug is one of the best insulated camping mugs thanks to its TempShield insulation that keeps contents hot up to 6 hours or cold up to 24 hours (Source).

Size

When it comes to camping mugs, size is an important consideration. You’ll want a mug that is large enough to hold a sufficient amount of your preferred hot or cold beverage, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to pack and carry.

The ideal capacity for a camping mug is generally 10-14 oz. This allows you to make coffee, hot chocolate, soup, or other trailside beverages with enough liquid to be satisfying, while still being highly portable.

In terms of portability, you’ll want to look for a mug around 3-4 inches in diameter. Anything much larger than 4 inches across will be difficult to wrap your hands around and won’t fit as neatly into backpack cups or mug holders.

Cylindrical or slightly tapered shapes are best for packing efficiency and stability. Dramatic hourglass shapes or wide bottom diameters can make mugs tricky to pack and balance on uneven terrain.

Consider if you’ll need a mug that can nest or stack with other pieces of cookware in your camping kitchen setup. Nested sets allow for maximal space savings.

The most portable and packable camping mugs combine a 10-14 oz capacity with a slim 3-4 inch diameter and nesting ability. This gives you ample beverage capacity without taking up precious pack space.

Weight

Weight is a key consideration when choosing a camping mug, as you’ll likely be carrying it in your pack. Titanium and aluminum mugs tend to be the lightest options. For example, the Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact mug weighs just 2.1oz. compared to 6.7oz for the Stanley Classic Vacuum Camp Mug. However, titanium and aluminum may dent more easily than heavier stainless steel models. There’s a tradeoff between lightness and durability.

Collapsible silicone mugs like the Sea to Summit X-Mug weigh only 1.6oz. but are prone to collapsing when full and may not retain heat as well. The lightest mug material isn’t necessarily the best choice. Prioritize weight, but not at the expense of usability and longevity.

“Titanium, aluminum and collapsible silicone mugs are lightest for packing, but sacrifice some durability compared to steel.” (https://www.advnture.com/buying-guides/best-camping-mug)

Handles

A camping mug’s handle is an important consideration, as it impacts comfort and portability. There are three main types of handles:

Fold-out handles collapse against the cup for easy packing. They fold out when needed to provide a comfortable grip. Folding handles take up little space but may feel flimsy.
Removable handles detach completely from the mug. They allow for the most compact storage but can get lost easily. Removable handles often snap or clip back onto the mug securely.
Fixed handles are permanently attached to the mug. They provide a sturdy grip but reduce packing ability since they stick out. Fixed handles are simple and durable.

Consider your intended use when choosing a handle type. Folding and removable handles allow mugs to nest inside each other in a pack. Fixed handles are ideal for frequent use around a campsite. Look for handles with thick, textured grips that feel comfortable to hold.

Lids

When selecting a camping mug, one important factor to consider is the type of lid. There are a few main options:

Screw-On Lids

Screw-on lids thread onto the top of the mug and seal by twisting into place. They create a very tight seal to prevent leaks and are more secure than other lid options. However, they can take a bit longer to remove when you want to drink. Screw lids often have an opening you drink directly from, with a small cover that folds over the opening.

Push-On Lids

Push-on lids fit snugly onto the rim of the mug. They form a tight seal with an internal rubber gasket. Push-on lids are quick and easy to put on and take off. However, they may be prone to leaks if knocked over or dropped. The opening is similar to screw lids, with a small cover that opens.

Sliding Lids

Sliding lids fit into a track on the mug and slide open to reveal the opening. They provide good spill resistance while also allowing you to drink easily just by sliding the lid. However, they may not seal as tightly as screw or push-on lids. The opening is uncovered when open.

When selecting a camping mug lid, consider whether you prioritize the tightest seal or the quickest drinking access. Screw lids seal the best while sliding lids are easiest for quick sips. Push-on lids offer a middle ground.

Accessories

Accessories can make a camping mug even more functional and convenient. Some useful accessories to consider are:

Carabiners – A carabiner lets you clip your mug to a backpack or belt loop for easy access. Stainless steel carabiners are best as they won’t rust. Make sure to get one large enough to fit the mug handle securely.

Handles – Silicone handles that wrap around the mug provide insulation and make it easier to hold when the mug is hot. Look for ones with good gripping ridges.

Cases – Neoprene or mesh cases protect your mug from damage when packed. They often have a carabiner or handle for easy carrying.

Lids – Lids come in sip-top, press-on, and screw-top styles. They prevent spills and help keep your drink hot or cold longer.

Cleaning accessories – Look for bottle brushes and scrub pads specifically sized for camping mugs. These make cleaning easier, especially for narrow openings.

Carefully chosen accessories enhance the functionality of a camping mug and make it more convenient to use on outdoor adventures.

Top Picks

Based on the key criteria of durability, insulation, size, weight, handles, lids, and cost, here are my top recommendations for the best camping mugs:

Yeti Rambler

The Yeti Rambler is one of the most popular and well-reviewed camping mugs. It comes in both 14oz and 18oz sizes, and is made out of durable stainless steel with double-wall insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for hours. The Rambler has a simple screw on lid, and the handle is comfortable and ergonomic for easy holding.

Pros:
– Excellent insulation
– Durable stainless steel won’t crack
– Leakproof lid

Cons:
– Expensive
– Heavy

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle

The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle is essentially a Hydro Flask water bottle adapted into a mug shape. It is lightweight, made of durable stainless steel, and has excellent insulation just like a standard Hydro Flask. The wide mouth makes it easy to drink from, eat soup or oatmeal from, and clean.

Pros:
– Lightweight
– Great insulation
– Easy to clean wide mouth

Cons:
– Lid can be prone to leaking
– No handle

Conclusion

When choosing the best camping mug, durability, insulation, size, weight, handles, and lids are key factors to consider. The most durable and well-insulated mugs are made of stainless steel. Optimal size is 12-14 oz to fit common items like coffee bags while still being packable. Low weight around 5-8 oz is ideal for backpacking without compromising durability. Secure, insulated handles stay cool and make mugs easy to hold. Sliding lids provide spill resistance.

For a top overall camping mug, the Yeti Rambler 14 oz Mug is hard to beat. It offers extremely durable 18/8 stainless steel construction, double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for hours, a comfortable handle that stays cool, and a tight sealing lid. Other top options include the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug for its lightweight durability and great insulation, and the Stanley Classic Vacuum Camp Mug with its vintage style and superior insulation.

With criteria in mind for durability, insulation, weight, size, handles and lids, you can pick the best camping mug for your needs. A mug that reliably contains hot coffee without burning hands or leaking in a pack is an essential camping companion.