Our favorite camping mug picks
| Model | Volume | Material |
|---|---|---|
| GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug | 17oz / 508mL | Polypropylene |
| YETI Rambler Mug | 14oz / 414mL | Stainless steel |
| TOAKS Titanium Cup | 15oz / 450mL | Titanium |
| Sea to Summit Delta InsulMug | 16oz / 473mL | Polypropylene |
| Hydro Flask Coffee Mug | 15oz / 450mL | Stainless steel |
| Snow Peak Titanium Mug | 20oz / 600mL | Titanium |
| Sea to Summit X-Mug | 16oz / 473mL | Silicone |
| GSI Outdoors Personal Java Press | 17oz / 503mL | Polypropylene |
| MiiR Camp Cup | 12oz / 355mL | Stainless steel |
| CamelBak Camp Mug | 12oz / 355mL | Stainless steel |
| Stanley Classic Big Grip Camp Mug | 16oz / 473mL | Stainless steel |
GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
- Volume : 17oz / 508mL
- Material : Polypropylene
There’s a lot to like about the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug.
As its name suggests, this is a camping mug designed for backpackers. It’s super-lightweight and its handle collapses for easy storage.
But we think you’re going to like its budget-friendly price the best. It’s the cheapest mug on our list, but that doesn’t mean its performance is also cheap.
The 17oz mug itself is made of polypropylene, but it includes an insulated, nylon cozy (or koozie) that keeps beverages hot or cold for an extended period of time.
What we like
- Budget price. It’s the cheapest camping mug on our list.
- Extremely light. Perfect for backpackers who are on-the-go.
- Surprisingly big. For a lightweight budget mug, this still holds about two cups.
What we don't like
- Loose koozie. The outer sleeve slips off the cup because it’s not actually attached to it.
YETI Rambler Mug
- Volume : 14oz / 414mL
- Material : Stainless steel
No camping mug recommendation list would be complete without a mug from YETI, one of the hottest outdoor companies right now. And the YETI Rambler Mug certainly is a top product in its class.
We love how tough YETI products feel and this mug certainly fits that description.
But campers are most concerned if this mug will keep their coffee hot. Simply put, yes.
This YETI mug is double-walled and vacuum insulated, meaning it can keep a hot cup of coffee warm for an extremely long time. If you pour your coffee at 7 a.m., as long as the sipping lid is on properly, it’s still going to be hot come 11 a.m. or even noon.
What we like
- Great value. Yeti gear isn’t cheap, but this camping mug is actually a great price.
- Many color options. There are a half-dozen options today and the company always releases new colors.
- Trusted brand. YETI has exploded to one of America’s top consumer brands.
What we don't like
- Weird dribble opening. It definitely takes time to get used to the dribble opening.
TOAKS Titanium Cup
- Volume : 15oz / 450mL
- Material : Titanium
If you’re looking for a lightweight camping mug that you could also place over a hot fire to warm up your coffee, the TOAKS cup fits the bill.
This is a great mug not just for around the campsite, but also for backpackers who demand something lightweight. Titanium is about as light as it gets, which is why this mug only weighs 2.7oz.
The handle is a bit uncomfortable, but that’s minor in the grand scheme of it all.
This TOAKS cup is not double-walled insulated and there isn’t a top with it, so your coffee will stay warm, but not as long as other mugs with the extra insulation and sealed top.
What we like
- Lightweight. Thanks to titanium, this mug only weighs 2.7oz.
- Easy to clean. It’s designed with a round bottom, which makes scrubbing easier.
- Compact design. The handle folds away for easy storage.
What we don't like
- Uncomfortable handle. If you hold this cup with one hand for an extended period, it can feel uncomfortable.
Sea to Summit Delta InsulMug
- Volume : 16oz / 473mL
- Material : Polypropylene
With its minimalist and compact design, the Sea to Summit Delta InsulMug is a great option for campers who don’t care for having a beefier coffee mug around the campfire.
Drinks stay hot (or cold) in this mug thanks to its polyurethane skin that insulates the beverage. They won’t stay as hot as a double-walled stainless steel mug, but they also won’t weigh as much.
We actually like the handless design. The circumference of the mug was comfortable to hold and when it’s packed away, it takes up much less space.
This Sea to Summit camping mug comes in orange or blue, and at a price where you could afford to buy both.
What we like
- Packs nicely. This mug’s no-handle design allows you to toss it in a pack easily.
- Lightweight. Thanks to its minimalist design, it only weighs 4.4oz.
- Won’t burn hands. Unlike some metal mugs, you don’t have to worry about burning your hand while holding it with a hot beverage inside.
What we don't like
- Not the best lid. The seal could be better, but drinks still stay warm.
Hydro Flask Coffee Mug
- Volume : 15oz / 450mL
- Material : Stainless steel / Titanium / Plastic
Hydro Flask is the L.A. competitor to Yeti and its hipster-designed coffee mug is certainly a worthy opponent.
First, we love the color options with this mug. Most will opt for black, but there’s also olive, pacific blue, stone grey, and watermelon pink.
More importantly, this mug keeps hot drinks really hot thanks to its double-wall vacuum insulation. You can expect your cup of coffee to remain hot for about six hours.
The key to that is the lid seal, which is exceptional. It’s so good, in fact, that it’s difficult to take off the lid if you want a refill.
You’ll also feel good knowing that all Hydro Flask mugs are made of recyclable materials.
What we like
- Hip design. Hydro Flask is as much a fashion statement as it is a useful drinking product.
- Multiple colors. And they’re bright, fun colors.
- Tight seal. It keeps your coffee hot for a long period of time.
What we don't like
- Seal can be too tight. The seal is great on this mug, which can make it difficult to take off at times.
Snow Peak Titanium Mug with HotLips
- Volume : 20oz / 600mL
- Material : Titanium
Here’s another titanium camping mug, but the Snow Peak Titanium Mug with HotLips comes with a simple, yet innovative feature that will have your lips thanking you later.
This mug includes the company’s patented HotLips silicone cover, which clips onto the edge of the mug, giving you a place to sip a hot beverage and not worry about your lips getting burned on the metal rim.
One downside of the HotLips is that it can come off and become lost in your trove of camping gear. If you’re careful, though, it’s a lifesaver at the campsite.
Of course, this Snow Peak mug is made of titanium, so it’s extremely lightweight.
What we like
- Place directly over the stove to heat up some oatmeal or a cup of coffee.
- Compact handles flip out and lay flush on the mug for easy packing.
- Safe on lips. The mug’s HotLips stays cool so you won’t burn your lips sipping a hot beverage.
What we don't like
- No lid. So, don’t expect six hours of hot beverage.
Sea to Summit X-Mug
- Volume : 16oz / 473mL
- Material : Silicone
When it’s fully-collapsed, the Sea to Summit X-Mug looks more like a frisbee than a camping mug.
And that’s the beauty of this camping mug.
Designed for the minimalist camper or the backpacking camper who’s concerned about weight, this mug collapses flat for storage and pops up for when you want to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Its silicone body can withstand temperatures up to 300-degrees, but don’t expect them to stay hot for that long. This is not an insulated mug.
In addition to the fun colors this comes in, we really like how Sea to Summit incorporated measurement markers on the ridges inside of this mug, allowing you to precisely measure out ingredients.
While this Sea to Summit collapsible mug is made of silicone, it is free of the industrial chemical, BPA.
What we like
- Extreme space-saving. This mug collapses flat for the ultimate compact packing experience.
- Doubles as measuring cup. The ridges help you precisely measure out ingredients for cooking.
What we don't like
- Won’t keep drinks hot. This mug is more about a minimalist design and function.
GSI Outdoors Personal Java Press
- Volume : 17oz / 503mL
- Material : Polypropylene
The GSI Outdoors Personal Java Press is for the camping coffee snobs who want a high-quality cup the first thing in the morning.
This set comes with a French press to make your coffee, but we’ll focus on the mug. The mug is double-walled insulated, so you can expect your cup of coffee to stay hot.
The no-handle design is nice for packing, but it’s a little wide, which makes it difficult to hold after a while.
Some campers have also complained about the lid not having a flip cover to prevent spills, but the opening you sip from is small enough that you won’t have to worry about a huge mess if this GSI mug tips over.
What we like
- Includes a French press. In addition to a mug, this set includes a French press to make coffee and keep it warm.
- Double-walled insulation on the French press and mug, to ensure your beverage stays warm for hours.
- Shatter-proof. This polypropylene-made mug and French press is extremely durable.
What we don't like
- Mug is a little big for a single cup of coffee.
MiiR Camp Cup
- Volume : 12oz / 355mL
- Material : Stainless Steel
There’s a lot to like about the MiiR Camp Cup.
It’s well-engineered insulation keeps a hot cup of coffee hot for hours. It’s easy to hold. And it looks great.
Camping mugs are typically a little boring looking. MiiR has taken the liberty, though, to add some fun graphics to it, giving the mug some personality.
Every MiiR product sold goes toward a trackable environmental project. After registering your product’s Give Code, you can learn more about that project.
If you’re looking for a mug with some personality, but can still keep your coffee hot, the MiiR Camp Cup is a great option.
What we like
- Fun design. Camping mugs tend to be boring. This one features a beautiful graphic design on it.
- Great insulation. Feature Thermo 3D double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps your drink warm and prevents your hand from being burned.
What we don't like
- Expensive. For a 12oz mug, the price is higher than the competition.
CamelBak Camp Mug
- Volume : 12oz / 355mL
- Material : Stainless steel
Best known for its lineup of hydration packs for backpacking, CamelBak is also in the camping mug game.
The CamelBak Camp Mug is a 12oz, double-wall stainless steel mug that comes in four great colors, including larkspur, black, moss, and white.
We really like the price of this mug because it competes directly against Yeti and HydroFlask. The sliding lid on it is also great for preventing big spills. If it tips over or falls off the table, you won’t lose any beverage if the lid is closed.
On the bottom of this mug is a silicone pad that helps grip it to surfaces. That design can make the mug a bit unstable on uneven surfaces.
If you’re looking for a mug that keeps your coffee really hot, the CamelBak is your mug.
What we like
- Keeps beverages hot. A hot cup of coffee will stay warm for several hours.
- Also good for cocktails. And don’t worry about any condensation.
What we don't like
- Small lid. Makes it a little difficult to drink from.
Stanley Classic Big Grip Camp Mug
- Volume : 16oz / 473mL
- Material : Stainless steel
The Stanley Classic Big Grip Camp Mug is what the Stanley brand stands for: It’s big, it’s tough and it won’t let you down.
Now, not everyone is going to want a big camping mug, but this 16oz, double-wall vacuum insulated mug does keep hot drinks warm, albeit not for as long as some competitor mugs.
The company says hot drinks will stay hot for two hours and iced drinks cold for up to 20 hours
So, who needs this? Campers who plan on doing some work at the campsite and have work gloves on. The wide handle opening can perfectly accommodate gloves.
And don’t worry about spilling. The lid is leak-resistant. When you bring this Stanley mug home, rest assured that it’s dishwasher safe.
What we like
- Durable. This Stanley mug looks tough and gets the job done.
- Trusted brand. Stanley is one of America’s oldest camping brands with a strong tradition of quality.
What we don't like
- Big and heavy. This is a heavy-duty mug, so get ready to lug it around.
Camping Mug Buying Guide
As you can see, there are plenty of camping mug options on the market today. We think it’s important to understand some of the key differences and technical specifications in order to make a better-informed purchase.
Use this guide for help before pulling the trigger on that shopping cart.
Mug materials
There are a handful of different materials used for camping mugs today.
- Stainless steel mugs are the most common in this category. Manufacturers, like Yeti, can easily do a vacuum insulated mug with this material, which makes it really good at retaining heat.
- Titanium mugs are more than just a lightweight option. Titanium, as used in the TOAKS Titanium Single Wall Cup, also allows you to heat up your hot beverage over an open flame without worrying about the mug being damaged. Be careful, though, because that can also make the mug too hot to hold.
- Plastic mugs. Plastics, like polypropylene, are pretty common with camping mugs. Most of them are free of BPAs, which is good. Plastic mugs, like the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug, typically don’t hold heat as well, though.
- Ceramic mugs are a pretty traditional option for the campsite. Ceramic is extremely durable. It retains heat better than plastic, but not as good as stainless insulated models. Ceramic is also very good at keeping flavors consistent, while the metal mugs can potentially give off a metallic taste.
Mug capacity
When it comes to camping mugs, one size doesn’t fit all.
Most mugs are between 14oz and 16oz, with the smaller mugs falling the 12oz range and the larger mugs hitting that 20oz mark.
To figure out capacity, first try to understand your actual use of the mug.
If you’re only going to use it for morning coffee, you can probably get away with a smaller 12oz mug, because you can always refill it with more coffee.
If you plan to also enjoy soup or oatmeal out of it, you’ll want something bigger that makes spooning out food easier.
For the most part, you can’t go wrong with a 16oz mug, which is the size of the Sea to Summit X-Mug. It’s big enough for more than enough coffee and for spooning out soup.
Single vs. double-wall insulation
You’ll see the terms single and double-wall insulation used to describe camping mugs and it’s not exactly what you think.
- Single insulation is a single wall of stainless steel (or whatever metal material is used) that can keep drinks hot, but the heat can transfer through that material. So, if you put hot coffee in a single-wall insulated mug, the mug itself will feel hot. If you put in a cold drink, you’ll see condensation on the outsides.
- Double-wall insulation prevents your hands from getting burned or condensation appearing. That’s because there’s another wall of steel with a gap of air between the first wall. This allows your drinks to stay warmer and colder longer, as is the case with the YETI Rambler Mug.
Ergonomic handle design
This is a feature that often goes overlooked, but it’s an important one. How comfortable is the handle on your camping mug?
If it’s not very ergonomic, you could find your hand getting tired carrying it and potentially spilling the drink.
The mug that comes with the GSI Outdoors Personal Java Press, for instance, doesn’t even have a handle and the circumference of it is a little big. That can be tough to hold for someone with smaller hands.
We really like the handle on the CamelBak Camp Mug for the average person who just wants to enjoy a cup of coffee.
If you often wear work gloves around the campsite, or just have big hands, the Stanley Classic Big Grip Camp Mug is probably a smart choice because of the size of the handle.
Leak resistant lid
The last thing you want to do with your camping mug is take a sip from it and have the contents dribble down your chin.
Many manufacturers produce mugs with leak-resistant lids, but understand that term doesn’t mean it’s spill-proof.
Now, many mugs are advertised as having a leak resistant lid, like the Hydro Flask Insulated Coffee Mug, but there’s still a sip opening that remains open with the lid installed properly. If the mug tips over, some beverage will leak out.
If leak resistant lids are important to you, look for a lid with an opening that can slide close, like the Stanley Classic Big Grip Camp Mug.
Mug sleeves
You probably also noticed some mugs on our list above that appear to be wearing insulated jackets, like the GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug.
You typically see these sleeves on plastic mugs because plastic doesn’t retain heat that well.
The Sea to Summit Delta Insulated Mug is another plastic camping mug that actually features a ThermoSkin insulation sleeve that doesn’t look like it’s just part of the actual mug. Again, this sleeve allows the plastic mug to retain heat for longer.
Non-slip base
There are a handful of camping mugs that also include a non-slip base on the bottom to prevent the mug from tipping over. You find this on the CamelBak Camp Mug.
While this feature seems nice, it’s really more gimmicky and an extra feature to add to market
to consumers. You’re holding your mug most of the time for morning coffee, so whatever is on the base doesn’t really matter.
It could also be a nuisance.
Some campers said the non-slip base on the CamelBak mug actually made it more unstable when placed on uneven surfaces.
FAQ
Are camping mugs dishwasher safe?
This all depends on the recommendation from the manufacturer. For the most parts, enamel mugs are perfectly safe in the dishwasher. Big brands, like Yeti, have also given their approval to using the dishwasher. Check the bottom of a mug to determine if it’s dishwasher safe.
Can I use the camping mugs on the stove?
We wouldn’t recommend putting a nice Yeti or Hydroflask mug on an open flame. Most enamel mugs can be put over a flame to heat up your coffee or perhaps some oatmeal you’ve put in the mug. Always check with recommendations with the manufacturer to determine if it’s safe to put on the stove.
How long can my coffee stay warm in the mug?
Mugs with sealed lids are going to stay warmer longer. Open-faced enamel mugs will cool quickly, depending on the outside temperature. If a mug is also double-walled insulated, expect that cup of coffee to stay hot all morning.
Andrew Dodson
Andrew Dodson is an avid camper who enjoys the great outdoors with his wife and two-year-old son. He resides in Colorado, where you can often find him enjoying hikes with a toddler strapped to his back and mini goldendoodle Percy nearby.
