Mark Greene
If you are heading camping, you need to ensure to bring the right equipment. Although it may not be one of the essentials, a camping mug may boost your pleasure and optimize comfort while you are at the campsite. Imagine sitting by the campfire and having your desired cold or hot beverage in your hands. It is the perfect way to spend an evening and get the energy boost for the next day.
Are you wondering what is the best camping mug out there? Read our travel cup reviews to find the ideal answer to your question. And don’t forget to check the buying guide to discover how you can choose the mug perfectly suitable for your needs.
BEST VALUE
The Best Camping Mug
1. Our Pick: Yeti Rambler 14 Oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug Lid
BEST CHOICE
1. Our Pick: Yeti Rambler 14 Oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug Lid
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Choose your favorite color
- Solid durability
- Easily washable
PROS
- Natural steel color available
- Designed to be durable and not prone to dents or rust
- It does a good job of keeping the temperature of your drinks
- Suitable for washing in a dishwasher
CONS
- It does not fit in the cup holder in your car
- The lid may seal so tightly that it may be a bit problematic to open it
DETAILS
Yeti is known as one of the most reputable brands on the market of camping and travel products. They use kitchen-grade thick gauge stainless steel in their Rambler drinkware. The result is a durable cup, which can be useful for those who do not care about the cup too much once they finish their drink.
The cup has admirable insulation thanks to the double-wall vacuum. You can put both cold and hot drinks inside, which makes the cup suitable for both hot coffee and cold juice lovers. The manufacturer claims that the cup has a grip that fits wider hands while the lid seals pretty tightly. It may even be so tight that you need to show a bit of patience when opening it.
The cleaning part is simple as you can wash it in a dishwasher. Yeti Rambler comes in several colors, but keep in mind that it may not fit in your car’s cup holder.
2. Premium Pick: GIS Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
2. Premium Pick: GIS Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Collapsible handle
- Safe material used
- High capacity
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to transport thanks to the collapsible handle
- BPA-free propylene is used as a material
- You can pour the drink without completely opening the lid
- Can hold a fairly high amount of fluid
CONS
- It might hold the smell of previous drink if not washed regularly
- The handle seems a bit floppy
DETAILS
The manufacturer offers a choice of four colors – blue, yellow, orange, and red. The cup is relatively large as it can hold 17 ounces of fluid. The company claims that they used a BPA-free polypropylene in the manufacturing process.
The sleeve is nylon wrapped, and the lid is quite tight. The Sip-It feature enables you to pour your drink without opening the entire lid.
An interesting thing to mention is that the handle is collapsible. While that is useful for transporting the cup, it may lead to the handle becoming a bit floppy. The product is lightweight as it is only 3.5 ounces heavy (without liquid). If you do not wash it regularly, you may notice that the cup holds the smell of your previous drink.
3. Best Value: Gentlemen’s Hardware AGEN025 Adventure Enamel Camping Mug, 12Oz, Cream
3. Best Value: Gentlemen’s Hardware AGEN025 Adventure Enamel Camping Mug, 12Oz, Cream
BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Attractive design
- A durable product
- Easy to clean
PROS
- Compact and lightweight design
- Enamel adds to the durability and makes cleaning easy when outdoors
- An interesting color combination that looks great in photos
CONS
- It is not suitable for microwave or dishwasher
- Somewhat prone to dents and chips in case of sudden drops
DETAILS
They say the secret is in simplicity and this product seems to confirm that. Gentlemen’s Hardware designed an affordable and compact coffee mug that can hold up to 12 ounces of liquid. The first thing you notice about it is the design as the cup is of a cream color, but the compass picture on the bottom and logo on the left are black.
The combination of colors looks especially great in the photos, which can come in handy for those that love to publish pictures on social media.
The cup is made of lightweight steel, but it is the enamel that should add to the durability. Still, considering the compact design and affordable deal, a bit of extra care for the cup might be needed. The unit needs to be hand-washed, and you can’t put it in a microwave or dishwasher. However, the enamel makes the cup easy to clean when you are outdoors.
4. 16 oz Stainless Steel Camping Mug by Real Deal Steel
4. 16 oz Stainless Steel Camping Mug by Real Deal Steel
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Durable product
- Comfortable grip
- Adequate capacity
PROS
- Thick gauge stainless steel makes it resistant to rust and stains
- The handle is welded for added comfort and durability
- No dangerous chemicals emitted when holding hot beverages
CONS
- The capacity is a bit reduced when the lid is on
- Only available in one color
DETAILS
At first glance, the design of this cup is somewhat classic as there are no drawings and you can even choose between multiple colors. However, if you are looking for a traditionally-designed but durable cup, you should consider this model.
The manufacturer used thick gauge stainless steel for the entire cup, which makes it suitable for those that can get a little rough on their mugs. They claim that their product is prone to dents and rust and it doesn’t emit dangerous chemicals when holding hot beverages. The welded handle further supports the durability. It has a rectangular form for added comfort.
The mug can fit 16 ounces of fluid, although that amount decreases for about an ounce when the lid is on. The insulation is secured by a double-wall vacuum, which could do a bit better job considering this is a high-quality cup. However, that is still not a deal breaker as this mug can be a long-term investment.
5. The Mountains Are Calling, and I Must Go Campfire Coffee Mug
5. The Mountains Are Calling, and I Must Go Campfire Coffee Mug
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Attractive design
- High capacity
- Solid durability
PROS
- Unique design makes it suitable for a gift
- A fairly large mug
- Made of high-quality and durable ceramic
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a lid
- It has a wide diameter, which makes it a bit tricky to drink from it
DETAILS
It doesn’t take an expert to figure out that this mug targets all the lovers of mountaineering out there. The graphics on the side are beautiful, and the purple color seems like an excellent choice. The unique design might also make this cup a suitable gift.
As for the characteristics, it can hold 15 ounces of your hot or cold a beverage. The mug is fairly large, and its inside diameter of 3 ½ inches also makes it wide. Although a single refill will secure sufficient fluid for a long time, you need to be a bit careful not to spill it on yourself while drinking. The handle could be larger, but that is not a deal breaker. On the plus side, it is made of extremely durable ceramics, and it is safe for microwaves and dishwashers.
6. TOAKS Titanium Camping Cup 450ml
6. TOAKS Titanium Camping Cup 450ml
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Made of titanium
- Impressive capacity
- Gradation lines available
PROS
- A large cup that can hold more than 15 ounces of fluid
- Made of durable titanium
- Gradation available in both ounces and milliliters
CONS
- A lid is not included
- Might leave a bit of a metallic taste until washed well
DETAILS
If you are looking for a durable material, how about titanium? It can’t get a lot more durable than that and resistance to dents and dings is the primary advantage of this cup. However, it is only a cup and, which means lid is not included, which means you cannot expect to store the heat (or its coolness) for hours.
As for the capacity, it is set at 450ml, which is a bit more than 15 ounces. That qualifies this cup among fairly large units in the category. You can check out the gradation if you want to pour a particular amount of the fluid. The handle is quite comfortable and of unique design, but there is a filling it could be a bit thicker for optimal comfort. As a bonus, you will get a mesh sack with the cup.
7. Coffee Mug with Lid (Set of 2) by Tru Blu Steel
7. Coffee Mug with Lid (Set of 2) by Tru Blu Steel
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Perfect for couple camping
- Safe materials used
- Excellent in keeping the heat
PROS
- A set of two cups can be ideal for couples
- High-quality stainless-steel mug free of toxins and BPA
- Double-walled insulation
CONS
- The round handle might take some getting used to
- Only available in a set
DETAILS
If you are planning on traveling with your partner, what do you say about getting matching mugs? In that case, this coffee mug set may be suitable for you. There is even an option to choose between three color combinations, although we like the teal one.
You may think that the couple marketing is how the manufacturer wants to sell the cup, but the truth is that it has admirable characteristics. They are made of 18/8 kitchen-grade stainless steel, which makes them quite durable. The company claims they are BPA and toxin-free. The double-walled insulation can keep your drink hot or cold for a long time.
The handle should be ergonomic, but the round shape makes the mug a bit tricky to hold. The lid could be of better quality, but it still does a solid job. The product is suitable for washing in a dishwasher.
8. Highland Peak Insulated 12Oz Camping Mug
8. Highland Peak Insulated 12Oz Camping Mug
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- A retro-style mug
- Protection against spilling
- Retains heat well
PROS
- Vintage-style design
- Durable mug with a double-wall insulation
- The lid has a no-spill protection
CONS
- Modest capacity
- A bit heavier than some other models
DETAILS
If you are heading camping, it is only natural to have an insulated cup that will hold the temperature of your drink for a long time. The mug has double-wall insulation, and it is made of strong and durable materials. As a result, this mug is a bit heavier compared to some others, but if you are looking for heat, it will be worth it.
It depends on your taste, but 12 ounces of fluid might not be enough for everyone. However, if you do not mind refilling the mug often, you will still be quite content with this cup. The lid has so-called no-spill protection that makes it more durable. The mug is designed in a vintage style, so if you are a fan of vintage-looking items, you may like this one.
9. Camco Life Is Better at the Campsite Ceramic Coffee Mug
9. Camco Life Is Better at the Campsite Ceramic Coffee Mug
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Modern design
- Easily washable
- Compact-sized cup
PROS
- A beautiful and attractive design
- Safe to be used in dishwashers and microwaves
- Suitable for both home use and camping
CONS
- The modest capacity of the cup
- It doesn’t come with a lid
DETAILS
If you are a fan of cups that have a unique design and graphics that send a message, you may be interested in this mug. We chose the speckled red, but you also have three other available designs. The material used to make the cup is ceramic, which makes it safe to put in a dishwasher and microwave.
When it comes to the downsides, the modest capacity of 12 ounces and the fact that it doesn’t come with a lid are the ones worth mentioning. This item is designed for those who love to drink out of beautiful cups. The handle is round, and it is easy to drink out of the cup.
10. Miir Camp Cup, 12 Ounces
10. Miir Camp Cup, 12 Ounces
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Compact-sized cup
- Safe materials used
- Retains heat well
PROS
- A classic design perfect to use at home, in office, or while camping
- BPA-free and made of stainless steel
- Can hold the temperature of your drink for hours
CONS
- Limited capacity with only 12 inches
- Leakages may happen, but they are rare if you operate carefully
DETAILS
While other cups may be experimenting with different designs, this manufacturer decided to offer a classic-looking cup. You can choose between three single color combinations, and each of them can remind you of the mug you use at home.
The product is made of stainless steel, and it is BPA-free. However, if you do not maintain it regularly, rust may limit the cup’s durability. The product comes with a lid that uses a press-on mechanism for keeping optimal heat. Although the leakages may happen, they seem to be fairly rare.
The vacuum insulation can keep the temperature of your drinks for six hours if they are hot and twice as much if they are cold.
How to Choose the Best Camping Mug
When purchasing a camping mug for your needs, there are certain factors you need to consider. Here is an overview of the things you should take into account when picking a travel cup.
Material
The material used in the manufacturing process should be your primary concern. If you are looking for extended durability and extreme resistance to rust and dings, you should choose stainless steel mugs. However, pay attention that it is high-quality kitchen-grade stainless steel as that can further improve the sturdiness of the item.
You can also consider ceramic cups considering that they can also be quite durable, and the chances are they are not as expensive. An enamel finish can make the mug easy to clean when you are out in the wild.
You should avoid plastic materials as it doesn’t do a good job when it comes to insulation and it is not durable. Also, make sure to check the description for a confirmation that the mug doesn’t contain any BPA or toxins.
Do You Need a Lid?
It is obvious why you should consider one – a mug with a lid can keep the temperature of your drink for longer, whether you prefer hot or cold beverages. Some lids even have the option to pour the drink without completely opening it. Make sure that the lid seals tightly to avoid problems with potential leakages.
Some people prefer standard cups without any lid. While that is okay, you should consider bringing a flask or thermos that will keep the optimal temperature of your beverage before you pour it into the cup.
Insulation
The general rule of thumb is that double-wall insulation is the best option for keeping the drink hot or cold. Two layers are better than one, but even standard vacuum insulation can do a solid job. Vacuum is important as it significantly reduces heat transfer and enhances insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ideal capacity for a camping mug?
A: That depends on your needs. Some prefer to fit as much of their favorite liquid as possible while others prefer compact size, which is more suitable for transport.
Q: What kind of handle should a travel mug have?
A: Just like the cup itself, the handle should be of durable material. Aside from that, it should have an ergonomic design so that it would be easy to hold the mug.
Q: Why the inside diameter of the cup matters?
A: First, it affects the cup’s capacity. However, the crucial reason is that cups with a wide diameter may require extra care when drinking or you are risking spilling your favorite beverage.
Final Conclusion
If you are looking for optimal comfort and pleasure while camping, it is essential to find the right travel mug. Whether you are heading for an afternoon trip or plan to be absent for a couple of days, a camping cup can be your ideal travel companion!
