10 Best Camping Mugs In 2019

How To Choose A Camping Mug – Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing which camping mug is the best to buy, you will have to decide which design and what features will best suit your needs. From the size to the style, there are elements to each camping mug design that can enhance your camping trip. The best camping mug will be durable to last throughout the years and consistently keep your beverages hot, so all you have to do is sip and enjoy.

Material

There are many different materials that camping mugs can be made out of. Some commonly used materials are silicone, stainless steel, titanium, plastic, ceramic, and glass. Each camping mug design will have pros and cons based on their materials. The best you can do is choose a material that is long-lasting and unbreakable. You are camping, after all, so an accidental drop shouldn’t shatter your camping mug.

Silicone is a rare choice in a camping mug, but some may be drawn to its flexibility. Silicone mugs can be crammed into a pocket for an easy carry and shouldn’t leave any foul taste in your mouth.

Metal is commonly used in camping mug designs, with the most popular choices being stainless steel and titanium. Stainless steel is a durable material that comes with a relatively affordable price. A high-quality stainless steel should not leave any metal taste in your mouth. Titanium is also very popular because it is extremely lightweight. For the backpackers, every ounce counts, so a titanium mug may be just the design they need.

Plastic camping mugs are inexpensive and lightweight. The only downfall is that plastic will not insulate a drink as well as other materials and isn’t as long-lasting. Some users also state that plastic added a foul taste to their drinks. Plastic isn’t the best choice for a long-lasting camping mug, but it could serve well in emergencies.

Ceramic and glass mugs are affordable and stylish. However, they lack in the durability department because they can be easily broken. If you are camping on the trails and not just out of your car, ceramic or glass mugs are not recommended because they can be easily shattered.

Insulation

Camping mugs have built-in insulation to keep your drinks steaming hot or freezing cold. The most common type of insulation used is double wall. Double wall insulation adds two layers of material that surround your beverage. There are single walled mugs, but they aren’t as durable and have poor insulation. The best camping mug would have double insulated walls on top of vacuum insulation too. The vacuum minimizes the transfer of heat and helps keep your beverage insulated.

Size and Weight

For both campers and backpackers, the size and weight of their gear is an important aspect, because it controls what they pack and how they pack. The size and weight of your camping mug should always be considered because you don’t want to add excess weight to your pack. When choosing a camping mug, you should always ensure that you have the space to pack it and how you will carry it.

The most common size for camping mugs is 20 ounces or smaller. Generally, this is a good size to keep you hydrated, without having to lug around a massive cup. However, if you want a larger size, there are 30- and 40-ounce camping mugs and some even reach 64 ounces. It is entirely up to you to decide which size best suits your needs.

Lid

Just like the actual mug design, there are many different lid designs for camping mugs too. The lid can be an important feature because it gives your beverage protection against spills and can keep it hot or cold longer. You also want to be sure that the lid you choose is comfortable and easy to drink from.

Lidless mugs are easy to drink from because there is not barrier. Some people may enjoy the feel of a lidless mug, but the drawback is that you aren’t protected against accidental spills.

Lids with a tab are easy to use design that offers some protection against spills. The tab will most likely slide or twist to open and close.

Flip lids offer the most protection against spills. Many flip lids are fairly spill proof and secure. This lid will have a piece of plastic that latches down over the drinking hole and is flipped up and out of the way to open. Some designs may not flip back far enough, which means they can bump into your nose when you take a drink.

Other camping mugs will have their own unique lid design. Some lids have a button to push that opens and closes the lids, while other designs have a lid that has a built-in straw. With all the different designs, you should be able to find a lid that you enjoy using.

Type

Not all camping mugs are the same. There are different types of camping mugs that each have their own specific designs. The most common types of camping mugs are the tumbler, thermos or flask, and a mug.

Tumblers are the most popular and versatile of all camping mug designs. Tumblers can be taller camping mugs that taper down at the bottom. Their shape is similar to that of a drinking glass. Tumblers do not have handles, which can make them an easy fit for cup holders. They aren’t fully spill-proof but offer enough protection against all of your beverage from spilling out. Tumblers are great at keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.

Thermos or flask camping mugs are normally fully spill-proof. These types of mug put their priority in insulating your drink, over the ease of use. Thermos/flask camping mugs can keep your beverage hot or cold, all day long. Normally, these camping mugs are double wall insulated, which makes them a popular choice among campers.

Mug style camping mugs are close in design to a classic ceramic drinking mug. The mugs tend to be shorter and broader, as well as have a built-in handle. The handle can be a great way to carry the mug comfortably, but it can hinder them from fitting into a cup holder. Some mug styles also have a lid, which can help prevent spills and further insulate beverages.

Construction

Camping mugs should be constructed to be durable. If you are taking your camping mug to rugged terrain, it would be frustrating to have a design that fails in performance. You should choose a camping mug that can handle a variety of locations and still deliver high-performance. Many mugs are constructed to be durable, but the best camping mug will have insulation. Insulation is what will maintain the temperature of your beverage, no matter if it is hot or cold.

You also want your camping mug to be constructed well enough that it can survive a few drops and tumbles. It would be a bummer to have a mug break on the first use, just because you accidentally knocked it off the table or dropped it on the trail. The best camping mugs can take a few drops, without it affecting their performance.

Handle

Commonly, mugs are always thought to have handles. With camping mugs, the rules can get blurry and there are many handle free designs. Handles offer an easy way to carry and hold your mug, but they may not always be practical when it comes to hiking on trails. Most camping mugs that have handles aren’t too heavy or bulky, but a handle-free design may still be preferred.

If a mug is insulated, a handle isn’t necessary. The insulation of the mug should protect your hand from a hot beverage, so you can confidently hold the camping mug without worrying about burning yourself. If a mug is not insulated, a mug is necessary to keep your hand protected against burns.

Typically, designs today are handle-free. Most tumbler and thermos/flask designs do not have a handle and the only design with a handle is the originally mug style. However, some companies may offer and handle design that can be easily slipped on and off the tumbler or thermos/flask. This can be a great option for those who still want a handle, but not all of the time. With the added handle accessory, users can decide when they want to hold their camping mug by the handle or slip it into the cup holder.

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With these top rated camping mugs, you can greatly enhance your experience in the great outdoors and have you prepared for a winter camping trip. You can have peace of mind while you sip your beverage and focus on the beauty of nature. The best camping mugs will securely hold your beverage and keep them hot or cold for hours and will be easily integrated into your camping checklist. Camping mugs are durable and can be used for multiple excursions, throughout the years. If you know exactly what you need and want, you can save time and money by investing in the best camping mug!

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Do you own one the camping mugs that made it onto our list? Let us know how it has worked for your outdoor needs in the comments section below.