We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
In these modern times, it’s a treat just to be able to get out and enjoy nature. The right gear helps you do that, whether you’re planning a short hike through the woods near your home, or a multi-day backpacking trip into the boondocks. In cold and hot weather, having the right camping mug can be just what you need to make any outdoor adventure perfect.
To that end, we’ve put together a relatively simple list of the best camping mugs on the market. Take a look and find the right camping mug for you.
- Best Overall: GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker
- Best Quality: Yeti Rambler Mug
- Best Backpacking Cup: GRITR Titanium Multi-Purpose
- Best for Dayhikes: Otterbox Elevation Tumbler w Hydration Lid
- Best Camping Cup: Camelbak Horizon Camp Mug
- Best Budget: Life Gear Carabiner Mug
- Best Enamel Mug: Coleman Enamelware Coffee Mug
Best Overall
GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker
Best Quality
Yeti Rambler Mug
Best Backpacking Cup
GRITR Titanium Multi-Purpose
Best for Day Hikes
Otterbox Elevation Tumbler w Hydration Lid
Best Camping Cup
Camelbak Horizon Camp Mug
Best Budget
Life Gear Carabiner Mug
Best Enamel Mug
Coleman Enamelware Coffee Mug
Things to consider before buying a camping mug
Weight and shape
The type of mug you buy will really be determined by what type of outdoor activities you plan on doing. Higher-end double-walled vacuum-insulated options are great for stationary or semi-stationary excursions, as they are heavier than plastic, neoprene, or titanium mugs. Backpacking, day hikes, hunting, or other more mobile activities mean weight and space may be more of a factor. If you plan on moving any sort of distance, make sure your mug of choice fits in a standard backpack pocket and can be easily removed.
Lids
When purchasing a camping mug, pay attention to the lid. Check for an ability to secure it tightly. Can the cap/lip/slider be removed for cleaning? After repeated use, this can be a major concern if bacteria or mold begin to form in the seams that can’t be removed. Ergonomics are also very important. How easy is it to drink while walking? If it’s not secured or formed well, you may be dealing with a wet shirt on a cold day.
Insulation
This is also determined by what you plan on doing outside. Double-walled vacuum-insulated mugs are larger, heavier, and have a smaller capacity than similar metal and plastic mugs, but they can keep ice frozen or coffee hot for hours on end. Metal (especially titanium) mugs will absorb and shed heat incredibly fast. That means they’re great for heating and cooking, as long as you plan on consuming the contents quickly.
FAQs about camping mugs
Q: Can I cook with an enamel mug?
A: Absolutely. An enamel mug is designed to take a direct flame, which is why they’ve been so popular with campers for decades. The uninsulated metal ensures a quick heat transfer, but be sure to move it around a bit just to avoid warping, especially if your mug is old.
Q: What are BPAs and why do they matter when buying a mug?
A: BPA stands for bisphenol A. It’s a chemical found in certain types of plastic material. Why it matters to campers is that some storage products containing BPA have been found to seep into the food and liquids they carried. While studies are still ongoing, there is a correlation between known BPA consumption and negative effects on the brain and prostate glands of babies and young children. Additionally, new studies have shown there may also be a connection between the ingestion of BPA and heart issues. This is why most non-metal mugs will explicitly state they are BPA-free.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, the mug you buy will be catered toward your outdoor hobbies. While there are thousands to choose from, we had to set the limit somewhere, choosing to only review camping mugs under $30. The GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker was the best option which included the best of what we considered the ideal components for a great product.
Methodology
After choosing our price point ($30 and under), we excluded any mugs from consideration that were not explicitly designed for outdoor or mixed-use. Once we had that narrowed down, we compiled a large list of the best-reviewed and/or most popular brands available for purchase.
Those mugs were compared by cost, weight, liquid capacity, type of insulation, and material used. Any models that were similar to others but slightly inferior were removed from the review pool. For example, the Yeti Rambler is an incredibly well-known and popular brand, however, there are hundreds of copycats out there that offer nothing different aside from a lower price point and fewer features. Once the finalists were narrowed down, we used our personal experience with the mugs, along with manufacturer-provided data to arrive at the best choice per category.
For more information about our process or methodology when selecting products, check out the Task & Purpose review guide.