Is the GSI Infinity backpacker mug really the best backpacking mug, or is it overhyped? I bought this mug and thoroughly tested it during different hikes over the years to see how it performs.
Are you also tired of taking bulky mugs that are difficult to maintain on terrain and weigh you down? Do you feel you wasted money on the wrong mugs for the backpacking?
Some mugs even make your coffee or tea cold the moment you pour it into the cup during winter hiking when you desire to keep your drink hot, at least until you are drinking.
GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
Summary
The GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug is the top choice if you want to purchase an ultralight, long-lasting, and budget-friendly mug for backpacking. Based on field testing, We strongly endorse the use of this mug.
Like an ordinary hiker, I have gone through the pain of carrying bulky mugs. They were difficult to clean and easy to break, and I had to carefully pack them in the backpack. During my backpacking trips, I struggled with heavy mugs that were non-practical for backpackers and difficult to clean and maintain on the trail.
Analysis and Test Results
Weight & Capacity
The biggest challenge on the trail, especially during backpacking, is managing your backpack weight. Trust me, that is one of the hardest things that one masters with experience. Even your lightest stuff accounts for a huge backpack size, which weighs you down.
The mug is a basic necessary gear to carry on the trail. This is where the GSI Infinity Backpacker mug saves you with its ultralight weight, weighing just 3.5 oz.
The most valuable thing a backpacker gets is cutting the weight in their backpack with this lightweight mug. Its capacity is 17 oz, enough for a backpacker who does not dehydrate food inside the mug.
I don’t dehydrate food inside this mug as I don’t like to mix the odor of food in my tea or coffee, which is more valuable for me.
Even though it’s ultralight, it takes space in the pack, considering its capacity of 17 oz. But flexible handles make it easier to pack.
I found the handle slightly less practical, as it’s difficult to hold the mug while it is full using the handle. I hold the mug directly as the shape fits perfectly in my hand instead of holding it from the handle and then fumbling to keep the balance.
Heat Retention
I did two tests to test the heat retention—one with a closed lid and boiled water inside. The second one is with an open lid, but while drinking at a slower pace (against my habit though 😊) for 20 minutes in chilly weather to asses the heat retention in a normal scenario.
I boiled the water and put the water inside the mug. I took the initial temperature, which was 99 degrees Celsius. Closed the lid tight and kept it at 25 degrees Celsius outside temperature for an hour. After one hour, its temperature dropped to 62 degrees Celsius. It was not hot like a properly insulated mug, but it retained the liquid heat reasonably.
I drank my tea slowly for 20 minutes at 25 degrees in the second test. As the liquid reduced, the temperature dropped significantly as cold air blew.
If you prioritize insulation overweight, this mug is not for you. I wouldn’t say I like to judge this BPA-free mug solely on the heat retention performance parameter. It’s actually lightweight and has a good balance between heat retention, resistance to stretches, price tag, and packability.
This mug comes with a cloth-wrapped neoprene sleeve to enhance its insulating capabilities. Unlike natural rubber, neoprene is a synthetic rubber that effectively maintains the temperature of your drink without being affected by external heat or cold.
As a result, your drink remains hot longer than usual. Don’t compare it with the insulated mug; the better insulation comes with the extra weight, making it impractical for ultralight backpackers.
Durability
At just under 20$, you might wonder how durable this budget-friendly mug can be. Until now, I used it for a couple of years, not only during my hikes but also when I go to parks for a barbeque for quick breaks. I don’t see any scratches or any damage.
I dropped a few times during my hikes and in the parks, but it’s so light that it does not create much impact when it touches the ground. On top of this, the outer sleeve also protects it from accidental falls.
In my outdoor adventures, to test the durability and quality of the material, I dropped this mug on hiking trails that were both rocky and rugged. It has managed to withstand these falls without any breakage.
However, it is important to avoid dropping it on sharp rocks, as this could potentially cause damage to the sleeve or lid. Although it may acquire some scratches, I have found it a remarkably durable mug overall.
Pros and Cons
| What we like | What we don’t like |
|---|---|
| Ultralight | Not Completely Leakproof |
| Reasonable Insulation | Difficult to hold from handle |
| Reliable Lid | |
| Budget Friendly | |
Should You Buy the GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug?
The GSI Infinity backpacker mug is an ultralight backpacker mug specially designed to cater to the needs of ounce counter backpackers. As I mentioned, managing the weight in your backpack is the toughest thing when you plan for backpacking.
In addition to being a lightweight option, you get the quality mug at a pocket-friendly price. A price of 20$ for this quality mug is worth it.
If you want to cut on your backpack weight while still having a quality mug, it’s highly recommended one mug that you will surely enjoy on your trails.
If you prefer insulation overweight, go for the Yeti rambler mug, a great camping mug. But be mindful of its extra weight, which makes it unsuitable for backpacking.
What Other Backpacking Mug Should You Consider?
The GSI Infinity backpacker mug is prominent and top of the list among the backpacking mugs. However, if you want to explore the best possible alternative, I highly recommend the Sea to Summit X-Series Mug and UCO backpacking mug.
Both of these mugs are collapsible, which provides an advantage for GSI Infinity backpackers in terms of space saving in a backpack. Sea to Summit X-Series collapsible is a superior option after the Infinity backpacker mug, which keeps the drink hot while drinking. But you feel the heat in your hand while holding this mug. It does not come with a lid, though.
FAQs
Is the GSI Infinity mug microwave safe?
The GSI Infinity mug is not recommended for use in the microwave, despite being BPA-free and made from a durable material that is generally safe for microwaving. This is because the manufacturer has included an insulating layer that may cause issues when heated. Therefore, we strongly advise adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines and refraining from microwaving the mug.
Can I use the GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug to cook food?
The GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug is primarily intended for hot beverages and is not recommended for cooking food directly on a stove or open flame. Nevertheless, it can serve as a convenient option for rehydrating freeze-dried meals or as a bowl for soups and stews.
