We have been backpacking for a long time, and having a backpacking mug is no less than a great blessing. Over the years of hiking and backpacking, we used plenty of backpacking mugs. We have shortlisted and reviewed the best backpacking mugs based on our experience, backcountry people’s favorites, and discussion with industry experts.
We put the mugs through extensive field testing to find out which one of them is best for backpacking. The mugs were evaluated based on their durability, weight, capacity, insulation, and versatility. We also looked at how easy they are to clean and transport. After using it for months, we found that the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug is the best backpacking mug on the market. In addition, we also reviewed the best camping mugs, which are a little heavier and bigger than backpacking mugs.
Editor’s note: We updated this guide on October 13, 2024, after further experimenting with backpacking mugs to give better comparisons and insights into the 2024 and 2025 top options.
Quick Recommendations
- Best Overall Backpacking Mug: GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
- Best All-around Option: TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup
- Best Collapsible Mug: Sea to Summit X-Series Collapsible Mug
Backpacking Mugs Types
Single Wall
Single-wall backpacking mugs are a favored choice among backpackers. You can save tons of weight (in a backpacker unit). Yes, it’s true. Think like an ultralight backpacker. Every ounce counts for him. And for good reason.
They are usually made of lightweight materials like aluminum or titanium. You can use them to make tea, coffee, or dehydrate food.
However, they lack insulation. Cleaning is typically straightforward, but materials can scratch more easily.
Double wall
As the name indicates, double-wall mugs are much more durable than single ones. They also offer better insulation. These mugs are generally made from quality stainless steel.
If you want a mug for rigorous use, you’d better go for a double wall. However, they are heavier than single-wall mugs.
Short or day hikes won’t cause any additional weight trouble. I don’t take it for backpacking to avoid carrying an extra load.
Also, double-wall mugs are pricier than regular mugs due to their durable and insulated design.
Collapsible
Collapsible backpacking mugs have gained popularity recently among ultralight backpackers. They are not only lightweight but also save space in a pack.
They are typically made from silicone, which is much lighter and more flexible. You can easily compress them for packing. Heat-resistant properties in most of such silicon make them a good option for hikers.
However, they do not offer the same level of insulation as traditional double-wall or single-wall mugs. Over time, with extended use, they are prone to wear and tear. And in some cases, they lose their ability to collapse and expand.
Best Overall Backpacking Mug
1. GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug is the overall best backpacking mug due to its ultralight, weighing 3.5 oz, and design. I take this mug not only on backpacking trips but also on my regular weekend camp trips.
During my testing, this mug performed well on different performance parameters like weight, design, heat retention, ease of use, and ease of cleaning. This BPA-free mug also features a cloth wrap around the mug for better insulation.
The Infinity mug is also odor-resistant, unlike a few other mugs we used. The handle is foldable to make it easy to pack. It was difficult for me to hold the mug from the handle and then drink. It becomes a bit shaky. However, you can easily have the mug in your hands.
In addition, we loved the measuring marks inside the cup. In some cases, such as food dehydration, they help to put the right water quantity.
Don’t expect super insulation. Insulation is not great when compared with our favourity camp mugs like YETI Rambler. However, even in chily weather, our drink never turned cold while drinking.
Cleaning takes no time at all.
It is also reasonably priced and holds enough liquid for a cup of tea or coffee.
All in all, if you want to purchase an ultralight and budget-friendly backpacking mug, the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug should be your number one option.
Best Lightweight Option
2. TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup
The TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup is another great option for backpacking lovers. This mug is constructed from titanium, an ultralight and durable material. It weighs just 2.7 ounces, similar to the Infinity mug. This mug also has a mesh sack for storage and packing in the backpack.
The TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup is one of the lightest cups on the market, making it a popular choice among backpackers. Its single-wall design makes it even lighter than double-wall cups. One of the advantages of this mug is its ability to be used on open fires or camp stoves.
In addition to its lightweight design, the TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup is also highly durable due to its quality material.
If you plan to cook meals inside the mug, then this mug is not suitable. If you want to use this mug on an open fire, you need to be extra careful with its lid. It will become hot and difficult to pick it up right away from the fire. It is better to use gloves to avoid hand burns.
Unlike the Infinity Mug, this one does not come with a lid. Overall, the TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup is a great choice for lightweight and durable cups.
Best Collapsible Backpacking Mugs
3. Sea to Summit X-Series Collapsible Mug
As a backpacker, I know that space is always at a premium. That’s why I’m always looking for collapsible and lightweight gear that can save me some precious space in my pack. The Sea to Summit X-Series Collapsible Mug is a great option for backpackers who need a compact, lightweight mug that won’t sacrifice durability or quality.
This mug is made from glass and silicone. It has a capacity of 480 ml, more than enough for coffee or tea. Additionally, You can easily fit it in your pocket after collapsing it to save space.
This mug performed excellently during our backpacking trips, even though it looked cheap after looking into the pictures. The mug is resistant to heat and cold and dishwasher safe, which is a plus. Additionally, the mug is very compact and folds flat, making it easy to store in a backpack or jacket pocket. We were even able to put it in our jackets for on-the-go drinks. The color of the mug is also attractive, and we found it very easy to keep clean.
The Sea to Summit X-Series Collapsible Mug is a great backpacking mug. It’s grippy from the outside and doesn’t slip even if your hands are wet. Its weight is 2.5 ounces which is still not the ultralight. But its storage space is minimal, which makes it great for backpacking. We noticed some taste after the first few uses, but it went away.
The base could have been wider for extra stability while putting on the rocks, but it’s not a big concern. Overall, we like this mug and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good backpacking mug.
4. UCO Collapsible Cup
The UCO Collapsible Cup is a small, ultralight backpacking mug that is easy to fold after use. Made of plastic, it is safe to put boiling water in the cup, and the handle is easy to hold. We love taking this mug with us when we go backpacking as it completes our mess kit.
The Sea to Summit X-Series Collapsible mug is also an excellent option for backpacking. Still, it is slightly larger and heavier than the UCO Collapsible Cup. Both mugs are great options for hikers who want a lightweight and easy-to-use mug.
The UCO Collapsible Cup is an excellent option for those looking for a space-saving cup. This cup is much smaller than other cups on the market, making it ideal for those with limited space.
However, this cup does have a couple of drawbacks. First, the measurements are not very visible inside the cup. This can make it difficult to know how much liquid is in the cup. Secondly, the cup can leave a slight taste of your drink in the cup. This is because the cup is made of silicone, a porous material. While this is not a major issue, it can be annoying for some users. The UCO Collapsible Cup is a great option for those looking for a space-saving cup.
Best For Insulation
5. Snow Peak Double Wall Mug
If you’re looking for a mug that will keep your drinks hot during cold-weather backpacking trips, then the Snow Peak Double Wall Mug is a great choice. This mug features double-wall construction to insulate your drinks and keep them hot for extended periods. Although it’s slightly heavier than some other mugs on the market, the extra weight is worth it for the added insulation.
Snow Peak is a Japanese company that expanded its product line to include items for backpacking and outdoors. The Snow Peak Double Wall Mug is a classic design that has been updated for modern hikers. The mug is made from titanium, which is lightweight and durable. The mug also has a spill-resistant lid that helps to prevent accidental spills.
It is lightweight and compact but has a 14 fl oz capacity, making it perfect for coffee or tea. However, the price is very high for such a small mug, and does not come with a carrying pouch. Despite these drawbacks, the Snow Peak Double Wall Mug is well-made and will last for years.
The double wall design helps to keep the mug warm longer than my regular mugs, and the handle is also foldable, which is a great feature. The mug is also a bit more expensive than my regular mug, but it is worth it. Although it is slightly more expensive than other mugs, the Snow Peak Double Wall Mug is worth the investment.
How To Choose a Backpacking Mug
A good backpacking mug should be lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and also insulated in some cases. The mug should also have a comfortable handle that is easy to grip, even when your hands are cold or wet.
In addition, it is crucial to choose a mug that fits easily into your backpack. Here is the guide to selecting the backpacking mug:
Weight & Size
Before choosing a backpacking mug, weight and size are the first things that come to mind. We always look for smaller gear with less weight that can do the job effectively. While shortlisting the backpacking mugs, we kept weight and size in mind to prepare the list.
Some collapsible options, such as the Sea to Summit X-Series and UCO Collapsible Cup, are Available for small storage as well. But durability is a question. Usually, they are prone to wear and tear. In some cases, they lose the structure intended for collapsing and expanding.
The weight of the mug is an important consideration while backpacking, as every ounce counts while you are on the trail.
Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug is the right balance between weight and size ratio. Size is mainly a personal preference.
I prefer to use a different mug for food and cooking or dehydrating food to avoid mixing odor in tea or coffee. I take separate cookware like the Stanley Adventure Camp cookware to prepare meals while backpacking. Since that is for backpacking, it’s a good deal to take both a lightweight mug and a Stanley set.
The weight of the mug is an important consideration while backpacking, as every ounce counts while you are on the trail. Size is mainly a personal preference. We also use a mug to prepare some meals while backpacking. In such cases, we try to carry bigger mugs that can be used as a mug and cook basic foods.
Material
When it comes to backpacking mugs, the material is an important factor to consider.
- Titanium is durable and extremely light, making it a great choice for those who want a lasting mug. But Titanium mugs are expensive compared to other mugs.
- Stainless steel is the most common material for backpacking mugs, as it is durable and affordable. You can use it on an open fire and on top of your gas stove.
- Aluminum is another popular choice, as it is lightweight and relatively inexpensive. However, aluminum mugs are less durable than stainless steel or titanium ones.
- Plastic is the least expensive option but also the least durable. However, This is a lightweight option.
- Silicone is becoming increasingly popular for backpacking mugs. It is light, flexible, and inexpensive compared to Titanium.
Environment
While choosing a backpacking mug, it is important to consider the environment in which it will be used. Look for suitable materials, such as stainless steel or titanium, if you need a cup that you can use on flames or an open fire.
Stainless steel is an inexpensive and durable option resistant to rust and corrosion. Titanium is more expensive but is also more lightweight and has higher heat resistance. If you are using your mug in a remote area with no access to clean water, consider an insulated mug that will keep your drinks hot or cold for extended periods.
Summary
Careful consideration in selecting backpacking gear is essential to cutting weight. The same applies to a quality backpacking mug. If you need just one mug for backpacking, look no further than the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug. Our list is based on extensive research, field usage, discussion with industry experts, and other backpacker reviews.
Let us know in the comments which hiking mug you take in the backcountry.
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