Travel mugs are one of those banal items that, thanks to their sheer frequency of use, necessitate a bit more consideration. You might be tempted to grab whatever mug you see on sale without thinking too much about the fact you’ll be using it all the time.
It’s only upon repeated use that flaws begin to stick out and you begin saying to yourself, ‘oh, it’s not actually insulated that well,’ ‘the cap is leaky’ or simply ‘this looks bad.’
What you need is something that's simple to use, leakproof, durable and stylish, as well as something that also fits easily in your cupholder and keeps your coffee or tea toasty (or your iced beverages cold) for hours. So to save you time (and money) in your search for an awesome travel mug that meets all these qualifications, we’ve pulled together this guide to what we consider the finest ones. Happy shopping — and sipping.
Yeti is pretty firmly ensconced as the cooler king. No big surprise then that the company makes some pretty damn good mugs as well. This double-wall vacuum-insulated option keeps your beverage as hot or cold as you like while also looking good and standing up to the elements. The no-muss Magslider lid makes it even more travel friendly.
If you're looking for a travel mug that can do more — and are willing to shell out for it — CamelBak's Red Dot Design Award-winning innovation is your play. The insulated 22 oz. bottle features a removable, lidded 16 oz. cup you can use to reduce waste at a coffee shop, stash snacks and even use to share some of your precious rocket fuel with a friend, if you're so inclined. Note: A smaller, $34 version (17 oz. bottle, 12 oz. cup) is available too.
If you love to get outdoors, this backcountry-inspired travel mug looks just like the ceramic mugs that used to be everyone’s go-to for camping. The sliding leak-proof lid keeps things hot and secure for up to five hours. We recommend pairing this mug with some easy-to-make camp coffee like Kuju’s pour-over grounds or Alpine Start’s instant coffee.
Rtic makes top-of-the-line coolers, so it’s understandable the brand also crushes the hot beverage game — with style to spare. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps each sip toasty, and the 16-ounce capacity ensures there will be plenty such sips. (Several 12-ounce versions are also available at the link, so double-check the size you are getting.)
Offered in a number of attractive hues — 24, to be exact — Zojirushi mugs are renowned for their quality. This one keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, and there’s a five-year warranty on the heat retention, so you’re essentially getting five years of steaming java in one purchase.
This vacuum-insulated bottle gives you loads of liquid refreshment options. But simply using the included leak-proof Café Cap and carrying handle, you can tote hot coffee for an impressive 14 hours — or iced coffee for a mind-blowing 47.
The 16-ounce version of this distinctive-looking option will keep your coffee steaming for a a generous 12 hours thanks to stainless steel and triple-walled insulation. If the wood finish isn’t your style, there are several other colors and patterns to peruse.
Hydro Flask’s double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel water bottles are known to keep beverages cold or hot all day long, and the same goes for its coffee mugs. The variety of colors and sizes Hydro Flask offers is wide, the carry handle makes it easy to strap to any pack, and the lifetime warranty is sweet.
Most User-Friendly
Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug 16oz/473 mL - Hammertone Green
Stanley's been at it for more than a century, with consistent quality you can trust. This mug combines timeless good looks with reliable 18/8 Stainless Steel and double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure hours of toasty joe. It's easy to drink while driving, too, thanks to the push-button lid you can trigger with your thumb.
Contigo's travel mug will keep any beverage hot for up to five hours, and a cold brew cool for 12 hours. The 16-ounce vessel's non-slip grip prevents drops, and the lifetime warranty prevents regret if you still manage to let it fall.
Thanks to an innovative internal copper lining, the Elevation Tumbler will keep your coffee hot all day long — and cool drinks cold too. The sweat-resistant design prevents rings, the stainless steel construction can take a beating, and it comes in nine colors. Tack on a French Press Lid ($30) and you can even whip up java on the road.
Best for Tea
Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Tumbler
This fan-favorite has nearly 15,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.7-star average. The vacuum insulation will keep coffee or tea hot for up to five hours, while the built-in tea hook handily suspends tea bags and most loose leaf infusers.
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