It is a small thing, but there is no greater joy than that first cup of coffee in the morning, watching the steam rise as the campsite slowly wakes up. I also know there is no greater disappointment than that coffee being lukewarm two minutes later because your mug cannot hold its heat. A proper camping mug is a small, affordable luxury that makes a massive difference.
You might think a mug is just a mug, but the right one can keep your drink hot for hours, while the wrong one will just burn your hands and let your tea go cold. I have tried dozens over the years, so here is my guide to the very best options for UK campers.
My Top Recommendations in Brief
- Best Overall: If you want a mug that is virtually indestructible and keeps drinks hot for ages, the YETI Rambler Mug is the undisputed king.
- Best Value: For timeless style and great value, you cannot beat a classic Falcon Enamelware Mug.
- Best for Backpacking: The clever Sea to Summit X-Mug is a brilliant space saver for anyone counting grams.
Quick Jump to Reviews
Detailed Camping Mug Reviews
Best Overall
YETI Rambler 10 oz Mug
YETI is famous for its ridiculously over engineered and high performance coolers, and their mugs are no different. This thing is an absolute tank. It is a double wall vacuum insulated mug that keeps your tea or coffee properly hot for hours, not minutes. I have taken mine on countless frosty mornings and it has never let me down. It is incredibly tough, feels great to hold, and is the perfect all round mug for car camping when durability and performance are what you need.
My Verdict
It costs a lot, but this is the best insulated camping mug you can buy. It is a classic case of you get what you pay for. It will probably outlive you.
Best Value Classic
Falcon Enamelware Mug
This is the quintessential camping mug. Made from enamel coated steel, it is lightweight, virtually indestructible, and has a timeless look that just feels right for the outdoors. It is not insulated, so it will not keep your drink hot for ages and you have to be careful not to burn your hands. But for sipping a brew by the campfire, it is perfect. There is a reason these have been around for a hundred years. They just work.
My Verdict
Every camper should own at least one. It is an affordable, stylish, and incredibly tough mug that will last forever. An absolute classic for a reason.
Best for Heat Retention
Stanley Classic Camp Mug
Stanley is another legendary brand in the outdoor world, famous for its green flasks. This mug lives up to the name. It has fantastic double wall vacuum insulation and comes with a press fit lid that helps keep the heat in and the bugs out. I find it keeps my coffee hot for well over an hour, which is brilliant. It is a bit lighter than the YETI but still feels incredibly well made and durable. A true workhorse.
My Verdict
A superb insulated mug from a brand you can trust. It offers performance very close to the YETI but is often a bit more affordable. A fantastic choice.
Best for Backpacking
Sea to Summit X-Mug
When you are carrying everything on your back, size and weight are everything. This is where the X-Mug comes in. It is made from flexible, food grade silicone and collapses down almost completely flat, taking up virtually no space in your pack. The rigid ring at the top makes it surprisingly sturdy to drink from. It is not insulated, but its clever design is a brilliant solution for wild campers, hikers, and anyone tight on space.
My Verdict
For backpacking and wild camping, the space and weight saving is unbeatable. A genius piece of design that every lightweight camper should consider.
Best All Rounder
Hydro Flask Coffee Mug
The Hydro Flask mug strikes a great balance between the ruggedness of the YETI and everyday usability. It has excellent vacuum insulation and a soft touch finish that feels really pleasant to hold. The press in lid is one of the best I have tried for preventing splashes. It is tough enough for the campsite but also stylish enough to use at home or in the office, making it a very versatile choice. I often find this is the one I reach for the most for general use.
My Verdict
A brilliant, high performance mug that works just as well on your desk as it does at the campsite. A superb and versatile all rounder.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing a Camping Mug
The Three Main Types
Insulated Mugs: Usually made from stainless steel with a vacuum between two walls, these are the champions of heat retention. They keep hot drinks hot for hours. They are heavier and more expensive but are fantastic for car camping.
Enamel Mugs: These are the affordable, lightweight, and stylish classics. Made from steel coated in enamel, they are very tough. They offer no insulation, so your drink cools faster and the mug itself gets hot.
Collapsible Mugs: Made from food grade silicone, these clever mugs flatten down for packing. They are the lightest and smallest option, making them the number one choice for backpackers and hikers where every gram counts.
