Best Camping Thermos: Hot Drinks on the Cold Mountaintop

All of you will agree that there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee after waking up in camp. Is there anyone out there that enjoys a nasty, cold cup o’ joe? It’s a good thing that there’s no shortage of camping thermoses that you can buy in the market. The best camping thermos will allow you to enjoy your hot beverages without adding much weight to your load.

Any outdoor-savvy person will invest in a good outdoor thermos bottle. Camping thermoses are specifically made to be more suitable for outdoor environments. Many of them boast great durability and have features like vacuum insulation, spill-proof design and more.

However, how exactly do you shop for a camping thermos? Good for you because you found this article.

The purpose of this article is to help you choose a camping thermos that suits your needs. While the purpose of all thermos is the same, how well each individual product is able to serve said purpose differs depending on several crucial factors, which we will explain in greater detail in the following section.

Afterwards, we will recommend the top 8 products on the market so you’ll set your search on a rock-solid start. Let’s proceed!

Note: We get commissions for purchases made through links in this article

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Best Products on Today’s Market

Keeping the aforementioned factors in mind, here’s a list of the top products on today’s market that are guaranteed to serve you well on your trip:

Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle

Weight: 1.86 pounds

Dimensions: 3.9 x 4.5 x 4.1 inches

Specific features: Lifetime warranty, leak-proof, insulated lid, the lid can be used as an 8 oz. cup, BPA-free, stainless steel, vacuum insulation

Best use: All purpose, camping

Description: The Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle comes in many different sizes and capacity, so no matter how big of a group you travel in, there will be enough hot and cold drinks for everyone by the end of the day.

The combination of vacuum insulation and double lid in the bottle makes for a very effective temperature control thermos. Other than to keep your drinks cold or warm for around 24 hours, the lid also doubles as an 8 oz. cup, so you won’t have to worry about packing a separate cup.

This product is very convenient and versatile. It’s also durable and leak-proof – no worries about your drink spilling out and staining everything around it in your backpack. Should this product ever fail you, all you have to do is hold the company up to their lifetime guarantee. Stanley is a company that stands by their product, so your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Some people say that this product doesn’t live up to the old Stanley quality because this one is made in China.

We agree that it’s certainly not as convenient as before. Unlike the old Stanley models that you can just fill up and go, you’ll need to warm this one up with hot water for five minutes first to help it retain warmth better—but other than that, this product holds its own remarkably well.

PROS:

  • Comes in many different capacities
  • The lid doubles as a cup
  • Durable and leak-proof
  • Lifetime guarantee

CONS:

  • Long heating time

Related: You’ve got yourself a cup of steaming hot joe, but what about the food? If you’re only embarking on a short day trip, bringing a full set of outdoors cookware with you just so you can enjoy a plate of hot food is superfluous because all you really need is this Stanley Adventure Insulated Food Jar. It’s lightweight, leak-proof, and it even comes with its own spork.

Check the price on Amazon

Thermos Vacuum Insulated Beverage Bottle

Weight: 2.75 pounds

Dimensions: 5 x 4.6 x 14.1 inches

Specific features: Detachable shoulder strap, stainless steel, comes with an integrated cup, retractable handle, twist and pour, vacuum insulation, 61 oz. capacity

Best use: Hiking trip, backpacking trip

Description: The Thermos Vacuum Insulated Beverage Bottle only comes in one capacity option – 61 oz. It’s big enough to make sure that each person in a group of travelers will have their fair share to drink yet at the same time it’s also lightweight enough that a solo traveler won’t get too weighed down while carrying this thermos alone.

This bottle keeps drinks hot or cold for up to 24 hours. When you’ve reached your destination, and you’d like to sit back and enjoy the view while pouring yourself a nice cup of coffee, all you have to do is twist the top and pour. The lid mechanism is leak-proof but at the same time very easy to open and close.

While designing this beverage bottle, Thermos didn’t stop at an easy opening and closing mechanism. They made sure this bottle was easy to use in all ways by adding a retractable handle.

Pull out the handle when you’re pouring the drink. When you’re done, flip it back shut and switch to the detachable shoulder strap for easy carrying.

The only issue we have with this bottle is that the inner lining on the lid is made of plastic. Combining hot drink with plastic is never a good idea in our opinion.

PROS:

  • Huge capacity
  • Retractable handle and well-designed opening mechanism
  • Adjustable shoulder strap lends for easy carrying

CONS:

  • The inner lining on the lid is made of plastic

Related: As this bottle is massive, it’s difficult to clean it properly if you don’t have the right tools for it. OXO Good Grips Bottle Brush has you covered on that front. It’s flexible and very easy to handle so you can get to even the trickiest corners with ease.

Check the price on Amazon

Fijoo Stainless Steel Coffee Thermos

Weight: 1.4 pounds

Dimensions: N/A

Specific features: Lid doubles as a cup, screw-top, leak-proof, BPA-free, stainless steel, double wall vacuum insulation, available in 17 oz. and 32 oz. capacity, 100% money back guarantee

Best use: Day trip, camping

Description: The Fijoo Stainless Steel Coffee Thermos keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 8 hours. It’s available in 17 oz. and 32 oz. and both of them come equipped with 100% no questions asked money back guarantee. Fijoo is a company that stands by their product, so you know they have to be really confident in this one to be able to offer such a warranty.

If you’re looking for a completely leak-proof bottle because you are inclined to high-impact activities such as rock climbing or skiing where you’ll be faced with a lot of turbulence, then this is the one for you. The brand new screw top design allows Fijoo to offer you an impressive level of security and enhanced insulation.

This product prides itself on being totally plastic-free, so you can drink your hot coffee with ease, knowing that no unwanted toxin has been mixed in. The lid doubles as a cup. Simply take the plastic-free lid and pour your drink into it to relax and enjoy nature at its finest.

PROS:

  • The new screw top design enhances insulation and security
  • 100% money back guarantee
  • The lid doubles as a cup
  • BPA-free

CONS:

  • Heat retention is not the best

Related: A hot drink is nice and all, but you’ll be able to enjoy it a lot more if you happen to have something to snack on at the same time. Vega Gluten-Free Snack Bars are not only delicious—they are also a healthy source of extra energy so you’ll be able to continue your climb or make your way back down with renewed vigor.

Check the price on Amazon

Isosteel Germany VA-9553Q Vacuum Flask

Weight: 1.55 pounds

Dimensions: 11.6 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches

Specific features: 5 years limited warranty, vacuum insulation, one hand quickstop top, German military-approved, 34 oz. capacity

Best use: Hunting trips, climbing trips, hiking

Description: While the other beverage bottles we have reviewed above came with either lifetime warranty or 100% money back guarantee, this one is only backed by a 5-year limited warranty. Chances are you won’t need to call it in, though. The Isosteel Germany VA-9553Q Vacuum Flask is German military-approved, meaning there’s no need to doubt its durability and reliability.

This thermos will keep drinks hot or cold for up to 24 hours. It’s also very easy to use. You can handle the lid with one hand, and the quickstop technology means you won’t have to worry about your drink spilling everywhere; it’s very secure.

This product is wholly made of food grade stainless steel. There is only one small piece of plastic on it. It’s the push button in the screw plug. Since this part doesn’t interact directly with the drink, you needn’t worry about it spreading toxin into your drink, but it’s definitely the weakest part of the link, despite being a vital mechanism.

We recommend you to handle that part carefully lest it breaks and renders the whole bottle useless even though the rest of it is perfectly fine.

This product is made in China—a fact which some people might have a problem with—but it’s really quite reliable.

PROS:

  • Quickstop technology for added security
  • The top can be easily handled with one hand
  • Plastic-free except for one small part
  • German military-approved

CONS:

  • Screw plug is made of plastic

Related: This is a great thermos for intense outdoor adventures where stealth and tactical skills are pivotal, such as hunting trips. One thing you should never forget to equip yourself with in such a situation is this iCoostor Tactical Flashlight. It comes in 5 light modes and has a very long battery life.

Check the price on Amazon

Aestar Insulated Sports Travel Mug

Weight: 1.4 pounds

Dimensions: 3.7 x 11 x 3.7 inches

Specific features: Anti-slip rubber at the bottom, double-walled vacuum insulation, stainless steel, available in 22 oz. and 37 oz. capacity, comes with a sponge

Best use: day trips, short trips

Description: The Aestar Insulated Sports Travel Mug may not be the thermos with the biggest capacity out there, but it does its job splendidly. The double-walled vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for up to 24 hours and keeps drinks cold for even longer than that. The wide mouth means you can slide ice cubes in easily.

This one is the perfect choice for day trips or other short trips. Its small capacity works in its favor on such trips because it’s much more convenient to use than other water bottles. All you have to do is twist open the lid, then drink straight from the bottle. You won’t misplace the lid because it’s connected to the body by a plastic strap.

There’s also an anti-slip rubber at the bottom so you can place it beside you while resting on a rock without worrying that it would slide off and spill everything out. With every purchase of this travel mug, you will find a bonus sponge in the package for easy cleaning after use.

Unfortunately, due to its size, this travel mug isn’t a suitable choice if you’re planning a trip that lasts longer than one day or if you travel in a group. Also, it’s made in China. Aestar seems to be doing a good job preserving quality despite that, but it could be a deal breaker to some.

PROS:

  • Anti-slip bottom
  • Convenient because you just drink straight from the bottle
  • You won’t misplace the lid thanks to the connecting strap
  • Wide opening so you can slide in ice cubes easily
  • Comes with a sponge

CONS:

  • The capacity is too small for anything but a day trip

Related: You wouldn’t be able to enjoy the full benefit of what day trips have to offer if you don’t bring some hot food with you to enjoy with your hot drink. SOMIGA Insulated Food Jar is a great choice. It’s easy to carry, durable, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Check the price on Amazon

Thermos Compact Beverage Bottle

Weight: 1.25 pounds

Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.6 x 12.3 inches

Specific features: Stainless steel, twist and pour, vacuum insulation, available in 16 oz., 25 oz., and 32 oz. capacity, leak-proof

Best use: Day trips, short trips

Description: As the name indicates, the Thermos Compact Beverage Bottle is compact indeed. It’s available in three different capacities—with the smallest being 16 oz. and the biggest being 25 oz. It may not be able to hold enough drinks to satisfy everyone if you travel in a group or if you plan to bring it on a long-distance trip, but if it’s a short day trip you have in mind, then you simply can’t go wrong with this.

It’s a simple design that works. No bells or whistles, but it’s everything you’d expect from a thermos wrapped in one beautiful package of convenience and durability. It will keep your drink hot or cold for up to 24 hours. Made of food-grade stainless steel, you won’t have to worry about any plastic mixing toxin into your drink or giving in to the high heat.

This thermos is also absolutely leak-proof. It’s tried and true—even if you fill it with water and turn it upside down before leaving it like that for hours, not a drop of water will spill out.

A simple twist and pour mechanism allows you to handle the bottle easily with one hand. There won’t be any messy spillages as you pour the drink either.

The only thing you won’t be pleased to discover about this thermos is that it’s made in China.

PROS:

  • No plastic
  • Simple twist and pour mechanism for easy use
  • Totally leak-proof

CONS:

  • Smaller capacity

Related: Enjoy the beauty of nature with a hot drink and a hot meal by purchasing this Thermos Stainless King Food Jar alongside the water bottle. It’s very easy to use as you can eat straight from the jar. It even comes with its own foldable spoon.

Check the price on Amazon

Cresimo Vacuum Thermal Carafe

Weight: 1.8 pounds

Dimensions: 10.8 x 6 x 6 inches

Specific features: 100% money back guarantee, stainless steel, one-hand pouring, double-walled insulation, 68 oz. capacity

Best use: Car camping, indoor use

Description: The Cresimo Vacuum Thermal Carafe is the perfect choice if you travel in large groups. The 68 oz. capacity will make sure that everyone is holding a steaming cup of delicious drink at the end of the day. It’s surprisingly lightweight considering how big of a size it comes in. It’s also totally made of stainless steel—plastic and BPA-free.

It has a wide mouth of around 1.75 inches. You should have no problem sliding some ice cubes inside. Despite the wide mouth, you won’t have to worry about messy spillages even if you find yourself needing to pour with one hand because the push button makes it secure.

It’s a risk-free purchase. It is equipped with a 100% money back guarantee that’s valid for a period of 1 year.

The manufacturer claims that this product is capable of keeping drinks at the right temperature for around 12 hours, but we’ve found that that is a pessimistic estimation. It could do so well up to 24 hours.

The only thing we have a problem with is the shape of this product. It’s not very versatile; the design makes it difficult to carry in a backpack. In all, this product is a dream come true for car campers or indoor use, but if you’re looking for something you can take backpacking with you, we suggest you look elsewhere.

PROS:

  • Wide mouth
  • Huge capacity
  • 100% money back guarantee
  • Leak and spill proof
  • BPA free

CONS:

  • Difficult to carry

Related: Be careful while pouring your hot drink. Wear a pair of these Coililly Heat Resistant Cooking Gloves so you wouldn’t accidentally scald yourself. It’s non-slip and feels comfortable on the skin.

Check the price on Amazon

Thermos Stainless King Beverage Bottle

Weight: 1.5 pounds

Dimensions: 3.7 x 4.4 x 12.1 inches

Specific features: 40 oz. capacity, twist and pour, a lid that doubles as a cup, vacuum insulation,

Best use: Hiking, camping

Description: The Thermos Stainless King Beverage Bottle can hold up to 40 oz. of liquid, which should be plenty for a normal-distance hiking trip. It’s leak proof and very secure. It’s also really easy to use. Once you’ve reached your destination and are settling down to have a drink, all you have to do is twist the lid off, use it as a cup, and pour.

Thermos guarantees a spill-free experience because this bottle comes with a stopper inside. This could be a double-edged sword, though. The mouth of this bottle is pretty wide, but the neck tapers down in width rather significantly to properly house the stopper. That makes it quite difficult to put ice cubes in, not to mention to clean.

Even if you can’t put ice cubes in, this thermos will still keep your drink hot or cold for up to 24 hours, though, so there should be no major problem on that front. You can keep your drink hot for a lot longer if you heat it up with boiling water first.

The bottle comes with a technology that keeps it cool to the touch even if you’ve just poured a boiling hot drink into it and keeps it sweat-free with cold drinks. But again, the neck area with the stopper is the weakest part of the link. That part isn’t as well protected, so it might feel a little hot to the touch.

PROS:

  • Easy to use
  • Secure
  • Very compact and lightweight despite the reasonably big capacity

CONS:

  • Not easy to clean
  • The neck area feels hot to the touch

Related: You might want to bring this Stanley Adventure Cook Set with you on your next hiking trip. It’s very portable and versatile. You might even be able to refill your thermos with a fresh batch of coffee while you’re up there in the mountains.

Check the price on Amazon

Things to Consider Before Buying

Today’s market is flooded with all kinds of thermos. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between high-quality products and unreliable products since making the wrong choice in this matter could have terrible consequences—namely everything in your backpack (clothes, gear, and foodstuff) will get drenched.

Capacity

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to thermos capacity today. They range from 16 oz. in capacity to being able to hold more than 60 oz. of drink at a time.

Consider for how many days your trips usually last and how large of a group you usually travel in. In this case, we will assume that your trips typically last for one or two days at most because even the best camping thermos can’t usually keep the drink’s temperature stable for more than 24 hours anyway so that they won’t be of much use on long-distance trips.

For day trips or an overnight trip, if you travel in a group of 4 or 5, you can’t go lower than 60 oz. in capacity. If you travel solo, a 16 oz. thermos should hold enough liquid to refill your cup twice.

Portability

There are three things you need to consider when it comes to portability:

  • First, the weight. Backpackers are always aiming to lessen the overall weight of their backpack, although this may not be as important a factor to take into account if you prefer car camping. The best camping thermoses don’t usually weigh more than 2 pounds, although be sure to also take the weight of the liquid itself into account as well.
  • Secondly, the shape of the thermos will also affect its portability. Most outdoor thermoses are shaped like a tube so they shouldn’t take up much space in your backpack, but some of them are shaped like a pot. The latter will definitely make backpacking trips difficult.
  • Also consider whether the thermos comes with extra features for added portability such as a retractable handle, a shoulder strap, or a lid that doubles as a cup so you won’t need to pack a separate cup.

Insulation

Most camping thermoses these days come equipped with vacuum insulation. A generic vacuum insulation is effective enough to keep your drink hot or cold for up to 24 hours, but you may need to treat the bottle first by heating it up with boiling water before you fill it up with the actual drink.

Double-wall vacuum is a step up from the generic vacuum. With this technology, there should be no longer any need for you to treat the bottle first before using.

The quality of the insulation is also important because it acts as a buffer between the temperature of the drink inside and the outside of the bottle. Good insulation will keep the outer layer cool to the touch despite the boiling hot liquid inside so you won’t get scalded. It will also prevent sweat droplets from forming if the drink inside is cold.

Materials

Most camping thermoses today are made of 18/8 food grade stainless steel. The question is whether any part of it is lined with plastic or not.

As we all know, mixing plastic with hot drink is bad news. The plastic would react and release toxins into the drink. Even if the plastic is located somewhere not in direct contact with the liquid, such as the push plug on the lid, too much exposure to heat will weaken the plastic in time.

A thermos’ durability is significantly lowered if it contains plastic in any shape or form. Therefore, keep an eye out for BPA-free bottles.

Ease of Use

The lid’s mechanism is the main thing that affects a camping thermos’ ease of use. The top should be properly equipped with a stopper technology to prevent spillages as you pour the drink. It should also preferably be easy to handle with one hand.

The problem is, thermoses equipped with a stopper technology often tapers down in width around the neck. This makes maintenance difficult as you may not be able to properly clean the bottom of the bottle if you don’t have the right tools for it. Also, you may not be able to slide ice cubes into the bottle.

In the end, it’s best to choose a thermos that’s well-balanced in shape and size.

Wrap Up

This wraps up our reviews and the article. You may not think that camping thermoses are a pivotal part of your journey since you’ve managed just fine without them thus far, but give it a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it. Nothing beats the feeling of sipping on hot coffee while you’re on top of the world.

Which camping thermos on the above list do you think will be able to serve you well? Do you have a favorite thermos that you think should’ve made it to the top of the list? Please post any opinions and suggestions in the comments box below.

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