Insulated Drinking Vessels

We tested these so you don’t have to.

// by maggie theodora

ZOJIRUSHI STAINLESS STEEL TRAVEL MUG

What is it 
A lightweight, slim travel mug with a locking, leakproof lid (that we totally trust) that comes in 12-, 16-, and 20-ounce versions. 

Strengths 
The foolproof lid-locking mechanism can be operated with one hand. There’s a model with a Teflon interior (model SM-SR) and also one with an electro-polished stainless-steel interior (SM-SHE).

Weaknesses 
Can we complain about it keeping things too hot? Six hours into a ski tour on a day with temps below zero, the tea in our Zojirushi burned our mouth. 

Best for 
Resort skiers and riders who want to sip the hot beverage of their choice in between runs from a vessel they can carry in the pocket of their jacket; fast-and-light backcountry travelers.

Details 
$52; available at shop.zojirushi.com

YETI RAMBLER 32 OUNCE FRENCH PRESS

What is it 
A Yeti-strong French press with a ceramic-lined inner chamber surrounded by double-walled vacuum insulation.

Strengths 
In addition to keeping coffee hot for hours, the plunger separates the liquid from the grounds (post-plunging), which keeps the coffee from getting bitter as it sits. All parts are dishwasher-safe.

Weaknesses 
The lid locks on with a quick twist, but, because of the spout, it is not leak-proof. 

Best for 
Surprising your ride to the trailhead or resort (and any other friends in the car) with a delicious cup of French press coffee.

Details 
$110; available at REI, 974 W. Broadway Ave., and yeti.com

HIGH CAMP FLASKS TORCH HIP FLASK

What is it 
A double-walled 9-ounce flask that is both smartly and elegantly designed, includes a 3-ounce sake-glass-inspired shooter magnetically integrated into it, and controls the temp of its contents for 24 hours.

Strengths 
The bottom screws off, allowing for easy cleaning and funnel-free filling and, more importantly, adding ice. Electroglass clean technology
ensures the flavor of the flask’s contents stays pure.

Weaknesses 
Focused more on performance and quality than weight, the 9-ounce Torch weighs 12.2 ounces. (We have a 6-ounce titanium pocket flask that weighs only 3.2 ounces, but it isn’t insulated and requires a funnel to fill it.) 

Best for 
When you want to stylishly celebrate a day’s successful outdoor adventure with a cocktail.

Details 
$109; available at highcampflasks.com

STANLEY CLASSIC LEGENDARY BOTTLE 2.5 QT

What is it 
A thermos that is hard to dent or otherwise damage, is big enough to hold hot drinks for the whole family, and has a leakproof one-cup cap that doubles as a mug.

Strengths 
This thermos had us with the fact that it is dishwasher-safe. If that’s not enough for you, it is also easy to hold and pour from and keeps hot drinks hot for an entire ski day. 

Weaknesses 
This isn’t made for the backcountry; when it’s full, it weighs about 8 pounds.

Best for 
Rounds of hot chocolate on the drive home from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Details 
$55.50; available at stanley1913.com

YETI RAMBLER BOTTLE + CUP CAP

What is it 
The Cup Cap turns any of Yeti’s insulated Rambler water bottles, which come in a range of sizes from 18 to 64 ounces, into a thermos, but better looking and functioning.

Strengths 
Unlike other thermos lids, Yeti’s Cup Cap is insulated, ensuring that your hot beverage of choice stays hot once poured into it. Unlike other thermoses, Rambler bottles don’t have handles, so they are easier to carry in bags and backpacks.

Weaknesses 
The 18-ounce Rambler bottle with a Cup Cap weighs about 1.3 pounds—this is not for the fast-and-light crowd. Most sizes are too big to fit into
a standard car cupholder.

Best for 
Parking lot après; this can keep hot toddies (or tea) hot, even when left in a freezing car for hours. 

Details 
Rambler bottles start at $30, Cup Cap, $30; available at yeti.com

STANLEY QUENCHER H2.0 FLOWSTATE 40 OUNCE TUMBLER

What is it 
A social-media-famous tumbler that comes in dozens of colors, keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, has an ergonomic handle, and fits into a car cupholder.

Strengths 
The FlowState lid has a rotating top with three positions: a wide-mouth opening, a straw,
or closed.

Weaknesses 
The FlowState lid’s positions do not include one that makes it leak-proof; this is not a tumbler to throw into your ski bag.

Best for 
Fitting in with the cool moms on TikTok, also keeping hydrated throughout your day at home, in the office, or on the road.

Details 
$45; available at stanley1913.com JH