I don’t know about you, but for me, some sort of insulated mug filled to the brim with a strong caffeinated beverage is an essential part of most of my days. Whether I’m in the middle of an epic road trip, waking up next to a backcountry campfire, or simply commuting to a work obligation, coffee is a big part of my morning—and having a go-to to-go mug to hold that coffee in is probably the second most important part of the beginning of my day. But finding a good mug to fit all of your needs isn’t always easy. There can often be a big divide between mugs made with camping in mind, and mugs made for every day use. But GSI Outdoors’ new Glacier Stainless Microlite 500 fits exceptionally well into both categories. It’s light—crazy light—like 7.9 ounces light. But it’s lightweight design doesn’t mean the product is lacking in other categories. It’s actually one of the most well thought out and versatile coffee mugs that I’ve owned, and as an avid coffee drinker, that says a lot. In the outdoor category, the mug’s vacuum-insulated design can either be utilized to keep warm beverages warm for several hours, or cold beverages cold for several hours. Last week, I poured a delightful cup of coffee into the mug, which I proceeded to forget when I embarked out into the world for the next 8 hours. When I got home that evening and emptied out the mug to clean it, the forgotten coffee inside was still piping hot. But the mug’s stainless steel build means it’s just as functional in the backcountry as it is en route to the office.
Pros: The Glacier Stainless Microlite 500 features a very well thought out design on the lid, which not only makes for easy and safe (hot liquids!) drinking, whether you’re posted up around a campfire or smack dab in the middle of an epic road trip. The lid’s design also includes a smart locking feature, so you don’t have to worry about leaks. The vacuum seal keeps hot liquids hot, and cold liquids cold—which kind of makes this piece of gear an excellent travel item. Whether you need to fill it with coffee on the way to the airport, or use it as a water bottle on your travel adventures, it’s a versatile and budget-friendly piece that will last you a long time.
Cons: I might be wildly drunk on non-spilled, delicious hot coffee, but I haven’t discovered a con in this product.
Where We Took It: On a road trip to Canyonlands National Park, in a backpack exploring the providence of Quebec, to the office, and for daily caffeine consumption in my house.
