GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug Review

Okay, so coffee mugs aren’t exactly high-tech devices. If one fails you will not die. Or will you? Some of us love coffee in the morning.

But weight is a big concern when backpacking. Many people skimp on bowls, plates, and utensils. I certainly do. But there is one container that goes with me on every trip: the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug.

First of all, it weighs just 3.5 ounces. Although yes, it weighs some, it is worth every gram. Second, its price is very high, it costs only 10 dollars. And third, it holds 17.5 ounces of fluid (enough to use as a bowl in a pinch).

It is also incredibly reliable and durable. I first wrote this article in 2019. Since then, I have spent at least 100 more days on the trail and at campsites and hunting camps. That’s (if my math is correct) there have been at least 300 pre-dawn breakfasts. It’s been through whiteout storms and sweaty, hot desert mornings. And it’s been ridden in a backpack for countless hundreds of miles.

It still works as good as new, although it does have some significant chew marks from a sneaky rat that got into my food pack. Not bad for a $10 investment, although today with inflation, it costs $16.

In short: The GSI Oudoors Infinity Backpacker Mug is lightweight, durable, insulating, and just the right size for an adult who drinks copious amounts of coffee. Get one for $16 and use it for a decade or more.

Best lightweight coffee mug for campers: GSI Infinity

While there are plenty of great mugs for everyday use from brands like Stanley and YETI, those double-wall insulated containers are heavy. For backpacking, this superlight product is perfect.

The rigid inner cup is BPA-free, non-leaching polypropylene. GSI wraps it in a fabric-covered, insulated neoprene sleeve. On the bottom, nonslip footing keeps it safe on smooth surfaces.

The insulation is perfect for during a hunt or even for a relaxing camp coffee. Things stay hot long enough that I can continue getting ready for my day while sipping the drink for about a half hour.

It has a good lid that seals tightly enough to create suction when the height changes. A small tab opens so you can sip your coffee or tea without opening it completely. Due to this many leaks could be avoided.

Finally, a strong webbing handle provides grip. It collapses flush for storage.

shortcomings

There really aren’t too many cons to this mug. But nothing is perfect. The Infinity Backpacker Mug will not keep liquid hot for as long as a vacuum-insulated mug. This can also be beneficial if you’re trying to drink it relatively quickly, as it cools down a bit faster. But if you want your coffee to stay hot for hours, this is not a good idea. It is also sensitive to rodents’ chewing. Steel mugs won’t have that problem.

Who should buy it?

Backpackers, hunters, and anyone who values ​​a good mug that won’t weigh them down will be happy with this.

The plastic doesn’t seem to affect the flavors much, and I’ve used this thing for coffee, oatmeal, wine, whiskey, water – you name it – during years of backcountry abuse. The outer sleeve is absolutely dirty. I have washed it by hand, and it still has a stain on it. I don’t care. Plus, it works as good as the day it was new.

I’m sure there are other good mugs on the market. But after using it for countless big hikes and backcountry hunting trips, I can’t imagine how one could get any better than this. I really don’t see anything wrong with it, And for $16, you really can’t go wrong.