GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug Review

OK, so coffee mugs aren’t exactly high-tech equipment. You won’t die if one fails. Or will you? Some of us really like our coffee in the morning.

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

First off, it weighs just 3.5 ounces. While yes, that is some weight, it’s worth every gram. Second, this is a heck of a value, costing just $10. 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’ve put the mug through at least 100 more days on the trail and in campsites and hunting camps. It’s been there for (if my math is correct) at least 300 pre-dawn breakfasts. It’s been through whiteout storms and sweaty, hot desert mornings. And it’s ridden in a backpack for untold hundreds of miles.

It still works as good as new, although it has some significant chew marks from a sneaky mouse that made its way 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 light, durable, insulating, and 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 Light Coffee Mug for Campers: GSI Infinity

While there are tons 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 interior cup is BPA-free, non-leaching polypropylene. GSI wraps that with a cloth-covered, insulated neoprene sleeve. On the bottom, nonslip footing keeps it secure on slick surfaces.

The insulation is just right for a quick pre-dawn coffee while hunting or even for leisurely camp coffee. Stuff stays hot long enough to allow me to continue getting ready for my day while sipping drinks for a half hour or so.

It has a good lid that seals tightly enough to cause suction when changing altitude. A small tab opens to allow you to sip your coffee or tea without opening it entirely. It’s avoided many spills.

Finally, a sturdy webbing handle offers a grip. It collapses flush for storage.

Downsides

There really aren’t many drawbacks to this mug. But nothing is perfect. The Infinity Backpacker Mug won’t keep liquid hot nearly as long as a vacuum-insulated mug. That can also be a benefit if you’re trying to drink it relatively quickly, as it cools down a little faster. But if you want something to keep your coffee hot for hours, this isn’t it. It is also susceptible to rodent chewing. Steel mugs won’t have that issue.

Who Should Buy It?

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

The plastic doesn’t seem to hold onto flavors much, and I’ve used this thing for coffee, oatmeal, wine, whiskey, water — you name it — over years of backcountry abuse. The outside sleeve is dirty as heck. I’ve washed it by hand, and it remains stained. I don’t care. Beyond that, it works as well as the day it was new.

I’m sure there are other good mugs on the market. But after using it for an untold number of big hikes and backcountry hunting trips, I cannot imagine how one could be better. I see really no flaws in it, and for $16, you really can’t go wrong.