Best Hiking Thermoses: Drink Hot Coffee in the Hills

Have a hot drink on hand wherever you are with our best thermoses for hiking

By Trey Williams
Trey WilliamsView Trey Williams's Articles

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Thermos bottles are the ideal choice if you want a hot drink while hiking or when you’re on a road trip. They also offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly way of getting your caffeine fix at work. A quality vacuum flask will save you from expensive coffee shops and reduce your disposable plastic usage. They come in various sizes and styles. Discover our top thermos flasks for hiking below.

  • Best Overall
    Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle
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    Summary
    Summary
    A vacuum insulation flask made out of 18/8 stainless steel to prevent rusting, the Stanley Classic vacuum flask comes in two sizes (1.1 or 2 quarts) with an insulated lid that doubles as an 8-ounce cup. Includes lifetime warranty.
    Pros
    Pros
    The largest size will keep liquids hot up to 32 hours and ice cold up to 160 hours. Includes wide mouth for easy filling, cleaning, and inclusion of ice cubes. Locking carry handle makes pouring more stable, and it’s large enough to fit work gloves.
    Cons
    Cons
    Weighs more than 2 pounds when empty. Leak-proof seal is a little flimsy, and the flask can dribble if not stored upright.
  • Best Value
    Fijoo Stainless Steel Thermos Bottle
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    Summary
    Summary
    A 17-ounce sweat-proof thermos bottle constructed inside and out with food-grade stainless steel for durability and no metallic aftertaste. Includes an internal copper lining for triple wall insulation and a screw-top design for better temperature control.
    Pros
    Pros
    Sleek and lightweight design that fits easily into bike racks and cup holders for convenient, easy transportation. Included lid is  BPA-free with no plastic lining and can be used in place of disposable cups to improve your green credentials.
    Cons
    Cons
    Will hold 2 cups of coffee at most, so it’s not ideal for long trips or overnight camping. Lids are not replaceable as individual parts.
  • Honorable Mention
    Thermos Stainless King 68 ounce Vacuum Insulated Beverage Bottle
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    Summary
    Summary
    Extra-large capacity beverage bottle with industry-leading vacuum insulation technology to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Includes twist-and-pour stopper for pouring without removing the lid to reduce heat loss. Covered by a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
    Pros
    Pros
    This 68-ounce thermos flask will hold an entire pot of coffee or tea, so it’s perfect for longer trips or hiking in a group.
    The rugged design is durable yet stylish, and it comes in different colors. A large handle improves stability when pouring and allows for carrying by hand.
    Cons
    Cons
    This thermos flask is more than a foot tall, so it takes up a lot of space when backpacking and is difficult to clean. Pouring through the stopper is uneven and difficult to control.

Tips

  • Thermos flasks come in a wide range of sizes, so it’s good to work out what you really need. If it’s too big, you risk wastage. If it’s too small, it might leave you short.
  • Similarly, think about how long you need to keep things warm. Beverage bottles with greater heat retention properties are often the more expensive ones on the market.
  • Choose a thermos flask with a lid that can double as a travel mug if you’re going to be outdoors and don’t want to carry unnecessary extras.

FAQs

Q: How does a vacuum flask work?

A: A vacuum flask is constructed with an internal double wall of stainless steel or glass to prevent heat transfer. Because heat can’t get in or out past these layers, the temperature inside doesn’t change, and the liquid stays either piping hot or ice cold.

Q: Can I put my thermos flask in the dishwasher?

A: Most thermos flasks are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but manufacturers often recommend hand-cleaning to protect the exterior finish. Never use bleach to clean a flask.

Q: Can I use my vacuum flask to keep food warm?

A: There’s no reason why you can’t use your thermos as a food flask as long as the lid is wide enough to accommodate whatever you’re having for lunch. You can also buy vacuum insulated food jars specifically designed for this purpose.

Final Thoughts

With a lifetime warranty and a massive 32 hours of temperature control, the Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle is our overall best thermos flask for hiking.

The Fijoo Stainless Steel Thermos Bottle is our top pick for value.

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