The 5 Best Hiking Thermoses

Hydration is always key and that becomes extremely important when you’re on the go or doing something strenuous like hiking. With so much activity, you’re bound to get a bit parched. But you also might need a little something to eat. That’s why a solid thermos should be in every hikers hand or backpack. Depending on your needs or the distance you plan to hike, a great thermos should mark of a few ticks on a checklist including being easy to carry, airtight and keeps food or beverages at the temperature you want for hours to come.

Thermos Stainless King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle

A leader in the field

Thermos is a natural winner in the field for best hiking thermoses and it’s clear why.
Best Overall

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Thermos makes, well you guessed it, amazing thermoses. No need to worry about your hot beverage going cold or a cold beverage warming up in the heat. This thermos is definitely for those long days or nights when hydration is a must. Holding more than a liter of liquid, the stainless steel remains cool to the touch even if you have a really hot liquid inside. And for cold items, you don’t have to worry about the exterior sweating.

Pros:

  • Unbreakable stainless steel
  • From a reliable brand that has been around for more than a century

Cons:

  • Over time the interior can peel if not washed and cared for properly

Omorc Stainless Steel Thermo Travel Mug

It keeps liquids hot for up to 24 hours and cold liquids remain cold for up to 48 hours. That’s just the start of what the Omorc thermos can do. The medical grade stainless steel prevents liquids from having a strange or metallic taste and the mug won’t rust. This also comes with the option of two different caps. There’s the sports cap with a straw, which is ideal for hiking or activities where you want a quick sip. And the screw off loop cap can easily attach to any bag. There’s even a cup holder with adjustable straps so you can throw this over your shoulder.

Pros:

  • Anti-oxidation and corrosion material
  • Comes with brushes so you can clean the bottle and straw
  • Anti-slip material for easier grip

Cons:

  • It can be difficult to suck liquid through the straw
  • The opening might be too small for some ice cubes

Enloy 610z Stainless Steel Vacuum Thermos

For the hungry, thirsty hiker

This thermos and the cups make sipping and eating a breeze when you’re on the go.
Best Cup

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This thermos has many of the same qualities as others (keeps hot items hot and cold items cold) but it stands out in other ways. Ranging from 61 to 101 ounces, it can hold a ton of liquids or food. It also includes two cups and a storage compartment for tea, coffee, medicine or any other small item. The triple layer silicone around the opening ensures liquids won’t leak and the temperature isn’t impacted. Also, some cylindrical thermoses can be pretty hard to lay flat without them rolling around, but the grooves on the side mean the bottle can be laid flat and doesn’t move around.

Pros:

  • Includes a strap for easy carrying
  • A vent makes it easy to pour out the perfect amount without completely unscrewing the lid
  • Easy to hold rubber handle

Cons:

  • The small vent opening can be hard to clean

Mira Vacuum Insulated Metal Thermos

When you want to stand out

The bold hues mean you’ll never mix your thermos up with anyone else’s ever again.
Best Straw

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Sometimes you just get tired of opening and closing a lid and it’s even worse if you somehow lose the lid. But Mira’s thermos features a trusty straw that makes sipping a breeze. The lid is composed of an easy to flip straw and a handle you can loop your finger through or even attach to your bag. The MiraGuard technology holds a liquids temperature for 12 or 24 hours, for hot and cold beverages, respectively. Some thermoses can look a bit boring and you might even mix yours up with someone else’s, but with colorful options which range from taffy pink to lemon yellow to robin blue, you don’t have to worry about that.

Pros:

  • Composed of food-grade stainless steel
  • BPA-free, non-toxic bottle

Cons:

  • Only holds 24 ounces
  • Doesn’t come with a cleaner for the straw

Thermos Nissan Intak Hydration Bottle

Budget option from a top brand

This option is low on cost but still holds its own and is from a reputable, household name.
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Thermos makes the list again. Some of the brand’s items can be a bit more costly, but this bottle clocks in at a price anyone can afford. But the low price doesn’t mean the bottle cuts corners. It’s made of BPA-free material and is impact resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it shattering after taking a few tumbles. That curved appearance isn’t just for show either. It’s ergonomically designed for an easier, more comfortable grip. Also, the locking ring keeps the cap from accidentally opening.

Pros:

  • One push open for the lid
  • A meter at the top can help you keep track of your water consumption

Cons:

  • The meter to calculate water intake can only be adjusted when the cap is off
  • Not ideal for maintaining temperatures over extended periods of time

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good hiking thermos?

A great hiking thermos depends on your needs, but in general one should be easy to carry or attach to a backpack, has a secure lid so you don’t have to worry about spills and keeps your items hot or cold.

What can you put in your thermos while hiking?

Water is always a must when hiking, but you can also add other beverages like coffee or tea or even your favorite soup or chili.

How do you clean a thermos?

Some thermoses come with supplies so you can clean them, this is especially helpful for a thermos with a straw. But using soap and water is really all you need to clean the thermos like you would any other cup. Many are even dishwasher safe.