REI Campware Cup

This is a lightweight, functional, and cheap cup that surprisingly has become my favorite one. It is a simple cup that meets all my needs, except when it is below freezing.

I am slightly surprised to be writing this review. I picked up an REI camp mug on a whim a couple of years ago because it was so cheap, and it has become my standard cup for all my trips unless it is staying below freezing.

This 1.75 oz cup is sturdy and simple in design, easy to clean, and doesn't burn when holding it or drinking. All for under $5. I use it for my morning coffee, afternoon tea, and evening hot drink as well as measuring water for cooking. It is not insulated and I still switch to a mug that is when its below freezing, but anything above that and I am back to this little gem.

I am not someone who lets a cup of coffee get cold, in fact I rarely put one down, so I haven't noticed if it retains heat well. However, I can hold it comfortably by the handle with just boiled water inside and It won't burn.

My only complaint, and it is a minor one,  is that the graduated markings on the side are not easy to read. I supplemented mine with a Sharpie, and it only occasionally needs refreshing. It has a low profile and fits easily into my 1 liter Vargo pot to make a nice condensed cook kit. I have not noticed any chemical or plastic taste, and it is BPA free.

With all the money you can spend on backpacking, it is really nice to find something cheap that works well for me. If you spill a lot or let drinks sit around in cold weather, this cup may not be a good fit, but if you are like me and focus mostly on the drink until it is gone this cup is perfect.

Several trips with temps down to 30 in the fall and spring tested this cup out, and it has not let me down. Strong simple construction gives me confidence it will last.