Sea to Summit Delta Light Insulated Mug

The Delta Light Insul mug has some interesting features that may appeal to backpackers. It’s made from plastic and can hold 350ml of hot or cold liquids. Here I’m reviewing and also putting it against my old metal mugs to compare features and versatility.

An essential item in any backpack, the mug is by nature a simple artifact, just something to hold and drink liquids. However, that won’t prevent outdoor gear manufacturers to try and reinvent the wheel, or rather improve it, whether by different designs, materials, and so on. 

That’s what Sea to Summit seemingly attempted with the Delta Light Insul Mug. It’s a simple plastic mug though made from BPA-free, food-grade polymer for friendliness, lightness and longevity. It’s quite flexible though it won’t squeeze and may break if forced. 

It comes in a rather flashy color, not sure if that’s green or blue either way it makes it easy to locate on the campsite or if it falls on vegetation which is a bonus.

As the name implies, the Delta Light comes with an insulator wrapper (coozie) that can be easily removed or added to keep liquids hot or cold as necessary. Since the mug is plastic, it will insulate somewhat even without the stackable wrapper, though it will sure help some, also to hold with bare hands in case its fillings are too hot. 

It also has a silicone lid with openings to allow steam out and sipping from it without spilling, however said lid is difficult to put on all the way because its beads are too soft. That’s the Delta Light’s main fault in my opinion. Also, there’s no cover for the drinking hole nor a connecting wire. If turned or squeezed it will spill whatever‘s inside. 

Volume is 350ml and it weighs 95g (2oz.), measuring 9,5 x 8,5cm. Here I show it next to my titanium mug which to be honest isn’t the best material for drinking or even cooking since it gets too hot too quick, but will stand fire if necessary and is perfect to drink water or mix drinks.

I’ve added the aluminum insulator foil to its handle but a hot beverage will make it impossible to drink without burning the lips.

Conclusion.

The Delta is better for soups, hot cocoa, and also cold beverages, as it will preserve temperature well and also not conduct heat this not burning lips while drinking. The titanium mug is great to collect water from streams or fountains, etc. and also to mix powder drinks. My favorite mug is an old $5 double-walled aluminum cup without handle (not shown), which is also insulating, lightweight, tough as nails but won’t go on the fire and holds only 200ml, But it’s great for the espresso or a tea.

Background

As mentioned, a mug is an essential item in any backpack. I usually carry two, they’re small and lightweight and serve multiple purposes. A metal one can go on the fire, a plastic one is more user friendly thanks to low heat conductivity.