Whether you’re heading out for a day of hunting, ice fishing, or enjoying the solitude of a winter trail, a warm cup of coffee or a hot lunch can make even the coldest of days feel enjoyable. High-quality insulated food and drink containers can reliably maintain the temperature of their contents for hours on end. The perfect thermos will vary from person to person, but they all have overlapping qualities that make them the ideal piece of outdoor gear.
In our search for the best thermoses on the market, we considered all types: from old-school tacklebox classics to modern drink movers for folks on the go. We narrowed it down to the best-of-the-best according to durability, leakproofness, heat retention, features, and overall capacity. And before we were through with it all, we pit each thermos against the other in our temperature retention test: scrutinizing manufacturers’ claims and finding out for ourselves which mug would keep our coffee piping hot for the longest — and pass our ‘ideal coffee temperature’ standard.
Our experts have toted close to 15 different thermoses over 3 years, taking them out everywhere from early-morning salmon excursions in the Puget Sound to elk hunts in the high country of Colorado, and have settled on these as the best of the best. Scroll through to see all of our recommended thermoses for any autumn morning. We’ve also compiled an in-depth buyer’s guide and FAQ to break down just what makes a good thermos tick. And finally, use our specs chart to go apples to apples on your next thermos.
Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on January 22, 2024, to update our testing practices and introduce our ‘ideal coffee temperature’ standard — a 136-degree make-or-break barometer of a thermos’ ability to keep our brew toasty warm.
The Best Thermoses of 2024
- Best Overall Thermos: Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle
- Best Budget Thermos: Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz.
- Most Versatile Thermos: CamelBak MultiBev
- Most Durable Thermos: Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle
- Best Coffee Thermos: Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug
- Best Thermos Mug: YETI Rambler Mug
- Best Food Thermos: Hydro Flask Food Jar
Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 2 qts. (64 fl. oz.)
- Weight 2 lbs., 3.2 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 157.5 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Sharing, fishing, all-day sipping
Pros
- Leakproof in any orientation
- Durable 0.7 mm thick walls
- Well-insulated
- Classic styling
Cons
- Somewhat heavy at over 2 pounds
Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz
Specs
- Capacity 1.2 L (40 fl. oz.)
- Weight 12 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel
- Temperature retention test 150 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Best for Enjoying coffee all day long
Pros
- Budget price for still impressive heat-retention
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy-pour function
Cons
- The lid cup and seal may need to be replaced after a few years
CamelBak MultiBev
Specs
- Capacity 0.65 L (22 fl. oz.)
- Weight 1 lb., 4.8 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, food-grade silicone, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 100 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Carrying multiple beverages in one unit
Pros
- Well-insulated
- Versatile design
- Easy for sharing
Cons
- Small liquid capacity
- Heavy for size
Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 1.3 L (44.6 fl. oz.)
- Weight 2 lbs., 14.4 oz.
- Materials 1.0 mm thick 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 160 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for A lifetime investment, early-morning hunts, and marathon roadtrips
Pros
- Impressive thermal retention
- Very high crush and ding resistance due to 1.0 mm thick walls
- Vacuum-insulated cup
- Steel-liner screw-cap stopper
Cons
- Fairly heavy at almost 3 pounds
Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug
Specs
- Capacity 0.5-0.7 L (16-24 fl. oz.)
- Weight 5.1 oz.
- Materials Stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 70 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Handwash body, lid is top-rack dishwasher safe
- Best for Drinking hot coffee all day long, car cupholders
Pros
- Fits in most cupholders
- Multiple design options
- Decent heat retention
Cons
- Plastic lid can hold onto flavors
- Lid has the potential to open inside of a bag
YETI Rambler Mug
Specs
- Capacity 0.41 L (14 fl. oz.)
- Weight 12.9 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel
- Temperature retention test 60 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Fireside sipping, commuting
Pros
- Sweat-free DuraCoat finish
- Easy to use/clean
- Durable camp mug
Cons
- Not 100% leakproof lid
- Not the best heat retention over the long run
Hydro Flask Food Jar
Specs
- Capacity 0.59 L (20 fl. oz.)
- Weight 15.4 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 60 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Handwash only
- Best for Keeping food secure, hot and cold foods
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Compact design with low-profile lid
- Lightweight at less than a pound
- Durable design
Cons
- Not much usable capacity in the 8- and 12-fluid-ounce sizes
Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48
Specs
- Capacity 0.48 L (16 fl. oz.)
- Weight 8 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 110 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Handwash only
- Best for Hot broths and brewing up on long excursions
Pros
- Compact profile slips into pack pockets
- Smart flip lid functionality
- Holds onto heat
Cons
- Lid should be cleaned after every use
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle 24 Oz.
Specs
- Capacity 0.7 L (24 fl. oz.)
- Weight 12.9 oz.
- Materials 18/8 Pro-Grade stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 97.5 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Packing in a hot drink on a hike
Pros
- Impressive temperature performance
- Fits other Hydro Flask accessories
Cons
- No drinking straw lid or integrated cup
Stanley Titanium Travel Mug 14 Oz.
Specs
- Capacity 0.4 L (14 fl oz.)
- Weight 8 oz.
- Materials Grade 1 titanium, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 69 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Handwash only
- Best for Bringing anywhere, travel
Pros
- Ultralight weight
- Small footprint
Cons
- Price
- Won't keep things hot for very long
Maxso 2-Pack
Specs
- Capacity 0.5 L (17 fl. oz.) and 0.7 L (24 fl. oz.)
- Weight 2 lbs., 1.6 oz.
- Materials Stainless steel, silicone, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 105 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Enjoying hot soup up to 12 hours after storing
Pros
- Integrated spoon
- Nonslip design
- Good heat retention
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean threads on lid
- Only one spoon included
Takeya Kids’ Insulated Water Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 0.4 L (14 fl. oz.) and 0.47 L (16 fl. oz.)
- Weight Varies by size
- Materials Stainless steel
- Temperature retention test 65 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Keeping kids' drinks cold all day
Pros
- Straw nozzle
- Handle on lid
- Multiple size options
Cons
- Not intended for hot liquids
- Some kiddos have difficulty getting the spout to seal
Thermos Funtainer
Specs
- Capacity 0.3 L (10 fl. oz.)
- Weight 4 oz.
- Materials Stainless steel
- Temperature retention test 67.5 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Best for School lunches
Pros
- Wide-mouth opening
- Lightweight
- Leakproof
Cons
- Heat retention
- Seal may need replacing
Thermos Comparison Chart
Thermos | Price | Capacity | Weight | Materials | 24H Temp |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle | $50 | 2 qts. (64 fl. oz.) | 2 lbs., 3.2 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 157.5 F |
Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz | $39 | 1.2 L (40 fl. oz.) | 12 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel | 150 F |
CamelBak MultiBev | $52 | 0.65 L (22 fl. oz.) | 1 lb., 4.8 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, food-grade silicone, BPA-free | 100 F |
Stanley Master Forge Thermal Bottle | $72 | 1.3 L (44.6 fl. oz.) | 2 lbs., 14.4 oz. | 1.0 mm thick 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 160 F |
Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug | $17 | 0.5-0.7 L (16-24 fl. oz.) | 5.1 oz. | Stainless steel, BPA-free | 70 F |
YETI Rambler Mug | $30 | 0.41 L (14 fl. oz.) | 12.9 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel | 60 F |
Hydro Flask Food Jar | $35 | 0.59 L (20 fl. oz.) | 15.4 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 60 F |
Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48 | $30 | 0.48 L (16 fl. oz.) | 8 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 110 F |
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle 24 Oz. | $40 | 0.7 L (24 fl. oz.) | 12.9 oz. | 18/8 Pro-Grade stainless steel, BPA-free | 97.5 F |
Stanley Titanium Travel Mug 14 Oz. | $111 | 0.4 L (14 fl oz.) | 8 oz. | Grade 1 titanium, BPA-free | 69 F |
Maxso 2-Pack | $37 | 0.5 L and 0.7 L | 2 lbs., 1.6 oz. | Stainless steel, silicone, BPA-free | 105 F |
Takeya Kids’ Insulated Water Bottle | $28 | 0.4 L and 0.47 L | Varies by size | Stainless steel | 65 F |
Thermos Funtainer | $17 | 0.3 L (10 fl. oz.) | 4 oz. | Stainless steel | 67.5 F |
How We Tested Thermoses
A good thermos can be a lifetime purchase, which means that finding the right one can be important. At GearJunkie, we have a broad array of outdoors folks, from backpackers and hikers to ice climbers and hunters, and we all love a good, hot cup on a cold day.
Contributor and tester Meg Carney is no stranger to an outdoors romp, and has worn hats as a wilderness therapy guide, backpacking guide, and climbing instructor whose time outside doesn’t stop when the temps drop. Her look into the best thermoses on the market started in 2021 with nine of the most capable, and continues today by adding new types of thermoses including insulated mugs, soup bowls, and more.
Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is the man behind the goggles for this guide, and he drummed up the testing regimen that all considered thermoses undergo in order to earn a spot in our lineup. His testing stretches from his workbench to the foothills of the Cascades, where he has been known to carry a warm beverage from time to time.
In seeking out the best thermoses, we rummaged through our cupboards and packs, as well as scoured online for the most promising contenders. We sought out thermoses that would serve a wide range of activities — from grabbing a quick coffee to packing in a full day’s worth of broth to an elk glassing session.
Then, we filled up our mugs and went off into the fall of the Pacific Northwest, testing the thermoses both outdoors, as well as in our in-house temperature testing regiment. We toted soups, teas, and good ol’ cuppa joe in order to find the best thermoses of the year. And as sure as science is only good if it’s replicable, we repeat our temperature test every fall and average the findings.
Our testing also didn’t end with simple temperature testing, as you’ve actually got to get your coffee there intact. We also tested durability by dropping these thermoses off our tailgates (and yes, sometimes running them over as well), and compared them in a leak test, where the thermoses were filled with hot water and laid on their sides over paper towels. All told, these thermoses have been shaken, rattled, and rolled to ensure they won’t be going anywhere but with you when you need them.
Looking for something that’ll be used mostly for water? Take a look at our review of the best insulated water bottles.
Temperature Retention Test
In order to better gauge their worth, we subjected each thermos to a rigorous temperature retention test. Typically during a day in late October, as the first winter storms blow in, we assemble all of our thermoses for a showdown.
Each thermos simultaneously receives a full serving of 212-degree F water, and is then surveyed for temperature at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours. While we understand that some folks recommended preheating their thermoses for maximum efficiency, we wanted to replicate the most likely scenario and poured our brew into room-temp vessels.
Then, seeking an accurate testbed, we chuck our bottles out on our workbench while we get to tinkering. The ambient temperature fluctuates between 48 and 50 degrees F, but all thermoses fare the same treatment. Once completed, we average our findings over previous results.
Thermos Test Results
Thermos | 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 hours | 8 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle | 200 F | 197.5 F | 190 F | 184 F | 175 F | 157.5 F |
Thermos Stainless King | 200 F | 195 F | 190 F | 175 F | 170 F | 150 F |
CamelBak MultiBev | 195 F | 190 F | 170 F | 145 F | 135 F | 100 F |
Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle | 200 F | 195 F | 185 F | 183 F | 175 F | 160 F |
Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug | 185 F | 175 F | 135 F | 107.5 F | 99 F | 70 F |
YETI Rambler Mug | 175 F | 157.5 F | 109 F | 83.5 F | 70 F | 60 F |
Hydro Flask Food Jar | 180 F | 165 F | 116.5 F | 91 F | 75 F | 60 F |
Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48 | 187.5 F | 185 F | 165 F | 152.5 F | 142.5 F | 110 F |
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle | 192.5 F | 189 F | 167.5 F | 145 F | 132.5 F | 97.5 F |
Stanley Titanium Travel Mug | 182.5 F | 172.5 F | 135 F | 110 F | 95 F | 69 F |
Maxso 2-Pack | 192.5 F | 187.5 F | 169 F | 150 F | 137.5 F | 105 F |
Takeya Insulated Water Bottle | 180 F | 172.5 F | 132.5 F | 102.5 F | 90 F | 65 F |
Thermos Funtainer | 185 F | 177.5 F | 142.5 F | 112.5 F | 97.5 F | 67.5 F |
*Temperatures averaged over 2 consecutive years tested
The Ideal Coffee Drinking Temperature
While a few things didn’t surprise us during our testing (we knew there was a reason Grandpa loved his Stanley), a few things did stand out, and all of our data is given meaning by one important nugget of information: the ideal temperature to sip your cup of joe at.
Figured out by some eggheads by surveying consumers and balancing their preferences against the risk of scalding, an optimal drinking temperature for hot beverages can be pegged at right around 136 degrees F, give or take a few degrees. This number became our make-or-break figure in comparing relative heat retention, and some interesting trends bore out in the data.
For one, three rough groups emerge at around the 1-hour mark: the first being what we’ll call the Classics — the Stanley Classic, Thermos Stainless King, and Stanley Forge bottles. These thermoses were in it for the long haul, and were all able to stay above 150 degrees for a full 24 hours. That’s still too hot to drink casually!
Bigger here is also better, as a larger mass of heated liquid is able to self-insulate much better than smaller-volume bottles, and that brings us to our second group: the Travelers. This includes the Zojirushi SM-TA84, Maxso bottles, CamelBak MultiBev, and Hydro Flask Standard bottle, which all were able to stay above the optimum sipping temperature for a full 12 hours, before falling off to around 100 degrees after a full day. These thermoses are all sized to fit in a pack for to-the-go warm drinks, and as such only need to stay warm long enough for day trips or commutes.
And finally, the Oddballs are comprised mostly of thermoses that carry things like hot soups, but also include the wide-mouth YETI Rambler Mug, as well as the Stanley Titanium Travel Mug and Contigo Byron commuters. These thermoses all held tough for an hour, but then most dropped off at the 4-hour mark. Likely long enough to get your soup to lunchtime — but not much longer.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Thermos
Looking for your next thermos, you’ll likely want to ask yourself a few questions. Are you looking to have a day’s worth of coffee for the whole crew, or maybe just a swig of warm tea at the end of a hike? Do you need your thermos to be compact to fit into a school lunchbox or backpack?
Then, consider if you’ll need the features of a full-fledged thermos, or if you might be well suited with a bottle that’ll keep drinks both hot and cold. Bottles with integrated cups and handles like the Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle are born-and-bred thermoses, while the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle could easily be used for both.
Note that this is a constantly changing list and that as new thermoses come out we’ll test and add them if we think they made the cut. If you’re looking for a water bottle, check out our lineup of the best insulated water bottles.
Capacity
Determining your thermos capacity needs comes down to two factors: the intended activity and if you’re sharing.
If you’re heading out for a day of ice fishing, lugging out a Stanley classic will be no issue, but if you’re embarking on an ultralight backpacking trek, a heavy metal thermos may not even make the cut.
Consider how much you usually drink or eat and if it will fit inside the thermos container. Then decide if it’s just for you or if you’re packing lunch or coffee for you and your partner. If you have multiple people sharing a thermos, then a larger capacity is ideal. However, if one cup of coffee is all you need, something closer to the CamelBak MultiBev will suffice.
Insulation
The insulating capabilities of a thermos are what makes them so useful. Most on the market today will utilize vacuum insulation, but some may also use foam insulation. Vacuum insulation tends to work better than foam, making it the standard for quality thermos brands.
In our in-house temperature testing, we found that there’s a reason your grandpa loved his Stanley so much. The Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle only fell 50 degrees over a full 24 hours — down to 160 degrees F. That’s still too hot to drink quickly! Close behind were the Thermos Stainless King as well as the Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48.
Vacuum insulation uses a double layer of material to create a space between the walls. This gap of air (the vacuum) is what prevents heat from escaping or entering. While vacuum insulation has become the gold standard in thermos technology, the nature of the double-walled construction creates extra weight.
Though this may not be an issue for fishing or casual hiking, vacuum-insulated thermoses are not very practical for backpacking, climbing, or other activities that require prolonged carrying.
Durability
Most of us bring our thermoses outdoors, so they need to be able to take a beating. Top-quality thermoses are constructed using stainless steel of some kind for the body. A stainless steel body is harder to break, especially in cold conditions.
Many thermoses also have an additional coating to ensure that they’re well-protected. Be mindful of the handle and lid when considering durability as well. Some thermos lids have stainless steel exteriors, and the air-pressure lid is plastic because it isn’t directly exposed unless opened.
Some other designs have all-plastic lids, and this is usually the first part of the thermos to fail. If it does come with a plastic lid, double-check the warranty or if replacement parts are available if something breaks.
Lid Construction
Another aspect of the lid to consider is the seal and how you drink out of the thermos. If you have a food-specific thermos, consider how easy it is to pour from the opening as well.
Traditional thermos designs, like the Stanley Classic, have two lids: one air-locking lid on the inside and an exterior lid that doubles as a cup. These dual-lid designs are almost always leakproof, especially because both lids have a rubber seal of some kind. Having a secure lid design is necessary when carrying around a thermos of hot water or coffee — not only to prevent spilling in a bag but also for your safety.
Other thermos lids, like that of the Contigo Travel Mug, are more like a travel coffee container lid. They should have a rubber seal and a variation of Contigo’s SnapSeal to cover the drinking spout. These lids will vary from company to company, but be sure to pay special attention to how well the lid seals, especially if you intend to use it backpacking.
If you’re only using the thermos as a food container, look at the opening of the lid or top of the thermos to see how easy it will be to pour. The wider the mouth, the harder it will be to precisely pour. However, a wide mouth can make it easier to eat directly from the thermos.
When a thermos is meant for drinking, the lid construction determines how easy it is not to spill on yourself with every sip. Silicone lids usually create a decent seal but can be challenging to drink from. Plastic lids with a sipping hole or straw are usually the go-to for most nontraditional thermos lids.
Extra Features & Accessories
Extra features like a lid that doubles as a cup, an optimized handle design and grip, or a built-in spoon add a bit of versatility to a thermos. These aren’t necessarily aspects of the thermos that make or break its functionality, but they can add that little extra piece that makes your life easier or a little more comfortable when enjoying coffee on a cold winter morning.
FAQ
As far as temperature control goes, the best thermos cups are designed by YETI or Hydro Flask. Both companies have mugs and cups that don’t utilize the traditional thermos air-pressure seal and instead have an insulated cup with a sipping lid. These aren’t spill-proof, but they afford the consumer the insulation of a thermos in cup form.
Some thermos flasks can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but not all are dishwasher-safe. This is disclosed by the manufacturer of the thermos.
If it’s not dishwasher-safe, be sure to take the thermos apart completely and handwash after every use. Don’t forget to remove the rubber seal within the lid to ensure that no food or liquid is trapped underneath.
Stanley thermoses have the best heat retention compared to any other brand. This is due to their quality materials, vacuum insulation, and tight lid seal. However, to create a thermos with the best heat retention, it did have to be bulkier and heavier than the others.
When sending your child off to school, it’s great to know they’ll feel well taken care of with cold water and a hot lunch. On this list, we’ve included high-quality kid-friendly thermoses designed for both liquids and food.
Most kids’ thermoses made to hold liquids feature an easy-to-use built-in straw. While straw tops are great and are generally preferred by kids, they’re usually not compatible with hot liquids.
Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations before putting hot liquid into your child’s drinking thermos. The combination of a straw lid and hot liquids can be dangerous.
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