There’s really nothing better than sitting back and relaxing around a campfire. In fact, some of my favorite outdoor memories are from times that I’ve cooked in my enamel mug over a roaring fire under a beautiful starry sky.
Enamel camping mugs are one of the best pieces of kitchenware for your backcountry trips. Durable, versatile, and beautifully decorated, there’s really no substitute for one of these mugs in the outdoors.
But, with so many different options to choose from, it can be tricky to find precisely the right enamel cup for your camping needs. So, here are our reviews of the seven best enamel mugs on the market today, plus some top tips for making your selection.
The 7 best enamel camping mugs:
1. Coleman Enamel Mug
(photo: coleman.com)
- Volume: 12 fl oz (354.8 mL)
- Weight: 2.4 oz (68g)
Coleman is known for making some quality outdoor gear that doesn’t break the bank. Their enamel mug is no exception. This 12 fl oz mug is made with a quality enamel coating over a durable and lightweight steel.
It features a blue speckle pattern that’s classy and traditional all at the same time. Additionally, this mug has a roll-over rim for added comfort while sipping away at your hot cocoa.
What we particularly like about this mug (besides its budget-friendly price) is its lightweight. Although it holds a fairly standard 12 fl oz of liquid, this enamel mug weighs just 2.4oz, making it the lightest in our review.
2. United By Blue Evergreen Enamel Mug
(photo: unitedbyblue.com)
- Volume: 22 fl oz (650.6 mL)
- Weight: 9.7oz (274.9g)
United By Blue is a US-based gear manufacturer that creates quality equipment for outdoor lifestyles. What’s unique about United By Blue is that they remove one pound of trash from oceans, rivers, and lakes for every item purchased from their store.
The company is also a certified B Corp, which means they’ve demonstrated a commitment to social and environmental causes, as well as responsible manufacturing practices.
The Evergreen Enamel Mug is the largest in our review with a total capacity of 22 fl oz. It’s made from FDA-approved enamel with a steel base at the company’s drinkware factory in China.
This mug has a double-dipped rim and handle for added durability. Plus, it has a beautiful outer design, which showcases some of the most iconic North American trees.
3. The Landmark Project Pacific Crest Trail Enamelware Mug
(photo: thelandmarkproject.com)
- Volume: 13 fl oz (384.5 mL)
- Weight: 4oz (113.4g)
The Landmark Project started out as a small screen printing shop in 2007 and has since grown into a custom outdoor apparel and gear brand.
In 2017, the company partnered with the US Forest Service to create tribute artwork to Smokey Bear to help raise money for wildfire prevention and suppression. In fact, 10% of the company’s Smokey Bear-themed revenues go to the USFS to help increase awareness around wildfire prevention education.
The company took its stunning designs and created a great line-up of durable 13 fl oz enamel mugs, which include prints of some of the most recognizable locations in the United States. Their current mug offerings include decals of the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as Zion, Yosemite, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
More info at thelandmarkproject.com
4. Falcon Enamelware Mug
(photo: falconenamelware.com)
- Volume: 12 fl oz (354.8 mL)
- Weight: 7oz (198.5g)
Falcon enamelware is a staple of many British homes. The company got its start in the 1920s, creating white enamel plates, dishes, and mugs with its signature blue rim. Known for its elegance, durability, and functionality, in 2011 the company revitalized its offerings by creating a whole line-up of colorful enamel products, including a great set of 12 fl oz mugs.
The company’s enamel mug has a classic design. It is built using heavyweight steel and a thick coating of enamel for added durability and years of use. These mugs are super easy to clean and maintain for years to come. Plus, although their pearly-white coating is stain-resistant, any food or tea/coffee stains can easily be removed with a little lemon juice and some elbow grease.
More info at falconenamelware.com
5. GSI Outdoors Pioneer Enamelware Cup
(photo: gsioutdoors.com)
- Volume: 12 fl oz (354.8 mL)
- Weight: 4oz (113.4g)
GSI Outdoor’s Pioneer Enamelware Cup is simple, functional, and affordable. It’s specifically designed for use on camping trips and has a dipped enamel coat with a stainless steel rim for added durability.
This mug is part of a larger collection of GSI enamelware, which includes plates, bowls, and cups. All of GSI’s enamel products are twice-hardened in a kiln that’s set to over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius). It has an old-school speckled finish that’s resistant to wear, even after frequent use.
6. Danner Enamel Mug
(photo: danner.com)
- Volume: 12 fl oz (354.8 mL)
- Weight: 5oz (141.7g)
Danner is a Portland, Oregon-based company that got its start crafting workboots for active lifestyles back in 1932. They now make a line of enamel products that are durable and lightweight for use on backcountry camping trips.
The Danner Enamel Mug is made from a dipped enamel coating that’s layered on top of heavy-gauge steel. It’s twice-hardened in a kiln at 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit (760 degrees Celsius) for added durability and scratch-resistance. This mug is also dishwasher-safe and is one of the most affordable options in our review.
7. Parks Project National Parks Enamel Mug
(photo: parksproject.us)
- Volume: 12 fl oz (354.8 mL)
- Weight: 5.1oz (145g)
The Parks Project was started by a group of former Toms Footwear employees that wanted to find a way to give back to the outdoors. For every item purchased from The Parks Project, the company donates to one of over 50 non-profits and charities that work to protect and preserve public lands in both the United States and Canada.
Their National Parks Enamel Mug showcases some of the most recognizable features of the US National Parks System. This mug is built form a durable, campfire-safe enamel (it’s not dishwasher-safe, though!). Plus, each National Parks Enamel Mug purchase helps raise money for youth outdoor education with a 5% donation to the National Park Foundation.
How To Choose An Enamel Camping Mug
There are plenty of great enamel camping mugs out there, so choosing the right one is of the utmost importance. Here are some top things to keep in mind as you shop:
Capacity
Most enamel mugs have a 12 fl oz (354.8 mL) capacity, which is about the size of a small coffee cup or, more specifically a “tall” from Starbucks. This is enough for most hot drinks, but if you’re looking to cook a meal in your mug, you might want a bigger size.
Weight
No one likes to carry around more weight than necessary when backpacking, so a lightweight mug is always an advantage. Just keep in mind that lighter mugs are sometimes less durable than their heavyweight counterparts.
Design / Artwork
At their core, most enamel mugs are quite similar. There might be small differences in their construction, but the real appeal of a mug comes down to its aesthetics and design. Many companies now make some enamel mugs with intricate illustrations, which are a great way to express your individuality while camping.
FAQs
Here are our answers to some of your most common questions about enamel mugs:
What Exactly Is An Enamel Mug Made Of?
Enamel is a type of powdered glass coating that’s fused to a substrate (generally metal). The manufacturing of enamelware is actually an ancient art that dates back at least as far as the 300 BCE in western Asia.
Enamel mugs are made by coating a steel cup in powdered glass. Then, the glass and the steel are placed in a kiln that’s set at about 850 degrees Fahrenheit (454 degrees Celsius). When the mug is finished in the kiln, it’s removed, dried, and then decorated.
Products made from enamel are particularly popular because they have a whole host of benefits that aren’t found in other types of dishware, including:
- Rust-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Non-toxic
- Very durable
- Acid-resistant and stain-resistant
Can You Put An Enamel Mug On The Fire?
Enamelware is crafted specifically to be put on the campfire, so go ahead and cook your dinner in your enamel mug on your next backpacking trip. An enamel mug is one of the best things you can use for making a single-pot meal over a campfire and you can even boil water in one if you want to make coffee or tea.
That being said, take care when cooking over a fire with your mug. The mug will get really hot, so it is possible to burn yourself. Always let the enamel mug cool down before you enjoy your food or attempt to touch it after it’s been on the fire.
Can You Cook In An Enamel Mug?
You can certainly cook in your enamel mug. Enamel is designed to be used inside an oven at the highest temperatures, so your mug won’t cause a fire or break when you use it to cook a meal. You can even use enamelware on an induction cooker if you’re feeling fancy, or you can place your enamel mug in the freezer if you want to chill some ice cream.
How Do You Clean Enamel Mugs?
The good news is that enamel mugs are generally dishwasher safe. However, the paint that’s used to decorate many enamel mugs can peel and rub off when put through the dishwasher too many times. Of course, this peeling and chipping is just aesthetic, not structural, but no one wants to ruin the beauty of their enamel mug if they can avoid it.
So, if you do want to wash your enamelware in the dishwasher, it’s best to put it in the top rack. Handwashing is always the best choice if you want to keep your mug looking like new for years to come, but with care, most enamel cups should be just fine in your dishwasher. That being said, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing your enamel mug.
Can Enamel Mugs Go In The Microwave?
No! Please don’t put your enamel mug in the microwave. Enamel mugs are built with a layer of steel under their enamel coat. When steel is placed in a microwave, it can cause something called “arcing” which can create a major fire hazard.
If you’re at home and want to microwave up some leftovers for dinner, don’t reach for your enamel mug – try a microwave-friendly bowl, instead. Alternatively, if you want to make a single serving cup of soup on the stove, then your mug is the perfect container.
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David is an accomplished mountain endurance athlete who has completed over 25 ultra marathon races (follow on Strava). He is most proud of his finish at The Drift 100 – a high elevation, 100 mile winter foot race that zigzags along the Continental Divide in Wyoming. In the future he hopes to compete in the ITI 350 and ultimately the full 1,000 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational that follows the same path as the historic dog sled race.
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