Meet Octaroma: The Best Insulated Travel Mug for Hikers and Travelers

By: Travel and Adventure writer Breanna Wilson

With a closeable and secure drinking lid and solid double-wall stainless steel construction with vacuum insulation, the Octaroma is the best insulated travel mug for hikers and travelers to get their hands on this year.

There comes a time in every hiker and traveler’s life when they realize the importance of having a good-quality, reliable insulated travel mug. One that can go anywhere with them, isn’t too large or too small, and that looks good in any scenario from the trail to the city.

For me, my favorite insulated travel mug is my Octaroma Lungo. I am no stranger to sunrise hikes and early morning flights, and as a self-described coffee addict, I can’t go anywhere until I have at least one cup – preferably two, no matter where I am or what time it is. And since the Octaroma keeps my brew hot (or cold) for hours, I don’t feel rushed and can enjoy my second cup at leisure.

With details such as a closeable drinking tab and easy twist-off lid, while there are three different sized Octaroma travel mugs available – a 180 ml Classico, 300 ml Lungo, and 435 ml Grande – I prefer traveling with my 300 ml Octaroma Lungo in Cadet Blue for its versatility.

All three sizes utilize the closeable rubber drinking tab that seals securely into the lid that I’m so fond of, meaning no spilling. Even if it’s getting tossed around (which is inevitable in my life), I can feel confident when traveling with my Octaroma that I won’t be wearing my coffee at some point during the morning. And that neither will my bag.

The Octaroma’s sleek shape allows it to fit nicely in my hand, but also in my car cupholder, the side of my day bags and backpacks, and it doesn’t have any unnecessary components that will get lost.

Let’s talk about a few more reasons why the Octaroma is one of the best insulated travel mugs on the market, as well as how to brew something delicious to put in it the next time you’re hiking or traveling.

Brewing on the Trail and On the Go

Now that you know why I think the Octaroma is the best insulated travel mug on the planet, let’s talk about what to put in it! Especially when you’re on the trail and on the go.

Unlike the Cuppamoka and Nanopresso, the Octaroma does not brew anything. It is purely a reusable vacuum insulated travel mug. It’s meant to carry whatever you’ve brewed at home or on the go with you. But, if you’re a coffee monster like me, that brew usually doesn’t last very long before you need another caffeine boost. Here’s what to do when that need for caffeine hits.

Since the Cuppamoka and Nanopresso are so light, I usually hike and travel with both, so I can meet all my coffee and espresso needs without having to choose. Plus, I’m usually with friends who would like to get in on the brewing action too.

Tips for Brewing with the Cuppamoka on the Go

There are a few things to keep in mind to brew with the Cuppamoka on the trail or wherever you are.

- First is that the Cuppamoka does not heat water. So, you will need to boil and bring hot water with you for brewing. Most stainless steel thermoses will do – including the Octaroma (a great reason to invest in the larger 435 ml Grande version of the insulated travel mug!). Just make sure you close the lid tightly before packing it in your bag.

- Additionally, if you don’t want to pack hot water, you can bring filtered water in your Octaroma and boil it right on the trail with an isobutane camping stove.

- Grind your beans at home before you go. I am all about grinding my beans fresh, but I’m also all about when I need that coffee fix, I need that coffee fix. The Cuppamoka uses a medium-coarse grind, so I pack my grounds in a small container the night before and throw them into my bag as well.

- Don’t forget your coffee filters. The 200 pack ensures I’m never out of paper filters, and I stick two inside the Cuppamoka, so I’m ready for brewing always. I also pack a small ziplock baggie or an extra container (if space allows) to store my used grounds, filter, and other trash until I get to a trash can so I’m not littering on the trail.

- Pro Brewing Tip: Add a dash of cardamom or other spices to your grounds before brewing to literally spice things up.

The convenience of the Cuppamoka is that its mug is also a great coffee thermos. So, once you’ve brewed, you’re in no rush to down your coffee. You can sip back and enjoy the views – and the adventure – ahead.

Tips for Brewing with the Nanopresso on the Go

There are a few things to keep in mind to brew with the Nanopresso on the trail or wherever you are.

- First is that the Nanopresso does not heat water. So, you will need to boil and bring hot water with you for brewing. Most stainless steel thermoses will do – including the Octaroma (a great reason to invest in the larger 435 ml Grande version of the insulated travel mug!). Just make sure you close the lid tightly before packing it in your bag.

- Additionally, if you don’t want to pack hot water, you can bring filtered water in your Octaroma and boil it right on the trail with an isobutane camping stove.

- Grind your beans at home before you go. I am all about grinding my beans fresh, but I’m also all about when I need that espresso fix, I need that espresso fix. The Nanopresso uses a fine grind, so I pack my grounds in a small container the night before and throw them into my bag as well.

- Bring warmed milk with you. I like to make a latte out of my espresso, so I always bring warm milk. Once my espresso shot is made, I simply take the warmed milk I’ve brought in my Octaroma insulated travel mug, close the lid tightly and shake vigorously to “froth” it. Once I do that, I add my espresso shot, and voila, an instant café-quality latte on the trail. You can find this recipe on the blog, along with tips on how to properly dispose of your coffee grounds to be a more eco-conscious traveler on and off the trail.

Read more about how I use my favorite travel espresso maker on the go, and how I brew with it on my adventures around the Republic of Georgia.

Plus, It’s Good for the Planet: If 5 Facts that Will Make You Want to Switch to a Reusable Insulated Travel Mug

And, if all that wasn’t enough, according to CleanWater.org, by replacing one disposable cup every day for one year you: 

- Prevent 87.6 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions.

- Save 76 gallons of water.

- Stop 126 trees from being chopped down.

- Avoid 12 lbs of solid waste.

- And you save $36, assuming a 10¢ discount at coffee shops.

And, while most people believe their one-time use coffee cup will be recycled – most won’t. Almost all disposable cups are made of non-recyclable materials like plastic-coated paper or foam food ware. 

Go ahead and let that sink in as you take another sip from your Octaroma insulated travel mug without guilt.