In our search for the best thermoses on the market, we considered all types: from tacklebox classics to modern drink movers. We narrowed it down to the best-of-the-best according to durability, leakproofness, heat retention, and capacity. And before were done, 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.

　　Whether you’re heading out for a day of hunting, ice fishing, or enjoying the solitude of a winter trail, a good thermos can make even the coldest of days feel enjoyable. Legacy vessels like the Stanley Classic Legendary have been doing it for more than a century now, but even modern budget options like the Thermos Stainless King can hold heat for hours.

　　Our experts have toted close to 20 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 Price Value section to break down just what makes a good thermos tick. And finally, use our Comparison Chart to go apples to apples on your next thermos.

　　Editors Note: We updated this guide on October 25, 2024, to add five new excellent thermoses from industry leaders like Stanley and YETI and an updated Price Value section.

　　The Best Thermoses of 2024-2025 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 On-the-Go Coffee Thermos: YETI Rambler Hotshot Bottle Best Food Thermos: Hydro Flask Food Jar Best Thermos Mug: YETI Rambler Mug Best Overall Thermos 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 Impressive thermal retention Collapsible handle is broad and easy to grip Leakproof in any orientation Durable 0.7 mm thick walls Classic styling Cons Somewhat heavy at over 2 pounds Uninsulated cap isnt the perfect thermal solution Meg Carney You can’t quite beat a classic, and the Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle ($50) has it in the name. Its been a top contender for thermoses since its release in 1913, and while there have been updates to the design since then, one thing holds true: The vacuum insulation can keep liquids hot or cold for up to 40 hours and holds ice for 144 hours. This thermos has long legs when it comes to thermal longevity.

　　True, its a tad heavier than some of its counterparts on the market at over 2 pounds, but there are numerous reasons Stanley has been used for generations. For one, the double-wall vacuum insulation is simply reliable, and in our testing kept hot water at 157.5 degrees F after a full 24 hours — only 3 degrees shy of the top spot (also held by a Stanley).

　　The handle on the side makes it easy to carry and pour, even while wearing gloves. The lid doubles as a cup, so if the contents are too hot to drink directly from the thermos, pour the contents into the lid to cool faster. We will note, however, that this lid and screw-cap design is uninsulated, and thus not the perfect thermal solution like that on the high-end Stanley Forge. That bottle is about $25 more expensive than the Classic, however, and its tough to distinguish a difference in temperature retention alone.

　　This classic Hammertone green thermos holds about 2 quarts of liquid, but is also available in 1, 1.5, and 2.5-quart versions for everything from dipping a line in just for the morning to holding hot coffee all weekend. No matter the size of the Classic you choose, itll be durable, won’t rust, and is BPA-free. Not only that, but if you close the lid correctly, you can guarantee this thermos will be leakproof. That means no worries about tossing this bad boy into a pack on a hike.

　　$51 at Stanleycheck price at backcountry Best Budget Thermos Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz Specs Capacity 1.2 L (40 fl. oz.) Weight 1 lb., 9 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 Collapsible handle folds smaller than most Cons The lid cup and seal may need to be replaced after a few years Thermos walls feel a little lighter than most; finish can chip Meg Carney Another widely known and trusted brand in the thermos world is, well, Thermos. With a name like that, it would be hard to imagine anything but quality, and at less than $40, the Thermos Stainless King does it without rifling through your pockets too deep. This thermos is designed to function as a holder for hot or cold liquids, and the brand has food-specific thermoses as well, but this 40-ounce thermos is the best coffee thermos in its line.

　　Thermoss patented vacuum insulation keeps liquids hot or cold for 24 hours, and the bottles are designed to keep the exterior temperature lower, making them easy to hold. This also prevents the bottle from sweating when holding cold liquids in the summer months. Compared to the top dogs in our temperature test, the Stainless King only came out 10 degrees shy of the top numbers — an impressive feat.

　　As with other brands of thermoses, the Thermos King’s lid doubles as a cup. To make pouring easier and to maintain liquid temperature longer, Thermos integrated a clever twist and pour spout that lets you pour out the liquid without removing the stopper. The 18/8 stainless steel design is also industry-standard, but did feel a bit thinner in our hands, and was marginally easier to ding versus other thick-skinned thermoses.

　　This stainless steel thermos is easy to use, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe. It may not have the absolute highest heat retention, but its a top-quality pick, especially because of the budget pricing. For $30, you may also consider the 1-liter Stanley Adventure To-Go Bottle — a proven vessel with slightly better heat retention — but a bit heavier overall and lacking any type of handle.

　　If you know youre going to be wailing on your drinkware and dont want to invest too much, the 40 ounce Stainless King is the perfect balance of budget and functionality in a thermos.

　　$30 at Amazon Most Versatile Thermos 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 design with two sections of double-wall vacuum Versatile design Easy for sharing or brewing up different drinks Included silicone lid for second cup Cons Small liquid capacity Heavy for size Meg Carney CamelBak really upped the ante with its versatile MultiBev ($52) thermos design. This two-in-one thermos is both a thermos-style water bottle and an insulated travel cup. Unlike many other thermos cups that double as the lid, this thermos travel cup portion is the base, and it comes with a roll-up silicone lid.

　　The CamelBack MultiBev bottle lid has a small compartment underneath the handle to hold the travel cup’s foldable silicone lid. If you don’t plan to use the lid, that compartment is big enough to hold a tea bag or a handful of nuts. This unique design seems most applicable to working people looking for travel coffee mugs that can also function as water bottles.

　　Both the upper bottle and lower cup are vacuum-insulated; however, when screwed together, this does create a sizable uninsulated area between the two vessels. This is our best guess as to why the temperature test numbers for this bottle were a bit below the highest temps we saw after 24 hours. Still, 100 degrees is right in the middle of the pack. No slouch, but also no standout.

　　The overall capacity isn’t that large, and its heavy for holding just over 20 ounces, so its not the best option for snowshoeing or hiking. Still, the MultiBev is a durable design that keeps liquids hot or cold for extended periods and is perfect for sharing. If the versatile nature appeals to you but need a bit more space, consider snagging a smaller 12 fl. oz. Hydro Flask Food Jar for your snacks, and a small thermos like the YETI Rambler Hotshot or Zojirushi SM-TA48.

　　But for an all-in-one option? The MultiBev is just dang handy. We used it extensively this autumn to carry hot water to work with us, along with a selection of teas and broths, which allowed us to enjoy whatever struck our fancy.

　　check price at backcountry Most Durable Thermos 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 Non-collapsible handle wont be everyones favorite Meg Carney “Unbreakable” is a dirty word in gear testing, and as such, the Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle ($72) — dubbed as unbreakable by the brand — arrived as sort of a challenge to what we know about a good thermos. Looking suspiciously like our favorite Stanley Classic, this beefed-up version gains 1.0 mm thick walls, a rigid handle, and a promise of undying longevity. 

　　So does it keep that promise? After running it over with our trucks, sinking it to the bottom of the bay, and plinking it with .22 caliber shot, this thermos might not be unbreakable — but it’s damn near. Our stress testing was obviously overkill, but it proves the point well enough. This is a lifetime purchase and then some.

　　The Forge uses the same proven 18/8 stainless steel used in the rest of the Stanely line, but bumps the thickness up to 1.0 mm over the 0.7 of most other bottles. This doesn’t seem like much, but it increases the dent-proofing by a good margin. So much so that we went back for seconds after rolling over it with our pickup.

　　Behind those walls is another upgrade: QuadVac insulation, which adds an additional copper lining and foil sheet within the vacuum chamber. The idea here is to limit radiant heat transfer, and is a bit of a new spin on an old idea. OG Stanley bottles had something called “Char-Vac,” where charcoal dust was packed into the vacuum insulation, and the result is the same with QuadVac: a claimed — and proven — 40-hour heat retention. 

　　All that extra durability has to even out on another scale, and in the Forge Bottle, it’s weight. Compared to the most similar 1.5-quart Stanley Classic thermos, this 1.4-quart bottle gains an extra pound of heft for the armor cladding. Fully loaded with brew, this is one heavy beverage container, and only the Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle was close to a similar weight — but has more internal volume.

　　But even so, you can rest easy knowing that whether its rolling around in your truck bed, submerged in the bilge of your fishing boat, or clanking around in your toolbox, the Forge Thermal Bottle was made to last. Buy this thermos if you plan on giving it to your grandchildren one day.

　　$72 at REI Best On-the-Go Coffee Thermos YETI Rambler Hotshot Bottle Specs Capacity 0.53 L (18 fl. oz.) Weight 1 lbs., 1 oz. Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free Temperature Retention Test 149 F after 24 hours Cleaning Dishwasher safe Best For Solo missions, day hikes, EDC, traveling

　　Pros It can fit in a lot of cupholders, but not all 360-degree HotShot drinking cap Five-year warranty The perfect size Cons Cap will leak if not properly tightened Bit of a chore to clean with four seals Meg Carney YETI has made quite a name for itself in the world of coolers, but the brands drinkware is top-notch as well. A fine example of this is the YETI Rambler Hotshot ($30) insulated bottle which is perfect for everyday carry as well as random solo missions in the outdoors. Currently available in seven colors, the Hotshot doesn’t have your typical removable thermos lid cup. Instead, you drink directly through the lid at all degrees of approach — perfect for on-the-go sipping.

　　Out of all of the vessels we tested, the HotShot was the only one that didn’t come with a heat retention claim. However, after 24 hours, the contents were still at 149 F, which is right in the middle of the sweet spot for tea and coffee drinking. In fact, this is one of the best travel-centric insulated bottles we’ve ever had our tea out of. And that includes all of the bottles we went through back in the day when we had to commute to the office every morning!

　　At only 18 ounces, the HotShot is easy to stuff in your pack, bag, water bottle pocket, or carry along with you. This is the one bottle we chose to take with us on both outdoor and indoor adventures and we found it to be perfect for an afternoon at the library with the kids. For that excursion, we swapped out the tea for some hot chocolate, and it kept the kids even-keeled throughout the afternoon.

　　Fair warning, even though the HotShot cap does provide 360 degrees of drinkability, the cap can be a little tough to securely tighten. This will lead to leakage but can be eliminated if you remember to really give it hell when you’re tightening it closed. A small thermos like the Zojirushi SM-TA48 will have a more secure lid (with a locking feature), but wont be as quick to sip from or leave open, like the Hotshot.

　　For on-the-go coffee sipping, it’s hard to do better than the Rambler HotShot. Check out the 12 ounce size for espresso drinkers, and the 18 ounce size for drinks to last your entire commute.

　　$30 at Amazoncheck price at yeti Best Food Thermos 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 Multiple sizes available Compact design with low-profile lid Lightweight at less than a pound Durable design with rubberized lid and base Lifetime warranty Cons Not much usable capacity in the 8- and 12-fluid-ounce sizes Long-term temperature retention will go room temp after 24 hours Meg Carney Nothing beats a hot lunch on a cold day out in the backcountry. But if you’re not lugging in a huge thermos, how will you get your soup out there? The Hydro Flask Food Jar ($35) solved that problem as a functional, compact container made specifically for food.

　　The TempShield double insulation keeps your soups or stews hot for hours, and in our testing, it held tough with the other food-specific vessels like the Thermos Funtainer before dropping below the 136-degree threshold at around the 3-hour mark. It isn’t just ideal for cold weather, though. The container is a perfect size for a fresh fruit salad in the summer. Its fully leakproof when closed correctly, and has an air valve to ensure no internal vacuum builds as food cools, making it a packable container for any trek.

　　While this insulated jar is made in four different sizes — 8, 12, 20, and 28 fluid ounces — we find that the latter two sizes are fairly small for fitting much into. The 20- and 28-fluid-ounce jars fit a respectable amount of soup, but the smaller sizes may be better suited to snacks. The long-term temperature retention was also a bit lacking on the Food Jar — hitting room temp by 24 hours — so aim to tuck into your soup before lunch.

　　Unlike a standard thermos, the Hydro Flask Food Jar is designed more like a bowl to provide a wide-mouth opening for ease while eating. Compared to more narrow-necked hot food vessels like the Maxso Insulated Thermoses, we vastly prefered eating directly out of the Hydro Flask jars. The tradeoff is in heat retention, so if you want to save some broth later in the day, the Maxso pack makes sense.

　　For autumn soups on the go (as well as mini charcuterie selections), the Hydro Flask Food Jars are our go-to for lunch out on the trails.

　　$40 at REIcheck price at backcountry Best Thermos Mug 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 Wide handle will accommodate gloves Cons Not 100% leakproof lid Lesser heat retention over the long run Meg Carney The YETI Rambler Mug ($30) took all the benefits of a classic thermos and put them into a trusty coffee mug. This Rambler Mug gives cabin retreats and backcountry camping ventures the perfect morning start by ensuring that your coffee stays hot and your tea is a continuously warm treat each night.

　　Since our initial testing, YETI has now upgraded the Rambler Mug to include their MagSlider lid, a hot or cold liquid-ready lid that uses magnets to help seal in your drink. It still isn’t 100% leakproof, but now greatly increases its spill protection. And yes, YETI kept the price the same. We will urge a full cleaning to strip the rubber O-ring after each use, however, as liquid likes to hide here, and frequent washings will keep this mug funk-free.

　　The 14-ounce mug is made from stainless steel with a DuraCoat finish, adding to its durability and preventing sweating when holding cold beverages. Because YETI designed the Rambler as a mug, the lid doesnt provide the best heat retention, and after a full 24-hour test our coffee was stone cold. But to its credit, this mug did keep brew at 157 degrees for up to an hour, which is easily longer than any of us can slowly sip a cuppa joe (and for coffee snobs, still above the ideal range to serve your mug at — 136-150 degrees F).

　　For commutes where we wont be using a cupholder (such as a 2-stroke-powered jog out to our favorite fishing hole), the Rambler Mug holds the pole position in our books, and when combined with a larger thermos like the Stanley Classic Legendary, the combo is nigh-unstoppable in providing toasty beverages all day long. When cupholders are obligated, we tend to gravitate toward the Hotshot bottle, but for enjoying a cup of joe in a cup — the Mug is where its at.

　　$30 at REIcheck price at yeti Best of the Rest Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle Specs Capacity 0.60 L. (20 fl. oz.) Weight 1 lbs., 4.3 oz. Materials Recycled 0.7 mm 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free Temperature Retention Test 175 F after 24 hours Cleaning Dishwasher safe Best for Commuting, hiking, camping

　　Pros Old-school good looks (especially in the Hammertone green) Impressive temperature retention Smaller sizes can slip into water bottle pockets Cork inlay on thermos plug is good-looking Cons Hammertone finish can be a bit slick No handle on the 20 oz. and 1.1 qt bottles, which can cause the bottle to roll Meg Carney The Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle ($45) is 20 ounces of nostalgia. Available in Hammertone Green and Black Moon, the Artisan is a fantastic balance between form and function. It’s sized right to be carried along in your bag or water bottle pocket, and won’t wince if you drop it on the trail and it rolls around for a while. The stainless steel cap/cup holds 8 ounces of liquid at a time which makes it perfect for a break on a trail, at the office, or between classes.

　　Unlike the Stanley Classic Legendary, the Artisan doesn’t have a handle, but we didn’t see it as a problem in terms of carrying or pouring. With that being the case, there’s no way to hang the bottle off anything. It needs to go in your pack or pocket or you’re going to have to carry it around. In either case, when filled to capacity, the Artisan only weighs a little over 2 lbs, which is nominal at best.

　　Stanley makes some wild claims about the Artisan. Where most of the other bottles we tested only had claims about keeping their contents hot for up to 24-hours, Stanley boasted that the Artisan would go a full 35-hours before the contents started to cool off. They were correct, as the temperature was still at 171 F at the 35-hour mark. 

　　In terms of durability, Stanley makes bottles meant to last a lifetime. If they were good enough to be carried around jobsites, factories, and campsites 100 years ago, there’s not much reason to believe a bottle like the Artisan couldn’t stand up to some serious use and abuse for years to come. Having dropped it a few times during the course of testing, we can attest that you’ve got nothing to worry about in terms of durability.

　　In the end, its a propensity to roll that keeps the Artisan series a notch lower than the Classic Legendary bottles. When chucked in the footwell of our trucks, the Artisan had a tendancy to work its way into a slosh, where the handled thermos stayed put. Even still, the good looks are undeniable, and if youve got a classic lunchbox to toss it in, the Artisan makes the grade.

　　$50 at Stanley 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 Meg Carney With a history of creating high-quality vacuum bottles since 1923, Zojirushi is a market leader in insulated vessels, and the Stainless Mug SM-TA48 ($30) is proof positive that they can make one heck of a good thermos.

　　Made to exacting specifications, the beauty is in the details with the SM-TA48 Stainless Mug. The double-wall design is coated on the interior with a nonstick ceramic coating, which not only makes cleaning a breeze and protects against corrosion, but adds an additional layer of thermal retention, much like the glass-lined thermoses of old.

　　The lid is ingeniously designed and easily the favorite in our review, opening with a two-step release that locks out of the way for simple sipping.

　　There’s also a safety lock that ensures that your piping hot beverages stay where they should en route. Because it is a more involved lid, you’ll want to clean it after every use. You also, unfortunately dont get a lid that doubles as a cup here, so sipping will be the one way to enjoy your beverage.

　　Our tester lent his Zojirushi thermos to a coworker who was headed to climb Denali and later reported still-hot results from the summit of North America. We saw similar temperature retention numbers in our own bench testing (only dipping below 136 degrees after a full 12 hours), so its safe to say that the SM-TA48 Stainless Mug can keep your cuppa warm wherever you might go.

　　We find this bottle in between the YETI Rambler Hotshot and the Contigo Byron 2.0, where the Hotshot is easier to drink from on-the-go (the flip-up lid of the Zojirushi makes it off-balance), and the Bryon didnt have the best long-term heat retention numbers. Choose this thermos if you want impressive warmth over time, but take your time to enjoy the brew as well.

　　$30 at Amazon 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 morning long, car cupholders, being on-the-go

　　Pros Fits in most cupholders Multiple design options Decent heat retention for morning coffee Rubberized grip stays in hand well Cons Plastic lid can hold onto flavors Lid has the potential to open inside of a bag Not a super durable exterior coating Meg Carney Unlike the standard travel coffee mug, the Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug ($17) is designed with a SnapSeal lid to make the seal leakproof and keep coffee hot longer. In our leak testing, we found the claim to be true

　　The most popular size for the Contigo Travel Mug may seem small, but Contigo makes 16-, 20-, and 24-ounce size options. To further add to consumer design choices, Contigo gives you the option to have a handle, grip, or neither. We most appreciated the low profile of this mug when it came to commuting, where the Byron 2.0 slotted easily into any cup holder.

　　During our durability testing, we did find that this insulated mug didnt have the most durable outer coating, which chipped a bit more than we expected when toppled from our truck tailgate. But the Contigo redeemed itself during the temperature test, where it held above the prime coffee drinking temp for four hours — twice as long as the YETI Rambler Mug.

　　It still wont hold heat as long as the large thermoses, but for a commuter coffee mug, thats plenty long in our books. We tend to enjoy the 360 degree sipping lid of the YETI Hotshot for most of our commuting these days, but for far less money, the Contigo makes a great case for itself.

　　The high-quality stainless-steel body is BPA-free and insulated well enough to keep liquids warm for up to 7 hours and cold for 18 hours. The lid on the Byron 2.0 Mug is plastic, so be aware that sometimes the flavors may overlap if you drink tea and coffee in the same mug.

　　$16 at Amazon Stanley Adventure To-Go Thermal Bottle Specs Capacity 1.3 L. (44 fl. oz.) Weight 1 lb., 11.7 oz. Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free Temperature Retention Test 186 F after 24 hours Cleaning Dishwasher safe Best for Sharing, all-day sipping, backpacking

　　Pros Modern design with classic heat retention Cup is insulated design Pour-through stopper works well to meter out drinks Wide variety of colors available Cons The cap is easy to cross-thread Bottle is a bit wide for smaller hands to grasp Meg Carney First and foremost, if you’ve got small paws, keep scrolling — the Stanley Adventure To-Go Thermal Bottle ($35) is going to be too much bottle for you to handle on the go. However, if you’re stationary and have both hands free, you may just love this bottle as much as we did. Especially considering that the Adventure To-Go has a pour-through stopper that makes it easy to control the flow of the liquid you’re pouring.

　　Touted as being Stanley’s largest bottle in the series, this Adventure To-Go bottle can carry up to 44 ounces of your favorite liquid and keep it warm well past 24 hours. Like the Stanley Forge Thermal, the lid on this thermos is also vacuum insulated, and coming in at 186 F after 24 hours, this bottle was one of the highest rated in terms of temperature retention. A couple of people could easily rely on the Adventure To-Go to supply them with hot java throughout the day in the outdoors.

　　The smooth finish and the absence of a carry handle make the Adventure To-Go a little more cumbersome to manage and carry. And at 5 pounds at capacity, it can prove to be a little bit heavy for some. But we found that once you slide it into your pack, due to its slender profile, the bottle slips away amongst your gear.

　　Overall, however, the Adventure To-Go makes a great companion once you get to where you’re going. This thermos is the modern to the classic Artisan bottle, and lands just below the Classic Legendary in our rankings (mostly due to the lack of handle). Leaving it on a tree stump all day and going back to it to access more bean juice proved to be the perfect way to handle this modern take on a Stanley classic.

　　$30 at Stanley 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 Good heat retention over the long run Air-purge valve means theyre easy to open at all temperatures Integrated spoon Nonslip base design Cons Can be difficult to clean threads on lid Only one spoon included Mouth isnt the widest for eating directly from the thermos Meg Carney Maxso 2-Pack Insulated Thermoses ($37) are the perfect lunch companions for soup on and off the trail. The size and functionality of each can give you the confidence to store these anywhere in your pack or lunchbox.

　　Theyre vacuum-insulated to keep food hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 24 hours. The top lid doubles as a bowl for eating, and the air-pressure-sealing lid secures the food within the thermos. With an updated design, a foldable spoon fits into the sealing lid.

　　While we did enjoy the all-in-one aspect of this thermos set, we found that in practice eating something like soup from the lid can be tough to clean from the threads. Be sure to bring along a way to give it a quick swipe before stowing. Eating directly from the vessel is better, and while the mouth isnt as wide as the Hydro Flask Food Jars, its still manageable. We tend to reach for the Food Jars more often for day hike snacks, and these thermoses when we need soup or broth for dinner.

　　Theres one larger and one smaller thermos in the two-pack, and it comes with one foldable spoon. The containers are designed with a nonslip bottom and an easy-open air-pressure system that even your kids could get used to. For the price, the Maxso 2-Pack are excellent thermoses for soups and drinks alike.

　　$37 at Amazon Klean Kanteen TKPro Insulated Thermos Specs Capacity 0.95 L (32 fl. oz.) Weight 1 lb., 6.25 oz. Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free Temperature Retention Test 182 F after 24 hours Cleaning Hand wash Best for Sharing, All-day sipping, hiking, commuting

　　Pros Leakproof in any orientation Proprietary threading for thermal performance and pouring Grippy matte finish Cup is vacuum-insulated Cons Unique cap threading can be a bit annoying in the dark A bit heavy for the size No handle Meg Carney Some of these bottles were designed to meet industry standards, but the Klean Kanteen TKPro Insulated Thermos ($50) took the assignment to the next level. How so? Well, how about the fact that the TKPro is rated to keep liquids warm for a whopping 38 hours? And does! Klean Kanteen also claims that it’ll keep liquid ice cold for up to 100 hours. That’s a challenge we’ll have to take on this summer for sure.

　　The TKPro features a really gnarly (pun intended) thread pattern for its cap and cup. We listed it as a pro and a con because when it works, it’s awesome (serious ASMR), but we found that in the cold and dark of night it took a little too much fumbling around to get it to close properly. Even still, it’s well-balanced — if you can see what you’re doing, you’ll do just fine.

　　Theres no getting around that the TKPro is big. In fact, it shares its diameter with the Stanley Adventure To-Go Thermal Bottle. But the big difference between the two bottles is that the TKPro has a grippy, matte finish that makes it easier to get a handle on — wet or dry. That Klean Coat finish is designed for use and abuse, and even though you’ll probably end up carrying the TKPro in your pack, it won’t mind getting dropped and rolling down a couple of rock screes.

　　After 24 hours of sitting in a below-freezing shed, the Klean Kanteen TKPro was still pouring at 182 F which is more than enough as well as an indication that you could more than likely expect to be drinking warm tea from it 48 hours in. If the cap design appeals to you, this thermos is a great option.

　　$50 at AmazonCheck price at klean kanteen 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 makes for easy eating Lightweight design in small sizes Leakproof for lunchbox carrying Lid is easy for kiddos to get open Cons Poor heat retention Seal may need replacing Plastic lid and latch dont feel the most robust Meg Carney Utilizing the classic Thermos design in a smaller package, the Funtainer is perfect for kids. The Funtainer ($17) is a 10-ounce food jar for kids to pack in a lunch and is available in multiple designs and patterns. It will keep food cold for up to 7 hours or hot for 5 hours while the containers exterior remains cool enough for your kids to handle.

　　The Funtainer has an extra-wide opening for food to make it easy for kids to eat directly from the container. They’re vacuum-insulated and use BPA-free materials, making them leakproof and easy to clean. Plus, this kid-friendly thermos comes with a packable folding spoon.

　　The downside, here, is that heat retention isnt exceptional — passing the 136 degrees threshold just after four hours — and that the plastic lid and lock mechanism felt cheaper and more liable to breaking. If you pack a school lunch for your kids every day, this thermos is the perfect size for a lunchbox. Just note it won’t regulate hot food temperature well if put in a lunchbox with an ice pack.

　　$15 at Amazon Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle Specs Capacity 2 L (18 fl. oz.) Weight 2 lbs. Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free Temperature Retention Test 191 F after 24 hours Cleaning Dishwasher safe Best for Sharing, expeditions to Everest, NASA missions

　　Pros Comes with a second cup for sharing Easy pour spout Carry handle Five-year warranty Cons Massive size can be tough to carry around On the more expensive side Meg Carney Ground control to Major Tom — we found your thermos, it was on an expedition to Everest. With a capacity of 2 liters, the Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle ($72) is one of the largest stature bottles that we put through the wringer. It’s also the largest in volume which makes the Zojirushi perfect for sharing. But what’s more, it looks like a classic thermos bottle, if NASA designed it.

　　One shining feature of the Zojirushi is its easy-pour spout that allows you to keep the cap on the bottle and preserve the internal temperature. In testing, the temperature of the contents dropped the least out of the batch we tested — coming in at 191 degrees after 24 hours of living out in the cold. Coupled with the collapsable grab handle, you can be sure that you won’t spill even a drop when pouring, even with gloves on.

　　Probably overkill for a day hike or for traveling, the Zojirushi is the perfect bottle for sharing or extended expeditions. If not both. The secondary drinking cup, stored under the primary cup, is the chef’s kiss, allowing whomever you’re with to have their own means of drinking whatever delicious elixir you carry around in it. 

　　With its non-stick liner and wide mouth opening, we found that the Zojirushi is best suited for carrying around soups and stews. At 13 tall with a diameter of 5”, the bottle is pretty big, but considering some of the other food-carrying containers out there on the market today, this stainless steel tube can slip into your pack without being unruly. That said, we’re still puzzled as to how the cap seemed to lock into the same position every time without cross-threading or getting misaligned. That’s science for you!

　　Theres a reason this thermos comes with an over-shoulder strap, and its the sheer size. We feel that this thermos is just a bit too large for everyday use, but if you need to port around hot drinks for an exceptionally long time, this could well be the thermos to do it with.

　　check price at zojirushi Thermos Comparison Chart

　　Our in-house temperature testing aimed to replicate real-life scenarios. So we chucked the thermoses out in our shed; (photo/Nick Belcaster) How We Tested the Best 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.

　　Field Testing 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 and Eastern seaboard, testing the thermoses both outdoors and on our commute to work. We tapped trail crew leaders to supply long days in the hills with warm drinks, fisherfolk to fuel their early A.M. splashes, and weekend warriors to tote along a lunchtime pick-me-up on their day hikes.

　　Keeping a drink warm until lunch is essential during colder-weather hikes; (photo/Nick LeFort) Bench Testing Our Temperature Retention Test is the big show when it comes to our thermos testing, and it is an endurance race across 24 hours to see which vessels can hold their heat the longest. Weve been conducting this test for three years running now, and we average our data across time to ensure we have as accurate a picture as possible.

　　Our testing also didnt end with simple temperature testing, as youve 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 wont be going anywhere but with you when you need them.

　　Why You Should Trust Us 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 doesnt 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.

　　Nick LeFort, who’s been testing and reviewing knives and gear professionally for more than a decade, agreed to help us test out a handful of the insulated bottles on this list. LeFort, who is known for spending more time in the woods than in his own home, took on the task of hiking around New England making sure these bottles could be used, abused, and stand up to their manufacturer’s claims. He also pulled an old-school all-nighter to help out with the Temperature Retention Test.

　　In the lab; (photo/Erika Courtney) 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 200-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 40 and 50 degrees F, but all thermoses fare the same treatment. Once completed, we average our findings over previous results.

　　Thermos Test Results

　　*Temperatures averaged over 3 consecutive years tested The Ideal Coffee Drinking Temperature While a few things didnt surprise us during our testing (we knew there was a reason Grandpa loved hisStanley), 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 well call the Classics — the Stanley Classic, Thermos Stainless King, Stanley Forge, Klean Kanteen TK Pro, Stanley Artisan, Zojirushi Tuff Sports, and Stanley Adventure To-Go bottles. These thermoses were in it for the long haul, and were all able to stay above 150 degrees for a full 24 hours. Thats 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 YETI Rambler Hotshot, Zojirushi SM-TA84, Maxso bottles, and CamelBak MultiBev, 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 only need to stay warm long enough for day trips or commutes.

　　And finally, the Foodies are comprised mostly of thermoses that carry things like hot soups, but also include the wide-mouth YETI Rambler Mug, as well as the Hydro Flask Food Jar and Contigo Byron. 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.

　　Large and in-charge thermoses like the Stanley Classic led the pack in our temperature testing; (photo/Erika Courtney) 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 theStanley Classic Legendary Bottle,are born-and-bred thermoses, while the YETI Rambler Hotshot could be used for both chilled or toasty beverages.

　　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 thebest insulated water bottles.

　　There’s a thermos for every kind of adventure; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Capacity Determining your thermos capacity needs comes down to two factors: the intended activity and if you’re sharing. Liquid weight adds up fast and though we always recommend you take a little more than you think you need, we don’t mean another 32 ounces.

　　If you’re heading out for a day of ice fishing, lugging out a Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle 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 theCamelBak MultiBevor YETI Rambler Hotshot will suffice.

　　If you can’t decide, or your plans or a little more open-ended, we recommend the sweet spot of 32 ounces. Something in that range won’t be too big or too small. Most water bottle pockets found on day and multi-day packs are designed for 32 ounce bottles. With that being the case, the Klean Kanteen TKPro Insulated Thermos, Stanley Adventure To-Go Thermal Bottle, or the Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle would be the right choice in this situation.

　　The CamelBak MultiBev thermos sports a unique split capacity design that allows for casual sipping from a smaller mug; (photo/Nick Belcaster) 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, glass, or ceramic, making it the standard for quality thermos brands.

　　Vacuum insulation also aids in the durability of these vessels. Instead of having something with two thin plastic layers surrounding a foam core, these bottles have two steel walls that are designed to take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

　　In our in-house temperature testing, we found that there’s a reason your grandpa loved his Stanley so much. TheStanley 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 theStanley Classic Legendary and Adventure To-Go bottles.

　　The double-wall vacuum construction is what keeps your beverages toasty after a long hike or day of fishing; (photo/Nick Belcaster) 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. They also need a little TLC over time to make sure that they’re functioning properly. 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.

　　In regards to whats going on inside, all of these containers are BPA-free. They may have a stainless steel inner wall or it could be some other type of liner. Whichever it is, it’s important to make sure you’re cleaning these bottles out regularly. If you’re putting anything else besides water inside of them, it is very important to make sure you’re cleaning them out after each adventure.

　　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.

　　The Stanley Forge line is essentially a beefed-up version of the brands Classic thermos, with thicker steel walls and hard-mounted handles; (photo/Nick Belcaster) 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 theStanley 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 food-grade silicone 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.

　　The deep integrated cup of the Thermos Stainless King is a joy to sip from; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Other thermos lids, like that of theContigo Travel Mug, are more like a travel coffee container lid. They should have a silicone 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.

　　Additionally, and this is common with food containers like the Thermos Funtainer, make sure that the silicone gasket is in good working order. Over time these will break down, that’s just their nature. When they do, they’ll need to be replaced so that the bottle can retain heat and keep from leaking.

　　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.

　　It’s easy to sip on the Contigo Travel Mug with the SnapSeal lid; (photo/Nick Belcaster) 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.

　　Food-oriented thermoses like the Thermos Funtainer often come with foldable spoons for quick and easy lunches; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Price Value A good thermos can be considered an investment, but you certainly dont need to spring for the priciest one to get some solid performance. Price is mostly related to relative volume when it comes to thermoses, but improved thermal retention also comes into play. Theres a reason the Stanley Forge Thermal bottle is north of $70, while the same-sized Stanley Adventure To-Go bottle is half the price: pure performance.

　　Budget Your budget thermoses can still do a dang good job, and will still be made with the same vacuum insulation and 18/8 stainless steel that the top performers are. The difference, mostly, will be in the trim, such as lesser quality caps and cups, and less easy-to-use handles. The $39 Thermos Stainless King was still able to hit 150 degrees F after 24 hours in our temperature test, but does ding a bit easier than top-shelf Stanleys.

　　Youll also find that smaller vessels for commuting or a single cup of coffee will be cheaper, with the YETI Rambler Hotshot Bottle ($30), Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug ($17) and Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48 ($30) all being notable examples. These thermoses are cheaper simply because they hold less liquid, but if you only need a warm beverage in the morning, it can make good sense to snag one.

　　Mid-Tier Bumping up to $40-50 gets you into the legacy bottles, with big names like Stanley and CamelBak being commonplace. These vessels lean on a long history, as well as a good bit of tech, to hit impressive numbers when it comes to holding heat in. Most every thermos we tested over $50 was able to stay above 150 degrees F after 24 hours (with the exception of the $52 CamelBak MultiBev— where the price comes from the versatile nature).

　　The $50 Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle is just about everything we think anyone might need in an all-day thermos — impressive heat retention, a solid build, and an easy-to-clean design that wont accumulate funk. The Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle ($45) is a riff on an older school design, and while you dont get a handle here, the looks are what separates this thermos from the pack.

　　Premium Paying $70+ for a thermos means youll be giving it to your grandkids, which is saying something. These thermoses pull out all of the stops and will go the extra mile by using vacuum-insulated cups, thicker steel walls, and integrated rubber overlays to shield from damage. The Stanley Master Forge Thermal Bottle ($72) is all of this and was also the winner of our heat retention test for the third year in a row.

　　Dont count out mondo-sized drink haulers, either, like the Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle ($72), which has almost as impressive heat retention abilities and a very refined lid system that makes pouring a breeze.

　　Theres a wide variety of thermoses on the market, so key in on the features youre after to decide on the right one for you; (photo/Nick LeFort) Frequently Asked Questions What are the best thermos cups? 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.

　　How can I best clean a thermos flask? 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.

　　Which thermos stays hot the longest? 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.

　　What is the best thermos for kids? 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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