Stainless Mug Impressions

[Guyon]

I finally found the Ozark Trails stainless mugs.

My basis of comparison is the Olicamp Space Saver. I have an older version (without Olicamp embossing but with ounce marks) and a newer version (with Olicamp embossing and ounce marks). L to R with weight in ounces: new Olicamp (5.12 ounces), old Olicamp (5.69 ounces), Ozark Trails (5.17 ounces)

All the mugs have similar fold-out handles and hold 2 cups+ of liquid. I have three key impressions to share.

1) The Ozark Trails mug is a little bit larger in diameter. On both my Olicamps, when nesting a Nalgene (both plastic and stainless), the fit is tight enough that you have to slowly insert the bottle as the air escapes, and there's little to no rattle. With the Ozark Trail mug, there's a tiny bit of slop, and I have to put something in between to cut down rattle. I just use a half piece of a paper towel.

2) Unlike on the Olicamps (flat bottoms), the bottom of the Ozark Trails mug is recessed, similar I think to the GSI version of this mug. I don't own a GSI. However, in the rig I show below, I carry a stainless Nalgene nested into a stainless mug. I also carry a Gram Weenie Pro alcohol stove that is a perfect fit for the indention. This mate should give the mug a bit more stability on the stove.

3) Finally, the new Olicamp (with brand embossing) has the best fit and finish--mainly in the way that the fold-out handles fit the contour of the mug. You can see this characteristic in the next picture.

Here's what I wound up with, L to R: Stanley cookset nested in the newer Olicamp (requires a piece of paper towel to prevent rattle), standard Nalgene in older Olicamp (no rattle), stainless Nalgene guyot in Ozark Trails mug (paper towel buffer here as well).

I don't know if the GSI would be a tighter fit similar to the Olicamp mug. I might get one eventually and see. But the Ozark Trails mug is well worth the expense.

 

[baldtaco-II]

I've got a suggestion but whether it works for you or not is going to depend on how much slop you've got and the thickness of the donor vessel. In lieu of one of those purpose made rubber hot lips protector things you can cut a band off something else. Scouring the kitchenware section usually pays dividends. The donor vessel just needs to be some plastic container about the same size as the cup. Crucially it must be wider at the top than it is at the bottom, and with a top diameter bigger than the cup.................. Method: Stick plastic vessel in cup. The point at the rim where the plastic vessel is too big and jams is the interesting bit. That's going to be the middle of the band. Now just cut an inch wide hoop across the plastic vessel about the middle line we noted...............After brewing your coffee up just wedge that band in there. Stops the hot lips problem a treat. Because there is a step it isn't good down to the last dreg but the cup is cooler then so you'll probably have pulled it off. Double whammy if it size tunes the annoying slop rattle out.

 

[Rupestris]

:thumbup: Great post as usual.

I only have one GSI and the fit is lose on both a Nalgene and Guyot. I'll keep an eye out for the Ozark Trail just because the price isn't bad.

 

[TheGame]

I've seen them at Walmart but never bought one because I'm fond of my canteen cup. Everytime I see them I think about getting a couple just to put in various car kits. Maybe the next trip to Walmart.

 

[Murphnuge]

Thanks for posting, I just bought one for one of the kids. Kinda cheaper alternative to make sure they can handle their gear before I sink more cash into GSI.

 

[Bruceter]

I picked up one of these this weekend. The only downside I found so far is that the indentation on the bottom won't let it sit on top of a pop-can stove. The rim of the can hits the angled part of the dent and the cup will tilt to the side and won't stay on the stove. I'm thinking of trying to make a stove out of a Fosters can to remedy that problem.

Bruceter

 

[thurin]

I picked up a couple of the Ozark Trails mugs a few days ago. As Guyon states, it nest well with the Stanley Camp Set. Just a little loose. For the price, I couldn't pass them up.

 

[Tommythewho]

This is the stainless mug all the cool cats have