The CamelBak Forge Coffee Mug Review
Do you enjoy drinking coffee on the go, especially during hikes, adventures, or sporty days out?
Then you need a durable travel mug with good heat retention.
Read our CamelBak Forge review to find out if this vacuum-insulated travel mug could be your next indispensable companion.
Summary: The CamelBak Forge Travel Coffee Mug
- Keeps coffee hot for up to 6 hours
- The leak-proof lid can be opened with one hand
- Finger carry loop to attach it to your gear
Self-sealing cap eliminates leaks with intuitive one-handed drink lever. It also flips open for easy cleaning and won’t collect gunk or grime.
– CamelBak
The CamelBak Forge Review
CamelBak claims that its Got Your Bak™ tagline is representation of who they are as a company. That’s why they test their products rigorously before it reaches you. Their passion for the outdoors clearly shows in products like the Forge travel mug. It might be tough on the outside, but can it keep your coffee hot inside?
Design – 4/5
Since the Camelbak Forge is made from the same outdoors equipment company that is famous for hydration packs (1), we’re not surprised that every element of its design fulfils the needs for practicality and durability, even on outdoor activities. (2)
Whether you’re a three-hour-walk-on-a-Sunday kind of person, or you’re more just-off-to-climb-Mt.-Everest-see-you-in-a-few-months, it’s always better with coffee.
This 16-oz travel mug (also available in a 12-oz size) is designed to fit most cup holders and has a finger carry loop to attach it to belts or rucksacks. The BPA-free plastic lid is ideal for sipping (it’s designed to be used with one hand, and it snaps right back into place!), while the body is durable 18/8 stainless steel. It also comes with an impact cap on the bottom, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping it!
While it’s a handy travel mug, in general, we believe that these particular features make it perfect for cyclists and sporty coffee lovers.
The only minor issue of its design is its narrow opening, meaning smaller sips. From an aesthetic point of view, the CamelBak Forge looks just like a regular travel mug, as the focus was on practicality rather than looks. It’s currently available in 11 coluors, so we’re sure you’ll fall in love with at least one of them!
Performance – 4.5/5
The double-walled stainless steel body doesn’t only guarantee durability, but it also keeps coffee hot from 4 to 6 hours, which is perfect when on the road or during long hikes!
Being a vacuum-insulated travel mug, it also prevents condensation. This means you can slip it into your backpack without worrying about anything getting wet.
The self-sealing cap is easy to use and completely leak-proof — always a plus when you’re drinking coffee on the go!
Along with the ease of one-handed operation, you can also lock the lid in an open position for frequent sipping. When the lid is unscrewed from the body, the self-sealing lever can be flipped open for cleaning, so there are no nooks or crannies for grime to collect in. We’re sure you’ll be happy to know that the CamelBak Forge is top-rack dishwasher safe, meaning easy cleaning, unlike the cheapest travel mugs.
Value For Money – 4/5
The CamelBak Forge is slightly more expensive than other travel mugs. However, it’s pretty much a purchase for life as it’s quite durable and comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. (3)
We should mention, though, you can sometimes find the CamelBak Forge for a significantly discounted price on their website. If you can find one for a few dollars more than a cheap travel mug, we highly recommend you pick one up.
Do Not Buy The CamelBak Forge If…

You need a larger caffeine fix – If you got excited about the stainless steel element and the leak-proof lid but realised that 16-oz is not enough to meet your caffeine needs, don’t panic. We recommend checking out the Zojirushi travel mug, which is available in a 20-oz size. Compared to the CamelBak, the Zojirushi mug is sleeker and keeps your coffee hot for longer. Here’s what we think about the Zojirushi travel mug.
You want a more stylish travel mug – If you are not worried about durability or insulation too much, and would rather go for a stylish travel mug, the KeepCup Brew Glass could be your next iconic style-statement. When we reviewed it, we found that it’s best suited for those who drink their coffee quickly.
You want to hit two birds with one stone – Do you like French Press coffee? The Espro Travel Press works as a French Press and a travel mug. It has a double-walled vacuum insulated stainless steel body and a dual-filter plunger, which means there won’t be grounds in your brew and your coffee will be kept hot for hours.
You want a tried and tested travel coffee mug for your outdoor adventures – The Stanley PMI company is synonymous with outdoor equipment. Their Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug is proven to be tough, long-lasting, and it keeps your coffee hot for hours. It doesn’t look as good as the Camelbak, and doesn’t have the same ease of carrying, but it performed very well in our in-depth review.
The Verdict On The CamelBak Forge Travel Coffee Mug – 4.2/5
While it might not be the most stylish travel mug, the CamelBak Forge doesn’t disappoint when it comes to performance and practicality, thanks to the prolonged heat retention and its ability to fit into most cup holders. Also, dishwasher safe materials mean easy cleaning, which is always a plus!

The finger-carry loop, the leak-proof lid with one-handed operation, and its impact cap make this travel mug particularly suitable for cyclists, frequent runners, or coffee-lovers who enjoy hiking or camping. The CamelBak Forge makes coffee on-the-go easier than ever!
References
- Felton, V. (2013, December 12). Bag to the Future — How CamelBak Changed The Way We All Ride. Retrieved from https://www.bikemag.com/gear-features/matter/matter-bag-to-the-future-original-camelbak/
- Newton, T & Guevara, J. (2016, October 20). Extreme Coffee: How To Brew In The Great Outdoors. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2016/10/extreme-coffee-how-to-brew-in-the-great-outdoors/
- (n.d.). CamelBak Warranty. Retrieved from https://www.camelbak.com/got-your-bak#