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Klean Kanteen reinvented its drinkware collection a while back, switching over from an older (like much older) design to a considerably more modern design with its Rise Collection. While the 12oz camp mug that I am reviewing (and was gifted to me by the brand) is not a part of that collection, much of the design influence has made its way over to this, and I am oh-so-thankful for that.
I have been using this camp mug for months now, and it continues to be my favorite mug, not only for its cool mountain design but also because it’s the perfect camp mug for my Aeropress Go (among other things).
In this article, I’ll be going through everything you need to know about this mug: what I like about it, what I don’t like about it, and exactly who it is for!
Table of Contents
What is it the 12oz Camp Mug?
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- It's ever-so durable
- The opening is perfect for my Aeropress Go
- I really like the mountain artwork
- Nearly perfect capacity
- Lid is open to the elements
- It's high price point
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Construction: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The 12 oz Camp Mug is the smallest mug in Klean Kanteen’s inventory! It handles up to 12 ounces of coffee (as the name suggests) and is made of 18/8 stainless steel. As for covering up the coffee, and helping it maintain the heat, you have a plastic lid with an open hole (rather than a closeable lid). You can buy the mug in six different colors, of which two include an awesome mountain landscape (at the expense of $2 extra).
As for cleaning, it is dishwasher safe (which I have tested extensively) and is chip-resistant due to its thick paint. Now, does all that stack up to be an awesome mug? Let’s see.
What do I like about the mug?
1. It’s ever-so durable
Most of you likely have used a Yeti if you are at all interested in this Klean Kanteen. That also means you have already experienced similar materials and durability as this Klean Kanteen has. Its 18/8 stainless steel is difficult to damage, and the thick, durable paint works together to make this coffee mug nearly damage-proof (under normal usage).
My mug looks like the day I received it in the mail, and I don’t see that changing any time soon! That’s after spending far too much time in the dishwasher, getting moved around in the sink, and sitting on my desk. Its durability is impressive, for sure.
2. The opening is perfect for my Aeropress Go
I really like my Aeropress Go; it is simple to use, makes fantastic coffee, and is compact (more compact than the standard Aeropress). However, the compact nature of this version means it isn’t able to sit on top of most of my coffee mug openings (it just falls into the mug). However, this 12-ounce coffee mug sits perfectly on top, making this my only camp mug that can do that.
Because of that, my other Klean Kanteen Rise Mug is languishing in the cabinet, waiting until I get lazy enough to switch back to an automatic coffee maker. This may be a niche issue, but it matters a lot to me!
3. I really like the mountain artwork
I had the choice of any color theme when Klean Kanteen gifted me this mug, and it was an easy choice. I really enjoy the black color, with the silver stainless steel lazer etched mountain landscape on it. It’s dramatic and sets itself apart from the rest of the mugs in my collection (there are many).
The only strange choice they made with the design is that they put it on the opposite side of the handle, rather than at the 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock position from the handle. This means you don’t ever see the design in its entirety when you pick it up off your desk.
4. Nearly perfect capacity
I’ve gone on record saying that the 14-ounce capacity (like this Rise Mug) is the best capacity. However, this 12-ounce mug is trying to convince me otherwise. I really like the smaller stature of this 12-ounce mug, and losing the 2-ounce difference hasn’t really been an issue for me (I really thought it might). Because of that, this new capacity might be winning out as my new favorite coffee capacity in coffee mugs, due to its more compact design.
What do I not like about the mug?
1. Lid is open to the elements
Yeti’s Magslider lid is hands-down the best coffee mug lid I have ever used, and I have no questions about it. However, I very much appreciate the lid that Klean Kanteen put on this one. Most manufacturers do their best to find a way around and try to copy Yeti’s Magslider by trying to create something similar without infringing on their patents. I have no doubt that’s exactly how we got the Rise Collection’s awkward lid.
However, Klean Kanteen’s lid on this one is fantastic. It feels great (not low quality), and its simple, open design allows for quick access to the coffee. Wait, this was supposed to be a downside to this mug; let’s get to that.
The major drawback to this updated lid design is that it is open to the elements. This means less warmth capture and a higher ability to splash out. I’ve yet to see this be an issue, but it’s worth mentioning.
2. It’s high price point
I hate to beat a dead horse here, as I complain about this on every stainless steel camp mug, but spending almost $30 on a coffee mug can be a difficult pill to swallow. That could buy you three standard coffee mugs. However, you do get what you pay for, and it’s hard to beat the utility and versatility of a mug like this, it’s just up to you if it’s worth it.
Who should buy the Klean Kanteen 12oz Camp Mug?
If you are someone who is willing to spend $30 on a camp coffee mug, you have opened the door to tons of different choices in camp mugs. However, as of this writing, I think this just might be the best one I have ever tried. Now, as I always try to mention, don’t spend $30 on a mug if you don’t have the money, don’t finance it, and don’t split it into three easy payments of $10. Just save it and buy it when you have it. It’s a luxury, not a need.
Where should you buy the mug?
There are two great places I would recommend purchasing this camp mug! Amazon tends to offer great pricing on mugs (Paid Link), and of course, they are easier to buy. However, the shopping experience and variety tend to be better on Klean Kanteen’s website (Paid Link) (you might be able to find a coupon code). Both options should do just fine for you! Links below!
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- It's ever-so durable
- The opening is perfect for my Aeropress Go
- I really like the mountain artwork
- Nearly perfect capacity
- Lid is open to the elements
- It's high price point
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Construction: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
