It’s less important to stay hydrated than when you’re traveling, but a cup or large reusable water bottle gives you plenty of time before and after hopping on a plane. Most of us are not like that drinking enough water every day — and, to be honest, the little bottle we don’t like to use is useless.
As someone who goes on about 30 trips a year, I’ve been particular about what makes the cut in my carry-on, and the affordable, functional and stylish Zojirushi. GoCafe travel mug it has found a permanent place in me you are baking. Sealed, leak-proof, simple, and truly enjoyable to drink from, it’s a rare everyday item that quietly changes practice by excelling at its job.
Zojirushi’s stainless steel mug has a Stanley beat
In addition to traveling regularly, I also write about kitchenware and tools, and I don’t give away the best things if they don’t make money. I know from experience that many top lists come down to nuance or personal preference, but not here.
As someone who has touched their lips to a sealed bottle to measure how much plastic I’m asked to tolerate in order to enjoy the liquid inside, I can say without a doubt that Zojirushi’s offering is in a class by itself.
It has a sharp design. The slim frame makes it easy to hold and pull.
If the product sounds familiar but you don’t know their bottles (as they haven’t yet reached the level of Stanley mug fever), Osaka’s Zojirushi is best known for its well-regarded, song-singing rice cookers. However, Zojirushi offers a variety of travel mugs, and yes, they are insulated to a degree that you might want to consider using for super hot coffee that stays hot for hours.
Let this be proof: Despite also finding many sealed bottles that I could use for free, when I accidentally left my Zojirushi behind at the airport once before boarding, I put my finger on the Amazon trigger to have it replaced before the flight took off. (I hope it brings daily happiness to whoever receives it.)
All the features that make a bottle of Zojirushi a gift
The soft drink method seals the gun better than others I’ve tried.
In the coffee test modules, the Zojirushi kept the liquid hot — like, hot — basically all day long thanks to its vacuum seal. But this also works its magic in cold water, and I use mine almost exclusively for this purpose. I put ice in the bottle on a hot summer night, and in the morning, the ice was still ice. And its wide opening allows easy use with ice cubes in the refrigerator.
The top flaps open with a satisfying pop at the touch of a button, which can even be operated with one hand, for those of you who stop while driving. The locking mechanism is so airtight that I not only confidently toss it in a tote next to my laptop, but also pack it in a duffel full of clean clothes for the weekend.
The head tilts back 180 degrees, revealing a soft pull that doesn’t hit too fast because it requires less lip contact. The physics of the interaction between the cup and the sipper even creates a sweet gurgle like a water fountain. I don’t have the scientific background to explain this, but I just know that it enhances the experience of drinking.
All the top components are easily disassembled, which allows for efficient cleaning, including in the dishwasher. The interior of the bottle is made of stainless steel, allowing for unadulterated flavor, while the exterior and lid are made of BPA-free plastic. In addition! It comes in several sizes and a variety of smaller models, in dozens of stylish colors, for about $35.
4. 6 stars on Amazon
I’d like to think I was the only one preaching the magic of these bottles, but the Amazon ratings don’t lie, and over 20,000 people have given the Zojirushi Stainless Steel travel mug 5 stars. One enthusiastic reviewer even pointed out something I hadn’t considered: BETTER WITH MOTORCYCLES! You know what? I agree.
