About this review: This review is my own honest opinion of the mug, which I bought with my own money in May 2021.

My Take

The Yeti Rambler 14 is a great mug for coffee, morning oats, and even soup due to its larger size and wide mouth. It’s perfect for drinks and light meals by the campfire.

About the Mug

• Model: Yeti Rambler 14oz Mug

About Me

• Experience: 20+ years camping, backpacking, and hiking the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada

Test Conditions

• When I bought it: May 2021
• Days tested: 120+
• Where I’ve used it: From Colorado to Oregon and everywhere in between
• Seasons I’ve used it in: 4 seasons
• Weather conditions I’ve used it in: All weather conditions
• Used for: Coffee, breakfast, or dinner by the campfire

How It Performs

What I Was Looking For

I was not looking for a new mug, but saw this one while on a road trip through Wyoming and was initially attracted to the beautiful and unique color options. I had read how amazing Yeti gear was when searching for coolers in the past—very well-insulated and durable—which is important to me. In the end, those were the reasons why I purchased this mug (along with the beautiful color choices!)

Why I Chose this Gear

I bought this mug because of Yeti’s awesome reputation. I knew it would be durable at camp and that I wouldn’t have to worry about it breaking en route. The size of the 14oz mug was appealing as well because it holds the perfect amount of my morning oatmeal! I try to travel with minimal gear, so having something with multiple uses is a bonus.

What I Love About It

• Durability: I’ve used this mug daily for well over a year, and its insulation, lid function, and outward appearance is almost like day one. It tumbles around quite a bit on the road and has held up like a champ. With the exception of a few small color chips on the handle, there are no stains, dents, or dings at all. I’ve cleaned it with everything from boiled river water to the dishwasher at home.
• Stability: Super stable. The mug has a nice wide base.
• Comfort: The handle is nice and wide, I can fit all four fingers through it and my hands are not small! Also, no matter how hot the beverage is, I cannot feel it from the outside, which is nice when I’m using it more like a bowl for hot cereal or soup. It’s got a very slight texture that makes it grip nicely, it definitely doesn’t slip through my hands.
• Leakability: Surprisingly, this mug does not leak, even when held upside down and shaken pretty hard. That’s with water, I’d be afraid to try with anything hot! Might have to test some Moscow Mules in this baby!
• Packability: I like that the handle on this mug easily attaches to my backpack with a carabiner. It’s also large enough inside that I can throw a few packets of instant oatmeal or coffee right inside! It weighs about 12 ounces so not a huge addition of weight for backpacking, unless you’re trying to go ultralight.
• Ease of use: Super easy! Love the tab on the lid that opens to drink and closes to keep warmth in and debris out (if I’m outside). Otherwise I generally don’t use the lid for coffee. Lid comes off easily and is easy to clean.
• Backpacking: Definitely light enough to take on a backpacking trip, unless you’re into ultralight—it’s over 12 oz so it’s pretty heavy for that. I like to attach it to the outside of my pack with a carabiner to save space since it’s kind of bulky in the pack. It’s the only one I take with me backpacking, since it’s versatile enough for beverages/breakfast/dinner and I know it’s durable enough to withstand anything!
• Car Camping: This mug is perfect for car camping too, since it can hold other items inside of it (like spice packets, hand sanitizer wipes, instant coffee/cocoa), which saves packing room and keeps things organized, not flying around loose. I prefer it over straight enamel mugs because it’s never too hot to hold and it’s much sturdier!
• Other: I use this at home too. It’s just a nice size for a big cup of coffee!

Issues I’ve Encountered

• Temperature Retention: This is the one area that could use improvement. My coffee only stays piping hot for about 45-60 minutes. Generally I’ve finished it by then, but when I don’t, I do notice it’s not as hot as I’d like. I do not put cold or iced beverages in this mug so cannot speak to how long things stay cold!
• Versatility: The mug is super sturdy for the car—I’ve found it rolling around on the floor unharmed multiple times—but the base is too large to fit into a car cupholder, unfortunately. I do not use it for beverages en route for this reason, unless it’s to put popcorn or pretzels in, since I can toss that in a bag and just grab it when I’m ready.

Favorite Moment with this Gear

Making oatmeal with fresh berries from the local farmers market in Sisters, OR. I woke up before everyone else, built a campfire while everyone else was sleeping, and enjoyed the best brekkie in my favorite mug!

Value for the Money vs. Other Options

It’s a little pricey but worth it when you consider its features and durability. The Hydroflask mug is a good comparison. I received one as a gift and used it daily until I bought the Yeti, which is larger and more versatile—although the Hydroflask does stay hotter a little longer!

Final Verdict

The Yeti Rambler 14 is a beautiful, functional mug that is light, durable, and well worth the money.