A simple, beautiful, does-the-job well mug from a brand with an interesting history and ethos
Why We Chose The Snow Peak Titanium Single Wall 450 Mug: Timeless, stylish, lightweight and durable
This isn’t just any old camping mug. If it was, we wouldn’t have included it in our Outdoor 100 product guide.
Not only is it made from some quality materials, but it’s superbly crafted, aesthetically pleasing and it represents the long history of this brand from Japan.
About Snow Peak
Snow Peak started out over 60 years ago making climbing gear. In the 80s they introduced camping gear to their line and in the 90s produced their first titanium mug which proved something of a hit. That first mug and every other mug since have all been produced in a place in central Japan called Tsubame Sanjo, known as the country’s hardware capital for its long history of finely crafted metal work. It’s supposedly home to some of the most gifted titanium manufacturers in the world.
“Snow Peak is the biggest outdoor brand in Japan”
Right from when the brand started out, metalware has been its thing. Back in those first days, it wasn’t just mugs, but things like camping stoves, pitons and crampons as well. The founder, Yukio Yamai, was an avid mountaineer after all. Eventually the company started to shift its focus from mountaineering equipment to camping equipment, and that focus has remained to this day, with metalware still very much a part of it.
Today, Snow Peak is the biggest outdoor brand in Japan and, while it’s already been growing in the States for the last few years, as of 2019 they’ve begun their push into the UK, most notably with the opening of a store on Regent Street.
The fold-away handles make the mug that bit more packable. Photo: Mike Brindley
One of the first products Snow Peak ever made was a titanium mug. Photo: Mike Brindley
An outdoor mug for the Instagram generation. Photo: Mike Brindley
About The Mug
We hate to say it, but this is a mug for Instagram. It’s a thing of beauty; somehow managing to look modern and retro all at the same time. ‘Timeless’, that’s the word we were looking for.
But, unlike those white ceramic mugs with the blue rims, it’s actually very practical – light enough, even, to peak the interest of any minimalist backpackers out there. That’s all thanks to its sleek, head-to-toe titanium build.
This one pictured is the single wall version, but there’s also a double walled one which you’ll be able to wrap your hands around without getting scolded. You’ll also obviously get better thermal efficiency from it as well.
There are different sizes to choose from for both the single wall and the double wall mug, measuring between 220ml and 600. Each one comes with two folding handles which are welded on, a curved lip and then a rounded base.
“It’s a thing of beauty, someone managing to look modern and retro all at the same time”
Handily, the single walled versions can be used directly over a flame, so with the right stove you could actually just plonk your mug right on top of it. As for washing, it’s best to do this in the kitchen sink as the dishwasher will be likely to remove the logo.
Price? It’s hefty for a mug, for sure. But, at least you can count on this thing being good quality and long lasting.
Tester’s Verdict
Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic
“Snow Peak really do make lovely products. If you get a chance, head to their Oxford Street store. Some of the stuff there is actually quite fascinating. You’ll find ultralight titanium chopsticks, campsite sake cups, unique stove designs and all kinds of quirky stuff. There’s also a couple of floors devoted to their clothing department, though admittedly that’s all a bit lifestyle oriented for a one-track-minded hiker like me.
The single wall Snow Peak mug can be placed directly onto a flame. Photo: Mike Brindley
You can certainly tell it’s built to last – mine’s not even got a dink in it after a year of use – and it’s good that the handles fold down securely so they won’t plink against the metal body of the mug. That’s about all there is to say really. Oh and it’s true what they say about the logo coming off if you stick this in a dishwasher.
Trade Secret
Snow Peak Spokesperson
“Our mug was born in Tsubame-Sanjo in North West Japan, known as the hardware capital for its storied history of finely crafted metal work, home to some of the most gifted titanium manufacturers in the world. This is where every single titanium Snow Peak item is made.
Titanium is one of the most difficult metals in the world to work with. It does not easily flatten unless rolled out in a process that has been perfected over the years by the craftsmen of Tsubame Sanjo.
“Since it was first introduced, our Titanium mug has remained one of Snow Peak’s best selling products.”
“In turn, not only do the workers understand the extremely finicky manufacturing process, but they also have the experience, intuition and eye to detect even the smallest defect during production and can help ensure machines are finely tuned for any adjustments that may be needed along the way.
“Since it was first introduced, our Titanium mug has remained one of Snow Peak’s best selling products, not only in the field but for home and office use alike.”
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