GSI Infinity Mug vs. Sea To Summit Xmug: A Mug Off

Choosing the right gear can make or break your outdoor adventures, and we usually come to our loadout through a lot of trial and error. For those dedicated to spending time in nature—whether it be through backpacking, bicycle touring, hiking, camping, or van life—a reliable mug is a cornerstone of a well-prepared kit. Today, we’re comparing two acclaimed mugs—the GSI Infinity Mug and the Sea To Summit Xmug. Both are popular outdoors mugs, but having owned both for quite a while, I know which I’ll be leaving home on my next trip!

Cost

When it comes to price, the GSI Infinity Mug and the Sea To Summit X-mug are relatively similar, fitting comfortably within most outdoor enthusiasts’ budgets. The GSI Infinity is currently £16.45 on Amazon while I’ve found the Sea to Summit X Mug for £10.99 as long as you don’t mind olive (Exorcist soup) green and even better: the Sea to Summit X-Mug for £9.99 in extra stealthy neon green 😎. Both mugs offer excellent value for their cost when you consider how many adventures they will see you through, but the slight differences in design and functionality can make one a more suitable investment over the other, depending on your specific needs.

• GSI Infinity Mug: Slightly pricier due to its robust construction and additional features such as the insulated sleeve.
• Sea To Summit X-mug: Generally more affordable and designed with simplicity and packability in mind.

Weight

For those who meticulously manage their pack weight, understanding each mug’s weight is crucial.

• GSI Infinity Mug: Weighs approximately 99 grams (3.5 oz). While it’s lightweight compared to traditional mugs, it’s heavier than the X-mug.
• Sea To Summit X-mug: Impressively light at just 60 grams (2.1 oz), making it a favorite among ultralight backpackers.

Packability

Pack space is always at a premium, especially for long treks or minimalist setups. The ability to nest or collapse can significantly increase the utility of a mug.

• GSI Infinity Mug: Its rigid design doesn’t allow for collapsing, which can be a drawback. However, it’s stackable and can be filled with small sundries like coffee sachets, a lighter, or soap to maximize space efficiency.
• Sea To Summit X-mug: Collapses flat to just 15mm, making it an outstanding choice for those prioritizing compact gear.

The Sea to Summit X-Mug and X-Bowl nesting

Practicality

Practicality in the wild often comes down to how a product performs day-to-day under various conditions.

• GSI Infinity Mug: Feels like a traditional mug, making it comfortable to wrap your hands around on chilly mornings. The rubberized bottom reduces spills, and the spout cover locks securely to prevent nose collisions. Clear volume markings inside make measuring easy.
• Sea To Summit X-mug: While it boasts a rigid ring for easy drinking, some users find the flexible silicone challenging for maintaining a firm grip in colder weather. The collapsible design makes it less stable but highly portable.

Feels nice in the hand

Clear inner volume marking makes it right every time

Multi-Use Potential

A versatile piece of gear can serve multiple purposes, enhancing its value.

• GSI Infinity Mug: Its 17 fl. oz. capacity and construction make it suitable for not just coffee but also as a general-purpose cup for soups and other hot meals. The insulated sleeve means you can comfortably hold it even with boiling liquids inside.
• Sea To Summit X-mug: Ideal for beverages, but users often repurpose it as a small pot for snacks or even to hold other items when not in use.

I didn’t realise I needed this rubber base until I used it

Clever little touch

Whereas this set gives you a lot of options for very little space and weight. (The X-Bowl’s base also doubles as a cutting board)

Personal Experience

Having owned the Sea To Summit X-mug for several years, I can vouch for its compactness and ease of packing. It nested perfectly atop my titanium 650ml mug. However, despite the hardened lip, I could never shake the feeling of drinking from a rubberized vessel. This limited my enjoyment, especially during cold mornings when I missed the warmth of a more traditional mug.

The GSI Infinity Mug, on the other hand, offers a tactile experience reminiscent of a home mug. Wrapping my hands around its insulating sleeve, especially on brisk mornings, brings an unmatched comfort. The thoughtful design features like the rubberized base, locking spout cover, and clear volume markings underscore its practicality.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Both the GSI Infinity Mug and the Sea To Summit X-mug have garnered respect within the outdoor community for their durability and functionality. However, based on my experiences and the detailed comparison above, the GSI Infinity Mug earns my highest recommendation. Its robust build, superior drinking experience, and multi-use potential make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a reliable, everyday outdoor mug.

My winner. I LOVE this thing

If your priority is packability and ultra-lightweight gear, the Sea To Summit X-mug remains a solid option. But for those who cherish a more traditional, comforting drinking experience and need a mug that performs well both outdoors and in everyday settings, the GSI Infinity Mug is the ideal companion.

All that talk of drinks has made me thirsty! If you enjoy my blog, you can Buy Me a Coffee to support my work. Regardless, thanks for visiting! I have plenty more outdoors and horror features to come so stay tuned!