Lessons from the wilderness: My test and review shows how the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 enhances your outdoor experience

Outdoor test and review: Find out how the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 ml performs in nature. Discover if this mug is the right companion for you.

from Martin Gebhardt | Gear | reading time 7 Min
Updated on 06 September 2023 4.837 views 100% found this guide helpful
Lessons from the wilderness: My test and review shows how the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 enhances your outdoor experience

Martin Gebhardt

From Martin Gebhardt. Check out my “About me” page.


👉 The key facts from this guide

  • The Tatonka Handle Mug 500 is a robust and space-saving camping mug made of stainless steel with a capacity of 500 ml.
  • The mug is dishwasher safe, rust-resistant, and can be placed on various heat sources, including stoves and campfires.
  • Compared to other stainless-steel mugs, the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 stands out for its durability and good value for money.
  • The mug can be purchased online from various retailers such as Amazon or Globetrotter and usually costs between 15 and 20 €.
  • The Tatonka Handle Mug 500 fits perfectly around the classic American Nalgene bottle (1 liter) and can be combined with the Tasmanian Tiger TT Bottle Holder 1L.
  • The mug has no insulation and does not keep drinks warm or cold, and there is no lid or closure included for the mug.

The Tatonka Handle Mug 500 is a must-have for any camping enthusiast looking for a durable and space-saving cup.

In this article, I will conduct a detailed test and review of this stainless-steel cup and answer various questions that may arise when choosing the right camping cup.

In addition, I will examine the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 compared to other stainless-steel cups, and finally, we will present some recommendations for the stainless-steel cup test.

Is the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 the right drinking cup?

What makes the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 stand out?

The Tatonka Handle Mug 500 is a durable camping cup made of stainless steel and has a capacity of 500 ml.

It is characterized by its handle, which allows the cup to be held well in the hand and attached to a carabiner to keep it within reach.

Whether you put it on a stove, gas cooker, or directly into the campfire - this cup can handle it all.

The cup is dishwasher safe and rust-free, making it a worthwhile investment.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 11

How does the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 compare in the test to other stainless-steel cups?

In the stainless-steel cup comparison, I compare the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 with other stainless-steel cups.

My conclusion: The Tatonka cup performs excellently in this comparison.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 1

With its robust stainless-steel design, it is durable and can also be used in difficult conditions. With a capacity of 500 ml, the cup is large enough to hold soups or hot drinks.

The COOK'N'ESCAPE Titanium Camping Cup or the Lixada Titanium Cup 550 ml are slightly lighter and more compact, but they are not as robust as the Tatonka Handle Mug 500.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 4

Where can you buy the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 online?

You can buy the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 online from various retailers such as Amazon or Globetrotter. There is also an official Tatonka website with an online shop.

Usually, the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 costs between €15 and €20. With its durable, surprisingly robust design, it offers excellent value for money.

Small stainless-steel cup comparison - which one is the best?

In the stainless-steel cup comparison, I tested and compared various stainless-steel cups for their suitability.

Here is the table with the price, weight, volume, and material of the different cups:

Mug Price (€) Weight (g) Volume (ml) Material
Tatonka Handle Mug 500 14.75 150 500 Stainless Steel
Tasmanian Tiger TT Handle Mug 500 22.42 150 500 Stainless Steel
Lixada Titanbecher 550 ML 29.99 106 550 Titanium
Cook'n'Escape Titan Becher 450 ML 29.95 82.8 450 Titanium

With this, you can easily see, which cup, what offers!

Let's examine the cups in detail.

Tatonka Handle Mug 500

Here's a table of advantages and disadvantages of the Tatonka mug:

Advantages:

  • 100% stainless-steel material for high durability
  • Perfect fit for the classic American Nalgene bottle (1 liter)
  • Practical folding handle for easy carrying and space-saving in the backpack
  • Scaling for easy dosing of drinks and food
  • Single-walled design for light weight
  • Easy to clean

Disadvantages:

  • No insulation, does not keep drinks hot or cold
  • No lid or closure included for the mug

Overall, it is a robust and practical mug for outdoor use that convinces with its simple design. However, those who are looking for a mug with insulation or a lid should seek other options.

Tatonka Becher Handle Mug 500 ml - Tasse aus rostfreiem Edelstahl - Mit Klappgriffen und Volumenskalierung - kompatibel mit Nalgene Weithals 1L

Amazon
Offer

-18%
4,8 (1414)

Data updated 17 hours ago

Tatonka Becher Handle Mug 500 ml - Tasse aus rostfreiem Edelstahl - Mit Klappgriffen und Volumenskalierung - kompatibel mit Nalgene Weithals 1L

  • Edelstahlbecher der deutschen Outdoor-Marke Tatonka mit 0,5 L Fassungsvermögen
  • PRAKTSCH: Mit Griffen zum Ein- und Ausklappen
  • CLEVER: Mit Volumenskalierung im Becher
  • SICHER: Lebensmittelecht, resistent gegen Fruchtsäuren und frei von Schadstoffen
  • PFLEGELEICHT: Die Camping-Tasse ist spülmaschinenfest und auch per Hand besonders leicht zu reinigen

$ 13,98
List Price: $ 17,00

View Product

Tasmanian Tiger TT Handle Mug 500

The Tasmanian Tiger TT Handle Mug 500 is made of sturdy, food-safe and shatterproof 18/8 stainless steel, making it a durable companion.

Advantages:

  • Resistant to fruit acids and therefore well suited for outdoor use, especially when camping, hiking, and bushcrafting
  • Compatible with Nalgene wide-mouth 1L and TT Bottle Holder, making storage and transport easier
  • A practical folding handle allows the mug to be stored in a space-saving way
  • Volume scaling on the inside of the mug makes it easier to measure and prepare drinks and food
  • Cool TT logo provides additional aesthetic value

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive compared to the Tatonka Handle Mug 500
  • Not properly insulated for hot drinks and will quickly become hot
  • The mug is relatively heavy, which can be a disadvantage for some users, especially when trekking and every gram counts
Tasmanian Tiger TT Handle Mug 500 - Die perfekte Outdoor und Camping-Tasse, Edelstahl-Becher, 500ml, kompatibel mit Nalgene Weithals 1L und TT Bottle Holder
4,7 (52)

Data updated 17 hours ago

Tasmanian Tiger TT Handle Mug 500 - Die perfekte Outdoor und Camping-Tasse, Edelstahl-Becher, 500ml, kompatibel mit Nalgene Weithals 1L und TT Bottle Holder

  • ROBUST: Stabiler 18/8 Edelstahl macht die Tasse zum langlebigen Begleiter
  • SICHER: Lebensmittelecht und resistent gegen Fruchtsäuren
  • PASSGENAU: Ideales Packmaß zum Verstauen mit 1L Nalgene Flasche und TT Bottle Holder
  • PRAKTISCH: Platzsparender, robuster Klapphenkel
  • DATEN: Volumen 0,5L / Maße 10 x 8,5 cm

$ 21,75

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Lixada Titanium Cup 550 ml

Advantages:

  • Lightweight and durable titanium material
  • Good heat transfer
  • Collapsible handle for easy transport and storage
  • Comes with a cover to prevent heat loss
  • Folding handles
  • Comes with a mesh storage bag

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 cup
Lixada Ultralight Titanium Pot Wasserbecher, tragbar, Titanium, Tasse mit Deckel und Griff, faltbar, Camping, Outdoor, Küche, Picknick
4,7 (314)

Data updated 17 hours ago

Lixada Ultralight Titanium Pot Wasserbecher, tragbar, Titanium, Tasse mit Deckel und Griff, faltbar, Camping, Outdoor, Küche, Picknick

  • Leicht und langlebig - Hergestellt aus Titan, leicht und langlebig.
  • Sauber und sicher - Titan bringt weder Geschmack noch Geruch in Lebensmittel oder Getränke.
  • Klappbarer Griff - Mit Deckel und Klappgriffen für eine bequeme Verwendung.
  • Leicht zu reinigen - Runde Kanten für effektive Wärme und einfache Reinigung.
  • Leicht zu tragen - Netz-Aufbewahrungstasche für einfache Lagerung und Transport.

$ 23,99

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COOK'N'ESCAPE Titanium Cup 450 ml

Advantages:

  • Lightweight titanium material
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Practical D-shaped handle that is collapsible
  • Includes lid

Disadvantages:

  • No insulation, so drinks can cool quickly
  • Collapseable handle can unlock easily due to its smooth operation
  • More expensive than the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 cup
COOK'N'ESCAPE Titan Camping Tasse mit Deckel Titanium Topf Becher mit faltbarem Griff 450ml Leicht und Tragbar für Picknick Wanderung im Freien……
4,6 (610)

Data updated 17 hours ago

COOK'N'ESCAPE Titan Camping Tasse mit Deckel Titanium Topf Becher mit faltbarem Griff 450ml Leicht und Tragbar für Picknick Wanderung im Freien……

  • Leichter Titan-Campingbecher - 450 ml misst 8,12 cm(D)* 9 cm(H) außen, wiegt 82,8g. Tassendicke 0,4 mm.
  • Spezielle Hochtemperatur-Fingerabdruckbehandlung, keine Fingerabdrücke nach Gebrauch.
  • Hochwertiges Titanmaterial - Titan ist beständig gegen Korrosion, Oxidation, Bakterien, Säure und Alkali, niedrige und hohe Temperaturen. Titan enthält keine Schwermetalle, ist ungiftig und belastet die Umwelt nicht.
  • Haltbarer und robuster als andere Metalle, dabei leichter als andere mit ähnlichen Größen.
  • Praktisch und benutzerfreundlich - Der D-förmige Griff ist faltbar, die Wasserstandslinie ist in die Tasse eingraviert, es ist bequemer zu bedienen.

$ 29,95

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How does the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 compare?

As mentioned earlier, the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 performs great in comparison. With its durable design and 500 ml capacity, it is ideal for outdoor use.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 5

It keeps drinks hot and can be carried comfortably with its handle and attached to a carabiner.

Compared to other stainless-steel cups, the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 stands out primarily for its durability and low price.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 8

Which stainless-steel cup is the recommended choice?

The recommended choice for a stainless-steel cup depends primarily on what requirements you have for the camping cup.

For those looking for a sturdy and durable cup, the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 is an excellent choice.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 2

If you prefer something lighter and more compact, you should opt for a titanium cup. However, keep in mind that titanium cups are pricier.

And if you are looking for a cup with a lid, then the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 is probably not your choice. But remember that a lid can be replaced by other equipment.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 12

Tatonka Cup - Durable and Space-Saving Camping Gear

What sets Tatonka apart as a brand?

Tatonka is a brand known for its outdoor products. The brand produces high-quality and durable products designed for outdoor use.

One of their products is the Tatonka Handle Mug 500, which is characterized by its rust-free stainless-steel design. I also own the Tatonka bowl, and I am extremely satisfied with it.

Tatonka Schale Bowl with Grip, 18 x 5 cm, Silber

Amazon
Offer

-10%
4,8 (474)

Data updated 17 hours ago

Tatonka Schale Bowl with Grip, 18 x 5 cm, Silber

  • Material: Stainless Steel 18/8:
  • Unisex
  • Farbe: Transparent
  • Pattern: Einfarbig
  • Gewebe-Art: 100 Prozent Edelstahl

$ 17,01
List Price: $ 19,00

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What are the advantages of the Tatonka cup for camping life?

The Tatonka Handle Mug 500 is ideal for camping life due to its robust design and a capacity of 500 ml. The cup can be used for both hot and cold drinks and can be easily attached and transported thanks to its handle.

How can the Tatonka cup save space when camping?

If you want to save space while camping, you can rely on the Tatonka cup. With a capacity of 500 ml, it is large enough to hold drinks or soups but still takes up minimal space in your backpack or bag. Additionally, the cup can be attached with a carabiner for compact transportation.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 1

Nalgene Bottle and Tatonka Handle Mug 500 and TT Bottle Holder - An Unbeatable Set?

How are the Nalgene bottle and Tatonka Handle Mug 500 suitable for outdoor use?

The Nalgene water bottle and Tatonka Handle Mug 500 complement each other perfectly for outdoor use. Both products are robust and of high quality.

You can easily store the Nalgene bottle in the Tatonka Handle Mug 500. They fit together perfectly.

While the 1-liter Nalgene bottle provides enough space for water or other liquids, the Tatonka Handle Mug 500 is ideal for hot drinks or soups.

Nalgene Kunststoffflaschen 'Everyday WH' Trinkflasche Blau, 1,0L

Amazon
Offer

-18%
4,8 (19920)

Data updated 17 hours ago

Nalgene Kunststoffflaschen 'Everyday WH' Trinkflasche Blau, 1,0L

  • Volumen: 1Liter
  • Exzellente Trinkflaschen mit professionellen Eigenschaften
  • Völlig geschmacksneutral, absolut dicht, leicht zu reinigen, nahezu unzerstörbar und das alles mit wenig Gewicht.
  • Hergestellt aus dem BPA-freien Tritan TM.
  • Mit grossem Verschluss und Deckelbefestigung (Loop-Top).

$ 14,80
List Price: $ 18,12

View Product

And if you want to store the Nalgene bottle and Tatonka Handle Mug 500 together, refer to the Tasmanian Tiger TT Bottle Holder 1L.

It is a padded, modular water bottle pouch that fits perfectly around the bottle and Handle Mug 500.

Tasmanian Tiger TT Bottle Holder 1L Isolierte, gepolsterte Molle-System Trinkflaschen-Tasche Rucksack Flaschenhalter kompatibel mit Nalgene Weithals 1l Flasche und Tatonka Handle Mug, Schwarz
4,7 (638)

Data updated 17 hours ago

Tasmanian Tiger TT Bottle Holder 1L Isolierte, gepolsterte Molle-System Trinkflaschen-Tasche Rucksack Flaschenhalter kompatibel mit Nalgene Weithals 1l Flasche und Tatonka Handle Mug, Schwarz

  • KAPAZITÄT: Isolierter Trinkflaschenhalter, konzipiert für eine 1 Liter-Flasche von Nalgene und ähnlich Flaschen sowie den Handle Mug von Tatonka (Artikel 4072 / 4073), der diese passgenau umschließt.

  • ROBUSTE AUSFÜHRUNG: gefertigt aus langlebigem, hoch reißfestem Cordura 700 den mit 5mm Isolationsschicht zeichnet sich die 1L-Flaschentasche durch höchste Langlebigkeit, Kratzfestigkeit und Formstabilität aus.

  • MOLLE-SYSTEM: Durch zwei Reihen Molle auf Rückseite findet der Flaschenhalter schnell Platz an kompatiblen Militär-Rucksäcken wie dem TT Modular Pack 30 und lässt sich auch problemlos in den Gürtel schlaufen.

  • DATEN: Maße: 11 x 11 x 22cm / Volumen: 1l / Gewicht: 110 g / Material:CORDURA® 700 den

$ 20,00

View Product

What hot drinks can be prepared with the Tatonka Handle Mug 500?

The Tatonka Handle Mug 500 can be used to prepare a variety of hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Read here how to make delicious coffee outdoors.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 6

Due to its sturdy stainless-steel design, the mug keeps drinks hot and ensures warm beverages even in low temperatures.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 9

My impression and conclusion

This mug has accompanied me through so many adventures and outdoor activities and has become an indispensable part of my equipment.

This rugged cup is not only incredibly resistant, but also fits perfectly into my Nalgene 1-liter wide-mouth bottle - a real space saver!

Whether I'm cooking hot drinks or preparing a tasty outdoor dish (here are my recipes), the Tatonka Handle Mug is always there as a cup or cooking utensil and has never let me down.

tatonka handle mug becher 500 ml test 3

Here are the advantages that I see:

  • Durability: The mug is made of robust stainless steel, known for its durability and longevity. This means it will serve you faithfully for many years.
  • Space-saving: The Tatonka Handle Mug fits perfectly into a Nalgene 1-liter wide-mouth bottle, saving valuable space in your backpack.
  • Versatility: Whether for hot drinks or for preparing outdoor dishes, the Tatonka mug is equipped for all situations in the wilderness.
  • Grip: Thanks to the practical handles, the mug is easy to hold even when filled with hot contents.
  • Easy to clean: The smooth stainless-steel material of the mug makes cleaning easy, so you won't have any problems keeping it clean on the go.

So if you're looking for a durable and reliable companion for your outdoor adventures, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Tatonka Handle Mug made of stainless steel.

It's one of those pieces of equipment that you should always have with you.

Do you want to get this wonderful mug for yourself?

Just click on this link (Amazon link) to buy the Tatonka mug.

Take care, Martin
Martin Gebhardt

Author of the guide


Martin Gebhardt

Hey, I'm Martin. On my blog, you will learn the basics and numerous details about living in the wild. I think survival, bushcraft and the good life in nature are the keys to happiness. Find me here on Instagram or on YouTube. You can find more about my mission on the About Me page.

Since this is a gear guide, here ...


🤝8 reasons to trust my recommendation

  1. Practical Experience: I have tested most of the products I recommend under extreme conditions myself.

  2. Independence: As a wilderness mentor, I am not tied to any specific brands - this means my recommendations are unbiased.

  3. Expertise: My many years of experience allow me to understand the intricacies and details of various products that a layperson might overlook.

  4. Target group understanding: I understand the needs and challenges of outdoor enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned experts.

  5. Quality focus: I attach great importance to quality and longevity. These are characteristics that are crucial in the wild.

  6. Clear communication: I try to explain the pros and cons of each product clearly and understandably so that you can make an informed decision.

  7. Currentness: I always keep my guides up to date and adapt them to new findings or products.

  8. Community Feedback: I work in wilderness schools, teach courses myself, attend courses and am active in various outdoor and survival communities and therefore integrate the feedback and experiences of others into my recommendations.

So when I introduce the best survival knives or flashlights, you can be sure that every recommendation is based on solid experience and extensive knowledge.

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