Field Notes
Used on day hikes where I want morning coffee but cannot justify even the AeroPress weight. The 0.7oz penalty disappears in any pack. The coffee is noticeably better than instant and acceptable for a trail cup. The mesh cleaning challenge is real — requires thorough rinsing to remove fine grounds from the stainless mesh.
0.7oz, $20, makes real coffee in any cup — the minimalist camp coffee option
Who This Is For
The MSR MugMate is right for: ultralight hikers who want any coffee improvement over instant at minimal weight and cost, hikers who already carry a camp mug and want a brewing upgrade, and budget-conscious campers.
Note: Prices are current as of May 2026. Some links are affiliate links.
How It Compares
Common Questions
How do you use the MSR MugMate?
Place the MugMate in your mug or pot. Add 1-2 tablespoons of medium-coarse ground coffee inside the filter basket. Pour hot water over the grounds and steep for 3-4 minutes. Lift the MugMate out of the cup and set it aside. The mesh retains grounds while allowing brewed coffee to pass through.
Does the MSR MugMate work with tea?
Yes — it is marketed as a coffee and tea filter. Use loose-leaf tea inside the basket for camp tea. The mesh is fine enough to retain most loose-leaf tea particles.
How do you clean the MSR MugMate?
Shake spent grounds into the fire or off trail (away from water sources), then rinse with water. Fine grounds can cling to the mesh — a small brush or running water under pressure clears them. Never leave grounds in the mesh between uses.
MSR MugMate vs AeroPress — which should I buy?
The MSR MugMate (8.5/10, $20, 0.7oz) is the minimalist choice. The AeroPress Go (9.3/10, $40, 11oz) makes significantly better coffee. If you want the best coffee and will carry 11oz: AeroPress. If you want any improvement over instant at the lowest weight and cost: MugMate.
