Mug vs Tankard: Choosing the Right Camp Cup
By Purpose-Built EDC Gear, Adventure Apparel & Expedition-Grade Tools | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare camp mugs and tankards for your outdoor setup. Learn the trade-offs in capacity, handle design, and durability to pick the right camp cup for your adventures.
Quick Answer
Choose a tankard if you want a larger, sturdier grip for cold mornings or gloved hands; choose a mug if you prefer a classic handle and a more compact, familiar feel. Both are handmade stoneware from Deneen Pottery, so the real difference is handle shape and capacity.
Handle Design: The Core Trade-off
The most obvious difference between a mug and a tankard is the handle. A mug has a traditional loop handle that fits one or two fingers, which works well when you're sitting at a camp table or by the fire. A tankard, on the other hand, features a larger, sturdier handle that accommodates your whole hand—often with a thumb rest. This design is more secure when you're moving around camp or wearing gloves.
That extra handle material adds a bit of weight and bulk, so if you're ultralight backpacking and every ounce counts, a mug might be the better choice. But if you're car camping or basecamping and value a secure grip, the tankard's handle is a practical upgrade.
Capacity and Shape
Tankards typically hold more liquid than a standard mug because they're taller and wider. If you're someone who likes a big coffee in the morning or a hearty soup at dinner, the extra capacity is a welcome feature. Mugs are usually more modest in size, which can be enough for a quick cup of tea or espresso but might leave you wanting more.
The taller shape of a tankard also helps keep drinks warmer longer, as there's less surface area exposed to the air compared to a wide, short mug. This is a subtle but real benefit for cold mornings at camp.
Durability and Craftsmanship
Both the PDW mugs and tankards are handcrafted stoneware from Deneen Pottery, a family-owned American business since 1972. That means each piece is unique, with slight variations in glaze and form. Stoneware is fired at high temperatures, making it durable and chip-resistant—ideal for outdoor use where gear takes a beating.
However, because they are handmade, they are not stackable or nestable like many metal camp cups. If space in your pack is tight, consider that these are more of a camp-luxury item than a space-saving essential.
Trade-offs at a Glance
- Handle Grip: Mug: traditional loop handle for one or two fingers, compact and familiar. Tankard: larger handle for a full-hand grip, more secure with gloves. If you often wear gloves at camp, the tankard's handle is the safer choice.
- Capacity: Mug: typically smaller, suitable for coffee or tea. Tankard: larger capacity, better for big drinks or soup. Consider your typical drink size—if you refill often, a tankard reduces trips.
- Space and Weight: Mug: lighter and more compact. Tankard: heavier and bulkier due to the larger handle and capacity. For backpacking, a mug saves space; for car camping, the tankard's weight is less of an issue.
Product Facts
- PDW This is the Way LTD ED Deneen Tall Belly Mug: This PDW stoneware mug features the Mythosaur 'This is the Way' graphic and a black glaze, handcrafted by Deneen Pottery of Minnesota. A limited-edition design like this adds a personal, collectible touch to your camp kitchen, and the black glaze hides coffee stains well.
PDW This is the Way LTD ED Deneen Tall Belly Mug - PDW X Deneen Nokomis Tankard All Terrain: This PDW tankard features the All Terrain graphic with a gray and hunter-white accent glaze, also handcrafted by Deneen Pottery. The tankard's larger handle and capacity make it a practical choice for hearty drinks and gloved hands, while the unique glaze adds style to your campsite.
PDW X Deneen Nokomis Tankard All Terrain
Which One Fits You?
Best For
- Campers who want a secure grip with gloves or in cold weather
- Those who prefer larger drinks and fewer refills
- Collectors of limited-edition camp kitchen gear
Not For
- Ultralight backpackers who prioritize minimal weight and pack space
- Those who prefer a classic, compact mug shape for quick cups
