Travel mugs are all the rage these days, and there’s no shortage of options. There are ultra-trendy travel mugs from Stanley or Yeti and quite literally hundreds of other options from various Amazon sellers. But what if you just want something reliable and affordable? Enter the Contigo West Loop 2.0.
This travel mug is made from durable stainless steel and has all the features you’d expect from a good travel mug. It locks, maintains temperature for plenty of time and, while its design isn’t trendy, looks good enough for the office. As a Chicago-area native, I also love how Contigo sticks to its Chicago roots and names many of its mugs after Chicago neighborhoods, like the West Loop.
Here’s why I think the Contigo West Loop travel mug is one of the best travel mug deals out there, whether you’re buying it for yourself or as a gift.
This no-frills travel mug keeps liquids hot for five hours and cold for 12 hours. Plus, it has a locking top to keep your drink from spilling all over your car or backpack.
I’ve been in the market for a new travel mug since I left my Stanley on the subway over the summer. That mug was good to me; I used it almost daily for more than five years. But prices are now through the roof, at $45+ at many retailers. This was more than I wanted to spend, so I went on the hunt for a new replacement.
Specifically, I wanted something with a locking cap, made from stainless steel and ideally under $30. I fired up Amazon, and after some research, I settled on the Contigo West Loop 2.0 since it checked all these boxes.
It’s also worth noting that I rarely use my mug for more than my 45-minute commute, so having a cup that keeps something hot or cold for an extremely long time wasn’t a concern.
For $25, you get a travel mug that keeps beverages at warm or cold for a good amount of time, looks good and has a locking lid. The last part is particularly important if you commute on public transit or have to drive over rough roads, as it keeps liquid inside and not all over your bag.
I also like how easy it is to drink from the Contigo West Loop 2.0. Just unlock it, and tilt it toward your face. The flow is manageable and consistent, so you won’t get coffee all over your face.
It’s also made from durable stainless steel that doesn’t show wear or scratch easily. And again, while it’s not the most flashy or unique design, it looks professional and is the design is comfortable for drinking on a moving train.
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