Long work days don't come with many breaks. Whether you're under a house, up in an attic, on a roof, or running between jobs, the drink you bring in the morning has to last. A good travel mug isn't a luxury. It's one of the cheapest ways to get through a long day feeling better.
Water first
Heat sneaks up on people, especially in attics, crawlspaces, and summer job sites. For moderate work in the heat, NIOSH recommends drinking about 1 cup (8 oz) of water every 15 to 20 minutes, before you feel thirsty. The same guidance warns against going over about 6 cups an hour, and suggests drinks with electrolytes if you're sweating for several hours. A big insulated cup keeps that water cold, so you actually want to drink it, and cuts down on trips back to the truck.
What to look for in a big cup
- Double-wall insulation. Stainless steel with a vacuum wall keeps cold drinks cold and doesn't sweat all over the seat or your paperwork.
- A real handle. You'll be grabbing it with gloves on, with one hand, while you carry something else.
- The right lid for the drink. Straw lids are made for cold drinks and are spill-resistant, not leakproof, so don't toss one on its side in a tool bag. For hot coffee, use a lid made for hot drinks.
- A cupholder check. Big cups with handles don't fit every truck. Measure your cupholder before you buy.
- Parts that come apart. If you can't get the lid, gasket, and straw apart to clean them, you'll regret it by Friday.
Keep it clean
Take the lid apart and wash every piece, including the gasket, and let it all dry before you put it back together. Don't leave sweet drinks sitting in it overnight. Printed and engraved cups usually say hand wash only, and that's worth following if you want the design to last. Metal cups don't go in the microwave.
Make it yours
On a crew, identical cups end up in the wrong truck. A cup nobody else has solves that, and it's a nice thing to look at on a long day. It also makes an easy gift for somebody in the trades, because everybody needs one and most people's cup has seen better days.
That's why we made our 40 oz travel mugs: Rugged Bob in four designs, each with a handle and a reusable straw, printed on both sides. They're printed on demand by our print partner, hand wash only, and not for the microwave. Check each Etsy listing for the details before you order.
From the shop
General homeowner info, not a substitute for a licensed plumber. Gas, electrical, and anything beyond basic work are jobs for a licensed pro.