It's never more important to stay hydrated than when traveling, but a great reusable mug or bottle serves you long before and after you hop on a plane. Most of us aren't drinking enough water daily -- and, if we're honest, a flimsy bottle we don't actually like using isn't helping. 

As someone who logs roughly 30 trips a year, I've become particular about what makes the cut in my carry-on, and Zojirushi's affordable, functional and stylish GoCafe travel mug has earned a permanent spot in my backpack. Insulated, leak-proof, light, and genuinely pleasant to drink from, it's the rare everyday object that quietly changes a habit just by being good at its job.

Zojirushi's stainless-steel mug has Stanley's beat

In addition to traveling regularly, I also write about kitchen appliances and tools, and I don't dole out superlatives when they're not earned. I know from experience that many best lists come down to nuance or personal preference, but not here. 

As someone who has touched her lips to many an insulated bottle to gauge how much plastic I'm asked to tolerate to enjoy the liquid inside, I can say without hesitation that Zojirushi's offering is in a class by itself.

If the brand sounds familiar but you're not aware of their bottles (since they've not reached the fever pitch of Stanley mug fever), Osaka-based Zojirushi is best known for its well-regarded, sing-songy rice cookers. However, Zojirushi offers a variety of travel mugs, and yes, they are insulated to a degree that you may want to consider using for too-hot coffee that remains too hot for many hours. 

Let this be a testament: Despite also receiving many promotional insulated bottles that I could have used for free, when I inadvertently left my Zojirushi behind at an airport once before boarding, I had my finger on the Amazon trigger for its replacement before the plane even took off. (I hope that it's bringing daily joy to whoever found it.)

All the features that make Zojirushi's bottle a no-brainer

In coffee-testing modules, Zojirushi kept the liquid hot -- like, hot hot -- basically all day thanks to its vacuum insulation. But this also works its magic for cold water, and I use mine almost exclusively for this purpose. I've put ice in the bottle on a hot summer night, and by morning, the ice was still ice. And its generous aperture allows for easy use with most refrigerator ice cubes.

The top flips open with a satisfying pop at the touch of a button, which can even be operated one-handed, for those of you who get thirsty while driving. The locking mechanism is so airtight that not only do I often confidently throw it in a tote alongside my laptop, but I have also packed it in a duffel full of clean clothing for a weekend away.

The head flips back 180 degrees, exposing a delicate sipping mechanism that doesn't get gunky as quickly because it requires less lip contact. The physics of the interaction between the mug and the sipper even creates a pleasant water-fountain-like gurgle. I don't have the science background to explain this, but I just know that it genuinely enhances the drinking experience. 

All the elements of the top come apart easily, allowing for meaningful cleaning, including in the dishwasher. The bottle's interior is made of stainless steel, allowing for an unadulterated taste, while the exterior and lid are made of BPA-free plastic. Plus! It comes in several sizes and slight model variations, with a multitude of stylish colors, for about $30. 

4.6 stars on Amazon

I'd like to think I was the only one preaching the magic of these bottles, but Amazon ratings don't lie, and over 20,000 people have given the Zojirushi Stainless Steel travel mug 5 stars. One enthusiastic reviewer even points out a factor that I hadn't considered: BEST FOR MOTORCYCLES! You know what? I concur.