Metal camping mugs - why?

[Ilovelurchers]

My daughter and I have come glamping for the first time since my recent break up, and as the travel mugs were one of the things my ex kept, I decided to treat us to some stylish new metal ones from a camping shop in fancy designs I found in the sale.

Only to remember, as soon as I went to make hot drinks, that they are utterly pointless for this purpose as the handles heat up so much from the hot water, it is impossible to even hold your drink let alone drink it. (I now remember observing this many times previously - it had somehow slipped my mind).

So my question is, why? What are camping mugs metal? Is there a pain free way of using them I have yet to discover?

If anyone can offer any thoughts, you'd be satisfyint a curiosity I have long nurtured.

They are designed to be indestructible and predate molded plastic, my camping mug is pre Second World War (my grandads mug from his army days before the war). Not had an issue with being too hot myself

I remember having those when camping as a child. We all had designated mugs that we had painted ourselves. Think they are designed for the outdoors to keep your drink warm and as the other poster said to be sturdy and not break. But yes I remember burning my fingers and lips on them more than once.

We use ones with a metal body but plastic rim and handle.

The enamelled ones can get hot. The stainless steel ones don't and are much stronger.

As Scouts/Guides, we used to cover the handles with string tied in a pleasing pattern, bit like this:
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/46443439899028379/

I always associate metal mugs with prison scenes from movies - prisoners banging them on the bars of cells in discontent and frustration.

Which fits neatly with my view of camping: a form of soul-destroying punishment.

I've tried a few, enamel, plastic and now ceramic.

This year I switched from a freebie plastic insulated travel mug to ceramic. Weight isn't an issue as we drive.

We've got a huge number of ceramic mugs at home so grabbing one was fine. We camp for quite long periods so actually it feels more of a home comfort (like taking a good pillow!)

Missing the point of the thread a bit. I love drinking cold water from a tin mug. I don't know shy but it tastes different.

I can't drink from those tin mugs! Get yourself some nice ceramic ones for camping, and some more nice travel mugs.

Thank you for all the responses, and the varied experiences! I love the string on the handles idea. And the poster who has her grandad's mug - I can see that is a lovely thing to have, a personal item with so much history behind it.

It's a good point about them keeping cold drinks cold too - I did wonder as I posted whether actually the ones we have are more designed for that purpose.....

It's because they're light and they don't break, but along with a lot of other camping equipment, using them is actually a bit miserable! Take ceramic ones.