If you are tired of bulky tumblers that tip, leak, or will not fit your car cup holder, the Simple Modern Trek Tumbler promises all day hydration in a more practical shape and price point.
The Simple Modern Trek Tumbler has quietly become a favorite for people who want the convenience of a handled, oversized tumbler without paying premium prices or fighting with a giant base that will not fit their car. It aims to deliver the same all day ice retention and comfort as trendier options, in a slimmer, more commuter friendly design.
Overview
The Simple Modern Trek Tumbler is a vacuum insulated stainless steel tumbler available in multiple sizes, most commonly around the 30 and 40 ounce range. It comes with a sturdy side handle, a straw lid that can also be used for sipping, and a tapered base that fits standard car cup holders better than many other large tumblers.
The body is made from double wall 18/8 stainless steel, with a powder coated exterior in a wide range of colors and patterns. It is designed to keep drinks cold for many hours, prevent condensation on the outside, and provide an easy way to carry a lot of water, iced coffee, or soda throughout the day.
Price wise, the Trek Tumbler usually lands well below premium brands, while offering comparable capacity and insulation performance. The main tradeoffs are that the lid is not fully leakproof and the large size can feel hefty when it is filled to the top.
Who it is for
The Simple Modern Trek Tumbler is ideal if you want to carry one big drink instead of constantly refilling a smaller bottle. It is especially handy for commuters, parents running errands, students, and anyone who mostly drinks at a desk, in the car, or around the house.
If you like the idea of the viral handled tumblers but hesitate because of price, the Trek is a smart alternative. You get similar capacity, comfortable handle, and color options without spending as much. It is also a good fit if you have standard sized cup holders and do not want a tumbler that wobbles or has to sit on the seat.
On the other hand, this tumbler is not the right pick if you need something truly leakproof to toss in a bag. The lid is splash resistant, but if it tips on its side it can and will let liquid out, especially through the straw opening. Hikers, cyclists, and people who need a fully sealed bottle for travel are usually better off with a screw top insulated bottle instead.
How it feels and performs
Build quality and comfort
In the hand, the Trek Tumbler feels solid and well made. The stainless steel walls are thick enough that the tumbler does not flex, and the powder coat finish gives it a soft, slightly grippy texture. It feels secure even when your hands are damp or you are juggling keys and a bag.
The handle is one of the highlights. It is large enough for most adult hands, with rounded edges that do not dig into your fingers. The handle is fixed in place rather than rotating, which keeps the tumbler feeling stable when you pick it up or slide it out of a cup holder.
Despite the big capacity, the tapered base keeps the footprint modest. The tumbler feels tall rather than bulky. When full it is undeniably heavy, especially in the larger sizes, but the weight feels centered and balanced rather than top heavy.
Insulation and temperature control
The double wall vacuum insulation does what it should. Filled with ice and water in the morning, the Trek Tumbler typically still has ice chunks and very cold water by late afternoon in a climate controlled office or car. For iced coffee or tea, that means you can sip all day without worrying your drink will turn lukewarm too quickly.
For hot drinks, performance is also strong, though the wide opening and large surface area mean very small amounts of liquid will cool faster than in a narrow thermos. A full tumbler of hot coffee or tea stays pleasantly drinkable for hours if you keep the lid closed between sips. The outside of the tumbler stays comfortable to touch and does not get hot, which also means no condensation dripping on your desk when you are drinking something icy.
Lid, straw, and leak resistance
The Trek Tumbler lid is made from clear plastic with a rotating or sliding top section, depending on the exact model, that lets you switch between closed, straw, and open sipping positions. The straw passes through a silicone gasket, which helps minimize splashing when you are driving or walking with the tumbler in hand.
As with most handled tumblers, the lid is classified as splash resistant, not leakproof. If the tumbler tips on its side, some liquid will escape around the straw or through any open vents. You can reduce this by closing the lid whenever you are not actively drinking, but it is still not a tumbler you should store on its side in a bag.
The lid feels snug when pressed into place and usually takes a deliberate pull to remove. That is good for preventing accidental pops, but it does mean you will want to press around the edge to make sure every section is fully seated, especially after cleaning.
Capacity, portability, and fit
The most popular Trek sizes are the mid and large capacities, which are roughly equivalent to keeping one giant water bottle at your side. For a typical day at the office or around town, that means fewer refills and steady hydration without thinking about it. If you are a heavy sipper, the larger size is satisfying since it feels like you always have plenty of drink left.
Portability is better than you might expect from such a large tumbler, mostly because of the tapered base. The Trek Tumbler fits most standard car cup holders that accommodate a large soda, so you are less likely to need a separate console adapter. The height is something to watch if your car has a very low dashboard overhang, but in most vehicles it rides comfortably without hitting controls.
Cleaning and durability
Like many vacuum insulated tumblers, the stainless steel body is best washed by hand. Warm soapy water and a soft bottle brush are enough for most daily cleanups. The powder coat holds up well to regular washing and normal bumps, though any painted tumbler will eventually show scrapes if it is dropped on concrete or dragged against metal.
The lid and straw are generally top rack dishwasher safe, but it is worth double checking the current recommendations from Simple Modern since dishwashers can shorten the life of certain plastics and silicone gaskets. For the cleanest results, especially if you drink milky coffee or flavored powders, plan to occasionally pull apart the lid pieces and soak them in a mild dish soap solution, then rinse thoroughly to prevent trapped smells.
How to use the Trek Tumbler for best results
To get the most out of the Trek Tumbler, start with pre chilling or pre warming the interior before you add your drink. For cold drinks, fill it partway with ice water, let it sit a minute, then dump and refill with fresh ice and liquid. For hot drinks, a quick swirl with very hot tap water helps keep your beverage hotter for longer.
When using the lid, push down around the entire circumference until you feel it fully seat. It is easy to assume it is on correctly when one section is still slightly lifted, which can cause slow leaks if the tumbler tips. If your lid has a rotating or sliding top, always turn it to the fully closed position before putting the tumbler into a bag, setting it on the passenger seat, or walking quickly.
For straw use, keep a skinny straw brush nearby and run it through at least once a day if you drink anything besides water. Leftover coffee or smoothie residue in a straw is one of the quickest ways to develop odors. If you switch between cold and hot drinks, consider dedicating one straw for water and another for coffee or tea to avoid lingering flavors.
As with any insulated tumbler, avoid freezing the entire tumbler, heating it on a stove, or putting it in the microwave. Vacuum insulated containers are not meant for those extremes and it can damage the seal or warp the outer shell.
Pros and cons
Here is how the Simple Modern Trek Tumbler stacks up once you use it day to day.
Pros
- Cup holder friendly design with a tapered base that fits more vehicles than many other oversized handled tumblers.
- Excellent insulation that keeps iced drinks cold for many hours and hot drinks warm through long commutes or workdays.
- Comfortable, sturdy handle that makes a fully loaded tumbler easier to carry and lift, even when it is heavy.
- Wide color and size range so you can match your style and your hydration habits without being stuck with one look.
- Good value pricing that undercuts high profile competitors while still feeling solid and well finished.
Cons
- Not fully leakproof, so it is not a great option if you need to toss a drink into a bag or backpack.
- Large sizes are heavy when full, which can be tiring for small hands or anyone with grip issues.
- Lid has multiple parts that benefit from regular deep cleaning, which is a bit more work than a simple screw top bottle.
- Height can be awkward under some low clearance faucets, coffee machines, or in very compact car interiors.
Final verdict
The Simple Modern Trek Tumbler hits a sweet spot for everyday hydration. It delivers strong insulation, a genuinely comfortable handle, and a car friendly base at a price that makes owning more than one color realistic. For many people, it feels like getting the trendy handled tumbler experience without paying a trend tax.
If you mostly drink in the car, at your desk, or around the house, the Trek makes it easy to keep a large, stable drink nearby without puddles of condensation or constant refills. The main reasons to look elsewhere are if you need a completely leakproof bottle for active travel, or if you prefer something shorter and lighter. For everyone else, the Trek Tumbler is a practical, well balanced option that is easy to recommend.
See also
If you like dialing in your daily drinks, you may also appreciate our Vitamix A3300 blender review for smoothies and sauces, along with our Ninja Creami Deluxe ice cream maker review for creative frozen treats.
- Explore our in depth Delonghi Magnifica S espresso machine review if you want cafe style coffee at home.
- Track more than hydration with our detailed Withings Body Comp smart scale review.
- Create a calmer home environment with our review of the Vitruvi stone diffuser.
FAQ
Does the Simple Modern Trek Tumbler leak if it tips over?
The Trek Tumbler lid is designed to be splash resistant, not leakproof. If it tips briefly in a cup holder you might see a few drops, but if it lies on its side, especially with the straw in place or the opening set to “sip,” liquid will escape. To minimize mess, always close the lid when you are not actively drinking and avoid storing it sideways in a bag.
Will the Simple Modern Trek Tumbler fit in my car cup holder?
One of the big advantages of the Trek line is its tapered base, which is similar in size to a large fast food cup. That means it fits most standard car cup holders better than many other 40 ounce style tumblers. Very small or unusually shaped cup holders can still be an issue, but in typical sedans and SUVs it sits securely without much wobble.
Is the Simple Modern Trek Tumbler dishwasher safe?
The stainless steel body is generally recommended for hand washing, which helps preserve the vacuum seal and the powder coat finish. The plastic lid and straw are often labeled top rack dishwasher safe, although frequent high heat cycles can shorten the life of gaskets over time. If you want the tumbler to look new for as long as possible, hand wash the body and use the dishwasher only occasionally for the lid components.
What size Simple Modern Trek Tumbler should I choose?
If you mostly drink at a desk or in the car and prefer fewer refills, the larger size is satisfying and makes it easy to hit daily water goals. If you have smaller hands, a very compact workspace, or want something that feels closer to a traditional travel mug, the mid size is usually the better everyday choice. Think about where you will store it, how often you want to refill, and whether you will be comfortable lifting it when completely full.
How does the Simple Modern Trek Tumbler compare to more expensive brands?
Performance wise, the Trek Tumbler is surprisingly close to high profile handled tumblers when it comes to insulation and comfort. It keeps drinks cold or hot for many hours, the handle feels sturdy, and the finish holds up well with normal use. The main differences are branding, certain lid details, and price, which makes the Trek an appealing option if you care more about function and value than carrying a specific logo.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.