Make Your Own Tea Traveler

What you'll need:

1. A fine mesh basket infuser w/o a tab. I'm using The People's Brew Basket, item #90121, .50 from The Republic of Tea:
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   At 2-1/2" tall, it has a 3" outside diameter at its widest.

1. A traveler's mug or tumbler that the basket will fit into that tapers down so as to fit into standard cup holders. Mine is a 16 oz. thermal tumbler, 7-3/4" from base to top of lid. It's important to use a taller traveler that narrows so that the basket doesn't slip down to the bottom. For Method A, a basket that slips down will constrain tea leaves more than is necessary or desirable. For Method B, fishing down near the bottom of a mug to remove the basket is too inconvenient.

This is terrific - thank you! When you get a chance - does the basket narrow at all in diameter below the top? How much? I'm wondering if it will fit in my travel tumbler, though I'm thinking I know the answer.

Any ROT teas to suggest? As long as I'm ordering...

Shopping note to self: ROT Brew Basket, new tumbler that will fit the basket, waterproof ink for journal, helpful CD tray, new house to store all the tea related items that are needed. And I thought tea was relatively inexpensive!

Really clever Bluesea, thanks!!

Melinda

Yes, the above outside diameter includes the top rim. At the bottom of the basket, the diameter is 2-1/4".

I forgot to mention that the basket from my Beehouse teapot fits a smaller traveling mug that a cheesehead friend gave me as a souvenir when I visited her in WI. The mesh of that isn't as fine as the RoT, however, so some small leaf particles may pass through.

I have to let others answer due my lack of experience w/ RoT. I actually purchased my basket from a local store.

Yes, that CD tray's critical ;).

You're welcome :).

It occurred to me when I became dissatisfied about using a Chatsford or Teeli basket for my traveling kit because they don't allow the mug's lid to be attached while brewing and I like the concept of both the Fuguang and Nissan travelers.

Necessity being the mother of invention...

Thanks! I tested my infusers with my tumbler... none fit.

Still waiting, though not as patiently. Sigh...

This link isn't to the exact tumbler that I have (I don't know the manufacturer), but shows the general form:

My GBP mug is made by Whirley, but since the website doesn't show the exact same model, this will have to do for illustrative purposes:

or,

HTH give you the general idea.

I don't know if travel mugs and tumblers have standardized interior measurements. I may have simply lucked out with the two tab-less baskets that I have. My other thermal mugs are way too big.

Upton packages *usually* take 5 days to get to me. Maybe you'll get yours today.

I'm currently wondering why FedEx drove past my place when my order from Adagio is scheduled to be delivered today. The last time FedEx had a package for me, it was put on the wrong shelf and the driver didn't realize it until he was in the next town. He came back that night, but since I had already left, I didn't get it until the next day. I sure hope today isn't a repeat.

LOL - thanks!! I have a problem with paying for speedier delivery, too, and in the Upton case, it wouldn't have gotten here any faster.

But... it's here now!! YAY!!! Now, the decisions... which to try first. (This never ends, does it?! LOL!)

Resa

LOL - now which comes first... finding a tumbler, and then a tea infuser to fit? Nope - I'm going to choose an infuser, and then carry that around to anyplace that has tumblers, and then get one. That might work.

I did!! YAYAYAY!!

And you didn't drop everything you were doing and chase after the truck?! I admire your maturity.

Thanks!!

Mine is a (I apolgize if this is a curse word here) Starbucks tumbler that I received with a gift box of (sorry, again) coffee. I can't find it online, but the shape looks like this ebay one, without the handle.

In other words, it has a "waist" which could cause problems.

Thanks again for the links!

I agree because there are more travel mugs and tumblers than there are brew baskets.

Super! And you'll post a review after you've tried your teas, right? (Hint: the correct answer is "Yes.")

Weel, I went thinking it had overshot my place and would come back, but when I got outside, it was going around the corner at the end of the block. A smaller truck delivered my package a few minutes after I last posted and I've been drinking my new teas ever since. Got stuck on the Irish Breakfast (Ceylon w/ Assam) and then the Keemun Concerto (Mao Feng), so will post reviews later.

You're welcome.

I wouldn't think the waist would necessarily cause a problem. It depends on if it's narrow enough to prevent the basket from sliding down or if it narrows too quickly for the basket to be seated in the first place.

You don't need to apologize for the gifts others give you. I didn't want the Packers mug but didn't want to hurt my friend's feelings so accepted but never used it. Now that I've found it perfect for a tea traveler, though...

I put white tea in it and have been using it at home, refilling and refilling and refilling. It's tacky-looking but simplifies the process and keeps the cat from drinking my tea.

Yet another variable!

Your cat isn't a Packers fan?

Yes.

Very good - now and again they do that "one, two truck trick" just to keep you on your toes.

I didn't know that.

I'm thinking that you should get your brew basket and see if it fits your Starbucks mug, first.

She cares only for fresh water, a clean box, tuna, shrimp, salmon, chicken, my Darjeeling and white teas, and tummy rubs.