Contigo Autoseal Kids Trekker Cup

Bottom Line

The Contigo Autoseal Kids Trekker Cup features a self-sealing lid with a spout that opens when you press a button and closes the instant you release it. Easy for most children from 3 and up to operate, the Trekker is lauded by parents whose kids have outgrown the sippy -- but not the spill -- stage. It's a favorite for everyday on-the-go use and for lunchboxes.

Ease Of Use

This cup closes itself. The Contigo Autoseal Kids Trekker Cup has a simple, two-piece lid and bottle design with no tiny pieces to misplace or assemble. Just fill the cup, screw the lid on tight and go. However, the lid has many nooks and crannies, and if you're unable to wash it immediately after use, parents say it may build up mold fairly quickly. Contigo sells a brush set for cleaning the nooks and crannies, but some say they still can't access all parts of the lid.

The Autoseal mechanism works well for children with the hand strength to squeeze it. Contigo recommends the cup for children aged 3 and up. Most reviewers concur that this is a good guideline, but some parents of 4 year olds say that their children have mixed success getting the hang of the cup. The Autoseal works like a charm in preventing leaks, according to parents, but the free-flow valve means that kids can't drink from the cup while lying down, which disappoints some toddlers. One discerning child noticed that the pressure-release valve on the top of the cup leaks very slightly when you open the bottle to drink from it. The cup does not leak at all when it is closed, but this very small drip can cause moisture buildup on the top of the cup.

Parents say that the bottle's tapered shape is easy for kids to hold, and small nubs on the surface add to the secure grip.

Durability

Sturdy and straightforward. There are no complaints about the durability of the Contigo Autoseal Kids Trekker Cup, and users report that the Autoseal mechanism holds up over time. We also didn't find any complaints about the cup-to-lid seal breaking down with this cup. The smooth lid cannot be chewed, so it can't be destroyed by kids like some sippy/straw cup spouts.

Lifestyle Features

Toss in a bag and go. The Contigo Autoseal Kids Trekker Cup's slender bottle fits easily into cup holders, and parents say they can toss it into a bag without worrying about spills thanks to its leakproof design. Parents also say the cup works well with lunchboxes.

The Trekker is a non-insulated cup, and it can build up moisture and condensation if filled with ice. However, despite lack of insulation, parents say that the cup keeps drinks cool longer than expected. If you are looking for an insulated cup, Contigo makes the Scout (*MSRP $18), which features the same Autoseal mechanism and offers vacuum-insulated, stainless-steel construction.

Parents say that their children like drinking from this cup and don't feel like they are drinking from a baby cup. In fact, the cup is recommended for kids up to age 12. Beyond the smaller 14-ounce capacity of the bottle, very little distinguishes the Trekker from an adult water bottle.

The Contigo Autoseal Kids Trekker Cup and lid are made of BPA-, phthalate- and PVC-free plastic that is considered safe for drinking.