Bamboo cups

I wouldn't because I'd think they'd get crushed or broken in my pack. Do you have an example?

It worked for Gilligan, the Skipper, MaryAnn, Ginger, the Professor, and the Howles. It is VERY multipurpose – from the same reality show we learned that you can make shelters, telephone systems, cannons, and light aircraft from bamboo.

Seriously, though: I like some bamboo utensils for BPing. I've got a little double-ended spoon-fork that won't stir a deep pot but is very compact and decent in both spoon and fork modes. It is a little under 3 inches long. I've brought it BPing and more often on air flights. Sometimes you can't get a decent utensil at 33,000 feet and TSA will let me carry this in my briefcase.

I wouldn't recommend bamboo for something large. It is unparalleled for strength-weight-cost when available locally and I've seen 10-story buildings in China constructed using bamboo scaffolding. But for a cheap, strong, and even lighter cup: Cut the bottom 6" off a HDPE plastic container from the recycling bin.

Traditional Kupika?

I've seen bamboo/paper coffee cups with lids from time to time at Safeway.

EnjoyingTea.com has some that look interesting.

These will definitely hold flavors. Choose your beverage wisely.

If I had to guess, this is as much for esthetics as anything else; if you can keep the weight down you'll have a pretty nice mug.

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I may just have to try a Kupilka.

I like the idea of bamboo but yes you would need to drink the same beverage to avoid aftertaste, so no soup…

…and that just wouldn't work. Chicken soup flavored coffee. Yeck! :)