The 9 Best Flasks for Drinking on the Go

2022-09-03 21:34:20 By : Mr. Abie Peng

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From $15 to $350, there’s a tiny bottle of joy for everyone.

A flask is an exercise in control – its owner must know when it is and isn’t appropriate to uncover, and how often. Because it may be carried every day does not necessitate its everyday use, and knowing that is the first lesson one should learn in picking one. After the self-control is in check, then it comes down to where exactly you're taking your flask. If you're trying to bring one to a wedding, you're not going to want a flask that leans on the more rugged side. And the inverse is just as true. You probably don't want to bring a delicate, dainty flask with you on an outdoor adventure. Regardless of the use case, a flask is a must-have. It's a great companion to your favorite travel mug (you probably don't want to drink coffee from the same vessel you keep tequila in) and they're also an excellent gift.

So whether you plan to carry rare Japanese whiskies, Kirkland Vodka (believe the hype) or Pepto-Bismol, these 9 flasks run the gamut of price, personality and prestige.

Don't worry, they're pretty much different versions of the same thing. The term pocket flask may have originated when it was common to keep a pocket watch, so it was natural that a flask had to be compact enough to fit in the tighter clothes of the day. Near the time of prohibition, the shape evolved a bit to match the laws of the day — a flask had to be easy to conceal. This is where we began to see the curved shape many flasks are crafted with today.

The biggest thing is this: don't leave liquids in your flask for a long time. Either drink it all or pour it out, don't let it sit. Over time, this will get skunky and will be much harder to clean. When you do need to clean it (which you should do from time to time anyway), fill it 2/3 with soap and water and swish it around with the cap on and rinse. Get all the soap out or your booze will undoubtedly taste funny. Use a bottle brush if necessary.

Some of our favorite flasks come with their own cups or shot glasses. Usually, these are more geared towards camping and, of course, sharing, so be sure to pick one of these if you're looking to celebrate with friends.

Our group of testers put the flasks through their paces at weddings, on the trail, around the campfire, on cold winter bike rides and just about anywhere else you can imagine using a flask. We always shared with friends and made sure to keep our wits about us until we were able to make some astute observations. Once we had our learnings, though, all bets were off. Then we gathered our observations and gave each flask a superlative, which, we hope, will help you make the best choice possible.

There’s a reason this flask is roundly suggested in all corners of the internet. Stanley’s affordable rugged steel flask lacks accouterments, pretty websites and melodramatic descriptions. One could say a certain cool factor is absent, but, weirdly enough, that’s exactly what makes it cool. A Stanley flask (especially in hammertone green) says you couldn’t give a damn about what you tote your liquor to-go in.

What’s a collection of best flasks without Snow Peak’s completely titanium (and questionably necessary) flask? Not this collection. Thanks to the titanium, the almost seven fluid ounce-carrying flask only weighs two ounces empty and is virtually unbreakable. Japan’s coolest outdoor brand doesn’t do anything by the book, and this flask is no exception.

It’s affordable. It’s lightweight. It’s tougher than tough. It carries 10 whopping ounces of booze. The GSI Boulder Flask’s body is a unique copolyester that’s wrapped in a shock-absorbing silicone bumper – both lighter in weight than a typical steel or hard plastic flask. Also, it’s clear, so gauging how much your buddy takes when he takes a “sip” is that much easier.

On top of what it claims is the world’s first copper flask, Jacob Bromwell makes this piece of beauty. Make no mistake, this seven-ounce square-edged copper flask from Jacob Bromwell is not cheap. But it is hand-soldered, 100 percent copper (no stainless steel hidden in the hinges), will build a unique patina and comes with a lifetime guarantee. And for the love of all things good in the world, do not wash it in the dishwasher (hot water, soap, shake to clean).

VSSL's flask doesn't l0ok much like a flask, and it's because it's so much more. Hidden inside the lightweight aluminum flask is two collapsible shot glasses so you can share some booze with your friends. But that's not all this nine-ounce flask is hiding; you also get a flashlight (with batteries included), a compass and bottle opener.

Size: 6-ounce Material: Stainless steel

Flasks come in all shapes, sizes, materials and looks, but few approach the simplicity of this one. Savage’s glossy mirror-finished stainless steel flask does its job and emits serious Gatsby vibes in doing so. Yet, in a world too full of monograms, needle stitching and weird colors, it isn’t at all outrageous. Also, Jay Gatsby wouldn’t buy a $16 flask, but that’s his problem.

Size: 6-ounce Material: Stainless steel

Viski finishes its flask in an ultra-shiny coating that basically makes it a mirror. It's made of durable 304 stainless steel that won't impart any unwanted flavors into your liquor. While it is on the smaller side with its six-ounce capacity, the Viski flask is the perfect size to slip away discreetly.

Miscellaneous Goods started with a very pretty pack of Kickstarter-backed cards and has since broadened its offerings to leather goods, prints and, yes, flasks. Miscellaneous’s 11-ounce ceramic flasks are slipcast and made in America, and each sports a handsome brass and leather cap clasp.

Size: 750ml Material: Stainless steel

At 750ml, this stainless steel flask is the ideal flask for camping. It can hold a fifth of liquor or a whole bottle of wine and has double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure your drink stays cold while you're on the trail. While it is definitely too big for your pocket and is by no means discreet, it's not intended to be used by one person anyway — it comes with two tumblers for sharing drinks around the campfire, in the backyard or at the top of the mountain.

A great portable home away from home can make all the difference on big outdoor adventures. Start here.