Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Take your favorite tipple from town to trail with the best camping flasks of 2023

Leave the deadweight 6-packs at home, and tote your favorite booze into the backcountry in style

Mike Richard
Jeffrey DeLuca
By and
Man pouring liquor from flask.
Cavan Images/Adobe Stock

Camping and booze go hand in hand. How else are you supposed to entertain yourself if you don’t have cell service and Netflix at your disposal? As much as we consider a six-pack of your favorite IPA beer to be a camping essential, lugging it into the far reaches of the backcountry when you’re already lugging your backpacking or camping tent and essential gear is not so easy.

Fortunately, modern hip flasks have been around since at least the early 18th century, providing a means for the nobles of the time to discreetly sip their libations anywhere they chose. Today, you can pick up a flask in every size and design imaginable, from titanium and stainless steel containers to next-gen thermoplastic polyurethane.

Carrying a flask helps you avoid carrying the weight of a heavy glass jar or handful of bottles and keeps the drinks flowing even when you’re miles from the closest bar. If you’re making some fun and easy camp cocktails, you’ll definitely need somewhere to keep them cool and refreshing. Here are the best camping flasks for your most adventurous trips.

A studio shot of the Stanley Stainless Steel Shot Glass And Flask Gift Set on a plain white background.
Stanley

Stanley Shot Glass and Flask Set

There’s always a great time to break out drinks for friends, and you can step it up a notch with this complete pocket-sized party starter. This kit comes with portable travel shot glasses, a liquor flask, and a carry case using stainless steel to withstand all adventures. Plus, an integrated lanyard means no more losing your flask’s cap. Toast to adventure wherever you are with this travel/camp flask kit.

VSSL Insulated Camping Flask and Speaker isolated on a plain white background.
VSSL

VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker

Flasks are pretty a low-tech product by design. However, if you like your camping gear with a dose of high style and luxury, VSSL has you covered. Its flagship camping flask features a rugged, 304 stainless steel construction with double-walled vacuum insulation. But what truly sets it apart from every other we’ve tested is the integrated Bluetooth speaker, so you can seriously keep the party going even in the backcountry. It’s also easy to clean, and a built-in locking carabiner top ensures you’ll never lose your favorite tipple on the trail.

GSI Outdoors Boulder Flask
GSI Outdoors

GSI Outdoors Boulder Flask

This clear case may look fragile, but the Boulder Flask from GSI Outdoors is completely shatter-resistant. The silicone grip keeps it from slipping (especially helpful if your hands are wet or sweaty), and the top remains connected to the body, so you’ll never lose it. This camp flask weighs just four ounces and, depending on which size you choose, can hold six or 10 ounces of your favorite adult beverage.

Vapur Incognito Flask
Vapur

Vapur After Hours Flask

The After Hours’ low-profile design, available in either teal or black, is as flexible as it is simple. The BPA-free flask lets you discreetly tuck up to 10 ounces of fluid in your bag or pocket while on the go. When you’re done, quickly run it through the dishwasher. The bundled pourer and freezer-safe components only make it that much more enticing.

Nalgene Flask
Nalgene

Nalgene Flask

Nalgene is a long-standing cornerstone when it comes to the best water bottles and other portable containers. The company’s aptly named Nalgene Flask features a one-ounce cap and a rugged insulation sleeve, allowing you to stow 12 ounces of your favorite liquid within an assortment of colorful designs that pair well with any pack. And if you drop the sleeve, it weighs a mere 1.86 ounces.

Hydro Flask The Rocks Cup
Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask Rocks Cup

So, you’ve carried your booze with you all this way — now what? You make a cocktail, of course. While the 10-ounce Rocks glass from Hydro Flask is neither compact nor lightweight, it is one of the best tumblers on the market. The brand’s crazy-good insulation technology will keep your favorite campfire-side concoction nice and cold.

Platypus PlatyPreserve Portable Wine Bottle
Platypus

Platypus PlatyPreserve Portable Wine Bottle

We’ve focused on personal-size flasks thus far, but if you’re stockpiling larger amounts for your next wilderness trip, then this affordable option from Platypus is the way to go. It conveniently holds 27 ounces, which is enough room for an entire wine bottle, but we imagine your favorite spirit will fit as well.

YWQ

YWQ Hip Flask

This sleek matte flask comes with a funnel for easy pouring. It can hold up to eight ounces of liquid and is made of stainless steel. If you’re looking for something dead-simple and tasteful, this is the perfect camp flask for you.

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Hip Flask
GSI Outdoors

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Hip Flask

You can’t beat this classic modern flask for the quality, design, and price. Made with 18/8 stainless steel, this camping flask features a curved design that fits perfectly in your back pocket. The wide-mouth opening means you can take a big swig of your booze of choice without having to coax it out of the bottle. The attached knurled cap makes it easy to twist on and off, even if you’re wearing gloves, and you never have to worry about misplacing the cap. It’s the perfect companion around the campfire, at the top of the mountain, or in your back pocket at all times.

Related

FAQ about camping flasks

What alcohol is best for a flask?

The primary function of a flask is to hold some type of liquid comfortably, close to your body. “What type of liquid?” you may ask. Well, any type of liquid, really. You could use your flask to hold wine, water, juice, a sports drink, coconut water, soda, etc. But why would you do that, when you could keep liquor in it instead? Traditionally, a neat brown spirit is held in a camping flask — think bourbon, rum, whisky, even your best añejo tequila. Remember, you’ll be drinking this at or above room temperature, so gin or vodka may be excessively harsh when imbibed from a flask.

Who makes the best flask?

The best flask should be comfortable to wear and should have a cap that seals tightly. There are many companies that make a good camping flask or a good wine flask. We think it’s smart to stick with one of the well-known outdoor brands for your first flask. GSI, Snow Peak, Platypus, and Hydro Flask are all well-established in the outdoor world. Products from these companies are thoroughly tested and reliable. Chances are, you’re already familiar with these brands, as you’ve seen them while galivanting through your favorite outdoor gear store looking for a new camping air mattress, winter camping gear, or the fishing gear you’ll need on your next trip.

Can I carry a flask in public?

Short answer: For the most part, no.

Longer answer: It depends. Flasks are considered “open containers.” If the local laws (for where you plan to carry) allow for public open containers, then yes, flasks are most likely allowed there, too. If the local laws don’t allow for public open containers, then it’s probably illegal to carry a flask in there. As with most things with opaque legality, it’s best to do your research beforehand.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
New Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition may be the perfect smartwatch for deep-country camping and hiking
This outdoor watch should be on your radar
Garmin tactix 7 – AMOLED Edition

If you're in the market for a new tactical timepiece, look no further than Garmin's latest offering: the tactix 7 AMOLED. But this isn't your run-of-the-mill outdoor smartwatch. Garmin has once again raised the bar with the tactix 7 AMOLED Edition. Here's what makes it one of the greatest outdoor smartwatches of 2023.

One of the standout features of the tactix 7 AMOLED Edition is its bright and easy-to-read AMOLED display. Whether you're exploring during the day or in pitch-black darkness, this display can adapt to the situation, ensuring you have the information you need at your fingertips without straining your eyes. Plus, it can dim when the mission calls for stealth, keeping you concealed from prying eyes.

Read more
Why you need to be just as wary of moose as bear attacks (and what to do when you encounter one)
You know what to do when you encounter a bear, but how do you handle a moose?
Moose sitting in a field in an open clearing during the day

Moose are majestic and peaceful-looking animals that we're lucky to see in wild spaces. But are moose dangerous? Like bears, they are unpredictable creatures that may not take kindly to our presence. And if you're taking a long-distance hike or are in a remote area, you're likely to see one. So what do you do when a moose comes your way? Here are our thoughts, as well as some helpful tips to stay safe during a moose encounter.

Unforeseen moose attack in Colorado Springs
On September 12, two hikers alongside their three dogs encountered a distressed cow moose on the Craigs Trail in Colorado Springs. According to the report, they spotted the moose about 1 mile into their hike in a scenic opening. Although the three dogs were leashed and the hikers did their best to move along the trail at a safe distance, the moose began to close in on them. As the moose neared, the dogs barked in response to the moose’s presence. This didn't deter the moose, and the animal then trampled a hiker. Despite their efforts to escape the moose and flee, the persistent creature pursued them relentlessly along the trail.
After some time, they outran the moose and made it safely to their car. The injured individual was able to walk and the two then immediately headed to the hospital. Thankfully, their injuries were minor. The bull moose reportedly attacked because it was accompanied by a young calf. It's well understood that when a moose is threatened by a predator, such as the barking dogs, it will defend its young at all costs.
This story serves as a stern reminder that it's important to be aware of our surroundings when heading into wild spaces. Colorado Parks & Wildlife has responded to the incident by posting warning signs in areas with known moose activity, including the Craigs Trail.
But a moose encounter can happen anywhere, with their populations increasing by over one-third over the past decade. Here are a few tips for how to safely deal with a moose sighting if one of these creatures gets too close for comfort.

Read more
Grand Canyon closures expected to last into 2025 – what to know before you go hiking or camping
Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Hold that thought
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? You'd better hold that thought. The National Park Service has just announced a series of closures for various trails and campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park that could impact your trip. Fortunately, they aren't permanent, and they are mostly construction-related closures. In this article, we will explore the details of these closures, their expected durations, and the importance of adhering to the guidelines set forth by the National Park Service.
Grand Canyon North Rim closures
The Transcanyon Waterline construction-related closures will affect several popular areas within the Grand Canyon. The closures are as follows:

Silver Bridge: September 15 to December 31, 2025.

Read more