Tested: The Best Flasks For Drinking On The Go

The 18th century was a period of rapid technological development, and as such gave way to a slew of then-ground-breaking inventions like the atmospheric steam engine and diving bell. While the majority of new patents from that era have failed to stand the test of time, there are a few 1700s creations that are still widely utilized today such as the mercury thermometer and the self-contained fire extinguisher, though one 18th-century invention that remains nearly as popular today as it did upon its introduction over three centuries ago is the modern hip flask.

These days, liquor flasks range from run-of-the-mill gas station canteens to design-forward vessels that you’ll have a hard time wanting to conceal. If you know where to look, there is a small handful of more premium offerings utilizing higher-end constructions and employing more style-conscious designs — and it’s this top-shelf selection that we’ll be exploring today in this handpicked guide where we test and review the best flasks we could find.

How We Tested

Now having the benefit of more than 300 years since these stealthy liquid containers first rose to popularity, flasks are now produced in an enormous array of types and styles, typically varying in materials, size, and volume. Unfortunately, the vast majority of flasks that comprise the market are of the budget-friendly variety, often found at truck stops and smoke shops. Fortunately, we’ve been using and keeping tabs on our favorites in the industry, many of which we’ve tapped for this guide. But first, we had to survey the space and see what else might make the cut. From there, we acquired our samples for testing, looking at aesthetics, finish, weight, in-hand feel, cap noise, and flavor.

Although it’s the main usage of these vessels, we thought simply taste-testing whiskey out of a flask might be difficult since whiskey itself is a nuanced spirit that may change slightly even in constant conditions. Things such as humidity, the smell of the air, the temperature, the width of a glass, and even your own personal sinus situation will have an impact on taste. As such, we opted to use water as a baseline for our testing. It enabled us to more clearly determine which, if any, flavors were imparted by the flasks themselves. All of our notable findings are detailed below.

What Factors To Consider When Buying A Flask

The purpose and function of every flask are more or less the same, however, these discreet vessels can and do vary in a myriad of ways. Below, we’ll touch on four of the most important elements to think about when shopping around for a new flask.

Flask Type: Though the lion’s share of flasks on the market are designed to be carried in a hip or coat pocket, there are in fact other, less-common varieties such as the boot flask (essentially just a longer hip flask) or collapsible vessels that can be discreetly tucked in any pocket or garment. It seldom hurts to go with the tried-and-true — which in this case would be the classic hip flask — but it’s still worth exploring the available possibilities before ultimately making your purchase.

Volume: Flasks come in a host of different sizes and dimensions — with 6oz and 8oz being the two most common by a pretty significant margin. Most drinkers will find that a 6oz vessel is sufficient for most uses, however for longer engagements like weddings or camping trips, a larger-sized flask will often come in handy. It’s also important not to confuse a flask’s weight with its internal liquid volume when reviewing specs.

Weight: As with anything concealed on your person, weight will begin to factor in. If you’re carrying around a whiskey flask, make sure it’s only a few ounces at most. There are some larger options out there, but those will be mostly for tossing in a backpack.

Construction: Gone are the days where the vast majority of flasks were crafted from stainless steel and today’s market boasts items made from an enormous array of constructions. In addition to primary constructions — which can be composed of everything from steel and titanium to plastics to polymers — many flasks employ supplementary constructions in an effort to fortify or accessorize a flask through the use of leather or silicone. Quite a few companies also produce flasks with special finishes or coatings over the main construction.

Style: Considering that the modern hip flask has existed for several hundred years now, it’s frankly unsurprising that more than a few individuals and outfits have taken it upon themselves to produce idiosyncratic or stylized interpretations of the traditional liquor container, whether that be through employing unique shapes or treating to flasks to vibrant paints of patinaed finishes. Before buying a flask, it’s well worth exploring a decent selection of offerings, as there’s a decent chance one of these more fashion-forward flasks might catch your eye.

Dishwasher Safe: Most flasks are not dishwasher safe, but every once in a while there is an exception. Nonetheless, this probably won’t be a deal-breaker when purchasing but something you should know anyway.

Flask2Go Foldable Flask

Best Collapsible Flask: Almost certainly the most stealthy and discreet flask available to date, the aptly-named Flask2Go is a collapsible and foldable flask that’s made from BPA-free plastic and is entirely devoid of any metal parts. Offered in a dozen different color and pattern options, the Flask2Go can hold roughly five shots of your favorite alcohol and features a leakproof, twist-off cap. While not the sleekest option around, there’s no denying the convenience of being able to stow something this easily.

When going to fill up the Flask2Go, I was surprised by how wide the mouth was. Larger than several more expensive flasks, the opening on this cheap option had minimal spillage when pouring directly from the whiskey bottle and the lid was easy to take on and off. Also, I was almost certain that the inside walls wouldn’t get pushed open automatically by the incoming liquid (which would have lessened the maximum capacity). However, the walls expanded with ease. Obviously, the extremely low price (~$5 per flask) is a huge selling point, as the Flask2Go’s ability to roll or crumple up when not in use –– and these are two things that shouldn’t go overlooked. However, you wouldn’t be blamed for being dubious about using one of these flasks.

You may feel sacrilegious putting your good whiskey into something as flimsy as the Flask2Go, and you may be right. The durability of the flask is in question. I wanted to see how it held up to my stepping on it with my foot. After pushing somewhat gently with my body weight, the flask made a faint hissing noise, signifying air being let out. Upon further examination, I saw traces of liquid coming from the seam in the cap. This may not ever be an issue in real life but just something to keep in mind. There’s also the matter of the temperature transfer, both from your body or pocket to the liquid itself or the cold liquid against your body (if it’s next to your skin). BPA-free plastic is also more appealing from a flavor standpoint compared to metal. Although, while these are technically reusable, it’s unclear exactly how reusable they are.

Verdict: Not the most sophisticated option out there (and possibly the least sophisticated option) but Flask2Go is a viable last-resort or one-time option for, say, those who only bring flasks when going to weddings (i.e., not very often). Not intended for everyday use, these plastic flasks are still cheap, easy to stow, and won’t have much, if any, flavor transfer from their material.

GSI Outdoors Boulder 6 Flask

Best Budget EDC Flask: An ultra-rugged, camp-friendly flask with a 6-ounce volume, GSI Outdoors’ Boulder 6 Flask is made from a shatter-resistant copolyester resin that’s fortified via a grippy silicone bump-style frame encompassing the corners and edges of the flask in different color options. Weighing just 0.2lbs, this see-through flask also features a connected screw-down, wide-mouth top. GSI also makes larger 10oz and 16oz versions of this same rugged flask.

Opting for the 6-ounce version for its stowable size, the Boulder flask series in general benefits from an attractive aesthetic that combines its necessary form with its function. Clear on the side so you can see the liquid inside, there are notches for every 2oz (although it would have been nice for the notches to be on both sides of the flask). Not only is this helpful when trying to keep track of consumption but it’s great for when you’re making cocktails on the go and want to portion out the right amount of whiskey. Available in dark purple and sand, the silicone wrap feels great in your hand, although the shatter-resistant resin side walls may be a bit too slippery at times, especially if your fingers are wet. The silicone also helps if you’re trying to set down the flask quietly on a table or countertop, while the resin sides won’t clank against any metal objects in your pockets like keys, coins, or your phone. When discretion is the name of the gam, this can help a lot.

The same bumpy silicone material and color are used to help you easily grip the screw-on lid. The lid comes attached and catches well with the spout opening –– a satisfying motion all around. While it’s not technically essential to the overall function, the piece of plastic that connects the cap to the spout feels a bit flimsy. The pins on the side are visible and I’m wondering how easy it would be for these to come out entirely, if ever. What’s worse is that the contraption causes the cap to get in the way when drinking directly from the vessel, which is a problem. Also, the opening isn’t terribly large, per se, and led to more spillage than desired when filling it up. The biggest flaw in the overall design, however, is the ease at which this leaks. When I turned the flask upside down and squeezed fairly gently with my hand, the liquid inside nearly squirted out. I tried tightening the lid as hard as I could and this still happened. If you’re keeping this thing upright, it shouldn’t be an issue, but proceed with caution.

Verdict: Sporting an eye-catching aesthetic and a fantastic price tag, the GSI Outdoors Boulder Flask won’t give you any flavor transfer thanks to its resin construction. It’s lightweight, grippy, and slim. However, its cap posed some problems when it came to leakage and getting in the way when drinking.

Ragproper Black Silicone + Glass Flask

Best Glass EDC Flask: A thoroughly modern take on a flask from Ragproper, this flask is made from a non-reactive, break-resistant crystal glass that’s wrapped entirely in a silicone cover, save for a small window portion on either side of the flask. In addition to being sold with a vented silicone funnel, this item also includes a shiny gunmetal lid and a more discreet plastic lid — both of which are equipped with natural cork seals. If you don’t want to risk the cork wearing away over time (which can happen when in contact with hard alcohol), there are a pair of silicone lid liners you can sub in. We tested the 100mL flask but there’s a 240mL option as well, along with leather-wrapped versions.

Some may be wary about bringing along a glass flask, but the thickness of the Ragproper’s glass does bode well and the durable silicone wrap adds yet another layer of protection. After all, our phones and watches have a bunch of glass in them as well and we hardly think twice before taking them along for the ride. From an aesthetic standpoint, this flask is top-notch, with a handsome design language that favors function by removing any flavor transfer –– the liquid inside was the best-tasting of the ones we tested –– and allowing you to see how much whiskey you have left thanks to the open window along the side and across the top.

While the additional silicone liners are a nice touch in theory, they can be difficult to swap in for the cork liners, which are the default. The silicone funnel is super handy when filling up the flask. The Ragproper has one of the smaller mouths of the ones we tested, but the funnel is designed to wedge inside the lid, and it drains quickly. After four pours, the entire flask was full. However, the small size of the mouth might become an issue when it comes to drinking. For better or worse, it’s difficult to get larger swigs out of this thing, which may work for better-quality whiskey –– something this flask seems to be designed for anyway. Helpful when cleaning and creating a comfortable in-hand feel, the silicone wrap comes off relatively easily, but there’s no accounting for how much it will get stretched out or ripped over time. You may only want to do this when absolutely necessary. Another benefit of silicone is how quiet it is when setting it down on a surface. However, due to the rounded base, the flask felt a bit top-heavy and would wobble almost every time I placed it on the table.

Verdict: Beautiful to look at and satisfying to hold in your hand, the silicone-wrapped Ragproper glass flask also had the least amount of flavor transfer, naturally. Easy to fill, albeit not as easy to drink due to a small mouth, the vessel allows you to peer inside and is far more durable than you’d think. This is a great option for more upscale events like wedding receptions and (college) graduations.

Stanley Master Series Hip Flask

Best Camping Flask: Since 1913 Stanley has been producing quality outdoor gear and accessories, and the American brand’s stainless steel flask is no exception, putting Stanley’s rugged, signature spin on the age-old offering. Made in black or green colorways, this dishwasher-safe flask is 100% rustproof and is paired with a machined cap. Availability on Stanley’s website is always hit or miss, but most versions of the brand’s 8-ounce steel flask have been produced essentially the same way and will feature similar performance results.

Holding it in your hand, Stanley’s hip flask just feels more rugged than most others you’ll ever own. Its powder-coated finish helps with slippage, especially if you’re hands are wet. It is worth noting that this flask does boast a wider mouth than normal — a trait some drinkers prefer, but some don’t. Although it’s admittedly much easier to fill, it will also be much easier to drink faster. There’s a perfect balance that needs to be struck, and this one might not have that. What is balanced well here is the height-to-width ratio (3.62″ x 5.04″). Not so curved that it feels awkward in your pocket, the flask is proportioned very well.

Heavier than some other metal options, the steel composition yields a much heavier weight (9.6oz) compared to other flasks, especially when you consider that this only has a single-wall construction. As nicely as it fits in your pocket, the Stanley flask is very loud when sharing space with other objects, like keys or coins. Likewise, the lid is our least favorite aspect. Not only is it noisy when you’re opening or closing it, but the scraping of metal-on-metal is enough to send chills down your spine. There needs to be some smoothing out in this regard. It’s also not the easiest cap to put on in the first place. Luckily, it’s attached to the flask via a sturdy steel hinge that actually opens up all the way without getting in the way when drinking from the mouth.

Verdict: Insanely rugged, Stanley’s stainless steel flask is easily the most durable option on this list, and with a powder-coated finish to boot. Bearing the brand’s signature aesthetic, the vessel has a wide mouth and a cap that creates an abrasive grinding sound when opened or closed. However, if you’re spending some time in the woods, you won’t ever have to fear that this will get cracked or crushed.

Vargo Titanium Funnel Flask

Best Titanium EDC Flask: More than just a popular choice for its distinct appearance compared to steel, titanium is beloved these days due to how much lighter it is (around half the weight of steel on average). Another immensely popular modern flask, this 8oz item from Vargo is made in the brand’s signature top-shelf titanium construction — both the flask itself and the lid — and houses a food-safe and bio-compostable silicone reservoir, as well as an integrated silicone funnel. Boasting a patented design, this Vargo flask’s titanium construction also allows it to tip the scales at just 3.7oz (when empty).

Compared to other flasks of its size and capacity, the Vargo 8oz is incredibly lightweight and won’t make a startling noise if it’s knocked over like some heavier metal flasks. Aside from that, it looks nice on your bar cart when you’re not using it and it will certainly attract attention when you pull it out of your pocket. We really liked that the included funnel doubles as part of the flask’s design –– you can never lose it! You simply fold it up to pour and then back down and no one’s the wiser. Regardless of its primary function, the silicone piece attached to the mouth looks good and is somewhat satisfying against your lips. Yet I honestly can’t imagine what this flask would look like without it –– an indication of the flask’s biggest selling point: It looks great.

One flaw in that statement, however, is that its shell gets dirty and smudged very easily. I handled it once with clean hands and it looks like I rubbed french fries all over it. In terms of comfort, the coarser exterior of the flask doesn’t feel great in your hand. Likewise, the thin wall allows for the temperature of the liquid inside to be felt from the outside. If you have this against your skin or a thin pocket fabric, you will surely feel the coldness of the whiskey. And perhaps worse, your whiskey may get warmed up by your own body temperature. Despite the small mouth opening, the knurled titanium cap goes on and off easily. There are also more screw threads on the inside of the mouth than the cap itself, which lets you have more control when tightening it. And then there’s the size. While it’s certainly thin at under 1″, its light weight makes it wobble and fall over quite often if just slightly bumped.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a flask that optimizes capacity with weight, the Vargo Titanium is it. It may have its flaws but this vessel will, and should, attract plenty of consumers, and we wouldn’t fault you for it. Just in terms of actual function beyond the built-in funnel, the flask may be a few steps back from the others, and with a much higher price tag.

VSSL Insulated Flask

Best Hiking Flask: VSSL’s tenets are simple: Provide lots of outdoor utility inside of an economically-packed container. Oh yeah, and the brand’s unique design ethos has allowed them to be quite the talk of the town in the past couple of years. Amidst all the first aid kits and fishing gear, VSSL also hasn’t shied away from the fun side of the outdoors. Case in point is this Insulated Flask, which features double-wall insulation (if you need that) for people who may want their whiskey straight up or chilled. It’s also great if you’ve made a cocktail that you want to enjoy on the trail. It’s tall (8.6″) but thin (2″ in diameter) and has some other cool features such as its interesting cap design.

Where most flasks (actually, pretty much every flask) are filled up with the same spout you drink from, VSSL’s Insulated Flask has a larger opening underneath its lid. This is not only a benefit of the brand’s cylindrical style but the flask’s design itself, which is able to hide the wide mouth beneath its apparent sole entry point up top. Filling the 8-ounce flask is incredibly easy –– no funnel required –– but so is cleaning it. You can actually stick a bottle brush inside if you want to. The lid actually does some more tricks too. Coming apart in three ways, the ring surrounding the drinking cap opens up the first time to become a hanging hook, but you can also lift up the second part so that it attaches together via magnets for a more carabiner-friendly hanging situation.

For drinking, the beveled cap unscrews and opens all the way back for drinking. You have to open up the two hanging hooks to make it easier to sip, but they can still get in the way a bit. Of course, this won’t be an issue if you’re pouring into a cup. One minor problem I ran into was the actual opening function of the cap. I’m right-handed, but I found the way I unscrewed the top was easier done with my left hand. Otherwise, my fingers got in the way of the opened hooks. As a bonus, the bottom of the flask contains a small gear stash compartment, although it’s quite difficult to unscrew the first time around. Initially, I was wary of the “new metal” smell of the interior, and upon drinking the liquid, there did seem to be a bit of a flavor transfer from the flask –– the most of any I tested.

Verdict: Definitely one of the more unique flasks you’ll find for your whiskey, the VSSL Insulated Flask does not disappoint. Easy to fill and fun to use, this container is rugged and cleverly designed. And at 9.7oz, you won’t even notice the extra weight because of how it distributes its proportions.

Misc Goods Co. Ceramic Flask

Best Vintage-Inspired Flask: Inspired by flasks from over a century ago, this oversized 11-ounce ceramic flask from Misc Goods is made in the USA from an array of top-shelf materials, including being foil-stamped and boasting genuine brass hardware and leather accent straps. Measuring 4.5″ by 6.5”, this flask manages to be incredibly strong despite its ceramic construction, thanks to the use of ultra-thick 1/4” walls throughout. While its utility as a pocket flask may be stretched here, we just can’t help ourselves from including it on our list.

First and foremost, the Misc Goods Ceramic Flask just looks amazing. Available in either black or white, the glossy exterior is glazed with the brand’s logo and name embossed on the convex side. The concave side features the text “HERE TODAY” and “GONE TODAY” at the top and bottom with ostensible measuring notches in between. Topped with a cork and wrapped with leather, the wide mouth has a vintage aesthetic and is almost the size of a standard whiskey bottle, which comes in handy when filling it up. The glazed finish extends to the interior to eliminate flavor transfer, allowing the liquid inside to be one of the best-tasting in this guide. Holding 11oz, this flask is for more than just quick sips and a wedding.

Quite heavy and large for a pocket flask, the Misc Goods vessel is better equipped for your bar or desktop. This arguably defeats the purpose of a flask in general but that’s not why you’re buying this model. The ceramic flask is for holding your favorite liquor for longer periods of time, and without any flavor transfer. That leads us to the cork opening, which essentially confirms for you what this is for. Cork as a material doesn’t do well with higher-proof alcohols. That’s why a lot of newer releases from distilleries have been getting silicone, rubber, or even glass stoppers in recent years. Over time, hard liquor wears away at the cork and can even lead to leakage, which isn’t an issue if your bottles are always standing upright. However, if the main goal of a flask is to conceal whiskey in your pocket, cork doesn’t make much sense. Keep this Misc Goods on your desk and you should be just fine. On the other hand, make sure not to push the cork in too far, otherwise you won’t be able to get it out by hand. We had one of these flask in our office and I had to use extra tools to remove the cork.

Verdict: Preferring form over function, this flask from Misc Goods is a ceramic art piece that just so happens to preserve your whiskey for longer periods –– as long as it remains upright and largely out of your pockets. Luckily, at $125, it looks great as a bartop display.

Jacob Bromwell Model One

Best Heirloom-Grade EDC Flask: There are simply no flask makers as legendary as Jacob Bromwell. Debuting all the way back in 1819 as the first-ever copper flask, the Model One (formerly called the Great American) has been made in the same essential way for over 200 years. Constructed of 22-gauge copper with a proprietary SuperPolish reflective exterior, the 9-ounce flask also has a lead-free tin interior that’s applied using a process that’s a company secret. Made in small batches, the hand-soldering ensures that each flask will have charming imperfections different from the others. The result is a genuine heirloom-quality offering that’s rife for being passed down to future generations. And the company offers a lifetime guarantee to back it up.

Not often do you get to hold an important piece of history in your hands, let alone drink from it. But when you’re holding a time-honored copper flask that has hardly changed its hand-made process in over two centuries, you start to get teary eyes. Hyperbole aside, the Jacob Bromwell Model One is a sight to behold. From its chained cork on top to help ensure it doesn’t get shoved in too far from its welded lanyard hook on the side, the flask is just as thoughtfully designed from a utilitarian perspective as it is a work of art. From the front and back, you wouldn’t think this was a branded item at all. Jacob Bromwell’s hand-stamped logo is on the bottom, out of sight to honor the purists of the world. The lipped mouth is the right size for pouring (though it also comes with a filling funnel), while the squared top ensures your beverage doesn’t get sipped too quickly either.

To be honest, there’s not much not to like about the Model One. Sure, it costs $300 but if you’re really into flasks, this is the quintessential grail item for you. It makes for great gifts, be it for your dad or your best man. If you’re not going to simply use this as a beautiful bar display, you may want to swap out the cork often. As we’ve mentioned here, cork and hard alcohol don’t mix well over time and can lead to breaking away and leakage –– that is, if the two are touching. For those who are wary about cork, Jacob Bromwell has other options as well, such as the twist-cap Vermonter or the more modern-looking Explorer.

Verdict: Hand-made using elusive techniques by a brand over 200 years old, Jacob Bromwell’s Model One is as classy as you can get. If you put some mileage on this copper flask, you can get some serious patina throughout the years, and even pass this one down to your children or grandchildren (or you can get buried with it if you really cherish it –– up to you!). It’s expensive but a great plunge for any hardcore flask lovers.

EDC Flask Comparison Chart

Why Use a Flask?

When you could easily drink whiskey out of a bottle (or a glass), why would you need a flask? Well, for one, glass bottles break much easier than metal. This is why some people will bring along a much larger metal container instead of a hip flask. Also, if you’re at a wedding or function where discretion is optimal, you may want to hide the fact that you’re drinking the good stuff instead of the well whiskey at the open bar. Another reason why people love flasks is that they help you with portion control. Some flasks only hold a few shots worth of whiskey inside, which can be good for outings where you don’t want to get too sloshed.

How to Fill a Flask

Many flasks may come with a small funnel for filling, while others have a wider opening that makes it easy to pour in your whiskey. You can also use a cup with a pouring spout. If you’re in a pinch, you can create a makeshift funnel by rolling a piece of paper into a cone.

How to Clean a Flask

If you’re simply swapping between whiskeys, a simple water rinse should do. However, after a few uses, you’ll want to give your flask a more thorough cleanse. To do this, fill it up halfway with white vinegar and top it off with warm water. Shake and let it sit for around 15 minutes. After this, dump it out and rinse it thoroughly until you don’t smell any more vinegar inside.

Honorable Mentions

We really love the Viski Warren Flask and wanted to include it in our guide. We simply just couldn’t get our hands on a sample for review because of manufacturing delays. Viski makes fun and useful barware that looks great to boot. Flasks are often associated with rugged scenarios but their glossy Warren Flask is an incredibly handsome option for more upscale occasions. 

We all know Zippo for their eponymous lighters but did you know the brand makes a fairly good-looking budget flask too? For our guide, we went with the incomparable GSI option for its originality, but don’t sleep on the simple yet reliable Zippo Flask.

Recently updated, High Camp’s Firelight Flask 750 is a popular choice for a reason. However, the vessel serves more as a portable liquor bottle substitute than a pocket flask for EDC, so we opted out of including them. Nonetheless, check these flasks out because they’re unique in their own right.

Like the High Camp Flask, the Aged & Ore Travel Decanter is more of a bottle intended for pouring into cups than a traditional flask you can drink directly from. However, its sleek appearance will earn it some fervent fans, and for good reason.

Snow Peak does titanium and high-end outdoor gear really well, both of which come together here for this Titanium Flask. Granted, $178 is a lot to ask for, so for our high-end options, I went for the beautiful Misc Goods Ceramic and the iconic Jacob Bromwell.

The Absolute Best Bourbons to Drink

Looking for something to fill your flask with? Then be sure to check out our guide to the absolute best bourbons to drink for a curated list of stellar options from across a wide range of prices.