Hip flasks, as we know them, were introduced in the 18th century and used by those of high social classes for carrying alcohol. During the Prohibition era, when covert alcohol consumption was prevalent, they became even more popular in America. While over the centuries flasks have been made from pewter, silver, and glass, today’s versions are mostly crafted of stainless steel. This makes them durable and ensures the liquor they hold won’t take on an unpleasant flavor.
The most stylish and efficient options are rounded up below to help you choose the best hip flask for enjoying drinks on the go. Note: It’s important to ensure you’re following your city or state’s alcohol consumption laws, as flasks are considered to be open containers.
Our Top Picks
The following recommendations take into account features to look for in hip flasks, including material, size, weight, and design.
Photo: amazon.com
Stanley’s 8-ounce flask has a timeless design that is contoured to comfortably fit in your pocket. The cap is connected by a hinge to ensure that it never gets lost. Constructed from 1-millimeter thick 18/8 stainless steel, this flask is lightweight and rustproof. It has a wide opening so that both pouring and refilling are mess-free. The design also makes it easy to clean. It’s also leak-proof, meaning you can throw it into your bag or backpack without worrying about spills. Its durability makes it well-suited for use while camping or hiking.
It comes in four classic colors: hammered green, black, navy blue, and burgundy. This flask measures 3.1 inches wide by 7.1 inches tall and weighs 6.4 ounces.
Photo: amazon.com
This 8-ounce stainless steel flask is inexpensive but offers high-quality construction. It’s laser-welded to ensure a leak-proof seal so you don’t have to worry about spills. The screw-down style cap is soldered to the flask with rivets so it can’t be lost. An included easy-pour funnel makes filling and pouring a cinch.
At 3.6 inches wide, 4.75 inches tall, and weighing just 3.2 ounces, it is compact and easy to carry. This flask comes packaged in a plain black gift box, making it a great choice for gifting. The flask is specifically designed to be used with alcoholic beverages and should not be filled with acidic liquids like fruit juices. It should ideally be emptied and washed after every use.
Photo: amazon.com
Zippo is known for their lighters, but they also make a number of other high-quality lifestyle products. If you need to carry only enough liquor for a couple of drinks, this 3-ounce flask from Zippo is a great choice. It measures 2.8 inches by 5.06 inches and weighs just 2.88 ounces, making it small and compact. With a depth of under an inch and a curved design, it can easily fit in a slim pocket. The construction also makes it comfortable to carry in your hand.
It’s made from stainless steel and has a permanently attached lid that’s designed to prevent spills. It has a simple, streamlined aesthetic, and the exterior is debossed with the Zippo logo.
While flasks come in a variety of sizes, most have a capacity of around 8 ounces. This one from Gennissy, however, has a larger 12-ounce capacity, making it a great choice for carrying larger quantities of liquid for longer excursions or for sharing. It’s constructed from 18/8 stainless steel, meaning it won’t rust or corrode over time. The entire flask is welded to be 100 percent leak-proof using a laser-free high frequency process. The lid is also made from stainless steel and features a screw cap that is attached.
It is available in classic silver, green, or a multicolor finish and comes with a funnel for added convenience. It measures 6.5 inches tall and 3.7 inches wide.
Photo: amazon.com
If you’d like to share your beverage with friends and want to avoid having everyone drink directly from the flask, this option from Gennissy is a great pick. It comes with three 0.5-ounce cups that are designed to fit neatly into the cap of the flask for easy transportation. The flask itself has a capacity of 8 ounces and also includes a funnel for easy filling and pouring. It’s made from 18/8 stainless steel and is soldered to be completely leak-proof. It’s coated with a faux-leather finish that not only adds a stylish look but also makes the flask easier to grip.
It measures 5.4 inches tall by 3.7 inches wide and weighs 7 ounces. It comes in three colors: brown, green, and navy blue.
Photo: amazon.com
If you use your flask to transport alcohol for making mixed drinks on the go, this model with a collapsible shot glass will help to ensure you pour the perfect quantity every time. It’s constructed with a clever design that lets the collapsed shot glass rest in the side of the flask without adding any extra bulk. The flask has an 8-ounce capacity, while the shot glass has a 2-ounce capacity. The body of the flask is made from stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode and comes with a funnel which makes pouring even easier.
This flask weighs 7 ounces and measures 4 inches by 7 inches by 1.3 inches. It has a matte black finish with stainless accents for a classic look.
Photo: amazon.com
Hip flasks are a popular groomsman gift, and if you have a large bridal party, buying them in bulk is an economical option. This set includes six flasks, each of which has a capacity of 8 ounces. They are made from high quality 18/8 stainless steel and have a matte finish that won’t show smudges or fingerprints. They feature a traditional design that won’t go out of style and are contoured to be comfortable to hold and carry. They have screw-down caps that are attached to the body of the flask and won’t be lost.
Each flash measures 5 inches high by 3.75 inches wide by 1 inch deep.
