A personalized hip flask is one of the best stocking stuffer ideas for men. But how many have you actually seen take a swig of whiskey from one in public? The best flask shouldn’t just be displayed on a shelf or kept in a drawer. True gentlemen know and still appreciate the air of sophistication drinking from a flask emits. Want to take a discreet sip of your favorite drink when out and about? Here are our top picks for the best hip flask for alcohol.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Hip Flask
Use
The purpose and function of a hip flask are more or less the same. You do, however, have to consider how you are going to use it. If you’re planning on bringing it with you when hiking, backpacking, or camping, you’ll need one that is extremely durable. Do you want it to be passed along for generations as an heirloom within the family? Or maybe you just want something for everyday carry?
Size
The best flasks come in a range of sizes, but 6 oz and 8 oz are the two most common. After all, they are meant to fit in a hip pocket and are convenient to carry. These standard sizes are great for most uses, but you can find larger options if you plan to bring them without during longer engagements like weddings or camping trips. Meanwhile, miniature flasks are also growing more popular.
Design
Traditionally, hip flasks come in a curved design, a shape often akin to the human kidney. Back in the Prohibition era, when it was illegal to produce, import, and transport alcohol, the contoured design made it easier to conceal within boot tops – hence the term bootlegging. Modern flasks now come in either a straight-edged or round design. Straight hip flasks are great for storing in jacket pockets. Meanwhile, those round flasks may look cool, but note that they are typically harder to grip and can’t stand on their own. Most flasks feature a “captive top,” which secures the cap to the body, so you don’t have to worry about losing the lid when drinking from it.
Material / Types of Flasks
Traditionally, flasks were made from glass and pewter, with higher quality and more expensive ones come in sterling silver and copper. Today, we see stainless steel or BPA-free plastic flasks for men. There are even ones that have a matte black finish or a leather coating.
The most common material we see is stainless steel, preferred for its rust and corrosion-resistant metal alloy body. A stainless steel hip flask is likewise durable enough to survive accidental falls. On the other hand, a plastic flask is great for air travel.
Ease of Cleaning
If you want your liquor flask to last you a lifetime, you have to take care of it. One of the ways to do so is by cleaning it properly after every use. Otherwise, it may degrade faster than it should. With that said, look for one with a wide-mouth design and secure lid. These features make cleaning less of a hassle. If your flask has a wide enough opening, you can even use a bottle brush with soft bristles to clean it.
Ease of Use and Practicality
How hard can it be to use a drinking flask? Well, it depends on the one you’re thinking of buying. As it is meant for use on the go, consider how easy it is to use and how practical it is to carry. How easy is it to slide into pockets? How wide is its opening? Is it easy to refill and drink from? Is it easy to open and close? How discreet is it to use?
Here’s a helpful guide to what is a hip flask and the do’s and don’t when owning one.
Our Top Picks for the Best Hip Flasks:
1. Best Overall: Top Shelf Flasks Stainless Steel Hip Flask
Photo from Amazon.
The Top Shelf hip flask may be inexpensive, but it certainly doesn’t hold back on quality. Crafted with high-quality stainless steel, this rust-proof alcohol flask is laser welded at the joints. Thus, you don’t have to worry about any leakages. Meanwhile, the outside has a polished powder-coating, which isn’t only great for preventing any scratches, abrasion, or fading, but helps retain its shine for many years! You can choose from three sizes and a variety of colors. It even comes in a black gift box, making it a great gift idea for your guy friends. While the company advertises that the flasks are laser engraved, that’s not actually the case. Instead, the text is more akin to a textured print. Although, it is still a great way to add a personalized touch to these sleek flasks.
Get the Top Shelf Flasks Stainless Steel Hip Flask on Amazon now.
2. Best Wide Mouth: Stanley Classic Flask
Photo from Amazon.
From the best thermos flask to camp cookware, Stanley has been producing road trips and outdoor essentials for over a hundred years now. The brand’s flasks have been a staple for men for generations now, and for good reasons. Among its line of drinkware, one of our favorites is its wide-mouth stainless steel hip flask from the Classic series.
Its opening is easy to drink from but not wide enough that you have to worry about accidentally splashing yourself. Pouring, refilling, and cleaning the flask is a breeze! Constructed with 18/8 stainless steel, it’s naturally BPA-free and rustproof. Additionally, the rugged material makes it great for outdoor activities and travel. A downside to this Stanley flask is its lanyard cap, which is rather flimsy. In the instance of it breaking, no need to fret since the brand does offer a lifetime warranty for its flasks.
Get the Stanley Classic Flask on Amazon now.
3. Best Small Flask: Top Shelf 4oz Pocket Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Sometimes you just need a little pick me up during the day. What better way to keep a shot of your favorite drink than with Top Shelf’s mini flask? And by mini, we mean mini. Standing less than four inches in height with a capacity of four fluid ounces, it looks more of a prop than a functioning liquor container. However, it still does the job of storing and transporting alcohol. It’s small enough that you can attach it to the belt loops of the best jeans for men with a keychain lanyard and ring.
Get the Top Shelf 4oz Flask on Amazon now.
4. Best Large Flask: Maxam Jumbo Stainless Steel Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Another hip flask that seems more like a novelty product is Maxam’s 64-ounce polished stainless steel liquor container. A standard 8 oz flask is a great way to discreetly take a swig of alcohol during events, especially the ones where you’re not supposed to. However, a half-gallon flask is anything but discreet. Standing 11 inches tall and seven inches wide, it will certainly catch anyone’s attention when you pull it out of your leather messenger bag. Its exterior boasts a polished-brushed finish that gives it a swanky look. The screw-on leak-proof cap will help maintain the freshness of any spirit. Moreover, unlike other flasks, it’s dishwasher safe! Given its size and the amount of liquid volume it can hold, it leans towards the heavier side. As such, it’s not the most travel-friendly option out there. Nevertheless, it will surely keep you satiated all night long or until you finish it.
Get the Maxam Jumbo Stainless Steel Flask on Amazon now.
5. Best Round: IDALIO Hip Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Round-shaped flasks are typically popular among women thanks to their softer feminine vibe. That shouldn’t stop you from flaunting the chic and sleek hip flask from Idalio, though. Constructed from food-grade stainless steel with a matte black finish, it’s the perfect liquor container to pair with a minimalist wardrobe. It houses only five ounces of liquid and can be a bit awkward to hold, but it sure does look cool.
Get the Idalio Hip Flask on Amazon now.
6. Best for Everyday Carry: Stanley Master Unbreakable Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Another Stanley hip flask on our list is the Master Flask. Admittedly, it’s not much different from the brand’s classic flask. However, its ergonomic shape is sleek enough to comfortably fit in the pockets of your briefcases to have a quick chug whenever you need it. Thus, making it the ideal companion for everyday use. On top of that, its construction is arguably superior. The body is forged from durable cold-rolled steel with a matte black powder finish. Meanwhile, the hinge-connected cap ensures it always stays covered, when you’re not taking a swig from the wide mouth opening. A downside to it, however, is its weight. Due to its robust build, it adds significant weight to your person. Moreover, the cap has no knurling, so some may find difficulty gripping and opening it. On a positive note, it’s dishwasher safe!
Get the Stanley Master Unbreakable Flask on Amazon now.
7. Best Leather-Wrapped Hip Flask: MY TRENDY Kitchen Hip Flask
Photo from Amazon.
The leather slip of this budget-friendly flask gives it a premium feel. Crafted from top-grade PU leather, it provides added grip and a stylish look to the metal flask. It features a screw-cap and precision welded hinge that prevents any leaks. It stands just above six inches and holds eight fluid ounces, making it the perfect size to slide in the pocket of your favorite lightweight rain jacket. Moreover, there’s even a funnel included, so you can very easily pour your liquor of choice into the leather hip flask.
Get the MY TRENDY Kitchen Hip Flask on Amazon now.
8. Perfect Gift: QLL Hip Flask
Photo from Amazon.
On the hunt for cool flasks for the perfect gift? You certainly can’t go wrong with a hip flask that has a built-in shot glass. True connoisseurs know that fine spirits such as whiskey should be sipped, not chugged. And the two-ounce collapsible shot glass that’s built directly into the frame of this eight-ounce metal flask is perfect for drinking on the go. Just note that it may take some elbow grease to get the shot glass in and out of the body. Other notable features of the brand’s whiskey flask include a funnel and screw-down cap.
Get the QLL Hip Flask with Useful Funnel on Amazon now.
9. Best Leak-Proof: Zippo Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Zippo is perhaps most famous for its lighters, but the brand likewise makes excellent quality hip flasks. The brand’s three-ounce flask is compact and great for travel. It boasts a rubber gasket attached to the body and you can feel the lid seal tightly every time you close it. Thus, you don’t have to worry about any spilling when you toss it into the best backpacks. Its stainless steel body is complete with a debossed Zippo logo on the lower corner, for a simple yet distinguished look. The shiny coating of the exterior is a trait that may divide people. You may have to wipe fingerprints off it constantly since it smudges rather easily. Its streamlined aesthetic is hard to beat, though.
Get the Zippo Flask on Amazon now.
10. Best Cheap Flask: Bormioli Rocco Pocket Flask
Photo from Amazon.
The glass flasks from Bormioli Rocco are nice options for people on a budget. Retailing at less than $10, it holds 8.5 fluid ounces, which is more than standard hip flasks. The disadvantage of it, of course, is its material. A glass hip flask is heavier and more fragile than other materials. As such, it won’t be ideal to travel with, unless you wrap in adequate padding. Despite its relatively cheap price tag, it doesn’t compromise on performance. The swing bottle stopper is airtight and leakproof, so you won’t spill your favorite drink.
Get the Bormioli Rocco Pocket Flask on Amazon now.
11. Best Glass Hip Flask: Ragproper Modern Glass Hip Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Ragproper’s Modern Glass Hip Flask offers the best of both worlds. A liquor flask made from crystal glass strong enough to handle minor drops. Moreover, since it’s wrapped in a soft-touch silicone sleeve, it’s much more durable compared to the Bormioli Rocco one. Just like the previous flask, you can see what’s inside and how much is left thanks to the small window on either side of it. On top of its stainless steel and plastic lids, it comes with extra cork and silicone liners. It has a food grade silicone funnel, as well. Thus, making it easier to fill up the flask without overflowing.
Get the Ragproper Modern Glass Hip Flask on Amazon now.
12. Best Camping Flask: GSI Outdoors Boulder Flask
Photo from Amazon.
If you are looking for a robust flask bottle you can bring with you wherever you go, look no further than the GSI Outdoors Boulder Flask. The body is crafted from shatter-resistant, co-polyester resin and is wrapped in a shock-proof silicone bumper. It’s tough enough to endure accidental falls while hiking or camping, but is still lightweight. The see-through body is a nice touch, where you can easily see how much liquid volume is left inside the drinking flask. It features a hinged silicone cap, making it impossible to misplace. The cap doesn’t swing all the way back though, so taking a full gulp when drinking may be difficult. Nonetheless, it’s a reliable drinking company during outdoor activities.
Get the GSI Outdoors Boulder Flask on Amazon now.
13. Most Discreet: Harland Wide Mouth Premium Pocket Flask
Photo from Amazon.
The unassuming design of Harland’s alcohol flask lets you take sips discreetly, even in public. Its rubber ringed cap makes opening and closing a snap, so you can take quick sips at any time and place. The stainless steel body of this eight-ounce vessel comes with its own brown leather jacket that exudes an air of nostalgia. Its opening is considerably wider compared to others – a trait that divides most people since it can be difficult to drink from when walking. However, this feature makes pouring in liquor without a funnel a breeze!
Get the Harland Wide Mouth Premium Pocket Flask on Amazon now.
14. Best Copper Flask: Viski Summit Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Famous for their bar tools, glassware, and cocktail accessories, Viski is a brand that knows how to make some of the best flasks in the market. The brand’s Summit Flask is certainly a worthy vessel for your top shelf liquor. Boasting a smooth copper finish, Viski’s six-ounce flask for alcohol offers a stunningly lavish look that’s true to the brand’s reputation. Built to last a lifetime, it is crafted from high-quality metal that won’t leave a metallic taste in your mouth. The screw-down cap is liquid-tight, but since it’s not attached to the body, it’s easier to misplace. It stands about five inches tall and less than four inches thick, making it small enough to slip into the breast pocket of your best bespoke suit.
Get the Viski Summit Flask on Amazon now.
15. Best Titanium Flask: Snow Peak Titanium Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Titanium is one of the most durable metals in the world and is extremely light. It weighs substantially lighter than stainless steel. And the Snow Peak Titanium Flask is certainly a lightweight champion! Made in Japan, it is engineered using a historic manufacturing process and is finished by hand. Thus, resulting in a unique character for each one. Its pure titanium body holds six fluid ounces and is both corrosion and flavor-resistant. Therefore, it won’t affect the taste of your favorite drinks.
Get the Snow Peak Titanium Flask on Amazon now.
16. Most Unique: Ink Whiskey Video Game Cartridge Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Video game aficionados are sure to be thrilled with the cool flasks from Ink Whiskey. After all, they come in retro-inspired Nintendo Cartridge designs. Each one is built to look just like an NES cartridge, complete with specifications and labels akin to the original games. Drinking from a flask that looks like an old 8-Bit game will surely get heads turning.
There’s no denying that it’s more of a collector’s item than an actual drinking flask. While it looks cool, the opening of it is small and awkward to drink from. So, chances of accidentally spilling on yourself are high. What’s more, this plastic flask only holds less than five ounces of liquid. Nevertheless, it’s certainly one of the most unique drinking vessels out there.
Get the Ink Whiskey Video Game Cartridge Flask on Amazon now.
17. Best for Sharing: GENNISSY Black Hip Flask Set
Photo from Amazon.
Nothing beats sharing some bourbon with buddies around the campfire. The nine ounce flask from Gennissy comes with four one-ounce cups, perfect for taking shots with your friends. Both the flask and cups are made from stainless steel and are wrapped in woven PU leather. The set even features a funnel for easy refilling inside the gift box. Engineered with high-frequency welding laser-free solder, you can rest assured that no corrosion or rust will show up over time. Furthermore, this leather hip flask has a thick screw-down cap that is leak proof.
Get the Gennissy Black Hip Flask Set on Amazon now.
18. Most No-Mess: Vargo Titanium Funnel Flask
Photo from Amazon.
Nowadays, most flasks for men include a funnel as part of the set. They’re great and functional accessories to prevent any spilling while filling up your flask. But what happens if you misplace it? Well, with the Vargo titanium flask, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Featuring an integrated funnel, you can pour in your drinks into the eight-ounce hip flask without having to worry about any spilling or overflowing anytime and anywhere. If you’re worried about how you’re going to drink from it with the funnel, don’t fret. Since it’s made from silicone, you can fold it down to sip comfortably.
Get the Vargo Titanium Funnel Flask on Amazon now.
19. Best Ergonomic: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Hip Flask
Photo from Amazon.
The thoughtful ergonomic design of the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Hip Flask is comfortable to hold. As such, you won’t have problems drinking from it or pouring alcohol into shot glasses. Measuring about six-inches in height and less than two inches in width, it’s not too big or small either. It perfectly slips into back pockets and, thanks to the curved design, you can even sit down without worries. The grip-friendly design, however, can also be considered as a drawback. This silver hip flask is not the best free-standing option in the market. Furthermore, the rubber strap attaching the lid to the body doesn’t feel as secure, unlike those made of stainless steel.
Get the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Hip Flask on Amazon now.
20. Best Value: Savage Hip Flask
Photo from Amazon.
If you believe simplicity is key, then Savage’s whiskey flask is the one for you. It’s durable, carries five ounces, and fits comfortably into the palm of your hand and back pocket. Its cap features a white plastic liner to prevent any leaking. It also boasts a classic design that’s hard to beat. The mirror polished stainless steel finish is a nice added bonus, as well. The best part? It will only set you back just over $15. What more can you ask for? Just make sure to clean it thoroughly before using it since other buyers have complained about encountering black debris left over from the laser welding process. But rest assured that it is still safe to drink from.
Get the Savage Hip Flask on Amazon now.
21. Best Vintage: Jacob Bromwell The Kentucky Round Flask
Photo from Jacob Bromwell.
Jacob Bromwell has been producing tin, stainless steel, and copper products for over 200 years now. And the brand’s Kentucky Round Flask will surely make you feel like you’re back in the Prohibition Era. A handmade, pure copper flask, it is the type of liquor container that you can pass down for generations. It holds over six ounces of the spirit of your choice. It’s crowned with a screw-top cap that guarantees that your favorite whiskey remains fresh and delicious. The unique round design also serves as a breath of fresh air to the traditional kidney-shaped flasks for men. Admittedly, the Jacob Bromwell engraved hip flask is expensive, but if you want a potential heirloom piece, you certainly can’t go wrong investing in this stunning vessel.
Get the Jacob Bromwell The Kentucky Round Flask now.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to Wear a Hip Flask?
The point of a hip flask is to bring alcohol with you discreetly. With that in mind, you wouldn’t want a flask-shaped bulge in your pants. Consider the shape of your flask when carrying it around. The kidney-shaped design of traditional hip flasks is great for back pockets and pressed against your leg inside the best boots for men. Meanwhile, straight flasks are best worn inside the breast pocket of your favorite jacket. Round flasks are less ergonomic, thus you may find them best to carry inside the pocket of backpacks or briefcases.
How to Clean a Hip Flask?
It’s best to clean your alcohol flask before its first use. This is to remove any possible remnants left from production. After each use, it’s crucial that you clean it as soon as possible. To do so, all you need is warm water. Simply fill it with water, attach the cap securely, and shake vigorously. Open the cap and rinse out the water. Repeat this process several times to ensure that there won’t be any alcohol lingering inside it.
If you want to deep clean your hip flask, combine warm water with white distilled vinegar or lemon juice and pour the mixture into the flask, and give it a good shake. Drain the flask, invert it with the lid off, and let it dry overnight. Never use soap or dishwashing liquid to clean the inside of your flasks. They can be difficult to rinse out and may end up affecting the taste of your alcohol over time. Don’t forget to give the outside a good cleaning as well.
What Can You Put In a Hip Flask?
The best thing to put in a traditional hip flask is hard liquor. This includes spirits like whiskey, bourbons, scotch, gin, and brandy. Alcoholic beverages with lower alcohol content like sweet white wines, beers, and cocktails will not sit well inside a flask. especially when exposed to warmer temperatures. Some metals even react to the acidity of wines, as well as the citrus that can be found in some cocktails. If you are looking for a beer or wine flask, opt for a plastic flask.
How Long Can You Keep Alcohol in a Flask?
Even the best whiskey flask is not meant for long-term storage. If you are carrying a flask with you, it’s safe to say you are ideally drinking its contents throughout the day. You should not leave alcohol inside it for longer than three days. Anything longer can cause a metallic taste to develop. Moreover, with some spirits, the discoloration can occur when exposed to oxygen for an extended period. That’s why you need a flask with a good air-tight cap.
Is Carrying a Hip Flask Illegal?
Owning a flask is not illegal. Carrying one filled with alcohol in public is a different issue. Although the Prohibition days are long gone, public possession of alcohol in open containers, such as hip flasks, is prohibited in several states. It’s best to check with your local laws before heading out to public spaces with one.
Raise a Glass to the Best Hip Flask
The hip flask has come a long way. From hunters and explorers of ancient times to soldiers in trenches, all of them carried flasks to transport and store beverages. Unfortunately, they don’t receive as much appreciation nowadays as they did before. We hope this list helps you jump-start your own hip flask game. If you want to further expand your know-how on the art of drinking, continue with tried-and-true classic cocktails and their recipes.
