My Southern gentleman upbringing has taught me that 99 percent of the time, having a little booze on your person comes in handy. This makes a flask a very necessary everyday item. You could pretty easily drop a few Benjamins on a flask, but why when you have these excellent options for under $50?
Stanley Master Flask ($35)
There’s a good chance you already have Stanley’s ϳԹ Flask, which has become a bit of an industry standard for the outdoor set. It’s hardy and fine, but I recommend upgrading to the , which also has a stainless-steel interior with a rustproof exterior but is curved to fit better in your pocket.
Moosejaw Mountaineering Flask ($30)
This features a stainless-steel interior that’s wrapped in etched cherrywood. It holds six ounces of booze—just enough for two people to share—which is good because this flask is guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Also, cherrywood ages well, so it will only look better the more you use it.
GSI Outdoors Boulder Flask ($15)
The might not have the suave looks of some of the others on this list, but its utilitarian build makes it perfect for backpacking and adventurous settings. It’s shatter-resistant, has silicone sides for extra grip, and weighs just 4.3 ounces—lighter than traditional stainless steel. Even better, it holds ten ounces of liquid, so there’s plenty to share with your friends at the campsite or takeout.
Barbour Hip Flask ($42)
If you’re looking to class up the joint, you can’t go wrong with the . It has a six-ounce capacity and a stainless-steel body wrapped in a cotton and leather Scottish-inspired design.
Platypus DuoLock ($14)
Looking to party in the backcountry? Platypus has you covered with its , which holds 34 ounces of liquid with a double-locking cap. It’s light as a feather, adding minimum weight to your kit, and folds down skinny when you’re all out of booze. Consider this for your multiday adventures or when you’re leading a group into the woods.