What is the difference between a travel flask and a thermos?

The difference between a flask and a thermos is that flask doesn’t keep the temperature of the liquid, as it’s mainly used instead of a bottle for more compact storage. Some flasks have the capability to keep your drink cold, especially if you select a steel option.

What material is the best for a travel flask?

The best travel flask material is stainless steel with a steel lid, or you can also look for BPA-free plastic flasks.

How much liquid can a travel flask contain?

A larger travel flask can contain up to 16 ounces of liquid, while the smaller options can fit around 8 ounces. It’s still enough for you to have your favorite drink at your disposal at all times.

Do travel flasks come with the cups?

Travel flasks sometimes come with cups included in the set, but this isn’t always the case. Still, you can use the flasks with a specifically-designed outlet for drinking straight out of them without any need for additional cups.

The 8 Best Travel Flasks in 2023 [Detailed Guide]

Drobot Dean via Adobe StockNo matter where you are, it comes in handy to have a portable flask and a couple of cups to take a break and sip your favorite drink.

To help you in your search, we put together a list of the best travel flasks. We’ll also address the main things to keep an eye out for when choosing a proper travel flask.

Table of contents

Things To Consider in a Travel Flask
The 8 Best Travel Flasks
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Things To Consider in a Travel Flask
The 8 Best Travel Flasks
Final Thoughts

Things To Consider in a Travel Flask

When deciding on the best travel flask to purchase, you should consider the appearance, capacity, and several other important determining factors. We’ll go through all of these in detail, so you can feel fully prepared to make this purchase.

Flask Size

The best travel flask should fit into the palm of your hand and be compact enough so that you can carry it along on your next trip. You don’t need exact mug-sized flasks, as these are rather temporary solutions so you can enjoy your favorite drink while traveling or on the go.

Bottom Line: A proper travel flask should be no longer than 4 inches and as small as 2 inches wide for a perfect fit, although there are slight variations to these measurements.

Capacity

Let’s face it — you will mostly be wondering about the capacity of your new travel flask. Some travel flasks fit around 8 ounces, allowing you to fill at least a couple of small cups. Some options come with a set of properly-sized cups, so you won’t have to bother looking for those as well.

Materials

Travel flask capacity — Stainless-steel flasks are a popular choice. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Perhaps the absolute favorite of many travelers is a stainless-steel flask certified to be chemical-free, keeping your drink nice and cold. Unfortunately, there are not many flask material variations available, so a steel option is an obvious choice.

However, some plastic flasks are also certified chemical-free, so you won’t have to worry about any allergic reactions or negative side effects on your health.

Lid

Travel flask lid — Consider a flask with a flip-lid so there’s no chance of dropping the lid. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

If you often have your hands full, you may want to consider a flask with a flip-lid. This stays attached to the flask while you drink, so you’ll never drop the lid accidently. You’ll also want to look for a flask with a secure seal and screw top to avoid it leaking in your bag or pocket.

Pattern and Looks

Now that we’ve covered most of the practical features, it’s time to debate the appearance of your flask. Some of you will prefer traditional steel flasks that resemble the ones from Wild West movies. Others will want to look for simple styles without being too flashy.

There’s something for every traveler when it comes to travel flasks, so it really comes down to personal preference.

The 8 Best Travel Flasks

After reviewing the main things to look out for when buying a travel flask, take a closer look at our top picks.

1. Stainless Steel Travel Flask With Leather Cover

BEST OVERALL: GENNISSY 304 18/8 Stainless Steel 8oz Flask

With a leather shell and a metal flask, this is a great option if you want to keep your liquids at your ideal temperature without worrying about spills in your bag.

GENISSY 304 18/8 Stainless Steel 8 ounce Flask

This fashionable travel flask is perfect for short trips because of its great looks and leather finishing. It fits up to 8 ounces of liquid and comes with 3 0.5-ounce cups included in the set. It’s small enough to fit into your pocket or any backpack compartment you might have for it.

With just 4 inches in length and barely 2 inches wide, you will find this solution the ultimate compact travel flask. The material is made to be leakproof and features a non-slip leather cover to reduce the risk of dropping the flask.

What We Like

Stainless steel flask with 8-ounce capacity

What We Don’t Like

The appearance might not be for everyone

2. Insulated BPA-free Steel Flask

1,377 Reviews

UPGRADE PICK: Stanley Classic Flask 8oz with Never-Lose Cap

You won't lose the cap for your flask if you have this option with you. It's attached to the flask's body but still twists on smoothly without allowing any leaks.

Stanley Store Classic Flask 8 ounce with Never-Lose Cap

If you are looking for additional insulation in a compact travel flask, you shouldn’t overlook the Stanley Classic Flask. It has everything you might need in a travel flask with 8 ounces of capacity and a leakproof outer layer.

It’s made entirely from 18/8 stainless steel and features a certified BPA-free material. To prevent you from losing the cap, Stanley Store made sure to include a lock, so it never comes off fully as you use the flask. Thankfully, the cap doesn’t interfere when you are trying to pour a drink.

Because of their sleek design, these flasks make a perfect gift as well. They won’t let you down as a travel companion when you need a drink during a trip.

What We Like

Durable and rust-proof steel flask

What We Don’t Like

Doesn’t include cups in the set

3. Excellent Travel Flask for Liquor

YWQ Hip Flask

This funnel comes with its own funnel for easy filling. It holds 8 ounces of liquid and fits easily in your pocket or bag for quick traveling without any accidents.

YWQ Hip Flask for Liquor Matte Black

This hip flask is suitable exclusively for liquor, and that’s not just because of the appearance. It comes with a small extension that can be placed on the top and funnels for easier filling of the flask without spilling any liquor.

It’s an elegant-looking flask coming only in a sleek black color. It’s made using non-toxic materials, which makes it perfect for carrying on any trip. With a 100% leakproof design and a 2-year full warranty, you won’t be able to look past this flask if you plan on bringing some liquor with you.

What We Like

Sophisticated pouring extension

What We Don’t Like

Only comes in 1 color

4. Flat and Portable Travel Flask

MoChic Flat Water Bottle Travel Flask

This bottle holds 13 ounces of liquid, but it's designed to be compact, so it fits in your bag without issues. It's also transparent, so you can keep track of how much is left.

MoChic Flat Portable Water Bottle Travel Flask

If you are looking for a universal portable travel flask, this one might be the perfect pick as it has a flat and clear design that resembles a water bottle. It’s BPA-free certified and has a leather carry strap for easier carrying wherever you go.

The liquid outlet is designed like a glass water bottle, so you can use it to have a more convenient grip for drinking straight out of it. No glasses or cups are needed, and it even has a silicone seal that prevents any liquid from leaking out.

With 7 inches in length and 4 inches in width, this option can serve you well as a compact travel flask for refreshments.

What We Like

Versatile outdoor travel flask

What We Don’t Like

Completely transparent design

5. Extra Large-capacity Travel Flask

DISCOUNT: 17%

True Rogue Plastic Flask for Liquor

This clear plastic flask is perfect for transporting beverages on the go. It also comes with a little cup if you don't want to drink directly from the bottle's spout.

True Rogue Plastic Flask 16 Ounce Hidden Flask for Liquor

This compact, yet large-capacity travel flask serves as a great addition to your travel accessories. It’s a plastic flask with a 16-ounce capacity and is completely chemical-free. This makes it suitable for water, juices, or even liquor.

It has a specific liquid outlet similar to glass bottles that allows you to drink straight out of the flask. It’s a bit longer than other flasks previously mentioned, as it measures 8.25 inches tall and is around 3.7 inches wide. Still, the measurements fit into the compact style needed for travel, so you can bring it with you anywhere.

What We Like

Large capacity in a compact travel package

What We Don’t Like

You might not want a flask this tall

6. Travel Flask Set for Vacations

DISCOUNT: 11%

BellFlask Reusable & 15 oz Flask

These foldable flasks are perfect for travel. They expand as they're filled but can roll up or fold when empty, so they don't take up much room in your pack.

BellFlask Reusable & 15 Ounce Flask Patented Metal-Free Plastic

There’s no better travel set than the BellFlask’s 15-ounce accessory when it comes to getting a complete set of reusable flasks. Besides the large capacity and travel-friendly design, it fits into your pocket without taking up too much space.

It can be folded when empty and provides the perfect travel flask when filled up. Measuring 8 inches in length and 4 inches in width, this option is a perfect lightweight travel flask for you. An incredible feature is that it comes in a set of 3 reusable flasks.

Its unique design might seem odd at first, but once you get used to it, there will be no better flask for you in terms of compact design and the capacity it offers.

What We Like

Compact yet large capacity flask

What We Don’t Like

Requires careful handling due to foldable design

7. Leather Men’s Flask With Funnel and Cups

GENNISSY 10 OZ Black Bucket Hip Flask

You'll be able to stay hydrated on the go with this flask. It has a strap so you can wear it as a cross-body. That way, you can stay hands-free.

GENNISSY 10 Ounce Black Bucket Hip Flask

This lightweight men’s flask only weighs 0.3 pounds while offering a considerable 10-ounce capacity. It’s a stainless steel flask with a leather cover and comes with a funnel and 2 cups in the set for the ultimate travel solution.

It’s rust-free and anti-corrosive with a leakproof layer and a stainless steel lid. Because of its appearance, it’s a perfect option for adventurers that enjoy having their favorite drink at their disposal while traveling. The lid is unbreakable and the durable construction should make it last for years to come.

What We Like

Stainless steel flask with funnel and cups

What We Don’t Like

It can’t fit into a pocket

8. Modern Whiskey Travel Flask

Ragproper Modern Glass Hip Flask

This little flask can hold whatever liquid you'll need in one convenient place. It has a clear window built-in as well, so you can keep an eye on how full the bottle is.

Ragproper Modern Glass Hip Flask for Whiskey and Spirits

This single-shot 100-milliliter capacity flask is perfect for whiskey and alcohol drinks with a transparent indicator showing the leftover liquid. It comes with lids and a funnel included in the set and even includes 1 extra lid.

It easily fits into your pocket while also being leakproof, so you won’t have to worry about any spills. Due to its discrete design, you can use it as a versatile liquor flask for travels and everyday occasions. With a standard flask shape, it resembles a bottle that you would expect to see in a western movie, only in a modern style.

What We Like

The indicator window

What We Don’t Like

Silicone back

Final Thoughts

With the advice above you should easily be able to decide on the best travel flask for you. The best travel flasks can range up to 16 ounces in capacity and have various features and designs for you to choose from.