Luke Cuenco 11.12.24
One of the biggest frustrations for me when going to social events outdoors is that I’m not typically a beer drinker these days. When things start getting cold outside I like my drinks to match and that’s why I typically bring a flask out with me for fall and winter camping trips. Something about the taste and smell of bourbon and whisky really just relaxes the senses and allows me to take in the great outdoors and the good conversation with friends and family. I recently learned about High Camp Flasks a company that makes what I’d consider to be the YETI tumbler of the flask world. Today we’ll check out both the Torch and the Firelight, to see if they might be worth picking up for you and your favorite outdoor activities.
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REVIEW: High Camp Flasks: Stylish, Durable, and Perfect for the Outdoors
Who Is High Camp Flasks?
High Camp Flasks started up in 2017 with a simple idea: to make drinkware that’s tough enough for the outdoors but stylish enough that you’d actually want to take it out. They’ve got a range of stainless steel flasks and tumblers, like the Firelight and Torch, designed for folks who like their spirits and cocktails on the go. What’s cool is they don’t just look good—they’re built to last, with thoughtful details like magnetic attachments and vacuum insulation. Perfect for sharing drinks around the campfire or wherever the adventure takes you. For me, this is typically the Oregon Coast or one of the many displaced campgrounds me and my friends have found throughout the Oregon countryside.
Photo: High Camp Flasks
Compact, Discreet, Sleek – The Torch Flask
The Torch: https://highcampflasks.com/products/torch-flask?variant=47207928660244
The Torch Flask is roughly the size of a beer can, but it’s a bit slimmer and taller and of course much heavier due to the double wall insulation. Like other flasks in this line, the Torch has a magnetic cap that allows you to secure the included 3oz shot glass easily without having to screw it on or off – the cap itself screws in and out with a slight rotation and contains the magnet for the cap. Overall it’s super portable, easy to pack, and it fits comfortably in my hand.
I got the smaller 6 oz version so it’s perfect for a couple of neat sips or a small cocktail on the go. Another neat feature for me is how you fill it. Other flasks require you to carefully pour your drink into the small opening at the top – the Torch actually unscrews from the bottom, giving you a nice wide mouth to pour your favorite drink into. For me, that’s bourbon. But what if you need something to share with a few friends during a night out on the beach or around the campfire? That’s where the Firelight comes in.
Big On Style, Big On Capacity – The Firelight Flask
The Firelight: https://highcampflasks.com/collections/all-flasks/products/firelight-flask?variant=49357015941396
The Firelight Flask really takes things up a notch. I went with the 750ml version because I wanted something that’s just big enough to fit an entire bottle of my favorite bourbon into. Similar to the Torch’s one magnetic tumbler, the two high ball-sized tumblers from the Firelight magnetically snap onto the top and bottom of the tumbler, turning it into a little portable bar setup. It’s perfect for moments when I’m hanging out with friends around a campfire or just enjoying a sunset and you want to bring a drink that everyone can share. 
There’s also a smaller 375ml version with one tumbler, but the bigger size suits me since I’m usually with a couple of friends and we tend to drink just straight bourbon. The vacuum insulation keeps everything cold for hours if you’ve tossed in a mixed drink. There’s something satisfying about passing around those solid stainless steel tumblers—they match the flask perfectly and make it feel like a well-thought-out set and always get a good reaction from friends and family.
Which One?
If you’re on the fence between the two flasks, it really comes down to how you’re planning to use them. The Torch Flask is the perfect solo companion—sleek, minimalist, and easy to carry. If you’re looking for something to enjoy on your own, it’s ideal. On the other hand, the Firelight Flask is made for social occasions. It’s great for when you want to share a drink and turn it into a bit of a ritual with friends. The Torch will set you back about $99 while the Firelight is $30 more at $129. My recommendation if you want to get one of these is to start with the Torch – it’s the most affordable and I find that it’s also quite fun to bring out at campfires to share a few sips of whiskey with friends.
Making Cocktails Portable
One of the great things about these flasks is their versatility. They’re not just for sipping whiskey neat—you can totally pre-mix cocktails and take them with you. The Firelight Flask is perfect for batching a cocktail for friends. Just stick to recipes that don’t need shaking, straining, or muddling since you’re pouring straight from the flask.
For example, an Old Fashioned is super easy: just bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters. A Negroni also works well with gin, Campari, and vermouth—it’s bold enough to hold up without ice. A classic Margarita (tequila, lime juice, triple sec) also does the trick, or try a Tommy’s Margarita with agave syrup instead. If you want something light and refreshing, a Vodka Lemonade or a Whiskey Sour (skipping the egg white) are both super simple and delicious.
Whenever I mix up a cocktail for the flask, I usually add a splash of water. Since there’s no ice to mellow it out later, that little bit of water helps keep the flavors balanced and stops the drink from being too strong when you pour it straight from the flask. Doing things this way and pre-chilling all of your ingredients means you can fit more drink in your Firelight or Torch which means more to share and enjoy. Cheers to easy, portable cocktails!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, High Camp Flasks really deliver on what they promise—rugged yet stylish flasks that are perfect for any outdoor adventure. While it’s kind of a bummer that they’re made in China, we can’t really expect more affordable yet quality items like this to come from the US – if you’re looking for American you’ll more than likely pay 2-3 times as much for the same performance and features as the High Camp Flasks.
When it comes to picking between the two, if I could just have one it would have to be the Torch, which I feel is more in the spirit of more traditional hip flasks. I love having the Torch Flask for solo trips or quick sips, while the Firelight Flask is my go-to when I’m with friends. With both the Torch and the Firelight, you’re not just carrying a drink; you’re bringing a bit of that campfire atmosphere along with you in a package that’s stylish to boot.
Pros and Cons of High Camp Flasks
Pros:
- Stylish and Durable: The sleek design and solid construction make these flasks not only functional but also great-looking.
- Insulated for Temperature Control: The double-wall insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, making them perfect for the outdoors.
- Innovative Design: With magnetic attachments for tumblers and shot glasses, they’re practical and easy to carry.
- Cocktail-Friendly: These flasks are versatile and can accommodate simple, strainer-free cocktails, allowing for a variety of drink options on the go.
Cons:
- Made in China: While some may view this as a downside, the quality is top-notch, which helps offset this concern.
- No Built-in Strainers: This limits your cocktail options to those without muddled ingredients or pulp.
- Higher Price Point: While they’re certainly an investment, the quality and features may justify the cost for those who want a premium experience.
