Is a flask one of those items you never thought you’d need on your caravan, campervan or motorhome holidays? They’re more versatile than you might think

Let’s hear it for Sir James Dewar FRS FRSE. A Victorian chemist, he’s credited with inventing the flask, for scientific purposes.

Then the Thermos company came along, developing a full vacuum flask design for household use. And that’s how flasks have been used for the past 100 years or so.

Keep drinks and foodstuffs hot or cold, ready for when you want to consume them at your own preferred time. They can come into their own when you’re caravanning, campervanning or motorhoming too – giving you freedom beyond the behest of retail outlets selling overpriced hot drinks, for example.

Today’s flasks really do come in all shapes and sizes, as well as levels of performance. Here’s our round-up of just some that are available.

Top tips when buying flasks

As well as capacity, you’ll also want to consider an individual product’s build quality, durability, along with ease of use. Any product worthy of the name should also be fully leakproof.
There are weight considerations, too. The best flasks tend to be the heaviest – and that’s before you put anything in them! But just remember, you might be carrying a flask around all day.
Check how the lid and/or cup are insulated. This can make a big difference in how they perform.
Consider a flask for food storage, as well as drinks. If you’re heading out for the day, that facility to eat what you want, when you want, should not be underestimated.
Pre-heating a flask, for example with hot water, is a great way of optimising its performance when you want to keep food or drink warm.
Best practice is to wash and thoroughly dry your flask after every use.
Finally, you might want to check if an individual product is dishwasher and/or microwave ovenproof?

Star Player #1

Stanley Legendary Classic vacuum bottle

In distinctive Hammertone Green, this really is a classic design. A one-litre capacity flask that claims it can keep drinks hot or ice cold for up to 24 hours, or iced for up to five days.

Its insulated lid also doubles as a cup, while the twist-and-pour stopper make sure there’s an easy flow of liquid.

Team it up with the Trigger-Action Travel Mugs or Legendary Camp Mugs from Stanley’s Classic Series.

Key features Double wall vacuum insulation, 18/8 stainless steel, dishwasher safe, lifetime warranty

Expect to pay £47.99

www.stanley1913.com

Star Player #2

Outwell Remington vacuum flask

The larger of two Remington flasks from Outwell, the L version has a 1.5-litre capacity and uses a twin-wall stainless steel construction to keep its contents hot or cold.

A great looking flask, there’s a simple press button operation for opening the lid and pouring your brew, while the collar and handle are in BPA-free plastic. A great flask for keeping drinks warm at breakfast or other meal times.

Key features Stainless steel, dishwasher safe, two-year warranty

Expect to pay £32.99

www.outwell.com

Star Player #3

Aladdin CityPark Thermavac Twin cup bottle

This Thermavac Bottle has a 1.1-litre capacity and comes in a choice of four colours for its powder coat finish.

The lid design gives you two cups. Leakproof, it includes a push-button operation, all capable of keeping drinks hot or cold for up to 25 hours, or iced for five days.

Unlike some, Aladdin defines its products’ performance capabilities, saying it measures under lab conditions the time it takes for the contents to change temperature from 95°C to 60°C for hot and from 4°C to 10°C for cold, while the ambient temperature is held at 23°C.

Key features Stainless steel double-wall construction, powder coat finish, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, EU-tested

Expect to pay £37.50

www.aladdin-sustain.com

Star Player #4

Jack Wolfskin Kariba Thermal mug

An insulated cup that, at half a litre, has sufficient capacity to act as a flask. Jack Wolfskin says it will keep drinks for up to 12 hours and cool for up for up to 24.

The leakproof cap has a drinking spout as well as the bonus of being transparent – so you can see how much liquid is inside. The wide mouth makes it easy to clean inside. There’s also a 0.75-litre version.

Key features Double wall vacuum insulation, taste-inert stainless steel, sure-grip coating, dimensions 20.5cm x 7cm diameter

Expect to pay £20

www.jack-wolfskin.co.uk

Star Player #5

Thermos Stainless King™Food Flask

Well-known for drinking flasks, this insulated food flask claims to keep food warm for nine hours or cold for 14.

It has a durable stainless steel exterior and interior with an insulated lid that also doubles up as a bowl to eat from. It’s complete with a full-sized folding stainless steel spoon which stores in the flask’s inner lid.