Buyers guide to flasks and mugs

As a matter of course, we carry a water bottle or bladder in our rucksack on day hikes. Yet how many of us actually bother to weigh ourselves down with an additional flask of tea or coffee for rest breaks? Not only can it prove a boost to a long day on the trail, but it could also prove a lifesaver in a given situation.

And they are also very useful when camping. Got any hot water left in the kettle? Then store it in a vacuum flask until needed – it will save fuel. Wake up cold at night? A hot drink from your handy flask will help you get back to sleep… Cannot finish that cold drink? Well, keep it cool in your insulated flask or mug until you want it.

We are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to the different styles, sizes and colours available. Made from quality vacuum-sealed stainless steel, most will keep your beverage hotter or colder for longer, and most come with easy-to-use pourers. If you want a funky design, then you can have that, too.

Although you will find that many manufacturers state that you should never use your flask in a dishwasher or microwave, and neither should you fill it with a carbonated drink, today’s special manufacturing processes mean that some high-quality flasks can be used for energy drinks and fruit acids.

You can actually buy food flasks that are specifically designed for use in microwave ovens, such as the Microwaveable Food Flask from Thermos. It is also dishwasher safe. The rule of thumb, then, is to always make sure you read the label, follow the instructions, and you should not go far wrong.

And, if you take the trouble of keeping your drink warm until it is ready to pour, why not go the full hog and invest in an insulated mug to retain the heat while you drink? There is also an incredible range of camp mugs on the market, and you can go as simple or stylish, as cheap or expensive, as you and your pocket allows. From the traditional to the insulated, to the outrageously lightweight (check out, for example, Easy Camp’s Companion Mug in polypropylene), the choice, as they say, is yours.

• Prior to initial use, clean the flask with warm water and washing-up liquid
• Prior to each use, fill with hot water for hot drinks and cold water for chilled drinks, as this will ensure that the contents retain the desired temperature for longer
• If you have not used your flask for some time, rinse with warm water to remove residual odours
• Never overfill the flask
• Always leave sufficient space in the neck to fit the stopper
• Sounds obvious, but after filling, make sure both the stopper and cup are tightly closed
• After use, rinse the contents away and wash out with warm water and washing-up liquid. Make sure any traces of food are removed. Then rinse thoroughly with hot water
• Filling the flask with hot water and adding a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda can remove difficult stains. Secure the cap and soak overnight
• Make sure the flask is thoroughly dry before storing, leaving the stopper off
• Do not place your flask in a dishwasher or microwave, unless approved by the manufacturer
• Unless recommended, never keep carbonated drinks in the flask, as the build-up in pressure can force the stopper out