Lead photo by Richard Giordano
I view cocktail-making as a gesture of love. There’s care involved: slicing citrus, preparing ingredients, sourcing ice cubes, shaking or stirring. Time, a precious commodity, is also required. Your personal preferences are attended to. Two shots or one? Too sweet or not enough? The casual mixologist, often a friend or acquaintance (but not always), cares enough about your existence to prepare something unessential for your survival but enjoyed after a long day. Of course, these cold concoctions are nicely complemented by a sandy beach, sweet-smelling woodland, or a flaming campfire with friends.
As a self-proclaimed mid-range minimalist, I know that barware isn’t vital for overlanding. One could argue that a pull of whiskey directly from the bottle should suffice. However, we all have items that are essential to us—things that remind us of home or add comfort to the everyday. Hence, my camp cocktail quest began. I tested flasks, knives, shakers, and tumblers, eager to crown favorites. Some products entered my life permanently; others did not. If you’re in the market for a camp bartending kit, I hope the results of this search will prove beneficial.
As with any gear, cocktail wear requires several considerations suited to the potential buyer. If you’re tight on space and keen to prioritize lightweight items, a non-insulated stainless steel cocktail shaker is likely a good fit, whereas if you love to whip up batches of potent potions for friends in the heat of the summer, a large, insulated cocktail shaker could be a match made in heaven. In the flask department, gauge its primary use: backcountry jaunts, tailgating, moto trips? Does it need to be sleek, tall, or short? Do you desire dedicated barware or items that serve dual purposes? For example, a tumbler (such as the CamelBak stainless steel model reviewed below) could house hot coffee by day and your favorite whiskey, gin, or vodka libation by night. Of course, knives (including the GSI Outdoors Rakau set tested below) are also great multi-purpose tools.
Creating a basic cocktail kit can help make the most out of your barware collection. The thought of toting around heavy glass bottles while rocking and rolling along an off-pavement trail stresses me out immensely. Storing liquor in leakproof bladder bags, flasks, or 2- to 8-ounce bottles helps save weight and avoids the chance of broken glass. Throw in some small containers or packages of vermouth, bitters, honey, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and simple syrup, and the world is your oyster. If your goal is something more extravagant, look to Equipt Expedition Outfitters founder Paul May’s Thirst Aid Kit for inspiration. Covered in our Summer 2022 issue, it’s a full-on barware kit housed within an Alu-Box for good measure. For a slightly more minimalist slant, here are six barware options to get you started.
VSSL Insulated Flask and Speaker
I initially viewed the VSSL flask and speaker as a solution in search of a problem. But, over time, I found it useful, especially when I didn’t want to tote my JBL speaker on an overnight backpacking trip. Made from 304 stainless steel, the flask features double-wall insulation that VSSL says will keep your bevies hot for 5 hours and cold for 10. While it did keep my gin and tonics cold, the hot mulled wine I carried into the Scottish Highlands dropped to room temperature before the five-hour mark.
The flask includes a removable drinking cap for easy filling and cleaning and a locking carabiner top for secure carry. It was indeed leakproof, and at 12.1 ounces, it is relatively lightweight. However, the flask is 9.5 inches tall and 2 inches wide, which can be prone to accidental side-swiping and toppling. I prefer something with a lower center of gravity—however, you might not.
I was impressed with the waterproof Speaqua Bluetooth speaker both in terms of quality and output. VSSL clearly paid attention to design, including the scalloped speaker built to enhance music quality. Overall, the flask performed adequately and would make an apropos gift for the overlander in your life. While I didn’t add it to my collection, Scott Brady has found a use for it on his current Trans-African journey.
$150 | vsslgear.com
GSI Outdoors Rakau Knife Set
This set, housed in a recycled PET cloth case, includes a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 6-inch bread knife, and a 6-inch Santoku chef knife. All are stainless steel with waterproof wood-laminate handles. Accompanied by a compact bamboo cutting board, recycled microfiber dishcloth, and sharpener, the blades also come with individual sheaths. That’s a good thing because these knives are nice and sharp and can be kept that way.
The case measures 11.6 x 7.5 x 6 inches, and the whole kit and caboodle weighs 2 pounds, which isn’t too bad considering the thick cutting board tucked inside. I pondered going caseless to save a bit of weight but respected the organization and protection of the knives too much to commit. Although the cutting board is small, we’ve routinely set aside our larger one, preferring the GSI version with its juice gutter and prep surface.
I adore the paring knife and use it every day. The size is convenient, offering a secure grip and easy slice. If the bread and chef knives were also around 3.5 inches, the kit would be a home run in my books—although the current size of these knives means they would also be fab for home use. I have come to use this three-piece knife set daily and happily incorporated it into our kitchen (and cocktail) kit.
$80 | gsioutdoors.com
CamelBak Horizon Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Tumblers
There are many insulated mugs on the market, but CamelBak has a solid option with its Horizon insulated tumblers. Available in 10- and 12-ounce capacities, the cups feature a full powder-coat finish and can keep cold drinks frosty for up to five hours. They certainly feel bombproof, and the tri-mode slide lid is one of my favorites. It is possible to punch out the slide piece for optimal cleaning. Plus, the non-slip silicone base leaves no scratches when it meanders onto our induction cooktop from time to time.
The 12-ounce vessel suits a large mixed drink or cocktail or those who require an extra 2 ounces of joe to get going in the morning. Fill with a heap of ice and cold water (perhaps with a slice of lemon or cucumber?) to keep hydrated and refreshed through the heat of the day—especially if your vehicle is a Defender or Land Cruiser that lacks air conditioning.
I am particularly fond of the 10-ounce tumbler, which I use every morning for coffee and nearly every evening for happy hour. Unlike other stainless steel cups and mugs I’ve tried, CamelBak’s version doesn’t retain any flavor residue, so I’m not afraid to mix and match. The insulation works as advertised, as my caffeinated beverage is always piping hot (as long as I leave the lid on), and G-and-Ts always refreshing.
$20/12-ounce tumbler, $19/10-ounce tumbler | camelbak.com
CamelBak Leak-Proof Cocktail Shaker
CamelBak also makes a burly 20-ounce insulated cocktail shaker. It is leakproof, as advertised, and made of vacuum-insulated stainless steel with a powder coat finish, meaning no cold hands or pesky condensation during cocktail shaking. Testing confirmed its ability to keep liquids cold for 14 hours. The vessel’s construction instills confidence, standing up to long-term use without hesitation, dings, or scuffs.
The vessel also features a non-slip silicone base which is a wise addition as the shaker is tall, measuring 10.2 x 3.5 x 3 inches. If flair bartending is your thing, flipping this beast may require some practice. However, thanks to its 20-ounce capacity, CamelBak’s shaker is the best of the group for mixing larger batches of cocktails.
The lid doubles as a jigger, which is just plain smart. Plus, the body is compatible with the leakproof Horizon tumbler lid, transforming the shaker into a large cup that could be used to house your favorite beverage (potent or not) or to keep ice cubes solid on oppressively hot days. It is simple to care for, being dishwasher safe, and easy to clean. While the shaker’s size and weight were the determining factors for its lack of presence in my overland kitchen, it is a well-performing, carefully-built item that serves multiple functions and would make a solid candidate for any camp cocktail aficionado.
$150 | camelbak.com
Viski Travel Bar Tool Kit
Looking further afield from the outdoor and overland industries, I stumbled upon Viski. The brand specializes in home barware, but this snazzy travel bar tool kit piqued my interest. The six-piece set is equipped with a stainless-steel Cobbler shaker, Hawthorne strainer, bottle opener, double jigger, spiral bar spoon, beechwood muddler, and a canvas pocketed bag for each item. Now we’re getting serious about cocktail making.
Compared to the insulated CamelBak shaker, I prefer the diminutive size and lighter weight of the Viski vessel. Again, this is reflected in my biases towards single or double cocktail batches and ease of transport and storage. Every Viski bar tool performed well during testing, making the kit an overall success. If you’re looking for a less outdoorsy and more upscale barware kit fit for the road, the look, feel, and performance of the Viski kit ticks all the boxes.
Mentioning a few modifications suited to the overland traveler wouldn’t hurt. While the cocktail shaker is a pleasing size, a smaller bottle opener, strainer, and muddler would make the kit more suited to travel. The shaker lid could also double as a measured jigger, eliminating the need for the large double-ended one. Finally, the travel bag keeps everything together nicely—my only wish is the ability to hang it up, tools and all. Note that this shaker set is handwash only.
$69 | viski.com
Snowpeak Titanium Flask
There are several things I love about Snowpeak’s 250-milliliter flask. Made of titanium and clocking in at 3.3 ounces, it is ultralight; plus, at 3.3 x 1.1 x 6.1 inches, its slender profile sits comfortably in my palm or back pocket. The flask comes with a cloth case and plastic funnel, while the wooden cap adds a natural touch.
Snowpeak uses titanium for much of its product line as the metal is corrosion-resistant and flavor neutral. I’ve found that flavor impact isn’t an issue with most high-quality stainless steel products, so the pros of Snowpeak’s flask are its attractive design and low weight. I wouldn’t hesitate to bring this flask on a multi-day trek, and love that it serves dual purposes for overlanders and backpackers alike. Keeping the flask squeaky clean does require a bit of babying with a sponge and mild soap due to its unsuitability for use in the dishwasher.
Snowpeak is a top-tier brand that oozes craftsmanship and attention to detail, and these qualities are reflected in the price point. I included this one in my camp kit because it makes me feel fancy, and, most importantly, its durability means it will likely accompany me to the grave.
$216 | snowpeak.com
Stanley Happy Hour Cocktail Shaker Set
In 1913, inventor William Stanley Jr. fused vacuum insulation and steel, inventing the iconic Stanley bottles we have come to know and rely on. Over 100 years later, Stanley has continued to design and produce a stream of products, including the Happy Hour cocktail shaker set.
This product is the epitome of multi-functional. The vessel itself is stainless steel and measures 9.1 by 4.2 inches, housing two 7-ounce, double-wall insulated rocks glasses and a shaker strainer lid with a removable reamer that allows you to juice and strain directly into the twist-to-lock jigger cap. Weighing 1.6 pounds, It is BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and comes with a lifetime warranty. What’s not to love?
Stanley’s shaker keeps beverages cold for an hour without ice and four with ice. That’s plenty, considering this isn’t a tumbler or flask. Expedition Overland’s Rachelle Croft and I have a trip ritual that involves enjoying an evening nightcap courtesy of this shaker set. It’s durable and easy to use and clean, which says a lot when you’ve had a long day on the road with a few more hours’ worth of tasks to go. Finally, this cocktail shaker set can easily bounce between home and play, and the price point is very reasonable—especially for the holiday and gift-giving season. It’s definitely one I’ve added to my collection.
$40 | stanley1913.com
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Winter 2023 Issue.
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