Having a stylish hip flask is every alcohol enthusiast's pride and joy. Small enough to smuggle around in one’s pocket, these cleverly discreet liquor containers are used by party goers around the world to sneak a quick shot of booze, typically in places where alcohol is not available, too expensive or too inconvenient to buy because of long lines. Ah yes, the old-world ingenuity of the almighty hip flask has been bringing smiles to socially ambitious liquor lovers’ faces for centuries now. It makes for the perfect gift, the perfect wingman and the perfect buzz.

There are several factors to consider when buying a hip flask, as they are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, designs and materials. Whether buying for yourself or for a friend as a gift, here are the key features to consider when buying a hip flask:

SIZE MATTERS

Hip flask fill capacities range anywhere from two to twelve ounces, with seven ounces being the most common size. True flask officionados own multiple sizes to meet the needs of any alcohol-infused occasion. And, since flasks save you a ton of money anyhow, you might as well bust-out and equip yourself with different sizes for whatever debauchery-filled adventure comes your way.

GET A GOOD BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Hip flask prices vary quite a bit and typically depend on materials and the level of craftsmanship. If you fancy a fine silver or pewter, you can easily shell out a few hundred bucks. However, if a stainless steel flask suits your buzz-hungry needs, prices are much more reasonable but you will still need to drop about $30 to $50 for anything of decent quality. And finally, at the top of the affordability list is the uber-inexpensive plastic flask, which, ironically, has recently become the most popular type of flask product category on the market. Advances in chemical free plastics have led to some cool new plastic flask products that are obviously the most affordable, but that are also loaded with innovative features and designs.

FUNCTIONALITY IS PRICELESS

The most important factor of a great hip flask, the experts declare, is its ease-of-use functionality, or lack thereof. If it looks great but is difficult to use or it lacks discreetness, it should not make the cut. So, without further ado, here are the must-have features of a flask: 1) it must be is easy to fill, 2) it must have a hinged cap, 3) it must be discreet, 4) it must have a cover, and 5) it must be easy to pour.

So there you have it, insider insight on how to mobilize your partying, reduce your spending and maximize your social life. Good luck and be sure to choose your weapon wisely!