What is the Best Stainless Steel Growler for Camping?
There are a lot of growlers online, but the most popular ones and those recommended by campers are the Hydro flask Growler, Asobu Growler, Eco Vessel The Boss, and the Miir Growler. So which of these is the best? More importantly which one will hold up to the rigors of the great outdoors? If you’re going to go camping for an extended period, the type of beverage container you bring is going to be crucial, so what is the best stainless steel growler?
Growlers Featured in This Review
Hydro Flask Double Wall 64oz Growler
Asobu Stainless Steel Beer Growler To Go
EcoVessel THE BOSS Growler Bottle w/ Tea And Fruit Infuser
MiiR Insulated Growler Bottle
Stanley Go Growler
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler
Size Comparison
Let’s begin this Hydro flask vs Stanley growler vs Eco / Asobu / Miir comparison with a quick look at their dimensions and weights:
- Hydro Flask: 11 x 6 x 5 inches ; 1.8 pounds
- Asobu: 4.8 x 4.8 x 11 inches ; 1 pound
- Eco Vessel: 5 x 5 x 12 inches ; 1.9 pounds
- Miir Water Bottle: 12 x 6 x 5 inches ; 2 pounds
- Stanley Easy-Pour Growler Nightfall: 6.5 x 12.2 inches; 2 pounds
- Stanley Go Growler: 6.5 x 5 x 11.5 inches; 2 pounds
All six have a capacity of 64 ounces.
As you can see here the Miir and the Stanley are the heaviest at 2 pounds and while the Asobu is the lightest, in terms of dimensions there isn’t much of a difference. If you don’t camp regularly, the fact that one growler is a pound or two heavier or an inch or two shorter does not matter, but if you carry a lot of gear, then every inch and pound will matter.
Keeping Drinks Hot and Cold
Each growler has a unique design, with the Hydro notable for its double wall vacuum insulation that will keep your water and beer cold for up to 24 hours, and it will also keep your cocoa or coffee hot for a maximum of 12 hours. The Stanley is also vacuum insulated to keep liquids cold or hot for several hours if you are on a hike or fishing trip.
While the Hydro is ideal for various kinds of liquids and beverages, the Asobu is more suitable for beer, while the Eco Vessel is also capable of handling cold and hot drinks (it even has a detachable ice dam / tea strainer which is pretty cool). The Miir, which is the most expensive growler here, can keep liquid cold for more than 24 hours and beverages hot for more than 12 hours.
Additional Features Comparison
Aside from those already mentioned, there are other features of each that are worth comparing.
Let’s start with the Hydro:
- The container is made from premium grade 18/8 stainless steel
- The bottle is BPA free
- The Hydro has a powder-coated finish, and the exterior doesn’t sweat
A quick look at Stanley’s other features:
- The bottle has a capacity of 64 ounces
- The double-wall insulation is of high quality
- Double wall technology ensures that condensation is prevented and that the bottle’s outside temperature is comfortable
- The container is made of 18/8 stainless steel and is recyclable
- Liner is not required and there’s no odor or taste retention
The Asobu isn’t lacking in the features department either:
- With its 64-ounce capacity, the Asobu is large enough to replace several beer bottles
- The container is made of stainless steel
- The growler has a Swing Top lid that will keep your beverages fresh
- You can wash the container by hand
Eco Vessel Features:
- Unique among the bunch it comes with a Tea/Fruit infuser so you can bring one growler for beer and another for revitalizing after a long night
- The container is free of liners, phthalates, and BPA
- The Eco incorporates TriMax triple insulation for the best performance
- Has a sturdy carrying handle
Last but not least we have the Miir:
- Like any top-quality growler, the Miir incorporates double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks fresh, cold, or hot
- BPA free
- It is 125 inches and 5 inches in diameter so it’s not going to take up a lot of room in your backpack
Performance
In terms of performance the Miir, Hydro, and Eco have the edge, especially when it comes to keeping carbonated beverages or wine fresh. This is to be expected of course when you look at the price. However, if you’re on a budget and want something more affordable, the Stanley and the Asobu will do nicely.
If you don’t camp out that much and just want a growler that will keep your beer cool for the day, 
the Asobu will suffice. Based on our tests these two work out well, but the benefit of the other three is they are built to last longer. Also, their use of 18/8 stainless steel means when you drink beer, you’re not going to taste anything unusual.
This is especially true of the Miir, which also has a unique locking system that ensures the freshness of your drinks is preserved. And it should be pointed out that the claim of being able to keep liquid cold and hot for 24 and 12 hours is true, so if you’re sick of drinking warm flat beer, you’ll want one of these.
Cost
Now let’s take a look at the cost: At the time of this writing, we’ve listed them below from least expensive to most.
- The Stanley Go
- The Stanley Easy-Pour Nightfall
- The Asobu Growler
- The Eco Vessel The BOSS
- The Miir Water Bottle
- The Hydro Flask
The Stanley Go is the cheapest in the $30-$35 range and the Hydro Flask is on the other end around 60-70, which is nearly double the Asobu price. If your number one priority is price, the Stanley stainless steel growler should be your top choice, but the Miir – and the other growlers- are arguably better designed and cannot be considered overpriced. Rather, the additional cost is due to their construction and extra features. Let’s take a closer look at the Stanley Growlers:
Best Stainless Steel Growlers for Camping
When you are out in the great outdoors your gear has to hold up to some pretty rough conditions. Stanley has a couple of quality insulated stainless steel growlers for camping that are both functional and affordable. Let’s take a closer look:
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler 64oz Nightfall
If you’re looking for a reliable stainless steel growler for outdoor excursions, the Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler has a nice clean look with decent insulation and a functional handle.
Pros
- Excellent insulation, in our tests it held up both keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.
- Convenient large capacity of 64 ounces
- Built-in handle for easy carrying and pouring
Cons
- Slightly difficult to clean. As with all growlers getting a brush deep down inside can be tricky.
- Concerns about the plastic hinge on the lid, but so far it has held up.
- Some reports of leaks under pressure, however, Stanley does have a good return policy.
After using the Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler on a camping trip to the Smokies, we were impressed at its durability and how well it held up against its competitors. The vacuum and foam-insulated lid keep your beverage cold for darn near the entire 24 hours, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
The growler’s 64-ounce capacity is perfect for sharing a brew with friends around the campfire, even if that “brew” is just ice-cold mountain fresh water. The built-in heavy-duty handle makes it incredibly easy to carry and pour using just one hand. Of course, when filled 64 oz isn’t an amount you just haul around with you on a short hike.
However, it is important to note that some users have expressed concerns about the plastic hinge on the lid and leaks under pressure. Additionally, cleaning the interior of the growler can be slightly challenging if you use it for anything other than water. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler remains an excellent choice for any outdoor enthusiast.
When choosing a stainless steel growler for camping, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Consider the insulation capabilities of the growler, as it should be able to keep your drinks cold for a long period of time in the outdoors. Stanley seems to do a good job here.
2. Look for a growler with a large capacity to store enough beverage for you and your fellow campers. As a standard 64 oz growler, this one does just fine in that department.
3. Pay attention to the design and added features, such as a built-in handle and easy-pour function, for convenient use and transportation. This is a no-frills growler, but its features work just fine.
Stanley Go Growler, 64oz Capacity
As the slightly more affordable little brother to the Stanley Nightfall above, the Stanley Go Growler still has the features you need to keep your drinks fresh. If you’re searching for the ideal stainless steel growler for camping, the Stanley Go Growler is an exceptional choice due to its durability, insulation, design, and price.
Pros
- Exceptional insulation for hot and cold drinks
- Stainless steel interior to maintain beverage taste
- Rugged, leak-proof construction
Cons
- May require a brush for thorough cleaning
- Only available in matte black
- The handle might feel a bit large for some users
We tested this bad boy out on a long hike, and the insulation held up just fine. There is nothing better than an ice-cold drink after a long hike. Well, other than maybe a pizza. Its impressive 24-hour cold retention kept my beverage perfectly chilled, while the vacuum-insulated double walls ensured that the drink remained cold for the duration of the hike. Another important factor is the stainless steel interior, which keeps the true taste of your beverage without any metallic aftertaste.
The Stanley Go Growler is built to last, featuring heavy-duty construction and BPA-free stainless steel materials. I never once worried about leaks while traveling thanks to the robust locking mechanism. Moreover, I appreciated the convenience of the easy-to-carry handle and dishwasher-safe construction for hassle-free cleaning after use.
While using the Stanley Go Growler, it quickly became apparent that it would be a reliable addition to my gear. While we like the look and feel of the Stanley Nightfall a bit better, the Stanley Go still performs up to our high standards. With the ability to hold 64 ounces and maintain its temperature for hours, this product is certain to be an essential accessory for your outdoor adventures.
The Verdict
So which is the best option? It all comes down to the style you like the best. If you read a Miir growler review online, odds are it is positive, but you can say the same thing about the Hydro, the Eco, the Lifeline, and the Asobu. Of course, Stanley thrown into the mix holds up just fine too. And because they have a similar capacity, there isn’t much of a difference in terms of the amount of beer or beverage you can carry. However, in terms of quality, the Miir and Hydro are superior. Bottom line: if you want the best for your money go for the Miir, Eco, or Hydro, but if you’re on a budget, the Stanley, or Asobu will still do the trick.
Hi all…
I have a few friends that have them and they really like them. It’s a hefty initial investment, but if you’re going to use it quite a bit I think it’s worth it.
A few breweries have them for sale as well if you’re into a branded one.Carton Brewing in Jersey sells that SS Growler and I really like it. Wasn’t cheap ($30) but I think worth it and great to bring to the beach, poolside or boating. It’s pretty crazy how much smaller they are than the glass growler.
Keep sharing more!
Carton Brewing in Jersey sells that SS Growler and I really like it.
I love the Asobu growler, just bought it 2 days ago and the quality is absoloutely higher than the rest of this list.
My son has a Hydro, and after reading about it, I can see why he likes it. I might have to put one on my Christmas list.