Ascension, Adventure, and Après: Designing for Life with High Camp Flasks

Just after a brisk afternoon hike, as the sun extends its light down to you from a boundless blue sky, you stand in the middle of great green nature, in complete harmony with the world around you. You sit down beside your friends in the shadows of giant trees, and you answer the need within everyone’s mind: It is time for a well-deserved drink.

This week on Cocktails with Friends, Bob brings along Rich Stoner to once again muse on the Après state of mind, reaching new heights as they explore the history of High Camp Flasks. Here to guide them is co-founder Nic Barisone, and together the three discuss the path towards Après ascension. 

Nic wanted the flask, commonly a one-person cup that you whip out of your inside pocket, to become less ‘broody noir detective’ and more towards an instrument of functional, shareable, alcoholic enjoyment. He talks about how he and Whit, the other co-founder, used to go backcountry skiing and how this influenced his desire.

The everyday adventure continues without fail, but these flasks are designed for durability and made for the tougher times during the climb – the ones that make the toast at the end all the better-earned. Then the three talk about their “dream Après moments”: the scenes that are made all the better by a good drink.

High Camp’s story reminds us that a meaningful drink doesn’t need a fancy bar or the finest ingredients to make the moment, from mixes on the mountaintops to cocktails around the campfire. All you need is a good flask and a great view.

After all, Après is a lifestyle.

Cheers!