The 10 E’s are a list of backpacking gear requirements that are essential to comfort and safety. Well, I say there should be a 10 E’s for camping in a popup trailer, and at the top of that list I’d put the Adventure Happy Hour System by Stanley. Boozy drinks under a starry sky after an unforgettable day playing outside is tops, and this cocktail shaker makes such a thing possible.
Stanley has two versions of the Adventure Happy Hour System – one with two cups (2x) and one with 4 (4x). I got to test the 4x version while staying the night outdoors in our ghetto popup. This system includes the shaker, a reamer, jigger cap, and 4 rocks glasses. All but the reamer are made from 18/8 stainless steel. Plus, the rocks glasses are double-walled so they are durable, offer more insulation, and won’t sweat. What really makes this system so great for camping it the packability. All 7 pieces nest inside the shaker for compact and easy storage.
On our most recent trip, we went to Bear Lake and toasted a day on the water with a Gingercello Martini. My wife, Callista, mixed it together using four shots (measured with the jigger cap) of Gingercello from the Marble Distilling Company in Carbondale, Colorado. Mixed with that was 6 parts lime juice. To add another splash of lime, she juiced two lime halves with the reamer over the shaker. After that, she filled the rest of the shaker with ice, shook it like an outdoorsy bartender pro, and poured out two cups of delicious ginger/lime goodness. Cheers! Somehow, drink taste so much better when consumed outdoors.
I love everything about the Stanley Happy Hour System. It is solid, well designed, compact, and gives you everything you need to mix a stiff drink. It’s also bombproof, so it will likely last you your entire life. The only thing that is a negative is how much the system weighs. At 2.26 pounds, this is not something you’d want to bring along on a backpacking trip. Car camping only folks, unless you really have a hankering for a Moscow Mule at 10,000 feet, then by all means, bring it along!
The Good: Sweet design, quality construction, makes campfire drink mixing a breeze.
The Bad: Heavy. Car camping only.
Final Word: The Stanley Adventure Happy Hour 4x System is not only what you need to pack along for car camping, but will also work great in the home. Keep it in your liquor cabinet for entertaining in the casa, then break it loose next time you load up the trailer with friends.
Hey, would you sell your Stanley happy hour 4x?