There’s a special kind of magic in savoring a freshly brewed cup of coffee amidst the serenity of the great outdoors.
In recent years, the quest for the best instant coffee for backpacking has driven me to try all sorts of brands that have energized me on both the Appalachian Trail and those serene mornings in car camping sites.
I’m always in search of that perfect cup of joe that could rival the coffee shop experience.
For coffee lovers who refuse to settle for less, here are my top picks that promise to elevate your coffee fix to the next level, satisfying even the most discerning coffee snob.
Table of Contents
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1. Mount Hagen
When it comes to finding the best coffee that can be enjoyed miles away from a coffee shop, Mount Hagen leads the pack. Known for its fair trade and organic coffee beans, this brand offers instant coffee packets that transform hot water into a good cup of coffee that tastes surprisingly close to the real thing.
Whether you prefer your coffee black or with a splash of soy milk, Mount Hagen delivers a well-balanced cup of coffee that is the best option to please your taste buds without the extra weight of a french press or coffee grounds in your pack.
2. First Ascent Instant Coffee
First Ascent Coffee takes adventure coffee to new heights (puns intended) and is by far one of my favorite instant coffee brands. Tailored for the outdoor enthusiast, their instant coffee offers a robust flavor that echoes the brand’s mountainous roots. The only downside? Deciding which of their varieties to bring along.
The Ethiopian blend is particularly tasty and you simply can’t go wrong with the variety pack. Whether you prefer a classic brew or making something more adventurous like a dirty chai, First Ascent delivers on the promise of a high-quality, easy-to-prepare coffee. It’s the kind of good stuff that makes the first ascent of the day significantly more enjoyable.
3. Cusa Instant Cold Brew Coffee
For those days when the sun’s beating down and cold water beckons, Cusa Instant Cold Brew Coffee offers a refreshing alternative. Unlike regular coffee, this cold brew dissolves instantly in cold water, offering a robust coffee flavor that’s perfect for an iced coffee refreshment.
It’s a great thing for backpackers who want variety and the ability to enjoy a cold beverage without compromising on taste.
Cusa also makes tasty Cusa Instant Coffee Packs that include flavors like Mocha, Vanilla, and Dirty Chai.
4. Starbucks Via – Instant Coffee for Backpacking
A familiar name for many coffee drinkers, Starbucks Via has set a high bar with its variety pack of freeze-dried coffee. Available in dark roast, medium roast, and even Italian roast, these single-serve packets are a godsend for those who crave specialty coffee roasters’ flavors but need the convenience of instant.
Found in grocery stores nationwide, Starbucks Via is the best way to ensure a premium instant coffee experience, whether you’re enjoying a sunrise on the Pacific Crest Trail or setting up camp after a long day’s hike.
5. Alpine Start
Alpine Start is a great brand with plenty of options for coffee enthusiasts. From Alpine Start Original Blend to powdered oat milks and matcha teas to give your coffee and added something. Its instant coffee packets are designed for the outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t want to compromise on their coffee fix.
With a flavor profile that satisfies both lovers of black coffees and those who prefer their brew with non-dairy creamer, Alpine Start makes a cup of instant coffee that feels like a freshly brewed cup of coffee, one that’s surprisingly similar to what you’d get from freshly ground coffee.
While I could tell Alpine Start was instant coffee, I still really enjoyed the taste.
6. Coffee Tea Bags
Bridging the gap between tea enthusiasts and coffee drinkers, tea bag coffee brands like Kahawa and Wildland introduce an innovative concept: coffee bags.
Much like a tea bag but filled with premium coffee grounds, these coffee bags offer a unique and different form of enjoying a well-balanced cup of coffee.
Whether you prefer a light roast or a dark roast, these coffee tea bags are a testament to the versatility and evolution of coffee consumption, making them a top pick for backpackers who cherish the flavor of the coffee and the ritual of brewing it, albeit in a less conventional way.
You can also purchase empty coffee sachets and fill them with your own grounds.
7. Kuju Coffee Pour Over
Swift Cup stands out for its precision in capturing the essence of specialty coffee in an instant form. Known to be among the most expensive instant coffees, there’s a good reason for its price tag.
For the coffee lover who insists on a freshly brewed cup of coffee that’s a step above the usual instant varieties, Kuju Coffee’s pour-over packets are a revelation. They marry the convenience of instant with the ritual and taste of brewed coffee, offering a fresh cup of coffee that’s rich in flavor and aroma.
It’s a slightly more involved process, requiring just a bit of extra effort for a significantly more satisfying second sip.
8. Swift Cup
The brand uses a meticulous freeze-drying process to preserve the coffee tastes and aromas, offering a first sip experience that rivals freshly brewed coffee.
For backpackers concerned about carrying extra weight, Swift Cup’s lightweight packaging means less water is needed to enjoy a premium cup, making it an excellent choice for solo adventurers or a large group looking to start their day with a little…voilà.
9. Waka Coffee
Waka Coffee is a game-changer for instant coffee enthusiasts and a perfect companion for backpacking trips. It dissolves effortlessly, offering a clean, well-balanced cup that’s surprisingly close to a coffee shop brew.
Waka’s commitment to quality is evident in the coffee crystals’ flavor, ensuring that coffee lovers won’t have to compromise while on the trail. Ideal for a large group, its convenience and excellent taste profile make it a crowd-pleaser.
Waka also makes great instant tea for backpacking if you’re looking for something warm in the evening that won’t keep you up all night.
10. Explorer Cold Brew Concentrate
Not your typical instant coffee, Explorer Cold Brew Concentrate is for those who prefer their in a liquid form. If you absolutely can’t stand powders, a concentrate like explorer cold brew concentrates can still lighten the weight of the liquid you need to carry.
This concentrate allows you to make cold brew, iced lattes, or even a classic hot coffee by simply adjusting the amount of water or milk—less water for a stronger brew, and more for a lighter taste. They also come in small travel packs.
It’s perfect for those warm mornings when you crave something cool or for an afternoon pick-me-up. The only downside is its liquid form, which may add a bit of weight to your pack, but for the flavor and flexibility it offers, it’s worth the extra ounces.
11. Maxwell House Instant Lattes
If you like classic instant coffee then Maxwell House is a testament to the old adage that sometimes, the classic choice remains one of the best options. If anyone tells you otherwise simple reply, “Hike Your Own Hike”.
If you don’t like your coffee black, they have numerous Instant Latte coffee powders and instant mocha coffee powders that are well known for being a reliable and comforting presence for large groups or solo adventurers alike.
With individual packets that cater to those who might not consider themselves coffee purists but still appreciate a good cup of coffee. It ensures that everyone can start their day right, even in the most remote locations.
“REAL COFFEE” Alternatives:
Sometimes you just want to have your favorite coffee brand out on the trail, or you just want a “real” cup of coffee. That’s totally fine. While they might weigh a bit more or require a bit more prep, consider these options:
12. Dripkit
Dripkit isn’t so much a brand of coffee as it is a way to brew. Drip kit has partnered with a TON of famous brands like Stumptown and La Colombe to create fast, single serve, pour over solutions. For those who appreciate the ritual of brewing but need the convenience of instant, Dripkit offers a unique solution.
Each packet contains a pre-packed filter with ground coffee that you can set over your cup. Just add hot water, and you have a freshly brewed coffee without the hassle of coffee grinds or the need for brewing equipment.
Ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy the process as much as the first sip, Dripkit’s variety in terms of flavor and roast levels ensures there’s something for every taste.
13. AeroPress
In the quest for the best instant coffees, the AeroPress emerges as a fascinating contender for those willing to venture slightly beyond the realm of instant but still prioritize convenience and quality. Though not an instant coffee maker per se, the AeroPress offers a different way to brew that rivals even the best instant coffees in terms of speed and ease.
Utilizing air pressure to extract flavors from whole beans finely ground, it delivers a cup of good coffee that can stand up to a blind taste test against traditional brews.
For backpackers who have a little more space and don’t mind carrying a lightweight gadget, the AeroPress becomes a bridge between the world of instant and the freshly ground coffee experience.
It allows adventurers to enjoy a superior cup of coffee in the wilderness, bringing the richness and depth of flavor that only whole beans can provide.
This method not only adds an enjoyable ritual to your morning routine in the great outdoors but also ensures that every cup is fresh, flavorful, and tailored to your taste, making it a unique and beloved tool among coffee enthusiasts on the trail.
14. Backpacking French Press
For the backpacking aficionado who yearns for the taste of coffee as rich and nuanced as a cup brewed from the finest beans sourced from a local roaster, a “Backpacking French Press” offers a transformative experience far removed from the realm of instant coffee powders.
This is the backpacking french press my dad got me from REI for christmas and I love it, although if you’re already carrying a jetboil, this simple attachment from REI turns it into a french press.
This innovative, lightweight device is designed for the rugged outdoors, enabling adventurers to carry the art of coffee making with them into the wilderness.
Unlike the instant alternatives, a Backpacking French Press leverages the traditional production process of steeping coarse grounds from small batches of beans, ensuring that the full spectrum of flavors is extracted into every cup.
The difference in taste is palpable, producing a much different product than what one might expect from the convenience of instant formulations.
With a Backpacking French Press, coffee enthusiasts can enjoy the rich, complex flavors that only come from freshly pressed coffee, capturing the essence and subtleties that only the best local roasters can provide.
This method not only elevates the morning ritual of coffee drinking in the great outdoors but also pays homage to the meticulous production process of small-batch coffee, bringing a taste of home and luxury to the campsite.
For those willing to invest a little extra time and carry a bit more gear, the Backpacking French Press turns every sip into a celebration of the coffee’s origin and craftsmanship.
15. Cowboy Coffee
Cowboy coffee is the rugged cousin of a French press (without the filter) and born in the wild heart of outdoor adventurers. It has a long history in the United States and is the easiest way to make a real cup of coffee on the trail. Here is the recipe I use:
- Boil your water, then let it cool for 30 seconds off the heat. For every 8oz (236ml) of water add about 2 tablespoons (21 grams) of your favorite ground coffee (like Counter Culture). Yes it’s okay to estimate.
- Stir, let it steep for 2 minutes, stir again, and then steep for another 2 minutes.
- After about 4 minutes, pour ½ cup of cold water over the top of grounds to sink them to the bottom. (don’t worry the coffee with still be warm).
- Now carefully pour the coffee into your cup, leaving the grounds at the bottom of the pot.
- Voila! Cowboy Coffee.
If you’re planning a backpacking trip, consider also checking out our “Best Meats for Backpacking” and “Best Cheeses for Backpacking” articles to elevate your trip even further.
In the end, the journey to find the perfect coffee to accompany your backpacking adventures is as varied and personal as the trails you explore.
Whether you’re drawn to the convenience and lightweight nature of Mount Hagen’s instant packets, the robust and adventurous flavors of First Ascent, or the refreshing versatility of Cusa’s Cold Brew, there’s a brew that fits every moment of your journey.
Brands like Starbucks Via and Alpine Start cater to those seeking familiar flavors in the wilderness, while innovative solutions like coffee tea bags and Kuju’s pour-over packets bridge the gap between convenience and quality.
For those willing to carry a little extra or invest in a unique brewing experience, the AeroPress and the Backpacking French Press offer a taste of artisan coffee that’s miles away from the ordinary.
But beyond the brands, methods, and flavors, what truly matters is how each cup enhances your connection to the natural world around you.
It’s about the moments of tranquility in the early morning light, the shared cups that warm the spirit after a long day’s hike, and the simple pleasures that turn a journey into an adventure.
Coffee, in its many forms, becomes more than just a beverage; it’s a companion that brings comfort, warmth, and a sense of home to the heart of the wilderness.
As we’ve ventured from instant powders to freshly pressed brews, we’ve seen that the best coffee is the one that suits your taste, your journey, and your moment.
So whether you’re savoring a solo cup as the sun rises or sharing a pot with fellow adventurers, remember that the best brew is the one that brings you joy, energizes your steps, and deepens your appreciation for the great outdoors.
Here’s to finding your perfect trail companion in a cup and to the adventures that await with each sip. Happy trails and even happier sips! I hope to see you out there!
