How many of you hikers out there like to have a drink or two while out in the backcountry? After a long day hiking, there’s nothing like gathering around a campfire with a refreshing, cold beer. But, how can a backpacker, especially one who travels ultralight, possibly bring cans or bottles of beers into the wilderness?
Well, the short answer is that you can’t. However, there are alternatives. Some very smart people have come up with innovative ways to bring your booze into the backcountry. Yes, beer from concentrate, as well as other clever approaches to bringing booze outdoors, do exist.
And, without further ado, here they are!
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Pat’s Backcountry Beverages
Pat’s was probably the first company to nail the whole beer-concentrate experiment. We know what you’re thinking. Concentrated beer? That just sounds weird. Well, it is. But, just because it’s weird, doesn’t mean it’s not delicious!
Pat’s uses a unique hybrid brewing technology to create a highly concentrated beer. Not only that, but their nested fermentation process allows the beer to be made in an environmentally friendly way, reducing the energy consumption of what a concentrated drink would normally require. While most beers are made with 95% water, making it heavy, Pat’s beers take the water completely out of the fermentation process from the start. No dehydration is used, and the end result is just as thirst-quenching.
So, this is how it works. You buy one. You pour the contents of the package into the bottle, then mix it with water. You load the CO2 activators into the separate container. You insert the container into the bottle and seal it. You let the drink carbonate. Then, you drink.
It’s really as easy as that!
Pat’s sells the Carbonator Bottle, the Activator Packets, which you’ll need to activate the carbonation, and of course, the beer. Flavors come in American Logger, Pale Rail, and Black Hops. You can also buy the Starter Kit which comes with all of these things.
The Carry On Cocktail Kit
While the name implies that this cocktail kit is solely meant for the airplane, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t bring it backpacking with you. This incredible invention provides hikers with a simple and lightweight solution to making your favorite cocktails on the trail.
Choose from the Gin & Tonic, The Moscow Mule, The Bloody Mary, and more. Absolutely every tool you need to make your drink comes inside this tiny little kit. And, you can make two drinks with that. It’s compact, classy and perfect for the hiker who likes their drink a little bit stronger than an ordinary beer.
Some people can’t stand the taste of beer or strong liquor. Some people can, yet, still prefer wine. Whatever your motives are, it’s possible to bring this kind of booze into the backcountry with you. And, there’s more than one way to go about it.
The first method we recommend is through Boda Box. They make environmentally friendly boxed wines in a ton of different and delicious flavors. Try Nighthawk Black, Moscato, Malbec, Merlot, etc. You name it, they probably have it. Each tiny box comes with three liters of wine, which is the same as four bulky bottles. It uses 85% less waste, is made BPA free, and is 100% recyclable.
The other option is a little more customizable. Wine2Go is the smartest thing since sliced bread, or in a backpacker’s case, freeze-dried meals. It’s like a wine bottle, except it’s a pouch! Just pour your wine into it, and you’re good to go! They also make silicone glasses, so you can fold up the entire kit and put it in your bag.
DIY Booze
None of those previous options appeal to you so much? If you’re picky about what kind of drink you want to bring with you out on the trail, then this one is or you. Instead of buying something that’s already prepared, consider mixing your drinks at home, first. Here’s what to consider:
From the same company that brings you Wine2Go is Flask2go. Unlike metal flasks, these are made from reusable plastic and will essentially turn your booze into a tiny juice box. Yes, it’s awesome. You can also try the Platypus Platy Plus Bottle, which virtually serves the same purpose.
Others might opt for something more similar to a drink they can get at home. For you, we recommend Hydroflask’s Insulated Growler. It’ll keep your 64 oz of alcohol nice and cold for 24 hours. If that’s still too heavy for you, then consider getting the little nips from the liquor store. Those will hold well in your bag for a while.
Any one of these options will allow you to easily bring booze on the trail with you. As always, drink responsibly, and take care of your outdoor environment when you dispose of your waste.
