Waking up to the sound of nature is one of the great joys of backpacking, but a good cup of coffee can make that moment truly perfect. The right instant coffee is a non-negotiable piece of gear for many hikers, offering a quick, lightweight, and satisfying caffeine fix without the weight and hassle of brewing equipment. Forget the bitter, chalky instant coffees of the past; today’s options are surprisingly flavorful and complex.
Choosing the best one for your kit depends on your taste preferences, pack weight priorities, and ethical considerations. From well-known brands you can find anywhere to specialty options designed for the trail, there’s a perfect instant coffee waiting to fuel your next adventure. We’ve compiled a list of the top contenders to help you find your ideal trailside brew.
Our Top Picks for Instant Trail Coffee
- Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Colombia Coffee
- Alpine Start Instant Coffee Medium Roast Original Blend
- Mount Hagen Single Serve Instant Coffee Packets
- Nescafe Taster’s Choice House Blend Sticks
- Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Coffee
- Starbucks VIA Instant Pike Place Roast
- Alpine Start Instant Coffee Packets
- Voila Instant Coffee Singles
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Colombia Coffee
For those who want a familiar and reliable coffee experience on the trail, Starbucks VIA Ready Brew is a solid choice. This single-origin Colombia coffee is a medium roast that provides a balanced cup with subtle notes of toasted walnut and herbs. It’s made from 100% arabica beans, ensuring a smooth and satisfying flavor that stands up to the coffee you would get in a café.
The convenience of these individual packets is a major advantage for backpackers. Each packet is pre-measured for a consistent cup, and the microgrind technology allows it to dissolve quickly in hot water without any residue. A 50-count box is perfect for sharing with a group or for a long solo trip where coffee is a daily necessity.
Alpine Start Instant Coffee Medium Roast Original Blend
Alpine Start was created with adventurers in mind, and it shows in the product’s design and performance. Made from 100% Colombian Arabica beans, this medium roast is known for its smooth, non-bitter taste that works well black or with a creamer. It’s a fantastic option for hikers who refuse to compromise on flavor even when miles from the nearest coffee shop.
A key feature for backpacking is its reliable dissolution in both hot and cold water. This means you can have a refreshing iced coffee on a warm morning or a hot brew to warm up in the cold without any clumping. The individual packets are extremely lightweight and durable, making them easy to stash anywhere in your pack.
Mount Hagen Single Serve Instant Coffee Packets
Mount Hagen has earned a loyal following for producing an instant coffee that truly doesn’t taste like a compromise. Their advanced freeze-drying process preserves the deep flavors and aromas of their organic Arabica beans, resulting in a wonderfully smooth and rich cup. This is a top pick for coffee purists who value both taste and ethical sourcing.
This product is certified USDA Organic and Fairtrade, which is an important consideration for many outdoor enthusiasts. The single-serve sticks are compact and easy to pack out, minimizing waste. The fact that it dissolves beautifully in cold water also makes it a versatile choice for any weather condition during your hike.
Nescafe Taster’s Choice House Blend Sticks
Nescafe Taster’s Choice is a classic in the world of instant coffee, known for its consistent quality and wide availability. The House Blend is mildly roasted for a refined, smooth, and well-balanced flavor profile. It’s a straightforward and reliable option that gets the job done without any fuss, making it ideal for those who want a simple, good-tasting cup.
The 18 convenient individual sticks lock in the rich aroma and flavor, guaranteeing a fresh cup every time. Made from 100% pure coffee with responsibly sourced beans, it’s a budget-friendly and accessible choice for any backpacking trip. Its ease of use and familiar taste make it a dependable staple for your kit.
Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Coffee
For backpackers who prefer to measure their own coffee or are planning an extended expedition, the jar format from Mount Hagen is an excellent solution. This is the same award-winning, organic freeze-dried coffee found in their sticks, but in a larger, more economical container. You get the same rich, full-bodied taste with the convenience of customizing your brew strength.
The compact glass jar is sturdy and can be repurposed or recycled. With approximately 50 cups per jar, this two-pack offers tremendous value for long trips or for stocking your base camp. It’s perfect for groups where coffee consumption is high, and its superior flavor ensures everyone starts their day on a positive note.
Starbucks VIA Instant Pike Place Roast
If your daily preference is a smooth, balanced blend, the Starbucks VIA Instant Pike Place Roast is a perfect match for the trail. This is Starbucks’ signature medium roast, known for its subtle notes of cocoa and toasted nuts. It delivers the consistent flavor that millions enjoy every day, now in a portable, instant form that travels anywhere.
The individual packets ensure you have a fresh, pre-measured serving every time, with no mess or grounds to deal with. For backpackers who are fans of the Pike Place blend, this product offers a direct way to maintain your routine even in the backcountry. It’s a simple way to bring a taste of home to your outdoor mornings.
Alpine Start Instant Coffee Packets
This offering from Alpine Start emphasizes the brand’s core mission: providing great coffee for active people. The Original Blend is designed to be a quick, easy, and flavorful source of energy whether you’re at camp or taking a break on the trail. Its straightforward and reliable performance has made it a favorite among thru-hikers and weekend warriors alike.
The packets are engineered for maximum convenience and portability. They tear open easily and mix completely with just a stir, leaving no gritty residue at the bottom of your mug. For a no-nonsense, high-quality coffee that’s built for the outdoors, Alpine Start is a brand you can count on.
Voila Instant Coffee Singles
Voila offers a straightforward and satisfying Colombian Medium Roast in a convenient single-serve format. This type of coffee is a crowd-pleaser, typically featuring a well-rounded body and mild acidity that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a quality cup without any complex tasting notes.
The singles are perfect for portion control and pack organization, ensuring you have just what you need for each morning of your trip. If you are looking for an accessible and tasty instant coffee that focuses on a classic Colombian profile, Voila is a strong contender for your backpacking kit.
How to Choose the Best Instant Coffee for Backpacking & Hiking
When you’re miles from the nearest coffee shop and facing a cold morning in the backcountry, your instant coffee choice becomes a serious piece of gear. I’ve learned that not all instant coffees are created equal, and the best one for your kit depends on a few key factors. Let’s break down what to look for so you can find your perfect trailside brew.
First, consider packaging and weight. Every ounce counts in your pack. Look for individual single-serve packets, which are lightweight, waterproof, and create zero mess. Sticks or sachets are often better than jars, which are bulky and fragile. Some of the best instant coffee for backpacking & hiking comes in these perfectly portioned packets, making your morning routine simple and efficient.
Next, think about ease of preparation. The whole point is convenience. You want a coffee that dissolves completely in hot (or even cold) water with minimal stirring. Nothing is worse than clumpy granules floating in your cup when you’re just trying to get your caffeine fix. Many newer brands, especially coffee concentrates and lyophilized (freeze-dried) crystals, are fantastic for this. All you need is your water and a cup.
Taste and quality are obviously huge. The old stereotype of instant coffee tasting like burnt dirt is thankfully outdated. Many modern companies use high-quality beans and advanced methods like freeze-drying or spray-drying to preserve the coffee’s true flavor. Consider your personal preference: do you like a dark, bold roast or something lighter and fruitier? There are options for both. If you’re sensitive to acidity, look for a smooth, low-acid blend.
Finally, don’t forget the caffeine kick. Are you someone who needs a powerful jolt to get moving, or are you just looking for a warm, comforting ritual? Check the caffeine content if it’s listed. Some instant coffees are specifically formulated with extra caffeine, which can be a real boost on a tough hiking day. For the most part, a standard packet will have a similar caffeine content to a regular cup of coffee, but it’s always good to know for sure.
FAQ
Can I make instant coffee with cold water?
Yes, you absolutely can. Many instant coffee granules dissolve perfectly in cold or room-temperature water. This is great for a fast iced coffee on a warm morning or for when you’re trying to conserve fuel and don’t want to boil water. Some brands, especially coffee “sticks” designed for solubility, work better than others. If you know you’ll be a cold-brew person, give your chosen brand a test run at home first to make sure it mixes well.
How do I pack out my used coffee packets?
This is a crucial Leave No Trace practice. Those little foil and plastic packets are not biodegradable and must be packed out. I keep a small zip-top bag specifically for my trash, including used coffee packets, tea bags, and other wrappers. It’s a simple system: just put the used packet back into the box it came from or directly into your trash bag. Never bury or burn them.
Is there a difference between instant coffee and coffee bags?
There is a big difference in both form and function. Instant coffee is made from brewed coffee that has been dehydrated into granules or crystals. Coffee bags, on the other hand, are similar to tea bags but filled with ground coffee. You steep them in hot water. Coffee bags often produce a brew that tastes more like a freshly made cup of coffee, but they require a longer steep time and you have to pack out the wet, used bag. Both are excellent options, so it comes down to your preference for taste versus convenience.
What’s the lightest way to bring coffee on a backpacking trip?
For pure, minimal weight, traditional instant coffee in single-serve packets is the winner. The packets themselves add almost nothing to your base weight. Whole beans, a grinder, and a brewing apparatus are by far the heaviest option. Coffee bags are also very light, but the used bag adds a bit of wet weight you have to carry out. If you are an extreme ultralight hiker, you could even repackage instant coffee crystals into a tiny reusable bag, but you lose the convenience of pre-measured portions.
Are there any good decaf options for backpacking?
There are! If you love the ritual of a warm cup but don’t want the caffeine, several brands offer decaffeinated versions of their best instant coffee for backpacking & hiking. The quality of decaf has improved dramatically, so you don’t have to settle for a subpar cup. Look for decaf options from specialty coffee brands that use the Swiss Water Process, which removes caffeine without chemical solvents. Always check the package to ensure it’s clearly labeled as decaf.