8 Best Instant Coffees for Backcountry Adventurers

Published at: 05-14-2025 By Menachem Kossowsky
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8 Best Instant Coffees for Backcountry Adventurers

8 Best Instant Coffees for Backcountry Adventurers
Image credit: Gentleman's Pursuits/Canva


If you’re hitting the trails and need a quick caffeine fix, instant coffee is your best bud. It’s light, easy to pack, and gets you going without lugging a French press. I’ve been backpacking for years, and once on a chilly Smoky Mountains trip, I forgot my coffee—big mistake! Never again. Here’s a dope list of the 8 best instant coffees for adventurers like us, based on taste, packability, and that morning buzz.


First Ascent Instant Coffee

First Ascent Instant Coffee
Image credit: First Ascent Coffee


This stuff is legit. First Ascent brews bold, smooth coffee that tastes like it came from a hipster café. It’s freeze-dried for max flavor, perfect for a frosty morning when you need a kick to start hiking.


Alpine Start Original Blend

Alpine Start Original Blend
Image credit: Alpine Start Coffee


Alpine Start is a game-changer for campers. Made with Colombian beans, it’s got a solid medium roast vibe that dissolves even in cold water—great when you’re too lazy to boil water at camp.


Mount Hagen Organic Instant

Mount Hagen Organic Instant
Image credit: Mount Hagen Coffee


Mount Hagen’s organic and fair trade, so you feel good sipping it. It’s smooth with a chocolatey hint, making it a chill choice for a quick brew while you’re soaking in mountain views.


Starbucks VIA Columbia

Starbucks VIA Columbia
Image credit: Starbucks Coffee


Starbucks VIA ain’t just for city slickers. The Columbia roast is rich and balanced, giving you that coffee shop feel in the middle of nowhere. Packs light, tastes heavy.


Verve Street Level Craft

Verve Street Level Craft
Image credit: Verve Street Coffee


Verve’s instant is fancy without being fussy. It’s got a bright, fruity kick with a crema top—rare for instant! Perfect for when you want something special on a long trek.


Waka Coffee Colombian Blend

Waka Coffee Colombian Blend
Image credit: Waka Coffee


Waka’s medium roast is smoth and reliable, like your trusty hiking boots. It mixes clean with no gritty bits, ideal for a no-fuss cup when you’re rushing to beat the sunrise.


Swift Cup Mainstay Blend

Swift Cup Mainstay Blend
Image credit: Swift Coffee


Swift Cup brings a sweet, even taste that’s easy to love. It’s not too bold, so it’s great for sipping with trail mix while you’re chilling at a lookout point.


Cusa Instant Cold Brew

Cusa Instant Cold Brew
Image credit: Cusa Coffee


Cusa’s cold brew is a total vibe for hot days. It dissolves in cold water for a refreshing hit, perfect when you’re sweating it out on a summer hike and need a cool buzz.


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