1. ALCOHOL ON THE TRAIL
a. Malibu Rum Caribbean Cosmo
2 liters of mixed-drink goodness in an aluminum lined plastic bag with push top dispenser is bombproof. it’s delicious. bright pink and limey.
Total Weight: 3.85 lbs. Total Volume: 1.75L Alc/Vol: 15%
b. Pat’s Backcountry Beverages’ 1919 Pale Rail Pale Ale
Too heavy, too much material to pack out, too breakable, too warm after days in a backpack – these have been the sad epitaphs of any beer lover before a beerless hike. The wizards at Pat’s Backcountry Beverages have brought this struggle to its end. You need a carbonator bottle, an activator packet, a source of water and one of their brew concentrates (so far, they have a Pale Rail Pale Ale and a Black Hops Black IPA). For just 12.3oz of weight in your pack, you’ll have a pint of beer – each brew concentrate packet only weights 2.1oz and each activator packet only weights .4oz – those together equal another full pint of beer. Carbonating the beer in the backcountry your first time around can be a bit challenging, so I would definitely recommend practicing at home a of couple times first. It is a taste that’s a bit different from your local bar’s pint.
Totally packable, nearly zero waste, this lightweight backpacking beer is one small step for mankind and one giant leap for backpacking beer lovers.
Total Weight: 12.3oz (Carbonator bottle + one packet brew concentrate + one activator packet). Total Volume: 16oz. Alc/Vol: 5.2%
c. Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This one is a classic. This is the camping drink your dad is thinking about when he reminisces about his “fishing trips with the boys.” This is the drink that your The plastic design makes it both lighter and more durable. The fifth size is reasonable for a group without getting too crazy. The screw top is a necessity for multi-day trips. I would recommend taking powdered apple cider mix.
Total Weight: 1.65 lbs. Total Volume: 750ml. Alc/Vol: 40%
d. Two Beers Brewing Company – Aluminum six pack of Evo IPA
Beer can be a difficult proposition for backpackers. Still, there’s nothing quite like your favorite ale in the backcountry. Yes, you’re still humping a six pack while you hike, but the aluminum cans cut weight, are easier to pack out and chill easily in water. Two Beers also utilizes a plastic pop off ring system. Two Beers also makes “Day Hike Summer Session Ale” and “High Divide Double Blonde”.
Total Weight: 4.68 lbs. Total Volume: 72oz. Alc/Vol: 6.2%
e. Bandit Wine – Chardonnay or Merlot
If you’re feeling classy, this is packaged like a giant juice-box with a screw top – making it durable, packable and relatively light. Because of its shape, it fits well in the outside water bottle pocket of your pack. It’s also a decently good tasting wine. The chardonnay is your better bet out of the two. Let the wine breath before you drink it.
Total Weight: 2.2 lbs. Total Volume: 1L. Alc/Vol: 13.6%
2. THE LUKE – One 16 oz Nalgene
2-3 tbsp hot chocolate mix
1 tbsp butter
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 ½ tbsp powdered milk
2 cup boiling water
3. VASQUEZ TEA MIX
At home: mix 1 cup Nestea (with sugar), 2 cups powdered Tang, 1/2 cup powdered lemonade mix, 1 . cups sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ground cloves, 1 cup water per serving
In camp: To make one serving, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp. of mix to a mug and pour in water. Stir well. Makes 70 servings.
4. S’MORES COCKTAIL Serves 1
Before turning in, a s’mores cocktail is a delicious drink. Adding a little whiskey doesn’t hurt either when relaxing and keeping warm by the campfire before bed –
• 1 tbsp Cocoa or carob powder. A packet of hot cocoa mix can be substituted for cocoa/carob and milk powders
• 3 tbsp Dry milk
• 1⁄2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 oz Chocolate liqueur, Kahlua® or Amaretto liqueur
• 2 tbso Mini marshmallows
Pack the mini marshmallows in a small bag. In another small bag, add in the cocoa and dry milk, seal tightly. Take the liquor in a small bottle.
Add 1 cup hot water to the cocoa mix, stir in the liquor and top with marshmallows.