Backpacking with beer can add a bit of luxury to an otherwise austere camping adventure, but it can also be a tricky endeavor. If you’re not careful, your precious cargo could be spilled, broken, or otherwise damaged before you even get the chance to enjoy it.
If you’re planning on taking beer while backpacking, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure your beer makes it to the campsite safely and soundly.
Choose Your Beer Wisely
Not all beers are created equal when it comes to backpacking. Heavier beers mean more weight for you to carry, and if the beer is in glass bottles, it can easily break during transport.
Choose aluminum cans or plastic bottles over glass whenever possible- they’re much lighter and less likely to break. Also consider the ABV (alcohol by volume) of your chosen brews- higher ABV beers tend to be heavier than lower ABV beers so try choosing something lighter if weight is a concern.
Pack It Properly
Once you’ve chosen your beers, make sure they’re properly packed for transport. Place them in a plastic bag or container so that any spills won’t damage the rest of your gear and pack them towards the top of your bag where they won’t be crushed by heavier items. For glass bottles, wrap them up in clothing or other soft materials like towels so that they don’t break during transport.
Keep It Cool
The last thing you want is for all of your hard work packing and carrying beer to go to waste due to warm temperatures spoiling it. Make sure that your beers are kept cool while out on the trail either by freezing bottle cooler packs or using insulating bags with ice packs inside them. You should also avoid leaving them in direct sunlight as much as possible.
Conclusion: Taking beer while backpacking can add an enjoyable element to an outdoor excursion but requires some extra care in order for it arrive at your destination safe and sound. By choosing light aluminum cans or plastic bottles, packing them properly near the top of your bag, and keeping them cool throughout the journey, you can ensure that you get to enjoy a refreshing brew at camp free from worries about spills or spoilage.