Morning coffee isn’t an option for me, it’s a necessity. Whether I’m enjoying a leisurely sunrise bundled up at camp or hitting the trail ASAP, I always find a way to get my caffeine fix in the backcountry. While I’m definitely addicted, I’m not necessarily picky about my coffee. I’m completely fine with a baggie full of Trader Joe’s instant grounds, or cheap packets from whichever local grocery store. However, this summer I spent a couple of months testing four instant coffee brands. These companies all created their products with adventure in mind.
My Favorite Four Brands at a Glance
| BRAND | PRICE PER SERVING | COFFEE SOURCED FROM | HIGHLIGHTS |
| CS Instant Coffee | $1.50 / cup | Premium arabica instant coffee | Compostable packaging, shipped sustainably |
| Cascadia Mountain Roasters | $2.30 / cup | Ethiopia, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala | Variety of options, bold flavors |
| Kuju Pour Over Coffee | $2.20 / cup | Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, West Sumatra | Variety of options, unparalleled freshness |
| Alpine Start | $1.10 / cup instant packets $1.60 / cup latte blends | Colombian arabica coffee | Delicious latte drink options |
CS Instant Coffee
- What I Love
This coffee is TASTY. I took CS instant on an overnight trip with my dad and he and I were similarly blown away. He isn’t the biggest fan of black coffee, and he thoroughly enjoyed his cup. He said he “couldn’t tell if it was because he was camping or because it’s really that good. Or both.” The packaging is completely compostable and each package is shipped with as little waste as possible. I also love that one packet makes two cups. It’s perfect for ultralight backpackers who prefer to split one packet between two people, or for those who need a little extra caffeine in the morning (read: me).
- What I Would Change
I absolutely love the taste and ethos of CS coffee. However, I would love to see them come out with more options. I like being able to test different roasts, or have the option of an instant coffee with spices and powdered milk mixed in.
- When I Choose CS
CS is my go-to for any trip with multiple coffee drinkers. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and each package can (and probably should) be split into two. In addition, on trips where the goal is to get as many miles in as possible in the early morning, I’ve enjoyed shaking a packet of CS into cold water for easy “iced” coffee. Of the coffee I’ve tried, this is the only one I pulled out of my pantry when I ran out of fresh grounds at home.
Cascadia Mountain Roasters
- What I Love
If you like bold, flavorful coffee then Cascadia will deliver. Of their instant options, I especially liked the Cannonball blend. The beans in this roast are sourced from multiple locations and brew a cup of instant coffee that you’ll want to sit down and enjoy, as opposed to guzzling before packing up camp. Their Mountain Sunrise roast is a bit lighter, but still just as flavorful.
- What I Would Change
If you’re not a fan of strong, flavorful coffee then you may want to pack some powdered milk or use another method to blend this into a latte. It’s great for me, but for those who use coffee as a means to energize themselves as quickly as possible, you may find it a bit difficult to gulp down quickly.
- When I Choose Cascadia
I thoroughly enjoyed bringing Cascadia Mountain Roasters on a few trips when I had plenty of time to sit and enjoy the morning. It pairs perfectly with a slow sunrise while watching shadows move over an alpine lake.
Kuju Pour Over Coffee
- What I Love
You don’t need any extra equipment or paraphernalia to brew Kuju Pour Over, you just pop the filter on the side of your mug and pour in boiling water. Once it’s fully brewed, the tastes are seriously amazing. My favorite is the medium roast Basecamp Blend, which has the slightest hint of sweetness.
- What I Would Change
With my small backpacking mugs, I’ve struggled to keep the pouch of grounds from dipping into the top of the coffee cup. Also, it requires attention and precision to pour just the right amount of hot water into the pour-over, wait for it to brew, and then pour again.
- When I Choose Kuju
Kuju is absolutely perfect for backpacking with friends who have an extensive morning coffee routine at home. The process of taking the time to pour a fresh cup of coffee while in the backcountry brings a bit of morning routine into the alpine.
Alpine Start Coffee
- What I Love
First off, this is by far the most affordable of the coffee brands I tested. It’s less than two dollars a cup for their delicious and beneficial coffee blends, which I absolutely love. I got to try both their coffee and matcha “with benefits,” which taste as good as they make me feel. Sometimes pure black coffee gives me the jitters, but their coffee with benefits uses Organic Lion’s Mane, Organic Reishi Mushrooms, MCTs, and Vitamins A and D to give me more than just a caffeine buzz.
- What I Would Change
While I absolutely love their coffee and matcha blends, I am not the biggest fan of their single-serving instant coffee packets. The black coffee alone is a bit too bitter for my taste. However, I have enjoyed mixing a packet of their instant with a bit of the coffee or matcha blend to add a bit of delicious flavor.
- When I Choose Alpine Start
I prefer using Alpine Start’s Coffee with Benefits on mornings when I want to get out of camp as quickly as possible. Pure black coffee without food can spike my heart rate and make me jittery, but the coffee with benefits is great for gulping down and hitting the trail.
