7 Best Instant Coffee for Camping in 2024 (Tested & Tried)
I’ll never forget the first time I brought my trusty French press on a camping trip, thinking I had everything under control. I was so excited to have a fresh, gourmet coffee while watching the sunrise.
But that excitement quickly turned to frustration when my French press broke after the first morning. There I was, out in the woods, with coffee grounds and boiling water but no way to brew them.
I had to settle for a weak, improvised coffee that barely hit the spot. Lesson learned: when you’re camping, keeping it simple and practical is key.
That’s when I switched to instant coffee—and honestly, I haven’t looked back.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best instant coffee options for camping and why they’re a game-changer when you’re out enjoying nature. So let’s start brewing!
Why Instant Coffee is Perfect for Camping?
One thing I quickly learned is that keeping things simple is key. That’s why I love instant coffee. You don’t need to pack a bulky coffee maker or fancy brewing tools. Just toss a packet into your backpack, boil some water over the campfire (or a camp stove), and boom —you got coffee!
1 – Lightweight and Packable
If you’re anything like me, when packing for a hike or camping trip, you’re always thinking about weight and space. I used to bring coffee grounds and a French press, but honestly, it was more trouble than it was worth.
Instant coffee packets weigh next to nothing, and they don’t take up any space.
2 – Quick to Brew
When you’re camping, mornings are either relaxed or you’re in a rush to get on the trail. Either way, instant coffee fits the bill. You don’t have to wait long—just heat the water, pour, and stir.
Whether I’m easing into a slow morning or need a quick caffeine boost before a hike, I love how instant coffee is ready in minutes.
3 – No Cleanup
And let’s be real, no one wants to deal with messy coffee grounds in the middle of the woods. With instant coffee, cleanup is a breeze—just toss the empty packet in your trash bag.
There’s no filter, no leftover grounds, and no hassle. It’s an easy, mess-free way to get that camp coffee experience without any of the usual cleanup that comes with traditional brewing methods.
7 Top Instant Coffee for Camping
1 – Mount Hagen Instant Coffee (Smooth, Organic, Fair Trade Goodness)
This brand offers a smooth and balanced flavor that doesn’t overpower but satisfies the coffee craving, even in the backcountry. The freeze-dried process preserves the rich, organic Arabica beans, making it one of the best-tasting instant coffees around.
Its eco-friendly Fairtrade certification adds a feel-good factor to every sip, knowing it’s ethically sourced. What I love most about it, especially when I travel, is how light and convenient the sachets are—perfect for camping trips where every ounce matters.
Plus, it’s so easy to make, whether for a hot or cold brew, without sacrificing that true coffee flavor.
2 – Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee – Colombia (Bold, Single-Origin, Starbucks flavor.)
You get a smooth, well-rounded flavor that mirrors the richness of freshly brewed coffee. The Colombian beans deliver a balanced taste with hints of nuts and caramel, making it a perfect option for those who appreciate a deeper flavor profile, even when camping or traveling.
What I love most about this instant coffee is that it tastes like the real deal, without the need for complicated brewing.
Whether I’m on the road or just waking up at a campsite, VIA brings a reliable and enjoyable coffee experience to any adventure. It’s easy to pack, dissolves fast, and doesn’t leave that gritty aftertaste that some instant coffees do, making it my go-to for travel.
3 – Alpine Start Instant Coffee (Adventurous, Versatile, Dissolves in Seconds.)
Alpine Start Instant Coffee is a medium roast blend that hits just the right balance between boldness and smoothness, with a nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the outdoors.
One of the things I love most about Alpine Start is how easily it dissolves, whether I’m making a hot cup in the early morning or a quick iced coffee after a long hike.
Its versatility makes it perfect for camping trips where you might not always want a hot drink. The flavor is clean and not too acidic, so it doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds, even when enjoyed without any added creamer.
It’s the perfect mix of convenience and quality, especially when I’m on the go and don’t want to compromise on my coffee.
4 – Waka Coffee Quality Instant Coffee (Premium, Gourmet & Clean-Tasting)
Waka Coffee delivers a surprisingly rich and smooth flavor for an instant coffee, with a clean finish and just the right hint of brightness. It’s freeze-dried, which preserves the natural coffee taste.
For this reason, it tastes closer to freshly brewed coffee than most instant brands. I’ve always appreciated how quickly it dissolves, even in cooler water, which is a lifesaver when you’re out in the wilderness and don’t have time for a complicated coffee routine.
I also love how easy it is to carry around, making it perfect for traveling light.
5 – Black Rifle Coffee Instant Packs (Strong, Bold, Caffeine-Packed)
This coffee is the go-to option when you want a seriously bold coffee that can power you through any outdoor adventure. With a strong, full-bodied flavor.
These instant packs deliver an enjoyable punch of caffeine that really gets you going, especially if you’re a fan of intense dark roasts.
I’ve taken these with me on a few camping trips, and let me tell you, they dissolve quickly in hot water and give that rich, no-nonsense coffee taste I crave when I’m out in the wild.
Plus, the single-serving packs are super convenient, lightweight, and don’t take up much space in your bag—perfect for when you need a reliable caffeine fix on the go.
6 – Blackbeard Instant Coffee (Bold, Rich & Smooth)
Blackbeard Instant Coffee is an adventure-friendly brew that delivers a smooth cup with tasting notes of chocolate, cinnamon, and blackberry.
Sourced from Bozeman-based Treeline Coffee Roasters. This coffee is perfect for those who enjoy a complex, artisan coffee experience on the go.
Whether you’re mixing it with water for a quick brew or following the pro tip of adding milk for a creamier drink, the flavor always holds up.
I personally love this coffee for traveling—it’s not only convenient but adds a special richness to my mornings on the road. Especially when I want something more flavorful than the average instant coffee.
Plus, the small batch roasting ensures each cup feels carefully crafted, even when you’re out in the wilderness.
7 – Café Bustelo Instant Coffee (Rich, Affordable, Classic Latin Flavor)
This coffee is known for its bold and rich flavor that packs a punch. If you love a strong coffee with a smooth finish and that classic Latin espresso taste, this instant option delivers.
It’s got this almost chocolatey undertone that makes it stand out from other instant coffees. I remember the first time I took it on a road trip—what a lifesaver!
The simplicity of just adding hot water while getting the familiar taste of a café-bought coffee was unbeatable.
It’s strong enough to give you that much-needed boost, especially when you’re up early to catch a sunrise or out exploring new trails.
Last Thoughts
As we wrap up this guide on the best instant coffee for camping, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried any of the blends I mentioned, or do you have a go-to brand that makes your mornings in the wild even better?
Whether it’s a hidden gem or a personal favorite, feel free to drop a comment and share your experience. Your tips might just help a fellow camper find their new favorite brew, and with that, voilà !