Camping can be about relaxing, being active, or a combination of actively finding the best place to relax. Here are 8 beers perfect for camping; all are available in cans except the last one. You can’t blame me, it’s too good to pass up.
Alaskan Freeride APA
Alaskan Brewing is in a beautiful state, and their beers reflect their surroundings. A “holy trinity” of hops (Cascade, Citra, and Centennial) and high carbonation make this a great midday camping or hiking beer. It’s not overly bitter or too malty. Pair it with your homemade trail mix or that box of Cheez-Its that you brought because you can’t go a day without them.
Fremont Summer Ale
Fremont knows what summer is about, and it’s Amarillo hops. The name speaks to what’s inside the can—a simple beer that’s refreshing and crushable. Enjoy this on a backpacking trip while hiking through fields or when you’re setting up camp.
Westbrook White Thai
Forget the same old can of chili your throw over the fire. This beer is as good for cooking as it is for drinking. Take your campfire dishes to a new level by adding some White Thai and go on a flavor ride. It might be easier to cook with the propane stove, but we all knows that’s cheating.
Anderson Valley The Kimmie, The Yink, & The Holy Gose
Once your reach the summit of your hike, wake yourself up with a Gose. This style is becoming easier to find and The Kimmie, The Yink, & The Holy Gose is worth the price point. It’s a change of pace from normal camping beer, and the purple cans make it difficult to lose (pack it in, pack it out). Lets face it, a couple of 750s of your favorite sour beer aren’t practical to take into the wilderness.
Surly Hell
Crisp and clean is the descriptor you’ve heard for every craft lager ever. Hell is of the same class, but there’s something almost creamy about it that I can’t quite nail down. This is a great alternative if you’re hopped-out and want a refreshing and light beer. Get in your kayak, throw a 4-pack on some rope, and paddle around an alpine lake.
Founders All Day IPA
The label obviously says “take me camping.” All Day is great when you want more hops than a pale ale but you don’t want it to take you down after a few. And the 15-pack makes it easy for the group to enjoy all day (get it?) or on those long solo trips with man’s best friend.
Bell’s Two Hearted
Cast your fishing line and sip on some Centennial hops from a tallboy. Two Hearted is the IPA for you if you want full body and flavor, but I shouldn’t have to convince you to drink this one. They’re coming out with 12-ounce cans of Two Hearted soon, but why wouldn't you pick up the tallboys?
Ballast Point Victory at Sea
I wholeheartedly advocate that Ballast Point produce cans of Victory at Sea. This beer can replace your morning coffee and your s’mores snack before bed. This beer is a steal for the price, and drinking one by the campfire is as rewarding as a five-mile hike.