Instant coffee is a quick and easy way to get your caffeine fix. It’s just coffee that’s been brewed and then dried out.
You just add hot water, stir, and you’re good to go. Why deal with complicated brews when you can have it instantly? Is it worth it to carry heavy gear just for a cup of coffee?
You’re in the great outdoors. The air is fresh. You’re away from the noise and rush of daily life. Coffee is often the comfort you don’t want to leave behind. But how do you balance the need for coffee with the want for less stuff to carry?
You get to enjoy a warm, satisfying cup without all the hassle. No need for fancy equipment or long waiting times.
Just hot water and a packet of instant coffee. It makes your camping trip a lot easier. And let’s face it, sometimes easier is better.
I’ve tried close to 30 instant coffees. Now, I’ve picked the top 5 that are perfect for camping. These will make your outdoor mornings better.
No time to read the full article? Here are my top 3 picks for you.
Top pick
Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee
Enjoy Starbucks-level coffee anytime, anywhere, perfect for camping adventures.
Editor’s choice
Trader Joe’s Instant Coffee Mix
A convenient and tasty coffee fix that makes camping mornings a breeze.
Best value
Mount Hagen Instant Coffee
For a taste of home in the heart of nature, Mount Hagen Instant Coffee brings you quality and convenience in every cup.
Best 7 Instant Coffee for Camping
1. Waka Quality Instant Coffee
Light Roast
Elevate your outdoor mornings with Waka’s smooth and quick-brewing instant coffee.
- Easy to make: Just add hot water.
- Single-serve packets: No mess or fuss.
- Great taste: Rich flavor without the bitterness.
Waka Quality Instant Coffee is a game-changer when you’re out camping. It’s super easy to make. Just add hot water and stir. That’s it! You get a cup of coffee that’s rich in flavor and not too bitter. The best part? It comes in single-serve packets.
So, there’s no mess or fuss with coffee grounds or filters. Just pack a few in your bag and you’re set for your trip.
You’d think a quick coffee like this might be a letdown on taste, but not this one. It tasted surprisingly smooth and well-balanced.
There was no harsh bitterness that you often get with other instant coffees. The aroma alone was a mini escape, filling the open air and blending with the natural scents of the forest. If I closed my eyes, I could almost forget I was sipping an instant blend. It felt like a little luxury out there, making my camping experience all the more enjoyable.
2. Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee
Premium
Enjoy Starbucks-level coffee anytime, anywhere, perfect for camping adventures.
- Easy to pack
- Multiple flavors
- Rich taste
- Quick to brew
- Well-known brand
Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee is another great option for camping enthusiasts. This coffee is really convenient, and the packaging makes it super easy to pack without taking up much space in your bag.
The variety of flavors available is a bonus; you’re not stuck with just one option. On the downside, it’s a bit pricier compared to other instant coffees.
I tried Starbucks VIA and was impressed. It offers a rich, full-bodied flavor that gives you that home-brewed Starbucks feel, even in the wilderness.
It’s like having a tiny barista with you on your camping trip. It doesn’t taste ‘instant’ at all. For someone who likes a little luxury, even while roughing it, this coffee hits the spot.
3. Mount Hagen Instant Coffee
Pure
For a taste of home in the heart of nature, Mount Hagen Instant Coffee brings you quality and convenience in every cup.
- Organic
- Lightweight packaging
- No additives
- High-quality taste
- Single-serve options available
Mount Hagen Instant Coffee is a top pick for camping for several reasons.
First off, it’s organic and free from any chemical additives, giving you a pure coffee experience even in the wilderness. The coffee comes in small, lightweight jars or single-serve packets that are super easy to pack and carry.
Just add hot water, stir, and you’ve got yourself a cup of coffee that tastes close to freshly brewed.
I was impressed by its robust flavor and aroma. It felt like I had just brewed a pot of coffee at home, but I was actually enjoying it fireside. It’s ideal for those who don’t want to compromise on taste even when they’re off the grid.
4. NESCAFE Medium Roast Instant Coffee
Convenient
For an easy-to-make and satisfying cup of coffee in the great outdoors, NESCAFE Taster’s Choice is your camping buddy.
- Easy to pack
- Quick to make
- Tastes close to brewed coffee
- No fuss or special equipment needed
- Affordable
If you’re heading out camping but can’t think of leaving your morning coffee ritual behind, NESCAFE Taster’s Choice is your go-to.
It’s easy to pack and even easier to brew. Just add hot water, and you’ve got a comforting cup of coffee that feels like home, even when you’re far from it.
It wasn’t just the ease of making it that won me over. The taste was robust, not at all like the watered-down versions you sometimes get with instant coffees.
It felt like my usual morning cup, and for a moment, I forgot I was miles away from my cozy kitchen.
5. Trader Joe’s Instant Coffee Mix
All in One
A convenient and tasty coffee fix that makes camping mornings a breeze.
- All-in-one mix
- Convenient packaging
- Great for quick prep
- Budget-friendly
- Creamy and sweet
Trader Joe’s Instant Coffee Mix is a great pick when you’re heading outdoors.
This coffee mix offers a blend of creamer and sugar, making it a perfect all-in-one solution for campers. No need to lug around multiple jars and packets, this mix has got it all covered. Easy to prepare and easier to enjoy, this coffee mix simplifies your camping mornings.
I took Trader Joe’s Instant Coffee Mix on my last camping trip and was pleasantly surprised. The taste is a smooth mix of coffee, creamer, and a dash of sugar, which was just right to kickstart my day. It felt like a treat in the middle of the wilderness.
How to Make Your Camping Coffee Even Better
So you’ve picked your coffee. What else do you need for that perfect cup while camping? Let’s check out some simple ways to up your coffee game in the great outdoors.
Easy Upgrades for Your Outdoor Coffee Time
- Keep it Hot: A good travel mug will keep your coffee warm. Really useful on cold mornings.
- Add Your Flavor: If you like sugar or cream, bring some. Small bags or containers work well for this.
- Hot Water Source: Have a way to boil water. A small kettle or even a pot on a campfire will do the trick.
- Stir it Right: A good stir mixes the coffee well. No one wants a weak first sip and a strong last one.
- Something Extra: Like a bit more flavor? Try a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of cocoa.
The End
After trying out nearly 30 types of instant coffee on various camping trips, I can confidently say that two stand out from the rest. My top picks are Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee and Mount Hagen Instant Coffee. These two options consistently delivered a satisfying taste and aroma, even in the middle of the wilderness.
So next time you’re packing for a camping trip, make sure to toss either of these into your bag. Trust me, your morning routine in the great outdoors will thank you. Happy camping!
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