5 Ways to Bring Booze to the Backcountry

Published on 08/13/2012

By Billy Brown

We don’t advocate heavy drinking in the backcountry, but we also don’t think that there’s anything wrong with a celebratory nip at a mountain’s summit. It’s not always easy to transport your booze into the wilderness with you – glass bottles are heavy, they take up space, and are prone to break, while aluminum cans have a tendency to burst. Here are a few alternatives to the above, along with a canned beer that we think is worth the risk.

GSI Outdoors Partyware Flask

It’s hard to argue with a classic, and it’s hard to bring your whiskey without a flask. GSI Outdoors’ Partyware Flask holds 10 fluid ounces of your favorite beverage, and weighs less than 4 ounces after you’ve drained it. The BPA-free resin flask also sports a ridged cap to minimize slippage when you open it.

Check out the SI Outdoors Partyware Flask

Stanley Nineteen13 Carbonated Drink Bottle

The problem with transporting some Sam Adams to your campsite usually becomes apparent as soon as a bottle shatters inside your bag. Stanley had this in mind when they designed their carbonated drink bottle. Heavy-duty cap threads and dome-shaped ends keep your brew same and secure no matter how hard you shake it on the trail, and the 36-ounce capacity means you can bring half a sixer of your favorite brew to camp with you.

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Clif Climber Pouch Wine

Yeah, Clif makes wine now. Clif Family Winery offers a Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, both of which come in a puncture-resistant pouch, complete with handle, carabiner clip, and pour spout. Both taste great, and both cost $17 for a 1.5L bag (essentially two bottles’ worth), so you can imbibe without breaking the bank.

Check out Clif Climber Pouch Wine

Cascade Designs Platypreserve Wine Bags

Not content with what Clif offers? Then pack your own wine with Cascade Designs’ Platypreserve wine bags. These reusable bags not only keep your wine safe in your pack, but they can also be used to keep wine fresh, by allowing you to expunge the air from the bag, extending the life of your vino by days, even weeks. The bag is made of durable polyethylene with a taste-free nylon/polyethylene lining.

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Avery Brewing Canned White Rascal

While there’s a slight risk of puncture (and explosion upon opening), sometimes it’s good to stick with the classic aluminum six-pack. Cans are tougher and lighter than glass bottles, and there’s something soothing about watching your sixer chill in a mountain stream. Besides, when the classics taste as good as Avery Berwing’s canned offerings, the classics are the way to go. We recommend the While Rascal Belgian Wheat ale.

Check out the Avery Brewing Canned White Rascal