SIPS ‘N’ SUDS

SIPS N SUDS

Backpacking with Booze Bring your favorite imbibement on your next wilderness excursion

BY TIONA EVERSOLE

A simple flask does the job for transporting booze into the backcountry. photo by Tiona Eversole

Weight is a backpacker’s worst enemy. So when we think about packing non-essential items, alcohol tends to fall into a gray area. How badly do we want that pint of whiskey to warm up with on a chilly evening? What about a celebration toast after successfully reaching a summit or other backpacking milestone? If the thought of leaving that flask at home doesn't sounds appealing, here’s how to properly and safely enjoy your favorite alcoholic beverage in the backcountry.

BEST ALCOHOL FOR BACKPACKING

We’ll just come out and say it: Whiskey is perfect for fireside nips, tastes fine warm or cold and is great as is or in a cocktail. Other spirits that are good for backpacking include tequila for most of the same reasons as whiskey (although we haven’t found a hot tequila drink we enjoy) and vodka for its versatility.

Wine is another good option, with some companies now offering small boxes of wine that are perfect for backpacking trips. Otherwise, fill up a flask or stainless steel bottle with a nice red or white (or rosé) to compliment a backcountry dinner.

Beer is a tough one due to its weight, but tastes so good after a long day. If you want to bring beer, consider only bringing one or two (or a tall can) for the first night. Toast to a good first day, and enjoy drinking ounces off your total pack weight for the next day.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTAINER

Rule No. 1 of backpacking with booze: Do not bring glass. Broken glass is both dangerous and messy. If you would like to bring alcoholic beverages such as whiskey or wine that typically come in a glass bottle, transfer to a flask (hard or soft).

For cocktails, pack a stainless steel cup — insulated if you’ll have hot beverages. This will make it easy to mix the ingredients in one place. To save on time, bring pre-mixed cocktails and simply pour into your cup and enjoy.

Silicone wine tumblers are a good option for wine drinkers. This lightweight drinkware adds a nice touch to your backcountry wine-drinking experience without adding too much weight. MAKE GOOD DECISIONS Having a drink in the backcountry is nice;

BACKCOUNTRY COCKTAILS

Backcountry Hot Toddy

• 1.5 ounces whiskey • 1 tea bag (non-caffeinated) • Hot water • Steep the tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes. Add whiskey and stir.

Base Camp Cocktail

• 1.5 ounces vodka • 1 single serving packet sport hydration drink mix • Cold water • Mix hydration mix and water until fully dissolved. Add vodka and stir. Sunset Margarita (pre-mixed) • 1.5 ounces tequila •.75 ounce orange liqueur • 1 ounce fresh lime juice • Ice • Add ingredients to a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour into a sealtight container and freeze before the trip. Let thaw the day you wish to enjoy for a perfect

frozen margarita. having a hangover is not. It is also potentially hazardous to start the following day feeling foggy and unwell.

Make sure that you are drinking enough water, as alcohol increases dehydration. If backpacking in a desert climate, mapping out water sources is crucial in order to stay properly hydrated.

Avoid drinking while hiking. Staying alert and clear-minded is extremely important. Even the slightest ankle roll due to imbalance can have serious repercussions in the backcountry. Save the drinks for once camp is set up.

Decide ahead of time which nights are best to have a drink instead of winging it. If big mileage or challenging obstacles are part of the next day’s itinerary, skip the booze.

And finally, don’t keep alcohol in your tent, even if the container is empty. Store alcohol and containers with the food and trash in an animal proof container or bag outside and away from the tent. This will help keep wildlife from attempting to get in your tent.

Whiskey, vodka and tequila are three excellent options for backpacking. photo by Tiona Eversole 43