There’s nothing after a long hike like cracking open a cool, crisp beer.
Before you go packing whatever you have in your fridge for your next hike, think about what tastes best after a hike. A heavy Imperial stout at elevation might make you sick, and a 9% DIPA might not be the best move, either.
When we looked at the best beers for hiking, we focused on crushable, packable, and high-quality brews. To make it friendly for everyone, I’ve tried to only include beers available across the United States. However, I encourage you to try to find a local craft equivalent of any of these options.
Here are the best beers for hiking.
Best Hiking Beers, Ranked
1. Firestone Walker 805
The 805 is also one of my favorite golf beers for the same reason I love it for hiking: it’s light, and it has real flavor. At 4.7% ABV, it’s super approachable without being watery, and it’s available in cans (which is a big must for hiking).
2. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Anyone looking for a little more flavor in their hiking beer should opt for the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. It’s a 5.6% ABV ale that leans bitter and hoppy, but it isn’t as heavy as an IPA would be. I wouldn’t recommend having more than one of these at the summit, but it’s a solid beer with tons of flavor.
3. Deschutes Da Shootz! Pilsner
This is a repeat from my best low-calorie beers, since the Da Shootz! Pilsner is just 99 calories and 4% ABV. This is a fantastic light beer that’s both crisp and refreshing, and it won’t make you feel guilty for ruining a good hike. Also, the art on the can is excellent, so it gets some style points.
4. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer
I could have put pretty much any hard seltzer here, but I’m going with Topo Chico since I think it’s one of the better-tasting seltzers that’s widely available. Hard seltzers are a lot lighter than beer, to the point that they can almost taste thin; that being said, a cold seltzer after a hike is a great option. It’s also worth noting that hard seltzer is brewed, so it’s closer to beer than you think!
5. Modelo Especial
While my favorite Mexican beer is Pacifico, Modelo Especial feels like a better fit for hiking. The Especial has more malt flavor than beers like Corona, which gives you something to taste and enjoy while you catch your breath.
6. Athletic Run Wild IPA
I could sing the praises of the Run Wild IPA all day long. This is a non-alcoholic beer that doesn’t skimp on taste, so you get all the delicious flavor of an IPA without any of the alcohol (and by extension, heaviness of a 7% beer).
Best Hiking Beers: At a Glance
| Beer | Style | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA | Non-Alcoholic IPA | 0% |
| Topo Chico Hard Seltzer | Hard Seltzer | 4.7% |
| Firestone Walker 805 | Blonde Ale | 4.7% |
| Deschutes Da Shootz! Pilsner | Pilsner | 4% |
| Modelo Especial | Mexican Lager | 4.4% |
| Sierra Nevada Pale Ale | Pale Ale | 5.6% |
Best Hiking Beer FAQs
The best hiking beers are light, come in cans, and won’t slow you down on the trail. Pilsners, pale ales, and light lagers are the most practical choices. If you’re doing a long or technical hike, a non-alcoholic option like Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild IPA is worth considering.
You can bring beer on a hike in most cases, as long as you’re not in a National Park or designated wilderness area where alcohol is prohibited. Always check the rules for the specific trail or park before you go, and pack out whatever you pack in.
One or two per person is plenty for most hikes. More than that, and you’re adding weight to your pack for something you might not want by the time you reach your destination.
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