Quick answer: the easiest coffee to take hiking or camping is one that needs no stove, water or cup. A small tin of coffee chews weighs about 15 g, can't spill in your pack and leaves no grounds to pack out. Have it at a rest stop, keep it away from your dog, and stop caffeine a few hours before you want to sleep in the tent.
The problem with coffee in the backcountry
Trail coffee usually means extra gear: a stove, fuel, a pot, water you've had to carry or treat, a mug, and grounds or a sachet to pack out afterwards. On a long day hike or a fast overnight trip, that's a lot of weight and fuss for one cup. And on a cold, wet morning, it's often the last thing you want to unpack.
Your options compared
- Brewed coffee (pour-over, press or portable espresso): the best taste, but the most gear, time and clean-up.
- Instant coffee: light, but you still need hot water, a stove and a cup.
- Cold brew in a bottle: no stove, but heavy liquid weight and limited to day trips.
- Coffee chews: no stove, water, cup or rubbish beyond the tin. Less ritual, much less effort.
Plenty of hikers mix and match: a proper brew at camp, and chews for the trail.
When to have coffee on the trail
- Before the big climb or the last few kilometres: a small top-up when your energy dips.
- At planned rest stops, not while you're scrambling or crossing rivers.
- Stop a few hours before bed if you're camping. Caffeine takes around 5–6 hours to fall by half, and a restless night in a tent makes the next day harder.
- Keep drinking water and eating. Coffee doesn't replace food or fluids on a long day.
Packing tips
- Keep a tin in your hip-belt pocket or chest pocket so you don't need to take your pack off.
- Store spares with your food, and treat them like food in bear or possum country.
- The tin is small and reusable. Use an empty one for matches, plasters or spare batteries.
- Travelling across borders? Coffee chews are a solid food. Declare food where required, for example when arriving in New Zealand or Australia.
Hiking with a dog? Read this
Littos Coffee Chews are sweetened with xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, seizures or liver failure, sometimes within 30 minutes. Keep tins zipped away, never share a chew with your dog, and if they eat any, contact a vet straight away, even if they seem fine.
Which flavour for which trip?
Approximate caffeine per tin of about 25 chews: 50 mg for Choco Mocha, Caramel Macchiato and Hazelnut Latte; 70 mg for Flat White and Iced Mint Coffee; 140 mg for Double Espresso. Lighter flavours suit an all-day ramble with small top-ups. Double Espresso suits an early alpine start. Iced Mint Coffee is refreshing on a hot climb. Try several with the Tasting Set, or browse the full range.
Hiking coffee FAQ
What's the lightest way to take coffee hiking?
A format that needs no stove, water or cup. A 15 g tin of coffee chews is about as light as it gets, with nothing to brew or pack out.
Can I have coffee chews while camping without disturbing my sleep?
Yes, if you time them. Have them earlier in the day and stop several hours before bed.
Are coffee chews safe for dogs?
No. They contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Keep them out of reach and call a vet if your dog eats any.
Who shouldn't have coffee chews?
Littos Coffee Chews contain caffeine and are not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people sensitive to caffeine. They contain milk. If you have a health condition or take medication, check with a health professional first.
Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals: Xylitol poisoning in dogs; NIOSH: caffeine half-life.