Best AF Beer for Camping Trips - Dave's Northern Guide

My first proper AF camping trip was to Kielder Forest with the lads. Used to be a full crate of proper lager, waking up with a head like a badger's backside. Swapped it for AF and honestly, the morning hikes were a game changer. Still had the banter, just without the blurry bits.

Camping throws a spanner in the works for a good brew. You're lugging everything on your back, fridge space is a pipe dream, and nobody wants a warm pint that tastes like regret. The trick is finding something that handles the elements and still hits the spot.

Dave's Top 5 for This Occasion

IMPOSSIBREW - Triple Hopped IPA (IPA, 0.0%)

This is my absolute go-to, even if it's been sat in a cool box for a bit. It's got that proper hoppy kick that stands up to anything, campfire smoke or a lukewarm temperature. Rivals some of the best proper IPAs, like Vocation's stuff. Light cans too, which is a bonus when you're humping gear.

30 per can cal 9/10 - Proper ace, even after a long walk./10

Athletic Brewing - Run Wild IPA (IPA, 0.5%)

Another brilliant IPA that travels well. Athletic are masters at making AF taste like the real deal, and this one's no exception. It's robust enough to still taste good if it's not ice-cold, and the cans are sturdy. Great for after a long day trekking around the Peaks.

70 per can cal 8.5/10 - Solid choice, always delivers./10

Big Drop - Paradiso Citra IPA (IPA, 0.5%)

If you fancy something a bit brighter, this is it. It's got that lovely citrus hit that's refreshing when you're sat by the tent, even if the sun's gone in. Low calories, light cans, and full of flavour that doesn't disappear when it's not fridge-cold. Easy to drink round the fire.

36 per can cal 8/10 - Cracking flavour, proper summery./10

Lucky Saint - Lager (Lager, 0.5%)

Sometimes you just want a decent, crisp lager. Lucky Saint delivers. It's a bit more delicate than the IPAs, so best kept as cool as you can manage, but it's a solid, reliable choice for those moments when you just want a refreshing pint after pitching the tent. Great with a BBQ.

53 per can cal 7.5/10 - Reliable, does the job well./10

Guinness - 0.0 (Stout, 0.0%)

Hear me out - a stout for camping? Absolutely. This is brilliant for a cooler evening by the fire. It's rich and satisfying, and frankly, it tastes just as good at 'cool' as it does 'cold'. Plus, the dark cans mean you don't even notice if it's a bit warm. Proper character.

16 per can cal 7/10 - Surprising winner, proper comforting./10

Dave's Guide to AF Beer on the Campsite

Always go for cans over bottles. They're lighter to carry in, crush down smaller for carrying out, and you won't be picking glass shards out of your tent groundsheet after a clumsy mate. - Learned that the hard way at Reading Festival in '97. Never again, mate. Never again.
Insulated cool bags or even a simple wet tea towel can work wonders. Wrap your cans in a damp cloth and let the air get to it. Evaporation cools them down a treat. - Old trick from my grandad, used it for keeping pop cool on fishing trips. Works a treat.
Pick styles that hold up well to temperature changes. IPAs and stouts often fare better than delicate lagers. That big flavour profile won't get lost if it's not ice-cold. - Nothing worse than a lukewarm lager that tastes like dishwater. Trust me on the IPAs.
Consider bringing a small, personal cool flask for your 'special' cans. Keep your absolute favourite brew in there for when you really want to savour it after a long walk. - I keep an IMPOSSIBREW Triple Hopped in mine. Like a little secret treasure, that.
Pack plenty of water alongside your AF beers. Staying hydrated is key, especially if you're active during the day. It'll make those morning wake-ups even easier. - Even with AF, you're still out in the elements. Water's your best mate, always.

Camping holidays have seen a significant surge in popularity, with over 16 million camping and caravanning trips taken in Great Britain in 2022, a 15% increase since 2019. This rising trend means more people are looking for ways to enjoy their evenings outdoors without the negative side effects of alcohol. The AF beer market has grown by 17% in the last year alone, demonstrating a clear shift in consumer preferences towards healthier choices. For campers, this is a game-changer. Carrying heavy crates of alcoholic beer on a hike is a pain, and the consequences of a hangover when you're sleeping on the ground are even worse. Choosing AF beer means lighter packs and clearer heads, allowing you to fully appreciate the early morning views and the fresh air. It's about enjoying the social aspect of a campfire brew without compromising the next day's adventures.

Common Questions

Is AF beer really lighter to carry than regular beer when camping?

Aye, it generally is, but it's not just about the weight of the liquid itself. The real difference comes from the impact on your body. Regular beer dehydrates you, which makes you feel sluggish and can make a heavy pack feel even heavier. With AF beer, you're not getting that dehydrating effect, so you'll feel better, clearer-headed, and more energised for all the hauling. Plus, the cans are often lighter overall, and you can crush them flat after use, which takes up less space in your rubbish bag. Every little helps when you're trying to minimise your load and follow the 'leave no trace' rule, which is proper important when you're out in nature.

Will AF beer taste alright if it gets a bit warm by the campfire?

That's a cracking question, and it really depends on the brew. Some AF beers are definitely better than others when they're not ice-cold. Generally, you want to lean towards bolder styles like IPAs, stouts, or darker ales. They've got more complex flavour profiles that tend to hold up well, even if they've warmed up a bit. Delicate lagers, on the other hand, can sometimes lose their crispness and taste a bit 'flat' if they're not chilled. That's why I always recommend brews like IMPOSSIBREW Triple Hopped IPA or Guinness 0.0 for camping; they're proper tasty no matter the temperature, which is a lifesaver when you're relying on a cool bag.

Can I still have a proper social experience round the campfire with AF beer?

Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt. The whole point of a campfire brew is the craic, isn't it? The stories, the laughs, the warmth from the fire, and a good drink in your hand. Swapping to AF beer doesn't take any of that away. In fact, it often enhances it because you're fully present, remembering all the daft things your mates said, and waking up fresh for the next day's adventures. Nobody's judging what's in your can, they're just happy to share a moment. I've had some of the best campfire chats with an AF in hand, feeling like part of the gang but without the regret. It's about connection, not intoxication.

Camping and AF beer are a match made in heaven, honestly. For years, I put up with splitting headaches and feeling rough as anything after a night under the stars. Now, I can still enjoy a proper brew round the campfire, soak up the atmosphere, and then wake up ready to tackle a mountain or just enjoy a decent breakfast. IMPOSSIBREW's Triple Hopped IPA is my top pick for its sheer flavour and resilience to being less-than-chilled. But whatever you choose, remember the golden rule: whatever you carry in, you carry out. Lighter AF cans make that a doddle. Get out there and enjoy the fresh air, lads. (£10 off your first IMPOSSIBREW order)