A good hike starts before you reach the trail. What you eat and drink in the morning can affect how you feel once you start walking. For many people, coffee is part of that routine. It is familiar, quick and easy to prepare. But it is not the only option. Whether you want to cut down on caffeine or simply fancy something different, there are plenty of drinks worth trying before heading outdoors.
For hikers looking for alternatives to coffee, the choice is wider than you might expect. From green tea and herbal infusions to smoothies and hot chocolate, different drinks can suit different types of walks. The best option will depend on the weather, the length of the hike and, of course, what you actually enjoy drinking.
Water should always come first
Before thinking about energy drinks or hot beverages, it is worth starting with water. Even a short walk can leave you needing more fluids, particularly during warmer weather.
Having a glass of water when you get up is a simple habit. You can then take a reusable bottle with you for the trail. If you are heading out for several hours, make sure you have enough water for the whole trip or know where you can safely refill it.
It is easy to focus on finding the perfect drink and forget the basics. Water remains one of the most useful things to have in your pack.
Green tea for a lighter caffeine boost
If you enjoy the alertness that coffee provides but do not want such a strong drink, green tea could be worth trying.
Green tea contains caffeine, although usually less than a typical cup of coffee. It also has a lighter taste, which some people prefer first thing in the morning. It is easy to prepare at home before leaving. You could also make it at camp if you are spending the night outdoors. A small flask can keep it warm during the first part of your walk. For some hikers, green tea offers a good middle ground. You still get a warm drink and some caffeine, without making coffee the centre of your morning routine.
Try a refreshing fruit smoothie
A smoothie can be a useful choice before a longer hike, especially when you do not fancy a large breakfast.
You can keep things simple with a banana, berries, yoghurt and milk or a plant-based alternative. Oats can also be added if you want something more filling.
The advantage of making your own smoothie is that you can adjust it to your taste. A banana can add sweetness, while berries provide a fresh flavour. You can also change the ingredients depending on what you have available. A smoothie is not always practical to carry on a long hike, but it can work well as part of your breakfast before setting off.
Herbal tea for a calm start
Not every morning needs a caffeine boost. If your hike is going to be relaxed, you may simply want something warm and comforting.
Herbal teas come in many varieties. Peppermint, ginger and chamomile are just a few options. They are also easy to prepare, making them suitable for both home and camping. A warm mug can be particularly appealing on a cold British morning. Sitting down for a few minutes before putting on your boots can also give you time to check the weather and make sure everything is packed. That small pause can be useful. There is no need to rush straight from breakfast to the trail.
Hot chocolate is not just for evenings
Hot chocolate may not be the first drink that comes to mind when planning a hike, but it can be a great choice on cold mornings. It is comforting, easy to make and can be prepared at home or at a campsite. A flask of hot chocolate can also be a welcome treat when temperatures are low.
For a longer walk, it works particularly well as part of a wider breakfast rather than as the only thing you drink. Pair it with something substantial, such as porridge, toast or fruit, and you have a much more balanced start to the day. There is also something enjoyable about having a familiar drink before heading into the hills. Outdoor adventures do not always need complicated preparation.
Try matcha for something different
Matcha has become popular well beyond specialist tea shops. Made from finely ground green tea leaves, it has a distinctive flavour and can be prepared in several ways.
For hikers who still want some caffeine but fancy moving away from coffee, matcha can be an interesting alternative. It can be mixed with hot water or milk, depending on your preference. It is also easy to experiment with. Some people prefer a stronger, earthy flavour, while others add milk or a little sweetness to make it smoother.
You do not need to become an expert. If you are curious, try it at home before taking it on an outdoor trip. That way, you can find out whether you actually enjoy it before relying on it for an early start.
Do not forget about breakfast
A drink alone is unlikely to keep you going on a demanding hike. What you eat matters too.
For a short and easy walk, your usual breakfast may be enough. Longer or more challenging routes require more thought. Porridge, eggs, wholegrain toast, bananas and yoghurt can all make sensible breakfast choices. The key is to avoid trying something completely new just before a major hike. Your stomach may not appreciate an unexpected experiment when you are several miles from the nearest road. Instead, test different breakfasts and drinks on shorter walks. You will quickly learn what makes you feel comfortable and what leaves you feeling hungry halfway along the route.
Think about the weather
The best drink before a hike can change with the season.
On a cold winter morning, a warm tea or hot chocolate can be especially appealing. During summer, water and a cool fruit drink may be more suitable. Weather can also affect how much fluid you need. A warm day can mean more sweating, while strong winds can make you underestimate how much you are drinking. It is worth checking the forecast before leaving. This simple step can help you decide what to have before the walk and what to carry in your bag.
Keep your outdoor drinks simple
There is no need to build a complicated morning routine around hiking. One of the pleasures of spending time outdoors is often its simplicity.
Choose a drink you enjoy. Drink enough water. Have a decent breakfast if you are tackling a longer route. Then get your boots on and head outside.
If you usually rely on coffee, changing your routine can be a surprisingly enjoyable part of the experience. You might discover that green tea suits you better, that a smoothie is more satisfying before a long walk or that nothing beats a flask of hot chocolate on a chilly morning.
The important thing is to find what works for you. Outdoor adventures are personal, and the same applies to the small routines that happen before you set off.
For anyone who enjoys experimenting with different coffee, tea and brewing options at home or while travelling, MaxiCoffee can also be a useful place to explore. But whether you choose coffee, tea, hot chocolate or something completely different, the real goal is simple: start your hike feeling prepared, comfortable and ready to enjoy the trail.
