5 Types of Campers and The Craft Beer They Love
Camping is about escaping the city buzz and embracing the wild, trading streetlights for starlight and screens for campfire glow. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to explore the great outdoors, there’s something special about setting up camp, cracking open a craft beer, and sleeping under the open sky. But not all campers are the same. From rugged survivalists to laid-back weekend warriors, the camping world is full of different styles and personalities.
Some seek adventure, while others crave peace. For some, camping is about pushing limits, while others find joy in simply unwinding by a quiet stream. With the rise of craft beer, a new element has been added to the experience, pairing the perfect brew with the serenity of the outdoors. Grab your headlamp, dust off your sleeping bag, and explore the five main types of campers along with the craft beers that match their style.
The Traditional Camper
For the traditional camper, the outdoors isn’t a trend. It’s a way of life. They embrace the scent of a crackling fire, the chorus of crickets under a sky full of stars, and the satisfaction of setting up camp with well-worn gear. Modern conveniences like Wi-Fi hold no appeal. They camp to disconnect and reconnect with nature, themselves, and the simple joys of the wild.
Days are spent hiking sunlit trails, swimming in clear lakes, or quietly watching the world wake up with the morning birds. At night, they gather around the fire, sharing stories beneath the Milky Way.
Their beer of choice is crisp and refreshing, a reward after a long day outdoors. A citrusy IPA offers a sharp, hoppy kick, cutting through the day’s sweat and dust. A clean, easy-drinking lager is another favorite, simple yet satisfying. These no-frills beers match their back-to-basics mindset, letting them savor the pure essence of camping.
The Glamping Camper
Glampers love the outdoors, but not without comfort. Their campsites feature plush beds, twinkling string lights, and gourmet meals. Whether they’re unwinding in a private hot tub, practicing yoga in the morning sun, or sipping wine on a deck overlooking the mountains, their version of camping is all about relaxation.
Their beer choice reflects their refined taste. A rich Belgian Dubbel, with dark fruit and spice notes, pairs perfectly with their luxurious experience. A smooth, chocolatey stout is another favorite, offering a decadent treat as they stargaze by the fire. These bold, complex brews are meant to be savored, just like the upscale camping memories they create.
The Adventure Camper
For adventure campers, the outdoors is a playground. They rise before dawn, eager to climb mountains, paddle rivers, or bike rugged trails. Their campsites are just quick stops between adrenaline-fueled activities.
After a day of pushing limits, they reach for a bold beer that matches their high-energy lifestyle. A hoppy double IPA delivers a punch of citrus and pine, mirroring the intensity of their adventures. A rich stout provides a smooth, hearty reward for their efforts. These beers fuel the next challenge, a perfect toast to another epic day in the wild.
The Solo Camper
For the solo camper, nature is more than a destination. It’s a retreat. They venture out alone, seeking quiet moments and personal challenges. Whether trekking deep into the backcountry, fishing by a secluded lake, or reading by the fire, they find peace in solitude.
Their beer of choice is simple yet thoughtful. A crisp, hop-forward IPA provides a refreshing end to a long day on the trail. Its bold flavors mirror the self-reliance of solo camping. Each sip is a moment of reflection, a quiet celebration of their connection with the wild.
The Family Camper
For family campers, the outdoors is about bonding, teaching, and making memories. From setting up camp to roasting marshmallows, every moment is an adventure. Days are filled with fishing, hiking, and scavenger hunts. Evenings bring campfire stories, sticky s’mores, and starry skies.
Their beer needs to be easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing. A light, fruity wheat beer with hints of citrus or berries is a refreshing choice for parents winding down after an active day. A crisp pilsner offers another smooth option. These approachable brews pair well with the laughter, storytelling, and joy of family camping trips.
BONUS! More Campers More Craft Beer Magic
The Backpacker
For the backpacker, the wilderness is not a destination but a journey. These nomadic souls crave the freedom of movement, carrying everything they need on their backs as a testament to their self-sufficiency and love for minimalism. Imagine a solitary figure traversing a rugged mountain path, their pack a carefully curated collection of essentials. Each step is a deliberate choice and a calculated effort to conquer the next ridge or navigate the next dense forest.
Their days are a blur of breathtaking vistas and physical challenges. They might cross a high alpine meadow bathed in golden morning light, the crisp air invigorating their lungs. Perhaps they push through a heart-pounding ascent up a switchback trail, muscles burning but spirits high with anticipation for the view from the summit. Evenings find them nestled in a secluded campsite, the reward for their efforts a breathtaking panorama of untouched wilderness. Under a star-studded sky, the silence is broken only by the crackling campfire and the contented sigh of a weary adventurer.
For these minimalist trekkers, every ounce counts. Their craft beer selection needs to reflect this philosophy by being lightweight and easy to pack. A single can of a thoughtfully chosen craft beer offers a perfect reward after a long day on the trail. The variety available in cans allows them to experiment with different flavors and styles without sacrificing precious pack space. Another option is a portable, collapsible growler filled with a local brew from their starting point. This lets them savor a larger volume of their favorite beer while minimizing waste and maximizing space efficiency.
These carefully chosen brews are more than just beverages. They are a celebration of accomplishment. Each sip, enjoyed amidst the breathtaking scenery, is a moment of pure satisfaction. The backpacker’s beer is a toast to the freedom of the open trail, a well-deserved reward for pushing their limits, and a reminder of the simple pleasures that nature offers. It is a lightweight indulgence in a world of epic journeys and a perfect companion for the adventurer on the move.
The Group Camper
For the group camper, the magic lies in the collective experience. These social butterflies thrive on the camaraderie of friends and family, transforming campsites into bustling hubs of laughter and shared stories. Imagine a lively scene with a circle of mismatched chairs pulled up around a crackling fire, tents pitched haphazardly nearby, and a cooler overflowing with various beverages. These campers revel in the shared experience, the joy of cooking meals together, swapping outrageous stories under the twinkling night sky, and forging new bonds with loved ones.
Their days are a whirlwind of activity. A friendly volleyball tournament erupts in a flurry of laughter and playful competition. Perhaps the group embarks on a hike to a scenic overlook, pausing to share moments of wonder as they take in the breathtaking view. Evenings are for reminiscing around the campfire, roasting marshmallows until they are gooey and delicious, and creating memories that will be retold for years to come. For the group camper, the experience is all about the connections forged, the inside jokes created, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a like-minded pack.
The perfect beverage for these social gatherings needs to be smooth, easy to drink, and enjoyable for everyone. A classic Pilsner Urquell fits the bill perfectly. Its crisp, clean flavor and refreshing bite make it a crowd-pleaser, ideal for quenching thirsts after a day of shared activities. The light body and subtle bitterness ensure that everyone, from seasoned beer aficionados to casual drinkers, can enjoy a satisfying sip. As the laughter grows louder and stories flow more freely, Pilsner Urquell becomes the social lubricant that keeps the good times rolling.
For the group camper, the perfect brew is more than just a drink. It is a symbol of connection, a testament to the power of shared adventures, and a reminder that the best memories are often made with the people we love.
The Final Sip
No matter your camping style, there’s a perfect craft beer waiting to elevate your outdoor experience. From the crisp refreshment of an IPA for the traditional camper to the rich complexity of a stout for the glamper, there’s a brew to match your mood and setting. So, as you pack your bags, sleeping bag, and maybe even a collapsible growler, don’t forget to factor in the final sip. After a long day of exploring, conquering peaks, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, that perfect craft beer can be the finishing touch to a truly unforgettable camping adventure. So grab your favorite beverage, raise a toast to the great outdoors, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.