BETA & BREW
ALPINE COFFEE (CIVILISED VERSION) When it comes to alpine climbing, the coffee situation presents a paradox that has always intrigued me. The lore of “light and fast” demands ruthless efficiency when it comes to packing, making my overly “lavish” coffee kit a prime suspect for the “not alpine” pile. However, anyone familiar with the dreaded (yet indispensable) “alpine start” will understand the pivotal role coffee plays in that subtle art of avoiding an epic or occasionally just surviving one. And so, as I anxiously eyeball my heavier-than-I-care-to-mention coffee kit, sitting next to my already overweight pack, a dilemma emerges. Of course, there are a few options. Here are my thoughts on some of them as one of those insufferable “civilised coffee drinkers”. - Sule (VL’s resident coffee & gear nerd)
OPTION 1: “JUST SUCK IT UP AND DON’T DRINK COFFEE.” F*#k that!
OPTION 2: “WHAT ABOUT INSTANT COFFEE?” Look, if you don’t mind the taste, then it’s a very fitting solution. It weighs nothing, requires no equipment and doesn’t produce any rubbish. But if you do mind the taste, then it’s liquid psyche killer! However, there are now a few specialty coffee roasters—and even a US company founded by pro climbers—who have started making “premium instant coffee”. In my experience it tastes a bit like a dirty pour-over (great route name, btw). This is an improvement, but it’s still not amazing. It will make you feel like Steve House surviving off a diet of powders, gels and other freeze-dried goodies (though if it makes you climb like him, it’s worth it). 80 WINTER 2023
