There’s something magical about a hot cup of tea in the wilderness, the steam rising in cool air, the aroma carried on the breeze, and that sense of pause after miles on the trail, you know what I am talking about, when you feet feel tired and you just need a break. Whether you’re on a day hike or overnight trip, brewing tea outdoors is a small ritual that boosts morale and keeps you hydrated. Here’s how to make it happen with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.
Cocoa nourishes the body, but tea elevates the soul of man, for its flavour is unique, not obvious like cocoa or coffee, but ambrosial and infinitely delicate.
Frank Smythe
Let’s get to it but before you can enjoy a perfect cup of tea on the trail, it’s important to have the right gear. Fortunately, brewing tea while hiking doesn’t require heavy or complicated equipment, trust me I’ve had many adventures. With just a few lightweight essentials, you can steep, sip, and savour your tea without slowing down your adventure.
Lets get to the the essentials for brewing tea while hiking. These don’t need to be heavy:
- Portable Stove or Fire Option
A compact camping stove lets you boil water reliably. Some hikers even use wood fuel stoves that burn twigs found on the trail. - Lightweight Pot or Mug
A small pot doubles as a water boiler and tea vessel. Metal mugs with built‑in strainers or infusers are great for loose leaf. - Thermos (Day Hikes Only)
For short hikes, pre‑boil water at home and carry it in a well‑insulated thermos. You can steep tea on the trail without extra gear. - Tea and Infusers
Tea bags are simple and lightweight. If you prefer loose leaf, pack a small infuser or steep “grandpa style” by dropping leaves right into your mug.
Pro tip: Pack everything in a waterproof pouch so nothing gets lost or soggy.
Boil Water Carefully (and Safely)
Getting water hot is the most crucial step. On a stove, heat until you see steam—no need for a raging boil for most teas. If you’re using natural water sources like streams, always treat the water first with a filter or purification tablets to ensure it’s safe to drink.
Once hot, pour into your mug or pot and let it settle a moment if you’re brewing green or delicate teas, which prefer lower temperatures. Black and herbal teas can handle hotter water.
Brewing Methods on the Trail
There are several ways to enjoy your tea outdoors:
- Classic Brew (Loose Leaf or Bag)
Add tea to your mug or pot, pour hot water, steep for a few minutes, and enjoy. Simple and effective. - Grandpa Style
Toss loose leaf straight into your mug, add water, and drink around the leaves—a minimalist favourite among hikers. - Thermos Steep
Carry hot water in a thermos and drop in a tea bag when you’re ready for a break. No stove needed once the water is heated. - Cold Brew on the Go
For hot weather hikes, cold brew tea overnight in a sealed bottle. It’s refreshing and requires zero heat.
Remember to pack out tea bags or used leaves, leave no trace!
Tea That Works on Trail
Not all teas are created equal for the outdoors. Here’s what hikers tend to prefer:
- Black Tea – robust, energising, and great in cool weather.
- Yerba Mate – a classic trail pick for sustained energy.
- Herbal Infusions – soothing after a long day, especially mint or chamomile.
- Loose Leaf with Simple Infusers – for tea lovers who want a fresher taste.
Keep portions small and flavours you enjoy close at hand.
Enjoy the Moment
On the trail, tea is more than just hydration—it’s a moment of calm. Brew as you watch a sunrise, warm up after a chilly climb, or savour with friends around a campfire. It’s a small ritual that turns a good day outdoors into a great one.
With simple gear and a bit of practice, tea becomes a natural part of your hiking rhythm. Whether you’re boiling water over a stove or steeping in a thermos during a quick break, good tea is always within reach in the wild.
Ellis Noma has been walking UK trails long enough to know that the best part of any hike is rarely the summit. It's the bit halfway up where you find a flat rock out of the wind, sit down, and actually look at where you are.
He hikes alone when he can. He finds it easier to stop that way.
His kit is nothing special. His flask, however, is non-negotiable.
Ellis contributes trail guides and stop-worthy spots to The First Steep — places worth slowing down for.