For those who believe that the “first rule of backpacking” is “bring beer,” the thirsty people at Kelty have some very good news.

They have a beer sponsor.

Beginning this month, Kelty will launch a series of brand partnerships with Oskar Blues Brewery, the Lyons, Colorado maker of Dale's Pale Ale.

“I've dreamed of having a beer sponsor for a long time,” said Casey Sheahan, president of Kelty, “This is one of the happiest days of my life.”

“I dropped a 12-pack and my business card off at the Kelty offices a few months ago and they called back almost immediately. Apparently, they needed more beer,” said Dale Katechis, founder of Oskar Blues.

Rich, hoppy Dale's Pale Ale and its hand-canned sibling, Old Chub (a hearty Scottish ale brewed with chocolate and smoked malts) will become the beers of choice for Kelty sales events and spring previews, providing a virtually endless supply of libations.

Kelty, the “First Name in Backpacking,” will become the gear of choice for Oskar Blues Brewery in a series of beer distributor promotions, helping the company's “canned gonzo beers” gain traction with outdoor enthusiasts as it continues to expand its distribution territory. In addition to distribution on Frontier Airlines, the beers are now available in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Virginia, with more states to come.

Dale's Pale Ale and Old Chub provide several significant advantages for backpackers over traditional glass-bottle microbrews. The cans are easier to pack in, much easier to pack out, and have a longer shelf live by preventing light damage and greatly reducing the risks of oxidation. The cans are also lined with a special coating that prevents the beer from making contact with aluminum.

At the same time, these canned wonders are more “efficient” for packing into the field than large-batch canned beer: Dale's Pale Ale is 6.5% alcohol by volume, and Old Chub is 8% ABV.

But while it all looks good on paper, flavor was cited as the main reason for launching the new brand partnership.

“I was thirsty and it tasted great. What can I say?” said Ann Obenchain, Kelty marketing director.