Ah, coffee! Isn’t it just the perfect companion for those chilly mornings in the great outdoors? For me, it’s the smell of my first cup of coffee that gets me excited. Imagine waking up to the serene sounds of nature, unzipping your tent, and sipping a warm, comforting cup of coffee. But wait, how do you manage to get that perfect brew while camping? So, grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into the world of camp coffee!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making camp coffee that tastes just as good, if not better, than what you brew at home.
As you sip your morning brew from the best camp tea kettle, consider the convenience of pop up tents for your next camping adventure, which offer quick setup and breakdown, allowing you more time to enjoy your camp coffee in beautiful surroundings.
My real-world routine kicks off every morning with coffee and my body simply refuses to accept backpacking as a valid excuse to forego this.
And really, there’s no reason to. If you had a team of porters carrying an espresso machine and a generator, you’ll be able to make great camp coffee. But, if you’re all out of porters, there are still some cool ways to make a decent cup of coffee while camping or backpacking.
Having the right gear is important but so is knowing what it takes to make a decent cup.
The reality is that if you want coffee on your next hike, someone’s got to carry a few extra pounds. There’s probably a graph somewhere that plots caffeine levels vs extra pack weight but, in the absence of that, you’ll need to guestimate how many cups per mile you’re going to need.
Table of contents
Alpine Start Instant Coffee
Sadly, we have seen some campers haul out instant ‘coffee’ in the morning. ‘It’s so convenient and it tastes just like the real stuff.’ they’ll say.
But why bother? If your backpacking bag doesn’t have any room to spare for a collapsible dripper and your only option is Alpine Start Instant Coffee, then this will be mighty tasty when all you have on your mind is that first cup of camp coffee.
You could have stayed at home and watched the Nature Channel instead of heading outdoors. It’s pretty much the same thing, right?
Right? Just because we love the outdoors doesn’t mean we have to live like savages.
If you want the best coffee while camping, you’re going to need proper ground coffee and a way to brew it conveniently.
Why ground coffee? Surely taking beans along would be better?
It would, but then you’d also have to carry a grinder along with you. Also, beans don’t pack as compactly as ground coffee does. If you grind the beans just before you leave home and store them in an airtight container they’ll still make a decent cup a few days later.
You’re going to need around 2 tablespoons (0.38 oz) of ground coffee for every half-pint cup of coffee. Do the math and start grinding.
What You Need to Make Camp Coffee
Before you can enjoy your coffee under the stars, you need to pack the right gear. Essentials include fresh coffee beans, a grinder (if you prefer whole beans), a brewing method of your choice, and of course, fresh water. Don’t forget a sturdy mug!
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
The secret to delicious camp coffee starts with the beans. Opt for a robust, dark roast to combat the crisp outdoor air, or perhaps a lighter roast if you prefer a smoother, more acidic brew. Remember, the quality of your beans directly influences your coffee’s flavor.
How to Make the Best Camp Coffee
Once you’ve got your ground coffee it’s time to decide on your brewing method. Choosing the best camping coffee maker is limited to the following camping coffee brewing methods:
Old School Backcountry Method
If you want the true cowboy coffee experience you could throw the grinds in your pot, stir it, and heat up the water.
After a while, pour off the coffee with as few of the grounds as possible ending up in your cup.
You could pour the brew through a bit of cloth or a sock to filter out the grounds if you prefer your coffee less chewy.
A variation of this method is to tie the grounds up in a filter and cook it up in the pot. You’ll avoid the sludginess but the poor extraction of this method will always leave you with thin-tasting coffee.
Playing your harmonica while waiting for your brew isn’t essential but it does add to the authenticity of the cowboy experience.
For..
- Cheap & Simple
- No extra coffee equipment to carry
Against…
- Can be sludgy unless you DIY filter it
- Can result in divorce if you use your sock to filter
Brew in cup
If you’re not that impressed with the flavor of coffee strained through a sock you could go for a brew in cup solution like the MSR MugMate or GSI Outdoors 20 fl.oz Java Press
It’s a stainless steel mesh filter that fits into your mug. Throw the coffee grounds in the filter, put the filter in your mug, and add hot water from your Jetboil. If you are rooftop camping, the GSI Outdoors Java Press will caffeinate 4 people in one pour.
It’s essentially a French press brew with less moving parts and in a far more convenient package. It’s also environmentally friendly because there aren’t any paper filters to dispose of after you’re done.
If you’re trying to keep your pack weight as low as possible then this is probably your best option. It’s also ideally suited for individual use because it’s no good if you’re trying to make a few cups at once for the rest of your party.
This method isn’t going to give you the best cup of camp coffee but it’s way better than anything those cowboys were drinking.
For?
- No paper filters – reduced waste
- Easy to use
Against?
- Single cup brewing only – when is one cup ever enough?
- Sub-optimal flavor extraction
Pour-over Method Camp Coffee
Get in on Amazon for
If you get your timing and technique right then the pour-over method can give you a great cup of coffee. You’ll need a filter, something to hold it, and a steady hand while pouring the hot water over your coffee grounds.
Making a pour-over cup calls for a little patience though. Instead of dumping all the water in at once you pour a little at a time, the way your drip coffee maker at home would.
Probably one of the best drip coffee makers for backpacking is the GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip. It has a collapsible silicone filter holder that takes up to a number 4 filter. It allows you to make anywhere between 1 and 12 cups of coffee at a time.
While you technically could make up to 12 cups with this nifty coffee maker, it’s not going to be a very strong brew. Also, because you’re pouring the water over slowly, the coffee can get cold.
You’re better off making two batches if you prefer a richer cup. It’s ideal though if you’re just making one or two cups.
Drip Coffee Maker
The drip coffee method, particularly when using tools like the GSI Ultralight Java Drip, is perfect for backpacking and camping. It’s so lightweight and easy to carry that it’s almost like it isn’t there—until you need that crucial morning brew, that is!
The setup is a breeze. Clip the legs onto most mugs to keep the drip cone out of the coffee, add your favorite coffee grounds, and pour hot water through.
The GSI Ultralight Java Drip coffee maker is a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy quality coffee while on the trail. It’s impressively lightweight at 0.4 ounces and super compact, making it hardly noticeable in your pack. Despite its simplicity, the quality of brew it produces is quite remarkable.
You get a clean, flavorful cup of coffee that rivals what you might brew at home. It does an excellent job of extracting the rich flavors and aromas from your coffee grounds, providing that much-needed morning boost or a pleasant mid-hike treat.
All in all, it’s a reliable, fuss-free companion for coffee-loving campers and backpackers who don’t want to compromise on taste while exploring the great outdoors.
Stovetop Percolator- Camping Coffee Pot
If you’re making camp coffee for 8 or 9 people at a time then a stovetop percolator is probably your best bet.
Get it on Amazon for $46.78
Coffee grounds go in the top, water in the bottom, and pop it on the fire or stove/burner. It’s easy to use and there’s no fussing with paper filters either because most of these use their own built-in filter.
We love the Bialetti Mokka Express 9-cup percolator. If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option then the stainless steel Coletti Bozeman percolator for campfire coffee on Amazon for $46.78 also makes great coffee.
Besides looking great, a good stove top percolator makes rich tasting camp coffee with a fuller taste than any of the previous methods give you. It’s a heavy-duty piece of kit so it’ll survive the bangs and scrapes of the outdoors.
Both of these percolators weigh just over 2 pounds though and they’re fairly bulky. This makes them better suited to making camping coffee rather than a backpacker coffee option.
I love coffee, but not so much that I’d be willing to walk for days with one of these in my pack.
- Makes great tasting coffee
- Makes multiple cups at once
- No disposable filters
- Heavy and bulky – not great for backpacking
Mini Espresso Maker Camp Coffee
To make a decent shot of espresso you need around 15 to 18 bar of pressure to force the hot water through the coffee grounds. Your machine at home uses an electrically powered compressor to generate this pressure.
Of course, that only works if you’ve got access to a power outlet. Fortunately, you now get some hand-powered mini espresso makers that actually make a really decent shot of espresso.
Get it on Amazon for $84.90
They’re all shaped like mini thermos and follow pretty much the same principle: add tamped-down coffee grounds into the basket, add hot water in the water tank, screw it all together, and then pump the handle or button a few times until the coffee starts to come out.
If you’re considering getting one of these then don’t bother with the cheap ones. They don’t generate enough pressure and break pretty quickly.
The Wacaco Nanopresso or the cheaper Litchi Portable Espresso machines from Amazon for are both good options. Again, these are great if you’re making yourself a quick shot but not suited to making any for the rest of your group. If you’re a fan of Nespresso, this upgraded Wacaco Nanopresso, Compatible with Nespresso NS capsules (sorry Vertuo fans) or buy this Nanopresso Adapter Kit which allows you to enjoy your camp coffee espresso by a campfire.
Also, there are a few different parts that need to be assembled each time you make a shot of espresso. But hey, if you need your fix, this will do the job nicely. The small form factor also makes these easy to pack.
- Makes a great shot of espresso
- Fairly light and small – great for backpacking
- No disposable filters required
- Only makes a single shot at a time – not good for groups
- You get what you pay for!
Aeropress
Get it on Amazon for $38.75
The Aeropress is probably our favorite way to make coffee out hiking.
The complete immersion of the coffee grounds and the pressure you generate when pressing the plunger down, combine to make really good coffee. Likewise, it’s simplicity and ruggedness of design make it ideal for outdoor use.
You only need the plunger, cylinder and filter basket. Leave the rest of the bits and pieces it comes with at home.
It also hits that sweet spot when it comes to brew quantity. You can make anywhere between 1 and 4 shots of espresso. That’s perfect if you’re hiking individually or as a pair. It does use paper filters but you could buy the optional steel filter if you don’t feel like dealing with the used filters.
The steel filter also lets more of the oils through than the paper filters do so you get an even better cup. Also, it’s worth practicing a little at home and getting the inverted method under your belt.
Just make sure you’re working on a level surface. We’ve had our fair share of Aeropress mishaps and the sight of spilled coffee is just heartbreaking. Especially when it’s the last of your ground coffee. And you’re 40 miles from the nearest Starbucks. Long story.
- Makes awesome coffee
- Durable construction
- Brews enough for 1 to 2 people
- Easy to pack
- Takes a little practice to get it just right
- Few different loose pieces – easy to lose
Caffeinate your Campsite
As with any campsite cooking, making coffee on the trail is going to involve cutting some corners.
You’re not going to get the same super-rich espresso that the hipster barista at your local coffee spot manages to deliver every time but you can get close.
Regardless of the camp coffee gear or method you choose, there are a few critical things to get just right for optimal results.
- Quality of your beans– You can’t make good coffee with lousy beans. Make sure you get your beans a reputable roaster that knows what they’re doing.
- Grind size- The coarseness of the grind determines how much of the surface area of the coffee is exposed to the water.
- The finer the grind, the more exposed surface area and better extraction you’ll get. The limit of the grind size you’re after is determined by the method and filter you’re using.
- Freshness of coffee- Make sure the beans you bought were recently roasted and only grind them just before you pack for your trip. Make sure you store the coffee in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Quantity of coffee per cup– Tastes vary but you want to be aiming in the 2 tablespoons of coffee per half pint of water.
- Water temperature– The Goldilocks zone for the water temperature is between 195F and 205 F. Do not use boiling water (212 F) or you’ll just end up with burnt coffee. Water that’s too cold won’t give you the flavor extraction you’re after. This is easier if you are using an actual stove rather than an open fire.
- Brewing Method– Brewing a good cup of coffee is part science, part art. The fast and dirty brewing methods will never give you a good cup. If you’re a coffee snob opt for a stovetop percolator, Aeropress or a well-executed pour-over.
- Wetting / Blooming– Even if you’re not doing a pour-over brew, it’s a good idea to pour just a little water on your grinds to begin with. Just enough to wet them. They’ll expand and swell (bloom) a little and get rid of some of the carbon dioxide in the coffee and you’ll get a less bitter cup
French Press: The Classic Choice
Ah, the French Press – a longtime favorite among coffee aficionados, even in the wilderness. This method doesn’t just steep coffee; it immerses you in the brewing process, allowing you to witness the transformation from coarse grounds to a rich, full-bodied liquid. Its simplicity and the ability to brew multiple cups at once make it a go-to for group camping trips. Yet, it’s not without its drawbacks, including the extra weight and the need for careful packing to avoid breakage.
Single-Serve Pour Over: Convenience Meets Quality
For the solo trekker or those who prioritize precision in their coffee, the single-serve pour-over method is a godsend. It’s lightweight, compact, and offers unparalleled control over the brewing time and temperature, allowing for a personalized cup that hits all the right notes. The key here is in the filter: choosing the right one can mean the difference between a good morning and a great one.
AeroPress: The Adventurer’s Dream
Enter the AeroPress: the resilient, versatile companion for any coffee lover venturing into the wild. Its compact design and durability make it ideal for backpacking. Also, the quick brewing process appeals to those caffeine addicted. The AeroPress can produce a variety of coffee styles, from espresso-like concentrates to lighter Americanos. Overall, its a favorite among those who refuse to compromise on quality, even in the great outdoors.
Instant Coffee: Hassle-Free Solution
Let’s not overlook the simplest of all methods: instant coffee. Once shunned by coffee enthusiasts, the quality of instant coffee has seen significant improvements, with specialty brands offering options that rival freshly brewed cups. For campers prioritizing ease and minimal gear, high-quality instant coffee provides a surprisingly satisfying solution, especially when enhanced with a few tricks like adding cinnamon or using filtered water.
Moka Pot: The Italian Staple
For those who dream of sipping a strong, espresso-like brew while watching the sunrise over the mountains, the Moka Pot is an excellent choice. This stovetop method, beloved in Italian households, is equally at home on a camp stove.
Percolator: The Traditionalist’s Choice
For those who relish the nostalgia of traditional camping, the percolator stands out as a beacon of the great outdoors. This method, which involves brewing coffee by cycling boiling water through coffee grounds, is as much about the process as it is about the resulting brew. The gentle bubbling sound of a percolator over a campfire or stove is the soundtrack to many campers’ mornings. While it might require a bit more attention to prevent over-extraction, the robust flavor and ritualistic nature of percolating make it a beloved choice for many.
Cold Brew: Refreshing and Easy
When the days are hot and the nights barely cool off, cold brew coffee becomes not just a luxury but a necessity. Not convienient for camping but we didn’t want to leave this off the list. Also, it’s incredibly easy to make in large batches, ensuring you and your camping companions stay refreshed throughout your adventure.
Cowboy Coffee: The Rustic Method
Perhaps the most rugged of all brewing methods, cowboy coffee is for those who embrace the wild spirit of camping without the frills. Boiling water with grounds directly in the pot. Allow the grounds to settle at the bottom to get a clear and flavorful coffee. This method requires no special equipment, just a pot, water, coffee grounds, and a good eye for timing. It harkens back to simpler times and connects modern campers with the generations of adventurers who came before them.
Battery-Powered Espresso Makers
For espresso lovers unwilling to compromise on the quality of their coffee even in the most remote locations, battery-powered espresso makers offer a solution. These compact, portable devices can produce a surprisingly authentic espresso shot, complete with crema. They’re perfect for those who consider coffee an essential luxury and are willing to carry a little extra weight for the pleasure of a perfect espresso under the open sky.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
The secret to great camping coffee often lies in the beans themselves. Opting for a single-origin or a well-balanced blend can elevate your outdoor coffee experience. For those grinding beans at the campsite, choosing a roast that suits your preferred brewing method can make all the difference. Whether you’re after the bold intensity suitable for a Moka Pot or the nuanced flavors ideal for a pour-over, selecting the right beans is crucial.
Grinding Coffee Beans in the Wild
The grind size of your coffee beans can significantly impact the taste of your brew. For campers who take their coffee seriously. Bring a portable coffee grinder for a fresh grind, of course adjust the coarseness based on your brew method.
TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 MAX Manual Coffee Grinder… Shop AmazonWater Quality and Coffee Brewing
The quality of water used in brewing coffee can’t be overlooked, especially when camping. While the natural setting might offer access to fresh streams or lakes, ensuring the water is clean and safe for consumption is paramount. Purifying or filtering water before brewing not only ensures safety but also preserves the integrity of the coffee’s flavor, allowing the beans’ natural profile to shine through.
Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping… $39.99 Shop AmazonSustainable Brewing Practices
As we immerse ourselves in nature, adopting sustainable practices in our coffee brewing becomes essential. From minimizing waste by using reusable filters to selecting eco-friendly coffee brands, every choice we make can contribute to a healthier environment. Furthermore, packing out used grounds and respecting the natural surroundings ensures that the great outdoors remains pristine for future generations.
Pairing Coffee with Camping Meals
Coffee and camping meals share a symbiotic relationship, each enhancing the other. A robust cup of coffee can complement the smokiness of a campfire breakfast. But an afternoon espresso might be the perfect pick-me-up before an evening hike. Experimenting with coffee pairings, like a light roast with fresh fruit or a dark roast with chocolate. Either can add an element of culinary delight to your camping experience.
Overcoming Common Coffee Brewing Challenges Outdoors
Brewing coffee outdoors comes with its set of challenges, from unpredictable weather to limited resources. However, with a bit of preparation and flexibility, these obstacles can be easily overcome. Choosing the right brewing method for your environment, packing efficiently, and being prepared to improvise can turn these challenges into part of the adventure.
Camping Coffee Accessories
Choosing the right accessories can greatly enhance your camping coffee experience. Insulated mugs keep your coffee hot for hours, and portable milk frothers add a touch of luxury to your brew. Investing in quality accessories not only improves the brewing process but also your enjoyment of each cup. With a well-equipped coffee kit, you can ensure that a great cup of coffee is always within reach. No matter where your adventures take you.
Got Milk?
If you’re less of a purist and normally order cappuccinos or lattes then you’re going to be a little harder to please. If you’re camping then maybe there’s space for some long life milk (UHT) but the taste is just never the same.
You also don’t have to sacrifice while surviving the outdoors. Nutrient Survival Powdered Vitamin Milk is nutrient-dense and can be enjoyed hot or cold. The #10 can has a 25-year shelf life and contains 60 servings and 13 Essential Vitamins. Two tablespoons will make an 8oz glass of milk, which means you only need a few tablespoons for a short to longer camping adventure.
If you really can’t handle coffee without milk then your best option is to pack some coffee creamer. Remember, you’re supposed to be roughing it.
How About A Spot Of Tea?
So maybe you prefer your caffeine delivered the old-fashioned way. In tea. Tea bags present the same challenge that paper filters do. What do you do with them once you’ve used one? You could dry them out and burn them in your campfire but your only other option is to hike out with them.
A better option is to pack some loose-leaf tea. The British will tell you that’s the only right way to make tea anyway. A brew-in-cup solution like the MSR MugMate is ideal for brewing tea while camping. Just remember to bury the used tea leaves or scatter them far enough away from your campsite so you don’t attract any unwanted visitors.
Besides getting your outdoor coffee-making skills polished you’ll also need to consider a few other factors:
- Cost – Are you happy to use a $2 filter holder for your pour over or are you willing to spend $30 or $40 on something a little fancier? Some backpacking mess kits come with a basic coffee attachment
- Filters – If you’re going with an option that uses paper filters you’ll have to carry them out with you or burn them in your campfire. Leave no trace.
- Group size – Are you just making some for yourself or will you be on coffee duty for a group of people?
- Size and weight – If you’re camping then you might be ok with something a little bigger and heavier. Your backpacking coffee solution should preferably be light and easy to slip into your pack.
Some Environmental and Ethical Issues
Besides choosing a brewing method that works for you, it’s worth sparing a thought for the ethical and environmental implications of your choices.
Buying ethically sourced coffee that’s grown in an environmentally responsible way takes just a little research and can have significant impacts.
Choosing a brewing method that doesn’t require disposable filters is not only a more sustainable choice but also saves you the hassle of disposing of or hiking out with more waste.
When you’re getting rid of your coffee grounds you’re also better off burying them or scattering them a fair distance from your camp.
You’re not the only one that likes the smell of coffee. If you want to keep your campsite bear and critter free then get rid of those grounds properly.
Final Thoughts Camp Coffee
If you know how to make a good cup of coffee at home then there’s no reason why you can’t do the same in the great outdoors.
Some of your options may be limited depending on how light you’re traveling and how long you stay in one spot. If you’re camping then you could probably get away with a bigger, bulkier coffee brewing solution like a percolator.
If you’re backpacking and want to keep it light, then you’re probably better off with an Aeropress or a simple pour-over. Whatever you do, just don’t go over to the dark side. Drinking instant coffee will always disappoint and will rightly earn you a few raised eyebrows from your fellow hikers.
If you start with some really good, fresh ground coffee and get your water temperature right then chances are you’re going to have a great start to your day.
In conclusion, the journey to finding the best camping coffee is as diverse and personal as the great outdoors itself. Whether you prefer the simplicity of instant coffee or the ritual of a carefully brewed pour-over, the key is to find what works best for you.
Embrace the adventure, experiment with different methods, and let your love for coffee enrich your camping experience. After all, there’s no better way to start a day of adventure than with a cup of your favorite brew, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
FAQs
Ah, the age-old question for coffee-loving hikers! The best method depends on your taste and how much you’re willing to carry. For minimalists, instant coffee offers simplicity and lightweight packing.
If you’re after quality, a portable coffee press or a hand-held espresso maker might be right up your alley. Remember, the best way is the one that suits your adventure style and coffee preference. Experiment with different methods to find your perfect campsite brew.
Absolutely! For a no-frills approach, try cowboy coffee. Boil water, add coffee grounds directly into the pot, let it steep, then carefully pour out your coffee, leaving the grounds behind. It’s simple, traditional, and doesn’t require any special gear. Plus, it gives you that authentic outdoor experience. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, keeping our trails as pristine as they were when you arrived.
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