How To Make Coffee While Camping?

For outdoor enthusiasts and campers, a good cup of coffee is an essential component of their adventure. Little can compare to waking up to a breathtaking view and realizing that you’ve left the noise and rush of everyday life behind. But what if you’ve also forgotten something you can’t do without – a coffee maker?

Going camping without caffeine is the type of mistake you only make once. To prevent this dilemma, we’ve put together a list of our favorite ways to brew coffee in the great outdoors. Fortunately, there are numerous methods to relish a flavorful brew amidst nature. Our camp coffee picks aren’t necessarily ranked in order of the quality of coffee they produce (though it’s pretty close). Instead, we’ve organized them based on how convenient they are to use.

To make great camping coffee, there are three incredible rules that apply universally:

1. Grind fresh high-quality coffee:

Remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for”? This holds true for coffee. The good news is that brewing your own coffee will never cost as much as buying it at a coffee shop.

It’s best to use whole beans and grind them right before brewing. While carrying a grinder may not be convenient for everyone, it’s worth the effort. Coffee’s flavor degrades when exposed to air, and ground coffee has a larger surface area exposed to the air, so it degrades more quickly. If possible, consider bringing a hand grinder like the Porlex Mini.

2. Avoid boiling your coffee:

Please don’t do it! The ideal brewing temperature is between 200 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. If you boil your coffee (which occurs at 212 degrees F depending on elevation), especially for an extended period, it will taste burnt.

3. Filter your coffee:

A coffee filter removes the coffee grounds and produces a clean, smooth cup. You can use a French press or other brewing methods, but use a filter to remove sediment or grit.

What Are 8 Ways Of Making Coffee In The Wilderness?

1.Cowboy Coffee – ever watched a western movie with a bunch of cowboys sitting around the fire? This method takes minimal gear and great for day trips hiking

2. Camping Percolator – brewing coffee this way will taste better than cowboy coffee, ideal for large groups making up to 12 cups

3. French Press – designed to withstand the conditions of camping, built durable and compact for whatever adventures are planned

4. Portable Espresso Maker – if your camping with a bunch of coffee lovers this method might not be the best suit. Serves single espresso shots within 5 minutes

5. Coleman Quickpot Coffee Maker – the only difference between making coffee at home and this way is the heat source. Simply place over a fire or propane heat source and start brewing

6. Aeropress Coffee Maker – this method has been around for years, add boiling water into the coffee grounds and let it sit. Often comes with a measuring kit for easy use

7. Jetboil Flash Java Kit – built specifically for making fresh coffee in record time, boils water in under 2.5 minutes and easy to clean up

8. Pour Over Coffee – this method of making coffee is simple, add boiling water to the coffee grinds and let gravity do the rest

Pour Over Travel Mug

Our following recommendation is the pour-over travel mug technique. These mugs combine the best features of a basic pour-over but are more costly and less portable.

You’ll still need to heat the water separately, but then pour the hot water over your coffee grounds like a typical pour-over. If you’re feeling especially resourceful, search for a model with a filter. Some mugs come with a steel mesh filter, so you won’t need to bring any filters or deal with used ones (although you’ll still have to clean the steel filter properly after each use).

Cowboy Coffee

The oldest and most traditional method of making coffee while camping is also known as “cowboy coffee.” This method is as dependable as it is easy to execute, even though it may not create the best coffee. We admire its raw ruggedness.

Instructions:

Begin by boiling some water and adding your coffee grounds. Give the mixture a quick stir and let it boil for a few minutes. When the coffee is fully brewed, cautiously pour it into your mug. If you’re feeling particularly tough, go ahead and sip the coffee gradually, using your teeth to strain out some of the coffee grounds and spitting them to the side.

Alternatively, after the grounds have floated to the surface, you can try your best to remove as many as possible by skimming them off. You may not be able to get rid of everything, but that’s all right – you’re roughing it, after all.

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French Press

French Press camp coffee holds a special place in our hearts; it’s an outdoor method. A wide range of compact French presses are made specifically for camping, and it’s worth exploring what might be the best fit for you.

Many of these models offer more capabilities than simply coffee making and providing countless cups of delicious and often much-needed coffee. For example, you’ll find options that allow you to boil water (which can be used for cooking), and then coffee all in one container. This could be useful for you. A French press option will mean packing something heavier and bulkier, but if you can use it to serve a double purpose, it may be a great option.

Percolator

You may not realize it, but you’re likely familiar with the camping percolator. The brewer device is ideal for serving large groups of campers as long as they are not too particular about the quality of their coffee. These classic yet practical devices have been a part of American culture since 1880 and are often depicted brewing over a campfire.

Percolators are typically made of enamelware and have a recognizable glass button top and aluminum filter. They come in larger 8-12 cup sizes, making them perfect for stationary camping trips in the mountains but not ideal for lugging around on a hike.

AeroPress Coffee Maker

The Aeropress is an innovative coffee maker that combines the techniques of pour-over, French press, and pneumatic press to produce a remarkably smooth and full-bodied cup of coffee. Its fast brewing time, effortless cleaning process, and small size have earned it the position of our preferred coffee maker for camping expeditions over the last five years.

Several factors make the Aeropress stand out as our go-to option. First, it offers a high degree of adjustability in terms of coffee strength, ranging from a mild morning brew to a robust espresso. Additionally, it is remarkably compact, as all components, including our Porlex grinder, can be easily nested together.

Portable Espresso Maker

If you plan to go backpacking or hiking and start your day with a shot of espresso in a different location, then an ultra-lightweight espresso maker is a perfect choice. The WACACO Minipresso portable espresso machine is a compact and lightweight coffee maker that allows you to enjoy freshly brewed espresso wherever you go. Its ergonomic design features a semi-automatic piston that extracts the coffee with just a few pumps of your hand, without electricity or batteries.

Stovetop Espresso Maker

Stovetop espresso makers, also called “Moka pots,” have been a long-standing European tradition and are known for producing bold and flavorful coffee. To use a Moka pot, fill the bottom compartment with water, fill the coffee basket with finely ground coffee, and screw the upper and lower chambers together.

When purchasing a stovetop espresso maker, consider the size and material. They come in various sizes, from 1 to 12 cups, and are made from aluminum, stainless steel, or other materials. Aluminum is the most common and affordable material, but stainless steel is more durable and easy to clean.

Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker

The Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy outdoor adventures. This coffee maker is designed to brew up to 10 cups of delicious coffee in 18 minutes, making it an excellent choice for camping trips, tailgating events, or backyard gatherings.

The coffee maker is powered by a standard 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, which can be easily attached to the side of the unit. The glass carafe is made of durable, shatter-resistant material and features a convenient handle for easy usepouring. In addition, the removable filter basket allows you to add your favorite ground coffee easily, and the Pause, ‘N Serve feature, lets you pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is complete.

Stanley Pour Over Coffee Maker

Introducing the Stanley Pour Over Coffee Maker, your new favorite way to brew a fresh cup of coffee in the morning! This coffee maker is designed to bring out the full flavors and aromas of your favorite coffee beans, producing a rich and satisfying cup of coffee every time. The stainless steel filter ensures that all the natural oils and flavors are extracted from the coffee, while the double-walled, vacuum-insulated carafe keeps your coffee hot for up to 12 hours.

Using the Stanley Pour Over Coffee Maker is simple and convenient. Add your preferred coffee grounds to the filter, pour hot water over them, and let the coffee drip into the carafe. The reusable filter eliminates the need for paper filters, making it an eco-friendly option for coffee lovers.

Jetboil Flash Java Kit

The Jetboil Flash Java Kit is a fantastic addition to any coffee lover’s outdoor gear and a must-have for coffee lovers who enjoy camping or backpacking. This compact and lightweight kit functions as a French press, similar to the GSI Javapress, but with the added convenience of attaching it to your standard Jetboil pot lid.

The centerpiece of the kit is the Jetboil Flash stove, which features a built-in piezo igniter and an efficient cooking system that boils water in just 100 seconds. The stove is fueled by a small propane canister, making it easy to pack and transport.

Final Thoughts

While there are many ways to make coffee while camping, the best method is the one that works best for the individual camper’s taste, preference, and equipment availability. The article encourages campers to experiment with different brewing methods and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in the great outdoors.