Bee-lining it to your nearest coffee vendor is not an option while camping. No matter how difficult camping may be, no one should have to go a day without their caffeine fix. This is why learning how to make coffee while camping could save you an extra trip to the local coffee shop.
We know coffee enthusiasts would love to take their coffee maker camping but that would be tedious and inefficient. Also, attempting to make coffee while in the wild with no experience or know-how could result in bitter and burnt coffee. Using the options below will ensure that your next trip is filled with a rich and delightful brew every time.
For the best options on brewing coffee while traveling, here are portable methods that work well.
The Percolator
If you were to rummage through your parents’ camping supplies and find a bright-blue enamel percolator, it’s likely that it still works perfectly and can brew several cups of coffee in one sitting. Coffee percolators are a great option for the environmentally conscious camper who doesn’t like to use a paper filter for every brew.
The coffee percolator comes with a built-in metal filter basket and in two options. As a stand-alone percolator or in an electric hook-up for quick brewing. Which one you use will depend on the type of hook-ups you have at your campsite (generator, on-site electric, or just an all-natural campfire).
Percolators use boiling water to flow up into a tube and pass through the metal basket filled with coffee grounds. The searing hot water brews the coffee essence out and downward back into the percolator, for a hot cup of coffee every time.
Ideal for
Big camping groups that could use servings up to 14 cups in one sitting.
Cons
If using a stand-alone percolator, getting an evenly distributed heat source for a perfect boil can be challenging. Alternatively, using an electric percolator would prevent any of the aforementioned issues.
To make coffee using a percolator, you will need:
- A heat source (i.e. camp stove, grill, or campfire, electric hook-up)
- A stovetop percolator
- Fresh, coarsely, or finely ground coffee
- Water
- Your favorite coffee mug(s), like these ceramic camping mugs
Procedure
Using a percolator to brew your coffee is the best way to make coffee while camping, but doing so takes patience and practice. The biggest challenge is not overcooking the coffee.
- Place the percolator on a solid surface to prevent spilling. Pour water into the designated ‘fill line’ marked on the body of the percolator.
- Add coffee grounds to filter, close lid.
- Place the pot over a heat source, or plug it in if it’s electric (and your hooked up to electricity at your campsite, or have a handy generator)
- Once the water boils, move the percolator away from direct heat and towards a lower flame.
- Allow the coffee to percolate for 5 minutes
- Remove percolator from the heat source.
- Serve your coffee and have a great time!
The AeroPress
Image: Unsplash
The AeroPress’ small size and ease of use make it a fantastic option for those looking to make a morning cup of coffee while camping.
The Aero Press makes a quick beverage because the grounds are fully immersed in water, resulting in a less acidic and bitter drink. Plus, it is quick to brew.
Pros and Cons
This coffee kit can serve 2-3 people. Transporting the AeroPress is a breeze. How easy or complicated the brewing process is, is up to you.
What you’ll need
- An AeroPress
- Micro-Filter for AeroPress, Reusable filters highly recommended
- Clean drinking water
- Grill, Stove, or Campfire
- Favorite brand of coffee grounds
- Favorite coffee mug, like these enamel mugs
Procedure
The AeroPress is an easy and user-friendly coffee maker. You’ll enjoy the perfect cup of coffee if you follow these standard steps recommended by the manufacturer:
- Insert a micro-filter and tighten the cap.
- Place the AeroPress on top of your mug.
- Insert coffee grounds into the chamber.
- On a camp stove, place a kettle of water until boiling.
- Fill the chamber with hot water.
- Mix the coffee and the water together for 10 seconds.
- Wet the rubber seal then insert the plunger into the chamber and pull it out to remove excess water
- Pour your contents into a mug
The French Press
Image: Unsplash
Taking the top place for fanciest brewing apparatus, The French Press is the bigger and more upscale sibling of the AeroPress. French Press coffee is one of the most popular ways to make strong coffee while camping.
The French Press is usually a cylindrical-shaped glass container with a plunging built-in disc filter screen. Coffee can be brewed by pressing the filter downwards so that the hot water drains through your choice of coarsely ground coffee. Once you have everything in place, coffee will be done in no time.
There are several reputable companies that have also made outdoor french press models, so you don’t have to worry about traveling with a delicate version. They come in insulated stainless steel or wrapped in a cloth sleeve that is water-resistant.
Ideal For
Serving 1-2 people, small camping groups, backpackers, or extreme adventurers that are traveling into the backcountry would benefit from this system. Outdoor luxuries are limitless when you pair a French Press with a lightweight cook system.
Cons
If you don’t use coarse coffee grounds, the filter of the french press may not properly plunge down the coffee grinds and ould end up in your coffee.
What you’ll need
- French Press or French Press Attachment
- Coarse ground coffee
- Heat source (i.e. camp stove, grill, or campfire)
- Water
- Sleek aluminum coffee cup
Procedure
While French Press coffee makers look complicated, the process is simple. You can enjoy a robust dark brew of coffee by following some easy guidelines:
- Fill the French Press with your favorite coffee blend.
- Gently stir in very hot water, and stir carefully
- Put the plunger in, but do not press down.
- After allowing the coffee to steep for 3-4 minutes, slowly press the plunger downward. You will need to apply a certain amount of downward pressure.
- Pour yourself a mug of your favorite brew and relax.
The Single-Serve Pour-Over
There are two types of coffee drinkers in the world: The everyday enthusiast and the “pour-over” only fan. If you’re in the latter category, fortunately, the following selection is exclusively for you. Making coffee while camping is easiest when using the single-serve pour-over system.
A new trend hitting the trails aims to bring pour-over brew kits into the wild. For the people who like to trek to the outdoors frequently, several coffee companies have fashioned premium pour-over coffee packets combined with a custom-fitted mug.
A single-serving pour-over alternative that marries convenience with quality, this method is great for the person who prefers a simpler way to make delicious coffee.
Ideal For:
People who enjoy a super quick and easy brew of coffee with no frills. No need for product care, just toss packages in your camp bag and go!
Cons
Packaging used can add up to more waste than using a reusable container to make coffee. Slower brew time.
What you’ll need
- A supply of single-serve pour-over packets, or a pour-over coffee dripper
- Your favorite coffee cup
- Heat source, to boil water
- Cup of water
Procedure
There are many ways that you could brew a pour-over depending on the brand, and each method varies slightly. Generally, all you have you do is attached the pre-packaged bag of coffee and anchor it to your coffee mug, slowly drip hot water over the bag and let it drip. Add a little warm milk for extra comforting qualities.
Refreshing Cold Brew
Hauling your small kitchen when traveling is enough of a challenge. You don’t have to add more work that requires you to boil water, grind beans and purchase an additional piece of equipment to travel with.
Having cold brew as an option is great because it doesn’t require any heating elements, and will provide an additional cooling effect for those who like cold beverages. Whether for breakfast or lunch, walking over to your cooler and grabbing a cold brew is the most convenient form of getting your caffeine for the day.
Cold brew and cold brew concentrate like any other black coffee provide the perfect boost for a hot summer day or after an arduous mountain hike.
Cold Brew coffee is brewed at room temperature or in cold water for over 12 to 24 hours, which allows it to take on a punchy, bold flavor as opposed to a cooked roasted flavor.
Ideal For:
People who enjoy cold beverages, smooth flavors, and convenience.
Cons
Some brands could have more caffeine than others, so it’s best to check how many mg you could be having in 8oz. Also, be aware that Iced Coffee, is different from Cold Brew.
What you’ll need
- Cold Brew Single Serving Coffee, or Concentrate
- A cup, like this glass and silicone tumbler to show off your icy coffee.
- Ice
- Water (if you are using a concentrate)
Procedure
Simply purchase, store and retrieve when ready to drink. For cold brew concentrate, dilute your brew with an equal amount of water. You can then add your favorite cold milk or creamer.
Instant Coffee
Just as the name implies, instant coffee is for anyone that is looking for that immediate satisfaction of a warm, delicious cup of coffee, without the frills of brewing a fresh pot.
Plenty of brands are jumping on the bandwagon and creating better quality blend of coffee. However you like your coffee brew quick and east than Instant coffee will definitely be your go-to.
Instant coffee is arguably the most lightweight, packable, easy-to-use option on this list. So, if you’re the kind of camper, backpacker, or adventurer that’s willing to sacrifice a tiny bit of quality for a ton of convenience, instant coffee is for you.
Best For
Backpackers, hikers, and campers that are no-frills coffee drinkers.
Difficulty
Easy to pack, super lightweight, and minimal cleaning required. It doesn’t get much easier than pour, stir and enjoy, which is precisely what you can expect from instant coffee.
What you’ll need
- Instant Coffee Blend
- Heat source (i.e. camp stove, grill, or campfire)
- A cup
- Water
Method
If you’re drinking instant coffee, it’s because you like to keep things simple so let’s not overcomplicate things – just pour the contents into your cup, add hot water, and stir!
Extra Coffee Kit Tips
- For the freshest brew of all don’t forget to get a grinder to grind your coffee beans.
- Use a percolator for groups above 2-4 people.
- If you want your coffee strong, go with a Robusta coffee bean as opposed to an arabica coffee.
- If you want to figure out your favorite coffee flavor, attempt to try all these methods.
