How To Make Coffee While Tent Camping

7 Ways To Make Incredible Camping Coffee

There’s something amazing, even transforming, about that first cup of coffee in the morning, especially on a chilly, early morning when sitting by the campfire with your friends. As part of our ongoing endeavor to improve the art of brewing camping coffee, we’ve tested with nearly every technique now available. It’s a process that we thoroughly love, so we wanted to share seven of the methods we’ve discovered for making amazing camping coffee with you.

First, The 3 Cardinal Rules to Brewing Camp Coffee

For producing excellent camping coffee, there are three fundamental criteria that are nearly universally followed:

• The old cliché “you get what you pay for” is never more accurate than when it comes to coffee, and the good news is that brewing your own will never be as expensive as buying coffee from a drive-thru.

• The best method is to utilize whole beans that are ground soon before ingestion.

• Not everyone enjoys the convenience of carrying along a coffee grinder. We recommend using a hand grinder like the Porlex Mini (more on this below) if you have the room. However, because coffee’s flavor decreases when it is exposed to air, we advocate grinding your coffee before serving it
• Otherwise, it will decay more quickly than whole bean coffee.

• Do not, under any circumstances, do this step. Between 200 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal brewing temperature for most beverages. If the coffee is cooked (212 degrees F depending on elevation), it will develop a burned flavor, especially if it is boiled for an extended period of time.

*(This article contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.) If you make a purchase after clicking on one of our affiliate links, we may get a small compensation at no additional cost to you. (For more information, please see our complete disclosure.)

Cowboy Camping Coffee

Since the Boston Tea Party in 1773, coffee has been considered a mainstay of American culture and history. The pioneers who trekked the wilds of early America took coffee with them, valuing it as highly as they did tobacco and whiskey. As the new world extended westward, the pioneers brought coffee with them as well. Whenever they paused to set up camp, coffee provided the necessary boost to get them started on the next day’s expedition. When it came to making camp coffee, they went with a basic approach that wasn’t complicated by all of the gadgetry we’ve come to know (and like) in contemporary life.

Supplies needed:

• A basic 9 cup stainless percolator * (without the percolator device) has been a favorite of ours for years, and the MSR Titan Kettle * is fantastic for single servings
• A portable coffee maker coffee with a coarse grind that is popular
• Cup for coffee while camping
• The heat source should be a campfire’s hot coals if you want to go for the old-fashioned experience, but any camping stove will suffice.

How to Make Cowboy Camping Coffee

1. Create a heat source for your home. Fill your camping coffee pot halfway with COLD water. 1 heaping spoonful of coarse ground coffee per 12 cups water is the ratio to use. Optional: Adding an egg shell or two from breakfast to the stew is also customary in order to give the dish more substance. This is something that John Steinbeck mentions in his novel “Travels with Charley.” Cook over medium heat until the ideal brewing temperature is reached. Keep in mind that if you’re cooking over an open fire, the cooking time will almost certainly take longer due to the unpredictability of the heat. Because you are unlikely to have a thermometer to determine when the water has reached the ideal 200-205 degrees, we recommend that you monitor the water attentively and remove it from the heat at the first symptoms of boiling – DO NOT allow it to get to a rolling boil. After removing the pan from the heat, add a shot (1oz or so) of cold water and allowing the grounds to settle (this normally takes 5 minutes or so)
2. Pour some wine and relax! Similarly to the frontiersmen and cowboys who came before you.

Remove the grounds (which are biodegradable) from the bottom of the pot and wash your camping coffee pot, and you’re finished. This is arguably the second most straightforward technique of cleaning up after a camping coffee session (behind instant).

Percolator Camping Coffee

I can remember going on camping excursions with my grandparents in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California when I was a kid, and it was a wonderful experience. I recall my grandpa making his daily cup of coffee in an old enamel percolator over his vintage Coleman gas burner every morning before the sun came up. It was a tradition for him. Even now, as I crawl out of our tents, I can almost smell the lovely perfume that filled the campsite while we slept soundly in our sleeping bags.

When not completed properly, it has the tendency to be a little dry and bitter, which is reminiscent of the era in which they were born and raised.

Supplies needed:

• *Coletti 9-cup stainless steel percolator
• A favorite coarse ground coffee
• A camping coffee mug Heat Source – hot coals from a campfire may be used with this approach as well, although a regular camping stove is recommended for constancy of heat.

How to Make Percolator Camping Coffee

1. Removing the percolator equipment and filling it with cold water is recommended. Replace the percolator equipment in its original location. Optional: It is possible to moisten and place a disc filter into the grinds basket at this stage if you so want. Fill the grounds basket halfway with coarse ground coffee (we recommend 1 heaping spoonful per cup of water), install the grounds cover, and seal the top – ensuring care to align the siphon stem with the sight-glass before closing the lid. Medium-heat should be applied until the first apparent eruption of water via the siphon can be seen in the sight-glass (do not breach cardinal rule2! )
2. We’ve found that 10 minutes is an adequate brewing time with this approach, so reduce the heat (or remove it from the fire) and allow it to splutter. Once the coffee has been made to your satisfaction, carefully lift the top and remove the percolator equipment, which will be quite hot
3. Pour the coffee into a cup and sip it after a couple of minutes to allow any grinds to settle. Breakfast is best served over an open campfire with bacon and eggs, exactly how grandfather and grandma used to do it.

Clear the grounds (and disc filter if you want to use one) by putting the grounds basket into the garbage, disassembling the percolator equipment (siphon, grounds basket, basket cover), and washing all pieces of the percolator device as well as the pot.

This is without a doubt one of the more challenging techniques of making camping coffee to clean up out of the seven available options. For more information on how to perfect this camping coffee technique, see our in-depth tutorial on how to Master the Art of Using a Camping Coffee Percolator.

Espresso Pot Camping Coffee

When you’re camping, you may find yourself in need of coffee. Perhaps you ascended the Mount Whitney Trail the day before and are feeling the effects of the 6100 feet of elevation gain like a freight train as you descend. Consider the following scenario: it is 4 a.m. and you want to watch the sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain. Alternatively, you could like to spend an hour or so tweaking about your campground. In all of these situations, espresso pot camping coffee is one of the most effective means of delivering coffee.

Supplies needed:

• Espresso Pot – TheBialetti Moka Express * is the gold standard and has been in use for almost a century, with cup sizes ranging from 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 cups, or GSI offers the highly regardedMini Espresso * in 4 cup and 1 cup variations
• The use of a supplementary pot to boil water – such as the MSR Titan Kettle *
• An all-time favorite medium-ground coffee that falls midway between espresso and course
• Cup for coffee while camping
• For this, you’ll want to utilize your camp stove as a heat source.

How to make Espresso Pot Camping Coffee

1. To begin, bring the secondary pot of water to a rolling boil. Fill the bottom chamber of the espresso pot all the way up to the fill line with the water that has just come off the boil. Fill the grounds basket halfway with the grounds and level out the grounds with your finger (do not crush the grounds)
2. Screw on the upper chamber (or spout, in the case of the GSI MiniEspresso) once you’ve placed the grounds basket in the bottom chamber. Place the espresso pot on a low-medium heat (with an emphasis on the low) and wait for the delicious coffee to begin oozing into the upper chamber – in our experience, this usually takes about 6-10 minutes**If it’s spurting like a volcano, your heat is too high
3. If it’s dripping like a waterfall, your heat is too low
4. If it’s dripping like a waterfall, your heat is too high
5. If it’s spurting like If you see the color of the leaking coffee pouring into the top chamber (or cup in the case of the GSI MiniEspresso) changing to a golden honey hue, it’s time to turn off the heat on the espresso pot. **This step, in conjunction with pre-boiling the water in step 1, helps prevent your camping coffee from acquiring a metallic flavor from the pot. Prepare an espresso and experience the thrill of a great camp coffee espresso – or create an Americano by adding 50 percent hot water with the espresso

Cleaning Instructions: Disassemble the top and bottom chambers, remove and dump the grounds basket, rinse, wash with biodegradable soap, rinse again, and then dry. To learn more about how to make espresso while camping, be sure to read our in-depth article on how to Master the Art of Using a Camping Espresso Maker for additional information.

Instant Camping Coffee (OR Steeped Camp Coffee)

There are times when the energy just isn’t there, and when all of the bother and accessories that go into making amazing camping coffee seem much too tough to manage. Some booze the night before, it being a little too cold outside the sleeping bag, or perhaps you’re simply feeling sluggish on this particular day. That’s fine; instant camping coffee will help you get through the rest of your day with ease. Fortunately, it’s now far more tasty than it was previously!

Supplies Needed:

1. Using the heat source, bring the pot to a simmer, just bringing it to a boil (again, 200-205 degrees F is ideal)
2. Remove the lid of the instant coffee package and pour the amount of coffee you desire into your camping cup or mugs. Our preference is for robust coffee, and we’ve found that one entire packet to two glasses of water is exactly great for us. Pour in the water, mix, leave it sit for a minute, then stir one more, and you’re finished! ** If you’re making steeped coffee, we recommend adding the steeping bags to the hot water in your camping cup and leaving them to steep for 5-6 minutes for a delicious strong brew
3. If you’re making tea, we recommend adding the steeping bags to the hot water in your camping mug. Enjoy

Dispose of the package or steeping bag and you’re finished!

Pour Over Camping Coffee

The pour over method, which is second only to the instant method in terms of simplicity and speed, is one of the most straightforward and fastest ways to prepare an outstanding cup of camping coffee. Additionally, it is excellent for brewing coffee for big gatherings – assuming that you have a large enough camping carafe to hold it all. This technique is hypnotic and almost meditative when done correctly, and the outcome is an amazing cup of camp coffee.

Supplies Needed:

1. Make sure everything is assembled (in this example, the GSI Javadrip) and place the pour over dripper onto your camping mug or carafe
2. Start by bringing your water up to an optimum near-boiling temperature. When water has reached the desired temperature, soak the filter and insert it in the dripper. Fill the dripper halfway with water and gently tap the dripper to level off the grinds
3. Repeat with another cup of water. Remove your water from the heat and, starting at the outside edge of the grounds and working your way in a spiral towards the center, carefully pour roughly a 14 cup (or just enough to moisten the grounds) of water over the grounds
4. Wait around 30 seconds and then gaze contemplatively at the sun coming up just over the trees in the distance, taking in the incredible beauty of these wilds. Now begin carefully pouring the remaining of the water into the container, starting in the middle and spiraling outward to the edge and back again into the center – this will assist to rotate the grounds more evenly. Take a while to let the waterline to drop to a level that is just above that of the ground, then repeat the process two more times, pouring roughly one-third of your water each time
5. Remove the dripper and enjoy your camping coffee in a zen-like state of delicious euphoria as the morning fire crackles and the creek boils in the background (or prepare for the kid(s) to wake up and wreck havoc on your morning)
6. Remove the dripper and enjoy your camping coffee in a zen-like state of delicious euphoria as the morning fire crackles and the creek boils in the background

Cleaning Instructions: Remove the four biodegradable filters containing grinds and dispose of them in the garbage, rinse and wash the dripper with biodegradable soap, rinse and wash again, dry, and you are finished.

French Press Camping Coffee

Camping coffee made with a French press has a special place in our hearts. Throughout our second and most exciting journey across the American West, we relied on this approach to serve hundreds of excellent and often desperately needed cups of coffee every day. Our first experience with genuine coffee was also our first introduction to a world outside of the drab machines that decorated our parents’ kitchens on a regular basis as children. As a result, our French Press camping coffee absorbed all of the excitement, adventure, and thrill of our voyage and that period of our life.

Supplies Needed:

• It’s best to use a French press for camping coffee – theGSI JavaPress * works well because it’s tiny, inexpensive, and comes with its own koozie to keep that black gold nice and hot
• A pot to boil water (for 1-2 people, an MSR Titan Kettle * will suffice)
• Coffee with a medium grind
• Mug for acamping
• Anything that causes water to boil is considered a heat source.

How to Make French Press Camping Coffee

1. Bring water to a near-boiling temperature if desired
2. Take the plunger out of the French Press and set it aside. Prepare your French Press by adding medium ground coffee in a ratio of 1.5 teaspoons per cup of water to the brew chamber
3. Set aside. Using a gentle swirl, slowly add the necessary amount of water and mix for around 10-15 seconds
4. Insert the press plunger back into the machine and let it to rest slightly above the water or ground. To brew, let it sit for around 4 minutes (we’ve found that this is a decent length of time for us, but you may change it to your preference)
5. To extract the coffee grounds from the coffee, apply gentle downward pressure to the plunger for around 10-15 seconds to “press” the grounds out of the coffee
6. Once the press is squeezed to the bottom (with the plugger in place), you’ll be ready to pour a lovely cup of french press camp coffee.

Taking Down:This is one of the more time-consuming techniques of taking down, mostly due to the fact that the grinds become embedded in the mesh plunger over time.

Discard grinds from the brew chamber and rinse the brew chamber and plunger completely with biodegradable soap and water, repeat the rinse process, and dry the brew chamber and plunger after each use.

Aeropress Camping Coffee

The Aeropress has quickly become our preferred way of preparing our camping coffee, to the point that it has earned a spot on our Top 10 List of Truck Camping Gear and Accessories! We have enjoyed and continue to love each of the ways covered in this post; nevertheless, there are multiple reasons why Aeropress is our method of choice for the following reasons: The brew is very flexible – everything from a gentle morning brew to a rich espresso is doable; it’s quite compact because everything (including our Porlex grinder) nests together; and, because to the air-gap procedure in the press, clean-up is a breeze!

It’s also a very reasonable price!

Supplies Needed:

• Aeropress * – we recommend that you get the kit that includes the storage bag because there are various pieces and this provides a simple method to keep everything organized

• The plunger, brew chamber, and filter basket are the three basic components of the system.

• Filters for the Aeropress (included in the set) – while they do makemesh reusable filters *, we prefer the biodegradable filters because they retain more water in the brewing chamber. coffee that has been ground to a medium fineness Pot to boil water in (for 1-2 people, an MSR Titan Kettle * will suffice)
• Cup for coffee while camping
• Source of heat – anything that can bring water to a boil will suffice. Optional: A grinder such as thePorlex Mini Grinder * is well suited for this procedure since it is very customizable and of excellent quality (**Note** Make sure you get the most recent model of the Porlex Mini because they made a substantial modification to the handle attachment-point design)

How to make Aeropress Camping Coffee

1. Heat water to the required temperature (200-205 degrees Fahrenheit, or slightly below the boiling point)
2. Place the filter in the filter basket and secure the basket to the brew chamber. Place your camping cup on top of the brew chamber/filter basket that has been built. Pour in medium-fine ground coffee (we use 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water) and stir well. Fill the brew chamber with the water that has just come off the boil
3. Allow the mixture to settle and drip for 10-15 seconds after stirring. As the brew chamber drains, top it off with the leftover water. Put in the plunger and slowly lower the pressure until the plunger reaches the bottom (this should take approximately 10 seconds) and you can hear the air pressing through the grounds
4. Remove the aeropress from your camping mug and take a sip of your favorite beverage

Clearing the Aeropress: Invert the Aeropress so that the filter basket is facing up, remove the filter basket, then press the grounds and filter into the trash can. After that, simply rinse the plunger, basket, and brew chamber, and you’re finished with the process! (We do wash with biodegradable soap and water every third or fourth use, at the very least. ) To learn more about how to make aeropress coffee while camping, check out our comprehensive guide, Master the Art of Aeropress Coffee While Camping.

We hope that the seven tips we’ve provided will assist you in your quest for the ideal cup of camping coffee on your next outdoor expedition.

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How to Make Coffee While Camping

We independently choose these items, and if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a commission. You may have to give up flush toilets, daily showers, sleeping in a bed, or having access to the internet, but you should never, ever have to give up your morning cup of java. Prior to pitching a tent in a remote wilderness campsite on the outskirts of town or glamping with a group of friends in a nearby park, you should be aware that there are several other convenient coffee brewing options to keep you highly caffeinated and awakened motivated on your next outdoor adventure, in addition to unplugging and packing Mr.

Percolator

If you’re rummaging through old camping gear in your parent’s basement, there’s a good chance you’ll come upon a fully functional bright-blue enamel percolator that has lasted the test of time. Coffee percolators have been around for hundreds of years and continue to be a popular choice among those who enjoy spending time outside. Why? Because this old-fashioned brew technique not only earns you vintage camp-vibe accolades, but it also provides a straightforward, non-electric means of brewing a satisfying cup of coffee in the great outdoors.

Percolators are quite simple devices that function by cycling hot water through coffee grinds in a circular motion. Water percolates (thus the name) through a tube that goes up into a metal basket containing your favorite coffee grinds as it comes to a boil.

Best For

Camping in a car, tent camping, or camping on a tight budget are all options. This method is most effective for making coffee for big groups of people who only have access to a campfire or a camp stove. It’s also a great option for campers who want to pay homage to their coffee-loving forefathers and foremothers.

Difficulty

Percolators are lightweight and portable, and they are simple to clean. Controlling the heat source and optimizing the boil duration, on the other hand, might make this brewing process more difficult to master than alternative procedures.

What you’ll need

• Coffee grounds
• A heat source (such as a camp stove, grill, or campfire)
• A coffee mug
• And a heat source

Method

Using a percolator to make the ideal cup of coffee will take some patience and experience on your part. One of the primary reasons percolators have gone out of favor is the bitter, dry tastes that may be produced when coffee is overdone, as described above. The following is the fundamental procedure for utilizing a percolator:

1. Completely fill the percolator with water until it reaches the stated “fill line”
2. Coffee should be added to the basket, with a filter used if necessary. Close the lid of the basket
3. Using the tube and basket, place them into the pot. Place the pot over a heat source to keep it warm. Immediately after the water begins to boil, turn down the heat source (move closer to the edge of a fire or lower the heat on a stove). Coffee should be allowed to percolate for 5-10 minutes, depending on personal liking. To do this, disconnect the percolator from the heat source. Enjoy

AeroPress

The AeroPress is the newest and hippest coffee brewing fad to hit the market in recent years. It is a tiny, simple-to-use coffee maker that produces an extraordinarily smooth and flavorful cup of coffee. Because the coffee grinds are completely submerged in hot water throughout the extraction process, the extraction time is extremely short, resulting in less acidity and bitterness in the final product. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the Aero Press is a completely personalized cup of coffee that can be consumed while on the go.

Our Favorite Coffee

In addition, LifeBoost is a health and environmental conscientious coffee company that offers only organic low acid coffee, which is the preferred coffee of our crew! They also provide our readers with a 50 percent discount for all first-time purchases. So give it a shot and you’ll see why it’s our go-to recipe! So, whether you’re wanting to wow your coffee-loving pals with elaborate formulae or you like to stick to the tried-and-true way of making coffee, there’s a recipe for you out there somewhere.

Best for: Campers, hikers, motorcyclists, and backpackers who are passionate about coffee and who travel in groups of 1-4.

Difficulty

It’s simple to transport, store, and clean. The brewing process, on the other hand, may be as simple or as intricate as you want it to be.

What you’ll need

• Packing, storing, and cleaning are all made simple. It is possible, however, to make the brewing procedure straightforward or complex according on your preferences.

Method

Using an AeroPress for coffee brewing may be regarded more of an art form than a simple coffee brewing procedure. A wide range of recipes and best-practices are available if you’re seeking for the perfect, individualized combination of herbs and spices. AeroPress, on the other hand, advises the following standard approach for beginners:

1. Coffee brewing using an AeroPress may be regarded more of an art form than a simple operation. If you’re seeking for the perfect, bespoke mix, there are several recipes and best-practices to choose from. But AeroPress advises novices to use the traditional approach, which is as follows:

French Press

The French Press would be the AeroPress’s bigger, swankier elder brother if the AeroPress had one. The French Press is often considered to be the greatest camping coffee maker, mostly because it requires little adjustment to be used in the great outdoors. Plunger and built-in filter screen are both found on the outside of a cylindrical container, which is designed to push hot water through coarsely ground coffee. That is all there is to it. The good news is that trusted outdoor companies like GSI have outfitted the well-known French Press with a tough, long-lasting wilderness makeover so you’ll never have to leave house without your favorite mix of coffee again.

Those firms, along with others, have stepped up the ante by producing French Press Plunger adapters that can be linked to their adaptable, lightweight backcountry cook systems, allowing you to practically brew coffee whenever you want, wherever you are.

Best For

People who are trekking into the bush with a lightweight cook system, camping in bigger groups, or who simply cannot live without a French press should consider purchasing one of these coffee accessories.

Difficulty

It’s simple to transport, store, and clean. The brewing procedure is very uncomplicated and easy to operate, making it suitable for even the most inexperienced coffee aficionados.

What you’ll need

• Coarsely ground coffee
• French press or French press attachment
• French press The use of a heat source (such as a camp stove, barbecue, or campfire)
• Water
• A coffee mug or a coffee cup

Method

Despite the fact that there are some variances to the brewing process, the French Press often appears to be a lot more sophisticated than it actually is. You can make one of the most delicious and powerful cups of coffee you’ve ever had by following a few easy steps.

1. Make a well in the bottom of your French Press or specialty cook system and pour in your chosen coffee mix
2. Stir in the coffee grinds slowly after pouring boiling water over them. Insert the plunger, but do not press the button. Continue to carefully press the plunger downward after letting the coffee to steep for 3-4 minutes
3. Pour some wine and relax

Single-Serve Pour Over

There are two categories of coffee drinkers in the world: those that drink coffee on a daily basis and those who “refuse to drink anything other than pour over.” If you fall into the latter category, you’re in luck. A new trend is making its way onto the trails, and it tries to answer the perennial challenge of how to get quality pour-over coffee into the wilderness in a practical manner. Companies such as Kuju Coffee have developed single-serve pour over premium coffee packets for a community of outdoor enthusiasts with the purpose of putting an end to the use of instant coffee in the wilderness in recent years.

For: Campers, hikers, and backpackers who just cannot function without their pour over and are not interested in sharing their stash.

Difficulty

It’s simple to pack, transport, and clean.

What you’ll need

• Packets of single-serve pour over tea are available
• Mug for coffee
• The use of a heat source (such as a camp stove, barbecue, or campfire)
• Water

Method

Instructions may vary depending on the coffee brand, but in general, you should fasten the pour over anchors to the side of your mug, pour hot water over the included coffee grinds, and allow the contents to drip into your drink until the coffee is absorbed.

Cowboy Coffee

Making coffee the old-fashioned way in the wild west is a great way to start your camping adventure if you’re traveling outside in quest of a nice old-fashioned, primitive camping experience. In fact, Cowboy Coffee has earned a long-standing reputation as the most realistic camp coffee available – so much so that the name itself conjures up images of a thrilling journey. If you want to have a cup of cowboy coffee these days, there is no requirement that you cook it over hot coals or corral a herd of rambunctious cattle.

To make cowboy coffee, all you have to do is combine coffee and heating water on a stovetop.

To top it all off, cowboy coffee may be brewed in big volumes and divided between your traveling companions if you have more than one coffee enthusiast in your company.

Backpackers who want to reduce the weight of their packs would benefit from this product. Groups of people who are camping, hiking, or backpacking and do not want to complicate the coffee-making procedure should use this method. Cowboys and Westerners are fans.

Difficulty

In general, this is one of the simplest techniques of making coffee. There is very minimal cleaning and little to no preparation required. What you’ll need is the following:

• Coffee grounds, water, and a heat source (such as a camp stove, grill, or campfire) are required. A crock or a pot

Method

Despite its modest roots, Cowboy Coffee may be prepared in a variety of creative ways. As a courtesy to our forefathers, we’ll keep things simple by giving the quickest and most conventional option available.

1. Fill a saucepan halfway with water
2. Place the pot over a campfire or on a stove to heat it. When the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat source immediately. Coffee grounds should be added. Ensure that the coffee grounds are well mixed. Allow the pot to sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the grinds to steep. Add a tiny quantity of cold water to the mixture
3. Carefully pour the coffee into your cup
4. This is important.

Cold Brew and/or Cold Brew Concentrate

There are several ways to avoid the need to boil water, grind coffee beans, purchase a coffee maker, or utilize unique tactics in order to satisfy your coffee needs. You only need to wake up, head to the cooler, and get a prepackaged, fully made cold brew or some cold brew concentrate. It’s that simple. When it comes to a pleasant cup of coffee on hot summer days or a lunchtime pick-me-up after a long hike in the mountains, cold brew and cold brew concentrate are the best options. They provide a totally personalized, refreshing dosage of caffeine without the theatrics of hot coffee alternatives.

Campers, hikers, and cyclists who have access to a cooler will benefit the most from this recipe.

Difficulty

Cold brew or cold brew concentrate requires little to no work in terms of packing and storage, and there is no cleaning necessary — simply toss away the bottle when you’re through.

What you’ll need

There are a variety of cold brew choices available on the market that may be purchased as is or customized to your preferences. When purchasing cold brew concentrate, it is advised that you dilute the brew with equal amounts of water, in addition to your preferred milk or creamer, before drinking it.

Instant Coffee

Exactly as the name indicates, instant coffee is intended for those who want the quick enjoyment of a hot, tasty cup of coffee without the hassle of making their own cup. Fortunately, with an increasing number of respected coffee companies getting on the instant-coffee bandwagon, the days of instant coffee being a last-ditch option are gradually passing away. Instant coffee is unquestionably the most portable, easily transportable, and simple-to-use choice on this list. For those who enjoy camping, backpacking, or adventuring but don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of quality in exchange for a great deal of convenience, instant coffee is the beverage for you.

Best For

Backpackers, hikers, and campers who want a simple cup of coffee with no frills.

Difficulty

Easy to transport, extremely lightweight, and requiring little maintenance. Pour, mix, and drink is about as simple as it gets when it comes to instant coffee, and that is exactly what you can expect from it.

What you’ll need

• A heat source (such as a camp stove, grill, or fire) and an instant coffee blend are required. A cup
• Water
• And a spoon

Method

Instant coffee is consumed because you like to make things easy; thus, do not overcomplicate matters by pouring the contents of the package into your cup, adding hot water, and stirring!

OXX CoffeeBoxx

Just by looking at the name, you should be able to tell that this coffee machine means business. You might get some snarky looks from your outdoor-loving pals for taking an industrial-grade single-cup coffee maker to the mountains, but it won’t stop them from line up to try out this crush-proof coffee anomaly for themselves. In addition to having a reputation as “The World’s Toughest Coffee Maker,” theOxx CoffeeBoxxis built to withstand the weather and can withstand a significant amount of abuse while hiking in remote areas of the world.

Long-term camping conditions, camping in a hard-sided vehicle, and outdoor office locations are the best uses for this product (i.e., construction jobs). Tailgating during the weekend.

Difficulty

The coffee machine itself is simple to use, but packing it, storing it, and locating an electrical outlet may be more difficult.

What you’ll need

• A coffee cup, K-cups, water, a 120-volt power outlet, an Oxx CoffeeBoxx, and other accessories

Method

a coffee cup, K-cups, water, a 120-volt power outlet, and Oxx CoffeeBoxx

Conclusion

There’s virtually no way to go wrong when it comes to brewing a fresh mix of coffee in the great outdoors, whether you attempt one technique or all of them. Whether you’re headed out into the wilderness or just hanging out by the campfire with pals, keep in mind that the only thing worse than a bad cup of coffee is none at all!

How to Make Camp Coffee for Camping and Backpacking

“Ah, nothing beats a hot cup of camp coffee in the morning.” It’s not just something I wish to have while I’m camping; it’s something I absolutely require when I’m camping! To those of you who are like me, coffee is a necessary element of your daily routine. When I first get up in the morning, the first thing I want is a steaming hot cup of coffee to help me get going in the morning. Fortunately, brewing coffee while camping isn’t too difficult. With the correct gear and a little know-how, it is ridiculously simple to go car camping, hiking, RV camping, or glamping, no matter where you are.

Table of Contents

1. What are the best methods for making camp coffee? What are the best camp coffee makers? How do you make coffee when backpacking?

Top 10 Best Ways to Make Camp Coffee

Let’s get this party started. Here are the top 10 greatest methods to brew camp coffee, in no particular order:

1. Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is a convenient and quick solution to satisfy your caffeine cravings when camping. Simply bring water to a boil, stir in the coffee mix, and serve. Instant coffee, despite the fact that it is inexpensive and convenient, does not always taste the best. Choosing a reputable brand is essential. Starbucks Via Italian Roast Instant Coffee is a favorite of mine. When I’m vehicle camping, I nearly always utilize a different approach, but it’s always quick and easy.

2. Coffee Bags

Coffee bags are similar to instant coffee in that they include ground coffee. However, instead of instantly dumping the grounds into the water, they are preserved in a “tea” bag until they are used. The effectiveness of this strategy is dependent on the selection of a brand that tastes excellent, much like instant coffee. Personally, I like Folgers Single Roast Coffee Bags over other brands. Another alternative is to make your own coffee bags from recycled materials. This approach is simple, lightweight, and requires little cleanup afterward.

3. Espresso Pot

An espresso pot is a tiny, lightweight camp coffee maker that you fill with your preferred espresso grinds before placing it on your camping burner and allowing it to come to a boil. Fresh coffee will trickle from the built-in spout into your impatiently awaiting mug once the water is boiling. When it comes to this approach, theGSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Potis my top option.

4. French Press

Making coffee with a French press is one of my favorite methods of brewing coffee at home. As a result, it is only logical to utilize it when camping. Bring water to a boil on your camping stove, then pour it over the grounds in your French press and allow it to steep for a few minutes. Craft Coffee suggests allowing it to soak for around four minutes altogether, according to their website.

Once the coffee has been separated from the grounds, push the plunger down to release the coffee. Almost any French press would suffice, but the Snow Peak Titanium French Press is my personal favorite.

5. Aero Press

AnAeroPressis without a doubt one of the most effective methods of preparing camp coffee or espresso. This one-of-a-kind apparatus functions in a similar way to a French press. What distinguishes the two methods is that a French press pushes coffee grinds to the bottom, while an AeroPress pushes coffee grounds to the top. Because of its tiny profile and lightweight design, the AeroPress is a favorite of mine for hiking coffee, in particular.

6. Pour-Over

Using the pour-over method to brew coffee while camping is another of my favorite methods to prepare coffee. It makes use of hot water that is gently poured over coffee grinds, allowing the grounds to drip into your mug. This approach, in my opinion, produces the best-tasting drip coffee when camping. Another feature that I appreciate is that the grounds and filter are never placed in the same holding jar as the hot coffee to avoid contamination. You pour them directly into the mug after passing them through the filter.

7. Percolator

With a percolator, you can bring camping coffee back to its roots. Using this approach, you may brew a huge amount of coffee at the same time, which is ideal for large groups of campers. Simply set the grounds in the basket, fill the vessel with water, and place the vessel on your camping stove. The water will boil up via a little pipe and then trickle through the basket containing the ground up coffee grounds. This approach is delectable, simple to use, and needs little cleaning afterward. TheGSI Outdoors Percolatoriis the model I prefer to use.

8. Camping Coffee Maker

Incredibly compact, the Coleman Camping Coffee Makerlooks and functions exactly like a standard coffee maker you may have at home. The most significant change is that there is no plug. Instead, you set the coffee maker over a burner on your camping stove, which will heat the coffee. The burner warms up the steel base, which subsequently heats up the water in the kettle. However, despite the fact that it is obviously not portable, this automobile camping coffee maker is a wonderful alternative for big groups of people.

9. Normal Coffee Maker

If you’re going RV camping, why not just bring your regular coffee machine from home with you? In addition to this, you may connect to a portable power source (you could even use electricity from the bathrooms or tent camp in a site with electric hookups). Although making camp coffee might be entertaining, nothing compares to the same fantastic tasting coffee you can make at home. For your next camping trip, make use of our RV rentals feature to hire an RV.

10. Cowboy Method

Thecowboy coffee methodis one of the most traditional methods of brewing coffee while on a camping excursion. Using it is identical to using a percolator, except that there is no basket involved. You just add the grinds into the same saucepan as the heating water, and the process is complete.

Making camping coffee in this manner is clearly a no-frills approach, albeit it does take a little effort to get the technique down well. You may anticipate camp cowboy coffee to be thicker than regular coffee, even if you have a lot of expertise.

My Favorite Way to Make Coffee While Camping

So, which of these 10 methods of brewing camp coffee is my personal favorite? I have to give credit where credit is due to the pour-over approach. Although the French press and AeroPress techniques also make excellent cups of coffee, the pour-over method, in my opinion, outperforms the others in terms of flavor. The flavor of pour-over coffee is excellent. It makes cleaning a breeze since it separates the grinds from the coffee grounds (especially with a filter). This solution is simple and quick to implement.

The main disadvantage is that you can only prepare one or two cups of coffee at a time.

What’s your preferred technique of brewing camp coffee, and why?

The Best Camp Coffee Makers in 2020

Now that you’re familiar with our favorite methods of brewing camping coffee, let’s have a look at some of the best camp coffee makers (as well as camp coffee accessories) on the market in 2020.

Stansport Aluminum Percolator

$ 30.99$ 17.79in stock2newfrom $17.791usedfrom$15.66in stock3usedfrom$15.66in stock4in stock5in stock6in stock7in stock8in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in stock9in Shipping is completely free. as at 1:39 p.m. on February 8, 2022 This Stansport coffee machine, which is composed of robust, rustproof aluminum, is yet another excellent alternative for making percolator coffee while on the go.

In addition, the stem and basket are included.

Stanley Coffee Press

As of February 6, 2022, 10:32 a.m., there was $ 70.00 in stock. This Stanley French Press is without a doubt one of our favorite backcountry coffee makers since it allows you to prepare coffee no matter how far into the woods you go. A double-wall vacuum insulated construction and an insulated steel cover provide the long-lasting durability that Stanley is recognized for (both of which also keep the contents hot for longer).

GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip

As of February 8, 2022, 1:39 p.m., there are $ 26.95 in stock5new from $26.95. With its tiny size and ability to collapse, this java drip is one of the best camping-specific coffee makers available today, making it a perfect choice for hiking. Despite its outstanding packability, it is a little heavier than other pour-overs on the market, which is to be expected. Having said that, it does have a broad base, which makes it suited for the majority of coffee cups and other beverage containers.

Coleman Portable InstaStart Coffee Maker

$ 209.95in stock & ready to ship Since February 8, 2022 at 1:39 p.m., there have been 4 new purchases for a total of $209.89.

Purchase the Coleman InstaStart Coffee Maker for the ultimate in convenience and pleasure when camping. This simple-to-use propane coffee maker warms up a wonderful cup of coffee in less than 15 minutes and requires no electricity. It’s ideal for both car camping and glamping trips alike.

OUTAD Portable Coffee Maker Set

$ 209.95available for immediate delivery. Since February 8, 2022 at 1:39 p.m., there have been 4 new purchases for a total of $109.89. When it comes to camping coffee, the Coleman InstaStart Coffee Maker is the best option. It takes less than 15 minutes for this simple propane coffee maker to prepare a wonderful pot of coffee. Car camping as well as glamping are both possible at this location.

Features

• Using one batch of the coffee grinder, you can grind up to 1.76oz (50g) of coffee bean. Depending on your preference, you may manufacture fine powder or coarse powder by turning the knob clockwise or counter-clockwise. This will fulfill your demands for any coffee drink, including Espresso, Drip, French Press, Cold Drip, and so on. English Mug and French Press are made of hard alumina. The coffee grinder is made of professional-grade stainless steel with a ceramic conical burr and the carry bag is made of oxford cotton. The OUTAD Portable Coffee Maker Set weights just 34oz (965g), making it ideal for backpacking, camping, picnics, road trips, and everyday usage at home. What You Get: 20fl.oz/600ml French Press Coffee Maker + Manual Coffee Grinder + 3 x 10fl.oz/300ml Mugs + Carry Bag
• 20fl.oz/600ml French Press Coffee Maker + Manual Coffee Grinder

This one-of-a-kind portable coffee set comes with everything you need to make coffee while camping, on a family road trip, or just about anyplace else you could find yourself. Two cups, a manual coffee grinder, a tiny French press, and other accessories are included. Everything fits neatly into the carrying bag that comes with the kit.

Coleman Enamel Mug

$ 3.99 available in stock 7new (was $3.94) Shipping is completely free. as at 1:39 p.m. on February 8, 2022

Features

• A premium Coleman product made from the highest-grade materials
• Camping cooking equipment cookware
• Yet another superb Coleman product.

Coleman’s classic good looks are reflected in the design of this enamel coffee cup. Furthermore, it is designed primarily for usage when camping or trekking. This little container holds only 12 oz, yet it is very effective. A rounded rim makes it simple to drink from, and it’s extremely sturdy and easy to clean (it can be cleaned in the dishwasher).

GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug

As of February 6, 2022, 10:32 a.m., the price was $10.95 out of stock. A better mug for your morning cup of coffee while trekking will be difficult to find than this one from GSI Outdoors. A ballistic-nylon shell and an insulated interior keep the contents of their 17-ounce Infinity Backpacker Mug hot while preventing the contents from burning your hands. The sippy-lid makes it possible to drink your camping coffee on the go while camping. Set off on your hike and enjoy your freshly made beverage on the route without worrying about spilling it.

GSI Outdoors Java Mill

As of February 6, 2022, 10:32 a.m., there were $ 37.50 in stock. The fact that you’re hiking does not imply that instant coffee is the sole choice available to you. The GSI Outdoors Java Mill allows you to enjoy not only freshly brewed coffee, but also freshly ground coffee, thanks to its unique design. Despite weighing only 9.3 ounces, this java mill is a lightweight and portable method to grind fresh coffee when camping or hiking in the wilderness.

How to Make Coffee While Backpacking

A minor difference exists between preparing coffee when hiking and making coffee while automobile camping. Although many of the techniques and coffee makers listed above are suitable for traveling, we wanted to devote a few minutes to backpacking coffee in particular to help you get the most out of your trip. The most important thing to remember is to choose a technique that is lightweight and portable. Because space is at a premium, you’ll want something that can easily be stowed away in your bag without adding too much weight to it.

Although a pour-over produces a better-tasting cup, the instant approach is even lighter and more handy than the traditional method (no device or cleanup required).

Prepare your coffee grounds in Ziploc bags ahead of time to save even more room and weight. You just want to bring enough coffee grounds for your vacation, no more.

Final Thoughts

“” There you have it, the top ten most effective ways to prepare coffee while camping. Now that you’re familiar with our top 10 ways, there’s no excuse to go a camping trip without a cup of coffee ever again. Now, we’d want to hear from you. So, what’s your preferred method of brewing coffee when camping and/or backpacking? Is it more important to you to have flavor or convenience in your camping coffee? Let us know what you think of camp coffee in the comments section below!

6 Methods to Make the Greatest Coffee When Camping

What is the best way to brew coffee when camping? If you’ve decided to take a last-minute camping vacation to one of these breathtaking national parks, you know that nothing beats a decent cup of coffee in the morning while sitting outside your tent in the great outdoors. As part of our search for the best way to brew coffee while camping, we combed the internet, reading everything from forums and subreddits to blogs and product reviews, in order to discover the most effective techniques and alternatives to instant coffee.

Scroll down to learn about the most common ways to make coffee outside, which are listed in no particular order.

French press

When camping, using a French press is one of the most convenient methods of brewing coffee. When they get out of their tents first thing in the morning, everyone likes the smell of freshly ground coffee! While most French press pots have a glass canister, you should search for a plastic canister that is free of bpa because hiking on the route does not lend itself to maintaining everything in perfect condition. A camping french press in conjunction with a tiny hand grinder is a winning combination that will never let you down.

Aeropress

When camping or touring, an aeropress is a must-have. Due to the fact that it is ultra-light and composed of the same polycarbonate that is used to make Nalgene bottles, it is almost unbreakable. You can make a simple cup in a matter of minutes: To make tea, fill your mug halfway with grounds and a filter and press on top of it with your hand. Coffee connoisseurs claim that coffee prepared using an Aropress is smoother, more fragrant, and less bitter than coffee made with a drip machine or even a French press.

Pour over drip coffee maker

Pour over drip coffee is still a decent alternative if you’re the only one who drinks coffee and you have limited cleanup capabilities, such as a small kitchen. A folding filter holder is a necessary, however if you don’t have the space to store spent filters in a waste bag, a laser cut stainless steel filter is a good alternative to consider. Stainless steel filters do not absorb the essential oils from coffee beans, unlike paper filters, which allows you to brew a flawlessly clear and tasty cup of coffee every time.

Moka pot

A little single-serve moka pot is a charming, lightweight, and nearly unbreakable travel companion that you can take with you everywhere you go.

You may simply place it in or near the fire, or on top of a cast iron pan, to provide the fullest “camping feel” possible. There are a variety of sizes and capacities available, and chances are you’ll find almost-unused ones in charity stores for as little as $3-$5.

Turkish style / Cowboy coffee

A more polished method of brewing coffee than the traditional cowboy method is used in Mid-Eastern countries, although the basic idea is still the same. Make sure you have ground coffee (fine ground for Turkish style, coarse ground for western style), a pot, and cold water ready for this. Turkish coffee is made by stirring coffee grounds into ice-cold water and heating it till frothy but not boiling. After a minute or two of cooling, gently pour the coffee into your cup while leaving the grounds in the pot.

When you reach the coffee grounds at the bottom of your cup, it’s time to stop drinking.

It’s easy to use and effective!

Coffee Percolator

Percolator fans laud the percolator’s hotter, more “strong” coffee, and claim that there is nothing better than percolator coffee when it comes to camping or traveling. It functions in a similar way to a moka pot in that it is simple to use and extremely durable. Here are a few pointers: Use coarser ground coffee to leave less residue in the pot, and resist the temptation to turn up the heat to speed up the water heating process; doing so will overheat the coffee, making it taste burned and bitter when it is finished.

Camp cooking: How to make a great cup of coffee

Cooking is the one thing that makes most camping excursions miserable, aside from mosquitoes and squabbling campers. Excerpt from Ernest Hemingway’s Camping Out, published in the Toronto Daily Star on June 26, 1920. Coffee is a camp staple, and according to Western movie mythology, it’s a simple beverage to make. All you have to do is drop a handful of coffee into a blackened pot filled with water from a local creek and lay it on top of a roaring bonfire beneath a blanket of stars. This is a load of romantic rubbish!

It should be constructed with care and attention to detail.

Chuck-wagon cooking is a historical relic that also serves as a competitive activity.

Here are a few pointers on how to make the ideal (or almost perfect) cup of coffee: Beans are a good place to start.

Beans may be found practically everywhere that sells bagged coffee, including grocery stores.

Store the beans in an airtight container rather than in the camp ice chest or cooler, as this can cause them to spoil.

You’ll need a coffee grinder with a hand crank to complete this project.

As an alternative, Snow Peak sells a stainless-steel version of their Field Barista, which has a comfortable hinged crank handle and retails for $99.95.

Both of these models use a ceramic grinding wheel.

Although I favor a coarse grind, the prevailing consensus is that the finer the grind, the more oils are liberated and the more strong the flavor of the coffee becomes.

(If you don’t have a grinder, you may crush beans by wrapping them in a towel and beating them with a heavy rock.) There are a variety of processes for converting the beans into coffee.

You’ll need a cone, a filter, a cup, and a vessel in which to boil the water for this project.

Add the ground beans (three or four tablespoons per cup) to the filter and gently pour in the hot water while the filter is still running.

I prefer theMelitta1-cup pour-over cone in red since it’s easier to find in my camping gear box than the other colors.

Using around six cups of water, fill your pot and bring it to a blistering boiling point (this can be done over a campfire).

Stir, cover, and steep for three minutes, after which add a little splash of cold water to let the grounds settle down a bit.

As soon as the mixture comes to a gentle boil, remove it from the heat for three to four minutes and then stir in a splash of cold water to let the grounds settle down.

A camping percolator also makes a delicious cup of coffee and allows you to enjoy the romanticism of brewing your drink over a campfire, however a cookstove allows you to maintain greater control over the cooking environment while camping.

Percolators are available in a variety of sizes at most outdoor merchants as well as internet vendors such as Amazon. The outdoors columnist Gary Garth contributes to the newspaper USA TODAY once a month.