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Ahhhh, that feeling of waking up in nature with a hot coffee to savor. For us, nothing can quite top that sensation. The views, the smells, and the feels are pure bliss. How you make that cup of heaven can make all the difference & we’re here to help. Here’s 7 ways to make camping coffee while in the great outdoors.
1. Instant Coffee
Convenient, yes. Delicious, maybe? Depends on your taste. This is by far the easiest way to brew up your fresh dose of caffeine.
How to: Simply boil water in your camp stove, add a packet, and viola, coffee!
Ideal Use: This method saves weight, space, and time. This approach is perfect for backpacking, hiking, or car camping. Easy clean up is a bonus.
Alpine Start Instant Coffee
We’ve never tried this brand but apparently it’s delicious. Perfect for all your backpacking adventures.
Check price on: Amazon
Starbucks Instant Coffee
Start your day with a kick of Starbucks instant coffee. Individual packets make it easy to transport and 50 packets will fuel endless adventures.
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2. Cowboy Coffee
This method is also super easy, however you may end up drinking a few coffee grinds. Clean up can be messy since you don’t use coffee filters.
How to: Add coffee grounds to boiling water, let it sit for 1-2 minutes, drink up. Some campers will use a cloth or lid as a strainer to separate grinds.
Ideal Use: This method is great for any outdoor excursion since it’s truly minimalist. Clean up can be tricky, especially if you’re packing out waste.
3. French Press
Delicious and easy, especially for car camping or RV’s. A French press is also relatively inexpensive and will last years.
How to: Add coffee grinds to French press then add boiling water. Let it sit, then press and pour your cup of Jo. Clean up can be relatively easy and the coffee is delicious.
Ideal Use: Car camping, cabins, RV’s, etc. This method would be difficult for backpacking trips as it would add extra weight and gear.
GSI Javapress
BPA free, shatterproof, lightweight. What’s not to love? The GSI Javapress is ready for your adventures.
Check price on: Amazon
Stanley French Press
Looking for something a bit more rugged for car camping? The Stanley French Press will last a lifetime and is solid as a rock.
Check price on: Amazon
4. Pour Over
This is the method we have loved and used for years. A pour over is similar to drip coffee, yet takes a bit more planning and set up. We used this method when climbing Mt. St. Helens!
How to: Add a filter and grounds to your pour over device. Slowly pour over hot water and let it flow down into your favorite camp mug.
Ideal use: Car camping, RV, or backpacking trips. We use this method pretty much everywhere since it is lightweight and easy. The filters and pour over device are relatively small and lightweight, so it even works well for backpacking. Clean up is also a breeze since the grinds stay in the filter.
Hario V60 Pour Over
This is the pour over we know and love. It’s lightweight plastic, easy to clean, and is shatterproof.
Check price on: Amazon
GSI Collapsable Java Drip
Trying to save on weight and bulk? The GSI Java Drip will collapse to save you space.
Check price on: Amazon
5. Aeropress
Is it a pour over or a French Press? We’d say it’s a combination of both. Coffee enthusiasts say this is one of the best ways to make coffee. An aeropress is worth adding to your camp kitchen. Read more about our set up here.
How to: Add grinds to aero press, then add hot water and let sit for 30 seconds. Stir, and add more hot water. Let it sit for 1 minute 30 seconds before pressing the coffee (French press style) into your cup.
Ideal use: This can pretty much be used on any outdoor adventure since it’s lightweight and relatively small. Clean up can be trickier than other methods.
Aeropress
This is the Aeropress everyone knows and loves. Coffee enthusiasts claim it makes the smoothest cup of coffee ever.
Check price on: Amazon
6. Percolator
This method has been around for years and has proven to brew a tasty cup of coffee for yourself or large groups.
How to: Add coffee grounds to your percolator. Boil water for your desired amount of time, depending on how strong you want the coffee to be.
Ideal use: Car camping, backpacking, or large groups. Clean up can be more difficult than others.
Farberware Percolator
The Farberware Percolator is solid and will last for many years and adventures. There’s also different sizes available depending on your needs.
Check price on: Amazon
7. Coffee Box
This crush proof K Cup style coffee machine will last for years. If you have an RV, a power source, or an inverter, this is a method to consider.
How to: Plug in, add a K Cup, and enjoy your cup of coffee.
Ideal Use: Campers who have electric and don’t want to worry about boiling water. This method can be easy and clean up is a breeze.
OXX Coffeebox
Breakproof and built to last, the OXX Coffeebox is a great choice for those with electric set up and a desire for convenience.
Check price on: Amazon
Some final thoughts
Coffee Grinds: The type of grind you use definitely contributes to your cup of coffee. Depending on your method of choice, consider using preground coffee for maximum convenience. Prefer to grind before you brew? Consider this hand held burr grinder.
JavaPresse Manual Burr Grinder
Fresh ground coffee beats pre-ground coffee, so consider a hand held burr grinder for car camping adventures.
Check price on: Amazon
Boiling Water: Everyone has their own method for boiling water while camping. Check out our review on these MSR camp stoves to give you a better understanding. Some of these stoves even have French press accessories to add convenience.
Leave No Trace: Please pack out coffee grinds and filters. Keep in mind not all ecosystems can break down coffee and filters, so be sure to use all Leave No Trace principals.
We hope this overview helps upgrade your camping or backpacking set up. Comment below and let us know which method you prefer while in the great outdoors. We love brewing camping coffee while roof top tent camping! In the market for a roof top tent? Explore Roofnest and elevate your camping experience. Read here why we love our’s. Life’s better on top!
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