Camping is a great way to disconnect from mundane daily life and get in touch with nature. However, spending a few days without their favorite beverage can be daunting for coffee lovers. Luckily, making coffee while camping is not as difficult as you think. Even in the wilderness, you can brew a perfect cup of coffee with the right equipment and techniques.
Equipment Needed for Making Coffee While Camping:
When making coffee while camping, having the right equipment is vital. Here are some essentials you will need:
Coffee maker:
Various options include pour-over, French press, and portable espresso makers.
Coffee grinder:
A portable coffee grinder is a must if you use whole beans.
Coffee kettle:
A kettle is needed to heat the water for brewing coffee.
Coffee cups or travel mugs:
To enjoy your coffee on the go.
How to Choose the Right Coffee Beans for Camping:
Choosing the right coffee beans is essential to making a great cup of coffee while camping.
Here are some tips for selecting the right coffee beans:
Choose whole beans:
Whole beans stay fresh longer than pre-ground coffee.
Look for a medium roast:
A medium roast will balance flavor and acidity.
Consider the roast date:
The fresher the beans, the better the coffee.
Techniques for Brewing Coffee While Camping:
Boil water:
Heat water in a kettle over a fire or camping stove.
Grind coffee beans:
Grind the coffee beans using a portable coffee grinder.
Add coffee to coffee maker:
Add coffee to a pour-over, French press, or Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine.
Pour hot water over coffee:
Slowly pour hot water over the coffee to saturate all the grounds.
Wait:
Wait for the coffee to brew before pouring it into your cup or travel mug.
Tips for Storing and Transporting Coffee While Camping:
Store coffee beans in an airtight container:
An airtight container will keep the beans fresh.
Consider p remeasuring coffee:
Pre-measuring coffee before your camping trip will save time and hassle.
Use a portable coffee maker:
Portable coffee makers are easy to pack and transport.
How to make coffee while camping
Regarding camping, a few things are essential, like a good cup of coffee to start your day. Fortunately, there are several ways to make delicious coffee while camping without bulky equipment. Here are some popular methods to make coffee while camping:
French Press Camping Coffee
A French press can make a great cup of coffee while camping for those who enjoy a richer and bolder taste. To make French press camping coffee, you steep coarse coffee grounds in hot water for a few minutes, then press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the coffee.
Things you need:
- French press
- Coarse coffee grounds
- Hot water
- Mug
Best for:
- Campers who enjoy a richer, bolder taste in their coffee
- Those who are not concerned about the extra weight of a French press in their camping gear
Directions:
- Heat water until it reaches boiling point, then allow it to sit for a minute or two.
- Put the coarse coffee grounds into the French press.
- Add the hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring they are evenly saturated.
- Allow the coffee to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
- Slowly push down the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the coffee.
- Add the coffee into your mug and enjoy!
By following these simple steps, you can make a great cup of French press camping coffee that will satisfy your cravings for a rich and bold taste while enjoying the great outdoors.
If you prefer single-serving coffee, several options are perfect for camping. Single-serving pour-overs are an excellent option for those who want a fresh and delicious cup of coffee without bulky equipment.
Secura French Press Coffee Maker
Pros:
- Maximum extraction of the coffee’s natural oil for rich flavor.
- The stainless steel reusable filter for an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
- The stainless steel construction is a durable and reliable choice for daily use.
- Versatile use for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and more.
Cons:
- Requires more effort: It involves manually pressing down on the plunger and pouring the coffee.
- Smaller capacity: available in sizes up to 50 ounces
GSI Outdoors Percolator
Pros:
- Durable Enamelware ensures it can withstand frequent use and last for years.
- Convenient and Easy to Use allows you to enjoy a hot cup of joe in minutes.
- Versatile: This coffee pot can be used in a variety of settings
- Classic and Stylish.
Cons:
- Requires a Stove or Fire to use this percolator coffee pot
- Limited Capacity, this pot is not for large groups or gatherings
OXO BREW Venture Shatter-Resistant-Travel French Press
Pros:
- Shatter-Resistant is perfect for travel, camping, and other outdoor activities.
- Smooth Brew: The plunger with silicone gasket filters coffee for a smooth brew, ensuring you enjoy a delicious cup of coffee every time.
- Dual Filtration ensures that your coffee is free of any grounds or debris.
- Large capacity with 8-cup capacity. The two windows on the carafe show the coffee level, making it easy to track how much coffee you have left.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: While the 8-cup capacity is ideal for small groups, there may be more for larger gatherings or parties.
- Requires Careful Handling
Instant Camping Coffee (or Steeped Camp Coffee)
Instant camping coffee is a popular option for campers who need more time or want to minimize the equipment required. Steeped camp coffee is similar to instant coffee but with a better taste. Steeped coffee is made by soaking pre-ground coffee in hot water for a few minutes, allowing the water to extract the flavors and aromas of fresh coffee.
Things you need:
- Steeped coffee bags or instant coffee
- Hot water
- Mug
Best for:
- Campers who want a quick and easy cup of coffee
- Those who want to minimize the amount of equipment needed for camping
Directions:
- Boil water over a campfire or portable stove.
- Add the steeped coffee bag or instant coffee to your mug.
- Pour the hot water over the coffee.
- Allow the coffee to steep for a few minutes, depending on your desired strength.
- Remove the steeped coffee bag or stir the instant coffee until it dissolves.
- Enjoy your delicious instant camping coffee!
Percolator Camping Coffee
Percolator camping coffee is a classic method for brewing coffee outdoors, dating back to the early 20th century. Percolators work by boiling water in a bottom chamber, then rising through a tube and over the coffee grounds, creating a rich and flavorful coffee.
Things you need:
Percolator Coffee grounds
Water
Coffee Mug
Best for: Campers who prefer a traditional coffee brewing method. Those who enjoy a strong and bold coffee flavor
Directions:
- Add water to the bottom chamber of the percolator, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Add ground coffee to the percolator basket or chamber based on the desired strength.
- Assemble the percolator and place it over a heat source.
- Allow the water to boil and percolate for 5-10 minutes, depending on the desired strength.
- Take the percolator off the heat source and allow it to cool down for a few minutes.
- Add the coffee into your mug and enjoy!
Percolator coffee is an excellent option for those who want to experience the traditional way of brewing coffee while camping. It may require more effort and time, but it is worth it for those who appreciate a strong, bold coffee flavor.
Aeropress Camping Coffee
Aeropress camping coffee is an excellent option for those who prefer a quick and easy way to brew coffee outdoors. The Aeropress is a portable, lightweight coffee maker that uses air pressure to extract the coffee flavor from the grounds.
Things you need:
Aeropress Coffee grounds
Hot water
Coffee Mug
Best for:
Campers prefer a quick and easy brewing method—those who want a smooth and clean coffee flavor.
Directions:
- Boil water and allow it to cool down for a minute or two.
- Insert a paper filter into the Aeropress cap and wet it with hot water.
- Add coffee grounds into the Aeropress chamber based on the strength of the coffee desired.
- Pour hot water into the chamber and stir gently for 10-15 seconds.
- Attach the cap with the filter and turn the Aeropress onto your mug.
- Press the plunger down slowly and steadily until you hear a hissing sound.
- Remove the Aeropress from the cup and discard the used grounds and filter.
- Enjoy your smooth and clean Aeropress coffee!
Aeropress coffee is a great option for those who want an effortless and efficient way of brewing coffee with a smooth and clean flavor. It is also portable and lightweight, making it easy to pack for your camping trip.
Cowboy Camping Coffee
Coffee is a simple and rustic method for brewing coffee while camping. This method is ideal for those who prefer a strong and straightforward coffee taste without the need for any fancy equipment. It is also an excellent option for those who want to minimize the gear they bring on their camping trip.
Things you need: Cowboy coffee pot or saucepan
Coffee grounds
Water
Heat source (campfire, coffee maker or camp stove)
Coffee Mug
Best for:
Campers who prefer a strong and straightforward coffee taste. Those who want to minimize the amount of gear they bring with them on their camping trip
Directions:
- Heat the water in a cowboy coffee pot or saucepan until it reaches boiling point.
- Remove the pot from the heat source and allow it to sit for a minute or two to allow the water to cool slightly.
- Add coffee grounds to the pot or saucepan. Use approximately two tablespoons of coffee grounds per 8 ounces of water, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Stir the coffee grounds into the water until they are well mixed.
- Place the pot or saucepan back on the heat source and let it boil again.
- Once it reaches a boil, please remove it from the heat source and let it sit for a few minutes to let the coffee grounds sit at the bottom of the pot.
- Slowly pour the coffee into your mug, carefully leaving the grounds in the pot.
- Enjoy your cowboy coffee!
The Easy (And Lazy) Way: Use A Coffee Bag
Coffee in a Bag is a convenient and portable way to enjoy coffee while on the go. It is perfect for camping, hiking, traveling, or any situation where you want a quick and easy cup of coffee without needing equipment or a coffee shop.
Things you need: Coffee in a bag
Hot water
Coffee Cup
Best for Campers, hikers, travelers, or anyone who wants a quick and easy cup of coffee on the go
Directions:
- Heat water until it reaches boiling point.
- Place the coffee bag in a mug.
- Add the hot water over the coffee bag, submerging it fully.
- Allow the coffee to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
- Remove the coffee bag and discard it.
- Enjoy your coffee in a bag!
Coffee in a Bag is available in various flavors and strengths, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste preferences. It is also a great option for reducing waste and avoiding single-use coffee pods or filters.
Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker
Things you need:
Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee pot
Coffee grounds
Water
Heat source (campfire or stove)
Coffee Mug
Best for: Campers who love a strong and rich coffee taste. Those who want a compact and lightweight coffee brewing option.
Directions:
- Pour cold water into the bottom chamber up to the fill line to prepare the Coleman pot.
- Next, add finely ground coffee into the filter basket, filling it just below the rim.
- Screw the top chamber onto the bottom chamber.
- Place the pot on a heat source (campfire or stove).
- Allow the water to heat and boil until the coffee rises into the top chamber.
- Remove the pot from the heat source when the coffee rises to prevent over-extraction.
- Add the coffee into your mug and enjoy your Coleman pot camping coffee!
Whether you prefer a rustic and straightforward cowboy coffee or a compact and rich Coleman pot coffee, there are options for brewing coffee while camping that will satisfy your taste buds and your need for convenience. So, grab your gear and head into the great outdoors for a memorable camping trip with a great cup of coffee to start your day!
Scoop Top Method
Try scooping coffee grounds to avoid settling in a cup. It is similar to the process described in the previous section. Bring water to boil. Take the mixture off the heat source and cool for about 30 secs. Afterward, stir some coarse coffee into the water. Keep it boiling on low heat for a minute, then remove the ground from the top of the steep joe. Now, you want to drink cowboy coffee without worrying it will hurt your taste buds.
Moka Pot & Portable Espresso Makers
If you love strong Italian coffee, this pot is perfect. This oven-top espresso maker produces Italian coffee in high-quality that’s either served alone or blended into warm water for an Americano if desired. This Moka pot has metal filters that can be removed without requiring paper filters.
Ideal Use: Anyone interested in experiencing the lively style only authentic Italian espresso will give them.
Methods of Moka: The bottom tank, the rim of the metal filter, and the serving jar are the three elements that make up the Moka. The ground has been placed on the bottom of this filter.
What do you do with coffee grounds when backpacking?
Camping should be your top rule if you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. You should never leave anything behind. What is your method of dumping coffee grounds from a landfill? Using a dumpster can be an easy way to dump discarded waste. It would help if you always carried sealable containers to store all your garbage when camping or have no idea when to go.
FAQs for How to Make Coffee While Camping
Q. Is freshly brewed coffee more flavorful than instant coffee?
A. Yes, freshly brewed coffee is generally more flavorful than instant coffee.
Q. How do I make coffee while camping?
A. There are several ways to make coffee while camping, including using a portable coffee maker, a French press, a percolator, or a pour-over method.
Q. What equipment do I need to make coffee while camping?
A. The equipment needed to make coffee while camping depends on your chosen method, but some basic items include a heat source, a coffee maker, coffee grounds, and water.
Q. Can I make coffee while camping without electricity?
A. Yes, you can make coffee while camping without electricity by using a heat source such as a camping stove, fire, or propane burner. The methods mentioned earlier can be used without electricity.
Q. How do I clean my coffee maker while camping?
A. To clean your coffee maker while camping, rinse it with hot water and use a small amount of soap if necessary. Scrub the parts with a brush or sponge, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry.
Q. What are some tips for making great coffee while camping?
A. To make great fresh coffee while camping, use freshly ground coffee beans, bring enough water to make coffee, and clean the equipment regularly. You can also try different brewing methods and coffee blends to find the perfect taste for your outdoor adventure.
Q: Can coarse ground coffee be used in a French press?
A: Coarse ground coffee is commonly used in a French press as it allows for a slower extraction and a stronger, more flavorful cup of coffee.
Q: Does cold water work for making coffee while camping?
A: Yes, cold water can be used for making coffee while camping, but it requires a longer brewing time to extract the flavor from the coffee grounds. It is recommended to use hot water if possible for a better-tasting cup of coffee.
Q: Can I make coffee while camping without a coffee maker?
A: Yes, you can use a cloth or paper filter to make a pour-over coffee or a French press to make coffee without a coffee maker.
You Might Also Like:
How to Store food while Camping
