There’s nothing quite like a good cup of coffee with a view of the mountains or the sound of a river. If you’ve ever wondered how do you make coffee camping, you’re in the right place. It’s easier than you might think, and the options are surprisingly varied. Whether you’re a minimalist backpacker or have a car full of gear, you can enjoy a fantastic brew in the outdoors. This guide will walk you through all the best methods, from simple to sophisticated.
Getting your morning coffee right can set the tone for your whole day on the trail. It’s about more than just caffeine; it’s a comforting ritual. With a little preparation, you can make coffee that rivals your kitchen cup, even when you’re miles from a power outlet.
Let’s look at what you’ll need to consider before you start brewing.
How Do You Make Coffee Camping
The core principle is the same as at home: combine hot water with ground coffee. The magic is in the how. Your choice depends on three things: your pack weight, your patience, and your taste preference. Some methods are ultra-light, others produce a cleaner cup, and some are just incredibly fast.
First, you need to decide on your coffee format. Will you bring whole beans, pre-ground, or something even simpler?
Choosing Your Camp Coffee: Beans, Grounds, or Instant?
* Whole Beans: For the best flavor. You’ll need a hand grinder. It’s extra weight and a step, but the freshness is unmatched.
* Pre-Ground Coffee: The most convenient option. Just make sure it’s ground for your specific method (e.g., coarse for French press). Use it quickly, as it goes stale faster.
* Instant Coffee: Has come a long way! New specialty instant coffees are surprisingly good. It’s the lightest, fastest, and easiest option, with no cleanup. Perfect for backpackers.
* Coffee Bags: Like tea bags, but for coffee. A great middle ground—simple, decent flavor, and easy to manage.
No matter your choice, store your coffee in an airtight container. A plastic bag or a dedicated canister will keep moisture and odors out.
Essential Gear Beyond the Brewer
You’ll need a few basics for almost every method:
* A Heat Source: Camp stove, backpacking stove, or campfire.
* A Pot or Kettle: To boil water. A lightweight backpacking kettle is a great investment.
* A Mug: Your personal vessel for enjoyment.
* Fresh Water: For drinking and cleaning. Always plan your water needs.
Now, let’s get into the specific ways you can make your camp coffee.
Method 1: The Cowboy Coffee (Ultra-Simple)
This is the classic, no-frills method. It’s lightweight because you don’t need any special equipment, just your pot.
What You Need:
* Pot
* Ground coffee (coarse is better)
* Water
* Heat source
* A little cold water (optional)
Steps:
1. Bring your water to a boil in your pot over your stove or fire.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for about 30 seconds. This prevents scalding the coffee.
3. Add your grounds directly into the water. A good ratio is about 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water.
4. Stir gently and let it steep for 4-5 minutes.
5. To help the grounds settle, you can sprinkle a few drops of cold water on top.
6. Pour slowly, trying to leave most of the grounds in the bottom of the pot. It’s okay if a few slip into your cup.
Method 2: The French Press (Rich & Full-Bodied)
A camping French press is either a durable metal version or a lightweight plastic one. It makes a rich, robust cup and is very straightforward.
What You Need:
* Camping French press
* Coarsely ground coffee
* Hot water (just off the boil)
Steps:
1. Add your coarse grounds to the empty press. Use your standard ratio.
2. Pour hot water over them, filling the press.
3. Place the lid on top with the plunger up. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
4. Slowly press the plunger down all the way to the bottom.
5. Pour and enjoy immediately to avoid over-extraction.
Method 3: The Pour-Over (Clean & Bright)
This method is for those who love a clean, nuanced cup. It requires a bit more attention but is very rewarding.
What You Need:
* Pour-over dripper (like a Hario V60, Aeropress, or Kalita Wave)
* Paper filters (don’t forget these!)
* Medium-fine ground coffee
* Hot water
* A mug or cup to catch the coffee
Steps:
1. Place the filter in the dripper and set it over your mug. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove paper taste and warm your mug. Dump this water out.
2. Add your grounds to the damp filter.
3. Start a “bloom”: Pour just enough hot water to saturate all the grounds. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Slowly pour the rest of your water in a circular motion, keeping the water level consistent.
5. Let all the water drip through, then remove the dripper. Your coffee is ready.
Method 4: The Percolator (Nostalgic & Strong)
The classic campfire percolator makes a strong, familiar brew and is part of the camping experience for many.
What You Need:
* Camp coffee percolator
* Coarse ground coffee
* Heat source (great for campfires)
Steps:
1. Fill the percolator with cold water up to the fill line.
2. Add your grounds to the perforated basket. Don’t pack them down.
3. Assemble the percolator and place it on the heat.
4. Once it starts perking, watch the glass knob on top. Let it perk for 5-10 minutes after you first see bubbles. The longer it perks, the stronger the coffee.
5. Remove from heat. Carefully take out the basket of used grounds. Serve.
Method 5: The AeroPress (Versatile & Fast)
The AeroPress is a favorite among backpackers for its light weight, durability, and speed. It can make anything from espresso-like concentrate to regular coffee.
What You Need:
* AeroPress
* AeroPress filters (or a reusable metal filter)
* Fine to medium grind coffee
* Hot water
Steps (Standard Upright Method):
1. Place a filter in the cap and attach it to the chamber. Rinse with hot water.
2. Stand the chamber on your mug. Add your coffee.
3. Pour hot water to the desired number (e.g., to the “2” mark for concentrate, or higher for regular coffee).
4. Stir quickly for about 10 seconds.
5. Insert the plunger and press down slowly and steadily until you hear a hiss.
6. Dilute with more hot water if you made a concentrate.
Mastering Your Campfire Brew
If you’re using a campfire instead of a stove, control is key. Let your fire burn down to hot coals for a more consistent, less aggressive heat. You can also use a grill grate over the coals for a stable surface. Always have a pot grip or thick gloves—handles get very hot!
Water Temperature and Ratios
The perfect water temperature for brewing coffee is just off the boil, around 195-205°F (90-96°C). If you boil it, let it sit for a minute before pouring. A good starting ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. You can adjust this to taste.
Cleanup in the outdoors is important for leaving no trace and keeping wildlife away.
Cleaning Up Your Coffee Gear
* Dispose of Grounds Properly: Sprinkle used coffee grounds over a wide area away from camp, or pack them out in a zip-top bag. Do not put them in lakes or streams.
* Wash Gently: Use a small amount of biodegradable soap and a scrubby. Scatter your wash water far from water sources.
* Rinse Well: Make sure no coffee oils or soap residue is left, as it can attract animals.
* Pack It Out: If you used paper filters, pack them out with your trash.
Quick Comparison of Camp Coffee Methods
* Cowboy Coffee: Pros: No extra gear. Cons: Grounds in your cup, harder to control.
* French Press: Pros: Rich flavor, easy process. Cons: Can be bulky, requires coarse grind.
* Pour-Over: Pros: Clean taste, light gear. Cons: Needs filters, more technique.
* Percolator: Pros: Strong brew, classic for groups. Cons: Can be bitter, heavy.
* AeroPress: Pros: Fast, versatile, lightweight. Cons: Small batch size.
* Instant: Pros: Ultralight, zero cleanup. Cons: Flavor can be lacking (though better options exist now).
Pro Tips for the Best Cup
* Pre-warm your mug with a little hot water before brewing.
* If using whole beans, grind them right before you brew for peak freshness.
* Bring a small container of creamer powder or condensed milk if you like it in your coffee—it keeps without refrigeration.
* A small, insulated mug will keep your coffee hot much longer on a chilly morning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the easiest way to make coffee while camping?
The absolute easiest way is with high-quality instant coffee. Just add hot water and stir. No grounds, no filters, no cleanup. Coffee bags are a close second for simplicity.
How do you make camp coffee without a filter?
You have a few options. The Cowboy Coffee method uses no filter at all. You can also use a fine-mesh strainer or even a clean bandana as a makeshift filter for pour-over style. Some people even use the “sock” method with a dedicated cloth filter.
Can you use regular ground coffee for camping?
Yes, you can, but the grind size should match your method for best results. Regular pre-ground coffee from the store is usually a medium grind, which works okay for pour-over or AeroPress but might be too fine for a French press (it can slip through the mesh) and too fine for cowboy coffee (making it harder to settle).
How do I make good coffee when backpacking?
For backpacking, prioritize weight and simplicity. A lightweight option like an AeroPress Go, a single-cup pour-over, or specialty instant coffee are your best bets. Remember to repackage your coffee grounds into a smaller bag to save space.
Making a great cup of coffee in the wilderness is a simple pleasure that’s totally achievable. With the right method for your trip, you can start every day with a warm, satisfying brew. It just takes a little planning and practice. So next time you pack your tent, don’t forget to plan for your coffee, too. It might just become your favorite part of the morning routine.