How to Make Coffee While Camping? Best Way: Pour Over, French Press ..
You are out camping by the mountains and craving a hot cup of coffee. But you don’t have an idea how to make it while camping!
If you are looking for the perfect way to start a bright and shiny day in the outdoors, then look no farther than your trusty camp stove!
With some supplies and a piece of parchment paper, you will be able to make the perfect cup of coffee while camping!
This is the ultimate guide on how to make coffee while camping with all the necessary gear, tips, and tricks to make it the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had.
To make your ultimate cup of coffee beside the campfire, we have put together a few essentials that you will need to make that happen.
Ingredients needed:
- Heat: To make the perfect cup of coffee, you’ll need to have a heat source to boil the water. An outdoor campfire or a portable stove will work perfectly.
- Coffee kettle or french press: A French press is a perfect way to get a cup of coffee while camping. It is essentially a plunger that uses pressure to take out all of the oils and grounds in the coffee.
- Grinder: if you have a grinder, you can grind your beans before the trip. It is much better to have freshly ground beans than pre-ground or instant coffee.
- Cup: A coffee cup is a perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee. It has the right size to fit around your fingers so that you can stir while drinking. A stainless steel coffee cup will do the job and keep your coffee from spilling over.
- Coffee filter (or cheesecloth): without a filter, you can’t enjoy the rich taste of your coffee.
- Coffee beans: they make the best coffee, so it is essential to get the right ones.
- Water and milk/creamer: You’ll need a cup of cold water or milk to make your coffee. You can use a teaspoon of brown sugar if you need to sweeten it up.
- Sugar: For a touch of sweetness, you will need sugar for your coffee.
- Coffee Cooker: This is used to boil water for tea, instant oatmeal, hot cocoa, or coffee (you will need one for each person).
Now that you have collected all the supplies let's get started on making our coffee.
Ways on how to Make Hot Coffee While Camping
There are several ways to make coffee, such as portable espresso makers, depending on how much time you have and what you are using. First, we’ll look at ways on how to make pour-over coffee while camping or french press while camping
Let’s talk about them one by one.
French Press
What is French Press? A French press is a gadget used primarily for coffee brewing that involves instantly pressing a small amount of water at the bottom of a glass into contact with ground coffee beans.
The water extracts flavour and oils from the grounds in the coffee, which you should then stir into the drink. This is one of the easiest and the best way to make coffee while camping!
How to use:
- Put your coffee in the French press.
- Heat your water and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, pour it into the French press over your coffee grounds.
- Let steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want your coffee to be.
- Press down the plunger to force all the coffee grounds at the bottom of the French press to your mug!
Filter
This is the quickest and easiest way to make coffee while camping.
How to use:
- Pour your coffee grounds into the filter (but don’t mix with the water).
- Pour 2-3 cups of boiling water into your filter.
- Let sit for 30 minutes or until it turns into liquid.
Melitta Coffee Filter
This is a great way to make your coffee while camping if you want to use coffee grounds or have an outdoor coffee maker. It’s quick and easy.
How to use:
- Pour the desired amount of water into the brewer (2-3 cups).
- Add in your coffee grounds. The amount depends on how strong you like your brew!
- Flip the switch and wait for it to drip through into your cup (or thermos).
Stovetop
This is a great way to enjoy your coffee while camping. It takes a little longer than the other methods, but it is the most portable, and you can easily carry it to the campsite you are staying at.
How to use:
- Bring enough water and ground coffee beans to fill your stovetop brewer (enough to fill at least one cup).
- Turn on the stovetop burner until it reaches high heat.
- Pour the coffee into your coffee maker.
- Place the pot over your stovetop burner and let it brew (as long as you don’t have a microwave in your campsite).
- Once brewing is over, turn the burner off and enjoy!
Percolator:
What is a Percolator? It is a coffee pot with a tube that goes up and down inside it to stir the coffee.
It takes more time to make the coffee, but it can be done faster on your stovetop than other options.
How to use:
- Put the amount of water and grounds you want into the percolator (at the same time).
- Use a long-handled spoon and stir it around for several minutes until it is mixed well!
- Pour the instant coffee into your mug (or thermos) and enjoy!
Coffee Filter
This is also a great way to make your coffee while camping. It is quick and easy.
How to use:
- Pour the desired amount of water into the filter (but don’t mix with the coffee grounds).
- Pour 2-3 cups of boiling water into your filter.
- Let sit for 30 minutes or until it turns into liquid.
Cowboy coffee
What is Cowboy coffee? It is a mixture of ground coffee and hot water. It is brought to the campfire at night or made in the morning.
This is a fantastic way to make your coffee while camping. It makes your morning brew a lot stronger than the other methods.
How to use:
- Put your coffee in a pan or pot over the fire.
- Bring it to a boil and stir!
- Once it is thoroughly boiled, remove it from heat and let it sit for 15 seconds (stirring the entire time).
- Pour your coffee into your mug!
Coffee bag
For the easiest way to make your coffee while camping, use a coffee bag.
How to use:
- Pour the desired amount of water into your water container (but don’t mix with the coffee grounds).
- Put the coffee grounds in your cup.
- Pour 2-3 cups of boiling water into your coffee bag and let it sit for 30 minutes or until it turns into liquid.
- Once it is done brewing, remove the coffee bag from the mug and enjoy!
Moka Pot
What is a Moka Pot? This is an Italian coffee pot used to make café espressos. This is a great way to make espresso while camping because the pour-over method will easily spill in your cup!
How to use:
- Pour the desired amount of water into the coffee maker (but don’t mix with the beans).
- Put the desired amount of coffee beans in the top chamber.
- Pour some more boiling water into the bottom chamber and flip the switch!
- Once it is done brewing, remove from heat and enjoy your coffee!
Kettle
This is another excellent way to make your coffee while camping!
It takes a little longer than the other methods, but it is the most portable and can easily be carried to the campsite you are staying at. It is ideally used on a stovetop burner.
How to use:
- Pour the desired amount of water into the kettle (but don’t mix with the coffee grounds).
- Put the ground coffee in your mug and pour 2-3 cups of boiling water over it.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes or until it turns into liquid.
- Once it is done brewing, remove from heat and enjoy!
Gravity Brew:
What is Gravity brew? Simply put, it is a drip method of brewing coffee.
It is easy and quick to use, but it can be challenging to re-use once you have made coffee using this method. It requires a container filled with water and coffee grounds.
How to use:
- Pour the desired amount of water into the thermos (but don’t mix with the coffee grounds).
- Add your ground coffee over the filter (the amount depends on how strong you want your brew).
- Pour 2-3 cups of boiling water into your filter and let it sit for 30 minutes or until it becomes liquid.
- Once it is done brewing, remove the coffee grounds and enjoy!
Bribe
What is Bribe? It is a combination of a coffee maker and a filter. It is super portable, so you can carry it wherever you are going.
It is a great option for camping because you can leave the coffee maker in your tent and brew a fresh pot of coffee whenever you want!
How to use:
- Pour the desired amount of water into the flask (but don’t mix with the coffee grounds).
- Put the ground coffee in your mug and pour 2-3 cups of boiling water over it.
- Let sit for 30 minutes or until it turns liquid (if you want more coffee, repeat the process).
- Once it is done brewing, stir it with a wooden spoon and enjoy!
Hand Coffee grinder
This is a great way to make your coffee while camping. This will save you time in the morning, and it will provide you with the same great results as any other method.
How to use:
- Put 2-3 scoops of coffee into the grinder before turning it on.
- After several minutes, remove your grounds and enjoy!
Aeropress
- IT’S ALL ABOUT TASTE – ON THE GO: The AeroPress Go travel coffee press makes smooth, delicious coffee without bitterness, unlike slow brewing methods and French Presses.
- PERFECT FOR HOME OR TRAVEL: The AeroPress Go features a small size that makes 1-3 cups per press. Features a mug and lid that double as a traveling case. Perfect for traveling, camping, boating and more!
- PORTABLE AND VERSATILE: The rapid, total immersion brewing process brews hot coffee or espresso in a minute. Brews cold brew coffee in two minutes.
- EASY AND CONVENIENT: Brew anywhere! The AeroPress Go is simple to use and clean up takes seconds.
- 350 MICRO-FILTERS INCLUDED: No grit in your cup like with a French press. Smooth, flavorful coffee on-the-go!
This is best way to make coffee while camping. It is quick and easy, although it can be a little messy.
How to use:
- Grind your grounds and pour in the water (but don’t mix).
- Stir with a wooden spoon over medium heat until it turns into liquid.
- Let sit for 30 minutes or until it turns liquid (if you want more coffee, repeat the process).
- Remove from heat and enjoy!
Macgyver coffee:
What is Macgyver coffee? This is a term used to describe various coffee methods, such as using a stove, metal container, and other random items.
How to use:
- Put the ground coffee into your metal container (the amount depends on how strong you want your brew).
- Pour 2-3 cups of boiling water into the container and let it sit for 30 minutes or until it becomes liquid.
- Once it is done brewing, remove the coffee grounds and enjoy!
Cold Brew
This is great for camping on a hot summer day! It takes longer to make, but you will come out with less acidic coffee, tasty and refreshing.
How to use:
- Put the desired amount of coffee in your metal container (but don’t mix with the grounds).
- Add ice cubes into the container as well.
- Pour hot water over it and sit for 12-24 hours or until it turns into liquid.
- Remove from heat and enjoy!
Pour-Over Stand:
This is a great way to make your coffee while camping. It isn’t as portable as other methods, but if you have access to a table or bench, it will make your cup of coffee in no time!
How to use:
- Grind your grounds and pour into the filter (but don’t mix with the water).
- Pour boiling water over the grounds slowly and let it sit for 30 minutes or until it turns into liquid.
- Remove from heat and enjoy!
After knowing different methods of making your coffee, you may be wondering which is the best way to make your coffee while camping.
It all depends on your personal preference as well as how much time you have available.
The pour-over stand is probably the best way to make your coffee while camping, but it will take some time and effort to perfect it.
The cold brew method takes the longest, but it isn’t difficult and will save you time in the morning.
There may be many questions arising in your mind after reading this article. We tried to answer a few of them.
Will All Of These Methods Work With My Camping Gear?
Every method of making coffee will work if you are prepared and bring the proper tools.
How To Make Coffee while camping Without A pot or fire?
Many coffee-making methods use an alternative heat source.
Some of the most popular are the following:
- Electric: This is a great way to make coffee while camping as well!
- Solar: You can use this method while camping and save money on fuel costs.
- Stove: This method is a great way to make coffee while camping.
- Car burner: This method is used by most campsites around the world.
- Hot Rock: This is a great way to make coffee in the woods without accessing the campfire.
Which Is The Best Method To Brew Coffee While Camping?
By now, you know which is the best way to brew coffee while camping! But which method is the best?
Let’s talk about them one by one.
- Pot: This is the traditional way to brew any coffee. It is simple, quick, and easy to use.
- Pot with a thermos: This method is excellent for coffee on the go as well. It is effortless to use and doesn’t take long to make.
- Percolator: This is an excellent way to make your coffee while camping, especially if you are out for an extended period.
- French press: It can take longer than other methods, but you will end up with a fantastic cup of coffee!
- Kettle: This method is a great way to make coffee while camping. It is portable and takes only a few minutes to make!
What To Do With The Coffee Grounds Leftover While Camping?
Once you have brewed your coffee and made your drink, you will end up with coffee grounds leftover. You can throw them away or use them in your garden to help with the soil.
What is the best way to keep the coffee warm when camping?
You can use mugs with handles, insulated thermos cups, or any other device that will keep your coffee warm.
If you don't have access to these, you can also wrap the cup with a piece of clothing or use a paper towel.
How To Choose Coffee While Camping?
When choosing coffee, always make sure that it is fresh. Don’t leave it out long and if you are purchasing coffee, make sure that it is freshly roasted.
If you are camping for a shorter period, you can buy bulk coffee and grind your own.
How To Clean Coffee Grounds From Camping?
Coffee grounds can be a mess, and they can be hard to remove. However, you can use a brush, wet wipes, or newspaper to remove them while camping.
Once you have all of the items, making your morning cup of joe will be a simple task.
The best thing about all of these methods is that you can customize them depending on how much time you have or want a stronger or weaker brew.
Once you have learned how to make coffee while camping, you will have no trouble making it over and over again.
Here Are Some Tips And Tricks To Make The Best Cup O’ Joe While Camping:
- You can use all coffee makers while camping, but a stovetop pot (with a lid) is the best way to make coffee while camping.
- You can use a traditional thermos for your coffee, but be careful not to overfill it.
- You don’t have to buy a new coffee maker while camping; you can use any regular coffee maker you already have at home.
- You can also use Bialetti Moka Express for camping coffee. It is one of the most traditional ways of brewing, and it is easy to clean up afterwards.
- The Havahart Melitta cone (with paper filter) is a great way to make your coffee while camping, plus it is effortless to store!
- Make your coffee filter: Cut out disposable paper cups into circles (you can use an existing coffee filter as a template). 7. If you don’t have any coffee filters, a nylon stocking will do the trick!
- Make sure always to use fresh water and good-quality coffee beans for the best results.
- Make sure to clean your coffee pot after using it while camping!
How do you make coffee in a tent camping?
Traditionally, one uses an on-site kettle-style campfire to prepare their morning cup of coffee. But other campgrounds and recreational facilities feature coffee pots from which water can be heated with a Sterno stove. The water is then cooled in a metal sterilized water container, with or without ice, and the coffee grounds are added.
How do you make coffee camping without electricity?
To make coffee while camping without electricity, one needs a boiler that can be used over an open fire or another heat source. The boiler should come with a heat-resistant container that can hold the water and filter chamber. The filter is filled with grounds and held in a place above the fire and the water is heated through the chamber into a cup or thermos. Culinary experts suggest using Sterno Burners to heat water for coffee, since flames from simple campfires tend to burn out quickly, especially when winds are present.
Can I make coffee without hot water?
Yes, you can make coffee without hot water. One method requires mixing the grounds and boil the mixture in a pot before serving. Another method is to add cold water to the grounds and boil it on a campfire or an external heater until the mixture is thick like a paste. The concoction is then mixed with hot water and served normally.
How do you make coffee in the wilderness?
One way to make coffee in the wilderness is to use a stove or campfire. For example, use a kettle camping stove with a heat resistant funnel or other suitable material. The pot should be placed above the fire and filled with water.
What happens if you brew coffee with cold water?
If you use cold water to brew your coffee, you will end up with a weak drink. The cold water does not bring out the flavor of the coffee beans.
What to do with coffee grounds when backpacking?
Coffee grounds are biodegradable and should be disposed of safely in a trash can away from water sources. Most waste disposal facilities are not equipped to handle food waste and ask that all food items be disposed of separately. If you do not want to get rid of the grounds, you can use them as fertilizer for your garden when you get home.
Why is cowboy coffee so good?
If you have dined at a restaurant or diner in the US, you might have noticed that they use this product. Cowboy coffee is usually made by burning wood in a fire until it gets hot enough and then adding the ground coffee. The concoction is then served and typically has a slightly sour charcoal taste to it.
Can you drink coffee on a hike?
There are many ways to prepare coffee while backpacking. If you have boiling water, then you can use a French press to brew your own coffee on the trail. Alternatively, you can use a chemical method by adding hot water and a packet of Caffeine per cup while backpacking.
How to Make Coffee While Camping: Final Words
In this article, you learnt how to make hot coffee while camping. We also introduced you to the best way of making coffee while camping. You also learned how to make coffee while camping without a pot or without fire and how to make pour-over coffee while camping or french press while camping!
So which coffee making method are you applying while camping? Pack your backs and get set for camping.
Also, don’t forget to take your coffee as well. The mountains and an aromatic cup of brew…
Won’t it be a great experience?
Let us know about your best way to make coffee while camping in the comment section.
