9 Best Camping Coffee Makers of 2024
Coffee is 100% a cornerstone of camping culture. There’s nothing like waking up in the great outdoors and enjoying a hot cup of coffee! It’s the perfect way to get your day started and get you feeling energized for your outdoor adventures.
For coffee fanatics, the biggest struggle is making the perfect cup without all their at-home gadgets. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to achieve your ideal brew in the wild! In this article, we will share our easiest tips for making and drinking coffee while camping. Keep reading to learn all about the best methods and products for crafting camp coffee.
BAD Coffee® Nitro Cold Brew Cans
Your day in nature can’t start any better than with a cold brew kick!
BAD Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Cans are a great alternative to instant coffee. And they’re easy! Keep them cool and crack them open when you are ready for your morning coffee. Our cold brew cans are perfect for camping on hot summer days. They help you cool off while also giving you a boost. The creamy infusion with nitrogen bubbles makes this drink a real treat!
How to Store Nitro Coffee Cans While Camping
BAD Coffee Nitro Cold Brew Cans are best served…well, cold! But the cans don’t need to stay cold to be safely enjoyed. That makes throwing one in a backpack and hitting the road even easier.
How to Brew Coffee Outside
Nothing quite beats the feeling of waking up outside, getting a pot of water boiling, and drinking your morning coffee as the sun rises. Brewing coffee outside is remarkably easy when you have the right tools!
You’ll need 3 essential items to brew camp coffee:
- Coffee: You can’t make a camp brew without the coffee! Bring your favorite ground coffee, or bring whole beans and a small hand-grinder for a fresher taste.
- Brewing Device: There are many devices for making coffee in the wilderness. The best options will be highly portable and manually operated.
- Boiling Water: No camping trip is complete without a pot for boiling water!
For the coffee part of this equation, we recommend enjoying a cup of Gravel Bar Coffee.
Gravel Bar Coffee is a creation of Josh, Cupper’s own outdoor-loving master roaster! Crafted with his love for fly fishing in mind, this coffee offers comforting notes of chocolate and campfires. It’s the perfect brew for outdoorsmen looking to start their day off with a bang.
Psssst…are you a fly-fishing aficionado too? Cupper’s offers a selection of fly-fishing goods as well! Come in-store to check out our Gink Fly Fishing Floatant, and Stroft Leaders and Tippets.
Gravel Bar Brew Bags
If you’re trying to pack light, you can’t get lighter than our Gravel Bar Brew Bags. These small coffee bags pack a big flavour. It’s simple – add hot water and steep for 5 minutes, and you’re set with a fresh cup of coffee. There’s no easier way to bring coffee up a mountain. Weighing only .15 grams each, the bags are perfect for all your light-weight adventures.
To read more about our Gravel Bar Brew Bags check out our Ultimate Guide to Brew Bags.
So there’s three suggestions so far for your best camping coffee experience. Now, here are our top 6 products for brewing coffee in the outdoors!
AeroPress Coffee Maker
The AeroPress Coffee Maker is one of the best and most suitable options for brewing coffee in the outdoors. You can also try the smaller AeroPress Go. Both offer strong coffee outdoors and have an all-in-one design. The Go also includes a mug that doubles as a carrying case. Plus, it includes a plastic clamshell for storing filters! The device can make one 8 oz. serving per brew, making it ideal for individual use.
Not a solo camper and need to make more than one cup of coffee? Check out the new Aeropress XL. It’s twice the size of our regular Aeropress and brews 20 oz. at a pressing. You no longer need to have only one cup at a time. This beast makes two large cups of coffee, or up to four small ones. It even comes with a Tritan Plastic carafe to serve your brew from.
How Do I Use an AeroPress?
- Assemble the AeroPress: To assemble the device, first push the plunger out of the chamber. Then place a filter in the filter cap and twist the filter cap onto the chamber.
- Add the Coffee: Once assembled, the chamber should be placed on top of the mug. Add your scoop of coffee into the chamber.
- Add the Water: Add hot water to the appropriate level over the top of the coffee and stir for at least 10 seconds.
- Plunge: Return the plunger to the chamber and slowly press downwards until it hits the bottom.
Pros and Cons of the AeroPress
AeroPress Pros
- Lightweight, easy to pack
- Durable
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Brews coffee quickly
- Makes AMAZING coffee
- Easy to clean
- All waste is biodegradable
- There’s a few different options for size… if you’re going by yourself or if you need one for two coffee aficionados!
AeroPress Cons
- We’re not sure there is one!
Cafflano Kompact Coffee Maker
The Cafflano Kompact Coffee Maker is another type of AeroPress-style coffee maker. The design of the Cafflano Kompact makes it super-easy to use. It also comes with its own storage container. Made of lightweight materials, the Kompact is perfect for fitting inside a camping pack. It even collapses to make storage all the more convenient.
Simply brew the coffee in the Cafflano Kompact and press it into your favorite camp mug!
How To Use a Cafflano Kompact Coffee Maker
The Cafflano Kompact is very straightforward to use. Follow these 3 easy steps:
- Brew: Add your coffee and hot water and allow to steep for at least 3 minutes.
- Add a Filter: Add the filter and cap to the top of the device.
- Flip and Press: Flip the device so the filter is facing downwards. Hold over top of your favorite mug and press down slowly.
The Cafflano Kompact is also one of the easiest brewers to clean. Just add some water, give it a shake, and dump it.
Pros and Cons of the Cafflano Kompact
Pros of the Cafflano Kompact
- Lightweight, easy to pack
- Durable
- Inexpensive
- Brews coffee quickly
- Has leakproof cap
- Can easily make cold brew.
- No need for paper filters
Cons of the Cafflano Kompact
- Can only make 1 cup of coffee at a time
- Is harder to clean than the AeroPress, but easier to clean than a French press.
For more information on this sweet little portable coffee maker, check out What is a Cafflano Kompact?
French Presses
The French Press is an iconic device used for brewing coffee. With some modern modifications, French presses are an excellent travel companion for camping trips.
The BruTrek Double Shot doubles as both a French Press and a travel mug! These travel mugs are ideal for your next outdoor adventure. There is even a hidden compartment for extra grounds or loose tea. With a screw-on lid and snap-down cover over the mouth, your coffee is safe from spills in nature. The Double Shot is perfect for a sunrise hike—the built-in French press allows you to brew once you have reached your scenic destination.
16 ounces isn’t big enough for you or you don’t want to share? BruTrek also makes a 48 ounce model, the BaseCamp French Press.
How Do I Use a French Press?
- Measure the Coffee: When using a French Press, you want to use roughly 1 tablespoon of coffee per cup of water. Because there is no filter, using the correct measurements is twice as important.
- Fill Halfway: Once you have added the coffee to the bottom of the press, fill halfway with water. Pause to let the coffee bloom (bubble). The fresher the roast, the more the coffee will bloom.
- Finish Filling and Steep: Once the bloom has stopped, fill the remaining space with hot water. Allow the coffee to steep for at least 3 minutes.
- Plunge: Insert the plunger into the device and press slowly.
Pros and Cons of the French Press
Pros of the French Press
- Inexpensive
- Brews great coffee
- Easy to use
- Can make large amounts of coffee (If you have a large press)
- No need for paper filters
Cons of the French Press
- They are hard to clean without running water
For more information check out our article What is a French Press?
Percolators
At Cupper’s, we carry a large line of high-quality enamelware for all your camping needs! The Enamel Percolator is a classic old-school piece of camping equipment. Its retro vibe is perfect for bringing back all your camping nostalgia.
We also have stainless steel percolators in a variety of sizes. From a small personal 2 cupper, you can go right up to a family sized 12 cup perc.
How To Use a Percolator
An percolator may seem confusing at first, but it’s very simple to use. Here are the 5 steps for brewing great coffee with your percolator:
- Remove the Basket: Inside the percolator is a basket and tube. Remove these first.
- Add Water: Once you have removed the basket, add water inside the percolator. Use one cup of water per cup of coffee, and make sure to include an extra cup. This last cup will boil away during the brewing. Stop filling the pot when the water is right below the pouring spout.
- Fill the Basket: Open up the basket, add a filter if needed. (This depends on the percolator). Then add two teaspoons of ground coffee per serving.
- Place on Heat:Put the basket back on the stem, and return both to the percolator. Begin heating to a boil. Boil until the water begins to percolate—this shows through the bubble at the top of the percolator. Then partly remove the percolator from the heat so it simmers. Allow it to continue percolating at a simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Pour and Enjoy: Pour and enjoy your coffee in the great outdoors.
Pros and Cons of the Percolator
Pros of the Percolator
- Inexpensive
- Brews great coffee
- Easy to use
- Can make large amounts of coffee
- No need for paper filters
Cons of the Percolator
- Bulky for traveling
How To Make Cowboy Coffee
Looking to brew a rich cup of cowboy coffee? Check out our Enamelware Kettle Pots. Making coffee in one of these bad boys couldn’t be easier. Throw some coarse ground coffee into your kettle pot with some water and let it boil. When you are ready to drink, just pour into your matching enamel cup. Most of the grounds will settle to the bottom of the kettle pot.
How Do I Make Cowboy Coffee?
The best way to make cowboy coffee is to follow these 4 simple steps.
- Fill boiler up with water
- Add coarsely ground coffee
- Boil for 5-10 minutes
- Pour into the cup and serve. Most of the coffee grounds will settle to the bottom of your kettle pot.
Pros and Cons of Cowboy Coffee
Pros of Cowboy Coffee
- Inexpensive
- Brews strong coffee
- Easy to brew, easy to clean up
- Can make large amounts of coffee
- No need for paper filters
Cons of Cowboy Coffee
- Bulky for traveling
- Some coffee grounds may get into your cup
Bellman Espresso Maker
Don’t want to miss out on your daily latte or cappuccino while camping? Look no further than this amazing Bellman Espresso Maker. It works like a moka pot, but has the added benefit of an attached steam wand. Who knew you could have a true latte on the trail? The side pressure gauge is also a bonus, and allows you to hone in on a perfect espresso.
How Do I Use the Bellman Espresso Maker?
Brewing with your Bellman is easy – just follow these 4 steps.
- Fill the boiler with water
- Loosely pack coffee into the brewing chamber
- Place Bellman on your lit camp-stove burner
- Once the pressure has built up and the coffee is brewed twist the knob on the spout to dispense your espresso. (This is also the point at which you make steamed milk, using the steps below)
How Do I Steam Milk With the Bellman Espresso Maker?
While you are brewing your espresso you can steam your milk at the same time. Check that your Bellman is up to pressure and then follow these 7 simple steps.
- Fill steaming pitcher ½ way full with milk
- Lower steam wand to the surface of your milk
- Turn the steam wand on
- Aerate your milk untilyou have your desired foam level
- Plunge steam wand into your milk, allowing a whirlpool to swirl through the milk
- Heat the milk to your desired temperature
- Pour over espresso shots for perfect latte or cappuccino
Pros and Cons of the Bellman Brewer
Pros of the Bellman Brewer
- Brews great espresso
- Makes amazing microfoam
- More portable than a home espresso machine
- Can make 3, 6 or 9 cups
- Lattes and cappuccinos while camping!
Cons of the Bellman Brewer
- Less portable than other options here
- Has a learning curve, as with any espresso machine
- The most expensive item on this list, but still cheaper than a home espresso machine)
How To Drink Your Coffee While Camping
So, you have chosen your brewing device and are ready to enjoy your coffee. But wait… no camp coffee is complete without the right camp mug! It should be sturdy and capable of keeping your coffee hot and delicious. Here are some awesome camp mugs and cups to check out before embarking on your camping journey.
Swig Life Cups & Mugs
Swig Life is our newest line of cups, mugs and water bottles. There’s a big variety of sizes and styles of these, and they’re all designed to fit in your cup holder. They have an easy-to-clean lid and a silicon base to keep them non-slip and quiet. The biggest cups hold a whopping 32 oz. of coffee… so you can take the whole darned coffee pot just for yourself!
Corkcicle Mugs & Cups
Corkcicle mugs are beautifully designed and come with fitted lids to keep your coffee safe and warm. The bottoms of these mugs are no-slip and the handle is made for easy holding. They are also highly durable, ensuring you have the perfect coffee mug for years to come.
Corkcicle Mugs and Cups come in many different colors and styles. Pick the mug that best matches your personality!
Don't Forget Your Accessories
No camping trip is complete without the right nifty gadgets and accessories. At Cupper’s, we recommend checking out our Voile Straps. These are insanely useful and come in a variety of lengths.
Use the Voile Straps to secure, bundle, and carry your camping gear with ease! You could even use them to make a convenient coffee supplies holder on the exterior of your pack.
Coffee is more than just a morning beverage to outdoor enthusiasts. It is our lifeblood, our source of energy, and the supreme source of early morning comfort.
Before you set out on your next camping adventure, check out all of the products we have listed in this guide. You never know what you might need.
If you are looking for a new favorite coffee, make sure to explore our extensive line of coffees! We offer all sorts of different roasts, so you are guaranteed to find your ideal flavour profile. Now get out there and go camping!
