Today, I’m about to spill the beans (literally) on my favorite ways to brew coffee while camping. Over the past two decades, I’ve been perfecting my camp coffee craft as a guide, pro backpacker, and full-time van-lifer. Spoiler alert: I drink a lot of coffee. So, grab a cup (or three), and let’s dive into my favorite camp coffee-making tools.
Brew Trek: The Fancy Pour-Over for Nature Lovers
First up, let’s talk pour-over. Yes, it’s that fancy, hipster method you see at every trendy café in Portland, but did you know you can take it camping too? I’ve been using the Brew Trek stainless steel pour-over, and it has completely revolutionized my wilderness mornings. This bad boy is lightweight, durable, and makes a legit cup of coffee that’ll have you questioning if you’re even outdoors.
Why does pour-over coffee taste so much better than your sad Mr. Coffee machine brew? I have no clue. Maybe it’s science or some sort of barista wizardry. But trust me, when you’re camping, this is luxury. And yes, drinking it while wearing flannel somehow makes it taste even better.
Pro tip: Start with good coffee grounds and you’ll end up with a top-notch brew. The Brew Trek system has become a camp favorite of mine for quality and simplicity. Plus, nothing beats sipping a stellar cup of joe with a mountain view.
Compact & Portable - Weighing only 6.5 ounces, the BruTrek Collapsible Pour Over features a space-saving collapsible design, making it an ideal companion for camping, backpacking, and any outdoor adventure. The stainless steel frame folds neatly into the included waxed canvas pouch, ensuring easy storage in your backpack or gear.
Aeropress: The Coffee Geek’s Dream
Next, let’s dive into the Aeropress. If you’ve ever met a hardcore coffee enthusiast, they’ve probably told you all about this little gadget. It’s like a portable espresso machine—without the $500 price tag or barista training.
How does it work? You pressurize your coffee grounds with a plunger, forcing water through for a stronger, richer brew. It’s not exactly a full-blown espresso shot, but it’s close enough for a van-lifer like me. In fact, I’ve been using the Aeropress daily for the last two years while road-tripping across the country. It’s portable, it’s easy, and it makes one seriously smooth cup of coffee.
Heads up: While it’s great for van life, it’s not the most backpack-friendly option. It’s a bit bulky compared to some other methods, but if you’re all about flavor and you have room, the Aeropress won’t let you down.
The AeroPress is a portable coffee maker known for its versatility and ease of use. It uses air pressure to force hot water through coffee grounds, producing a smooth, rich brew in about a minute. The compact design makes it perfect for travel, camping, or home use. With the AeroPress, you can make anything from regular coffee to espresso-style shots. It's beloved by coffee enthusiasts for its quick brewing time, easy cleanup, and consistently great-tasting coffee.
Alpine Start: Instant Coffee That Doesn’t Suck
Look, I’m not above instant coffee. And the Alpine Start instant coffee packets are a total lifesaver when you’re hiking long trails and need your caffeine fix ASAP. These single-serve packets are super lightweight and taste shockingly good for instant coffee.
Sure, it’s not going to blow your mind like a pour-over, but when you’re in the middle of nowhere and too tired to fiddle with fancy gear, this is the way to go. The only downside is the extra waste from individual packets, but for ultra-light backpacking, this is my go-to.
Alpine Start Coffee is a premium instant coffee designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want a quick, hassle-free brew without sacrificing flavor. Made from 100% Arabica beans, it offers a rich, smooth taste that rivals traditional brewed coffee. Convenient and lightweight, it comes in single-serve packets, making it perfect for backpacking, camping, or any on-the-go adventure. Simply add hot water, and you’ll have a delicious cup of coffee in seconds. It’s the ideal choice for those who need quality coffee in the wilderness.
Nanopresso: Espresso for the Hardcore
For the coffee snobs who want a real espresso shot in the wilderness, enter the Nano Presso. This tiny gadget actually creates enough pressure to pull a decent espresso shot—complete with crema!
It’s a fun, novelty option, but unless you’re 100% dedicated to drinking espresso while camping, it might not be your first choice. Personally, I love it for what it is, but I wouldn’t use it daily. Plus, let’s face it, sometimes you just want a big ol’ cup of coffee, not a single shot of espresso.
The Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is a compact, hand-powered device that lets you brew a rich, authentic espresso anywhere. Designed for coffee lovers on the go, it uses a pump system to generate high pressure, extracting bold, crema-rich espresso shots without electricity.
Percolator: Old-School Cool
Finally, we’ve got the percolator. If you’ve been camping since the dawn of time (or the 80s), you probably recognize this method. It’s the coffee maker your grandparents used, and hey, it still gets the job done!
The percolator is great when you’re camping with a group and want to brew a big batch. It does take a bit more time (and fuel), but the result is a strong, no-nonsense coffee that’ll power you through a day of hiking.
100% steel camping coffee makers are toxin free. A one-of-a-kind camping coffee pot, the COLETTI Classic has stainless steel internal components, an over-the-fire hanging handle, & a heat-toughened glass top. The ultimate in campfire cooking equipment
Conclusion: Which Method Wins?
So, how do these methods stack up? If I’m ranking them purely by taste, my top two are the Brew Trek pour-over and Aeropress. They’re hard to beat when it comes to flavor and quality. But if I’m on the move, the Alpine Start instant coffee wins for convenience. The French Press is great for quantity, and the percolator is perfect for those nostalgic, old-school vibes. And if you’re a die-hard espresso fan, well, the Nano Presso has you covered.
What’s your go-to camp coffee method? Let me know in the comments.
Until next time, stay caffeinated!
