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Waking up to the sounds, smells and sights of nature is one of the many joys of camping. Complementing this experience with a perfect cup of coffee can take your morning to a new level. Whether you’re alone on a backcountry hike or with a group at a family campsite, there’s a coffee-making product to suit your needs. From heavy-duty French presses to ultra-lightweight drips, this guide will walk you through the best ways to enjoy your morning brew in the great outdoors, with top products from Yeti, AeroPress, GSI, Stanley and more.
Understand your coffee needs while camping
Before diving into the specifics of each product, consider what you want from your camping coffee maker:
- Portability: Compactness and light weight are the key to backpacking.
- Durability: Outdoor gear should be able to withstand harsh conditions.
- Group size: Solo drinkers have different needs than a group.
- Ease of use: Ease of use is crucial outdoors.
- Cleaning: Minimal water consumption and easy cleaning are preferred.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press – $39.95
The AeroPress Go is designed for the traveling coffee lover. It is compact and lightweight and stores neatly with all components fitting into the cup.
- Pros: It brews smooth, rich coffee without bitterness. Full immersion brewing and rapid filtering allow for quick and delicious coffee.
- Use: Ideal for solo travelers due to its compact design.
- Cleaning: Easy and requires little water, ideal for traceless camping.
GSI Ultralight Drip – $10.95
This filter coffee maker is one of the lightest on the market and will hardly put a strain on your backpack.
- Pros: The brewing process is straightforward: simply place it over your cup, add coffee, and pour over hot water.
- Uses: Best for those who want a no-frills, traditional filter coffee.
- Cleaning: Easy to rinse and the nylon filter is reusable.
AeroPress XL – $69.95
The AeroPress XL extends the popular AeroPress technology to two people, making it perfect for family or group camping.
- Advantages: The quick and easy brewing process is maintained and at the same time more coffee is produced per pressing.
- Use: Suitable for two people to ensure you both get your caffeine fix.
- Cleaning: Like its smaller counterpart, cleaning is quick and easy.
GSI Percolator 12 Cup – $36.95
This traditional percolator can brew up to 14 cups of coffee, ideal for larger groups.
- Options: Available in stainless steel or enamel, both offering robustness in outdoor conditions.
- Pros: It’s great for making large batches of coffee and can be used over a camp stove or open fire.
- Use: Perfect for group campers who enjoy the ritual of brewing coffee.
- Cleaning: Requires more water and more effort to clean, but can be managed within the campground resources.
Yeti Rambler French Press – $130
Known for its durability and insulation, the Yeti French Press keeps coffee hot for hours.
- Pros: It combines a sturdy construction with the ability to brew creamy and rich coffee. Once immersed, this French press separates the grounds from the coffee, preventing the bitterness that can result
- Use: Excellent for colder environments where keeping coffee warm is a challenge.
- Clean-up work: More complex due to the size and terrain, but uncomplicated.
Stanley French Press Mug – $36
It combines a French press mechanism in a travel mug that is suitable for both brewing and drinking on the go.
- Pros: It’s extremely portable and perfect for anyone who wants to make their coffee right in their drinking container.
- Usage: Ideal for solo travelers who need a quick, efficient and warming cup of coffee.
- Cleaning: Easy as the press and cup are integrated, reducing the number of items to clean.
Stanley Classic Vacuum French Press – $70
This larger version offers the reliability and durability expected from Stanley products and is suitable for making multiple cups.
- Pros: Offers a sturdy design with excellent heat retention.
- Use: Ideal for small groups or couples enjoying a hearty beer.
- Cleaning: Similar to other French presses, cleaning includes removing the coffee grounds and rinsing.
Stanley Pour Over – $45
This device is designed to be placed on the included mug with the coffee grounds placed into the filter to pour over.
- Advantages: It is simple, effective and portable, ideal for precision brewing lovers.
- Uses: Best for those who appreciate the ritual and clarity of flavor when poured over Coffee.
- Cleaning: Only includes rinsing the filter and device.
MiiR Pourigami – $21.93
As the name suggests, this pour-over tool folds flat like origami and is made of durable stainless steel.
- Pros: It is ultralight and compact, making it perfect for minimalists and solo travelers.
- Usage: Great for backpackers who don’t want to compromise on the quality of their morning drink.
- Cleaning: Extremely easy; simply rinse and fold.
Making the perfect camp coffee
Choosing the right coffee maker for camping largely depends on your needs: the number of people in your group, the type of camping you’re doing, and how much effort you’re willing to put into preparing and cleaning it. Whether you prefer a simple pour-over with the MiiR Pourigami or need a large batch from a GSI percolator, there is a solution that will work for you. Remember: the right start with a perfect cup of coffee can lay the foundation for a wonderful day in nature.
Final tips
- Pre-grind your coffee: Save time and space by grinding your coffee at home. However, if you enjoy the art of hand sanding, here are some options.
- Heat water efficiently: Use a camp stove or small kettle to bring water to a boil quickly.
- Pack away your coffee grounds: Always follow Leave No Trace principles by packing away used coffee grounds.
- Does it all seem like too much work? Here are some instant coffee options to consider.
Enjoy your adventure with the perfect cup of coffee, start your day well and make your outdoor experience unforgettable.