Coffee Methods When Camping

86% of adults drink it, 100% of children wish they could. Coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world and many people rely on it to kick start their day. Just the aroma alone says “let’s kick today’s butt.” The last thing you want to do when escaping for a stress free camping trip, is forget your prime source of energy. There are many ways to indulge this daily grind while camping or backpacking and I’m here to show you the best coffee methods out there today. 

Java Press (French Press)

Using a java press is our main source when coffee making. We bring the GSI Java Press on all our backpacking adventures. With weighing 10.3 ounces, it’s not much extra weight to haul. Filters are not needed for this method, so you’ll only need boiling water and coffee. Read our GSI Java Press review and learn how this process works.

Pour Over (Dripper)

There are a few different products to produce this method. My favorite, and the most photogenic, is a Chemex. You’ll need filters, hot water, and coffee. Place the filter in the cone, fill the filter with coffee, pour hot water over the coffee, and wait for it to drip. Be cautious when pouring the water so it doesn’t overflow. Within 6 minutes you’ll have a cup of fresh brewed coffee.

Many companies are now making collapsible coffee drippers that only weigh 2.9 ounces. This is a dream come true for backpackers. Some of them even have carabiners to attach right on your pack. Make sure you bring your mug if you choose this as your method.

The newest and greatest way to make drip coffee outdoors has got to go to Kuju Coffee. They’ve managed to allow single-serving portions to fit right in your pocket! The pre loaded filter fits almost any size mug and is ready to drink within 5 minutes. 

Cowboy Coffee

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Cowboy coffee is the reason for this blog! It’s a classic method, but definitely not the most ideally. For this you’ll need a pot (that can handle campfire temperatures) and coffee. 

Since this method is for desperate times, we’re skipping measurements. 

• Fill pot with water and place on campfire until boiling.
• Carefully remove, add a few spoonfuls of finely ground coffee, and stir.
• Let sit for two minutes and stir again
• Let sit for another 2-3 minutes
• Sprinkle a little cold water on the top of the grounds in hopes that they will settle to the bottom
• Slowly pour coffee into your mug

Now get ready to run 7 miles.

Campfire Percolator

This technique is very similar to cowboy coffee, minus the grinds. Being able to get the smooth, smokiness from the campfire into your coffee is what I imagine heaven would taste like. The percolator comes with a basket which acts as a filter. You simple place the whole pot right on the campfire once you fill the basket with coffee and the pot with water. You could also use a GAS STOVE if you choose. Keep in mind a percolator isn’t the lightest, weighing anywhere from 1.5-3 pounds, so you won’t want to take this on your back country venture.

“Even a bad cup of coffee is better than no coffee at all.”
David Lynch

Instant Coffee

Just talking about instant coffee puts a bitter tastes in people’s mouths..but when you’re on a 26 mile hike bringing the extra gear is out of the questions for weights sake. You have options too! You can buy a full container, single-serving packets, and even single-serving cubes. The process is thoughtless; boil water, add coffee, stir, and enjoy. 

Tea Bag

This method will practice your patience. Coffee tea bags are basically weightless and can be assembled at home before your camping adventure. Again, you’ll need a coffee filter, coffee of choice, and hot water. Once you’ve scooped the coffee into the filter you now have two options: fold the filter or bunch up the sides and tie it shut. I suggest the second.

The last step is dependent on your patience level…the longer you let your coffee soak in the water, the stronger your cuppa will be. 

With minimal equipment needed, the modern day provides a ton of ways to brew coffee while outdoors. A strong brew is a perfect source of warmth, comfort, and energy…not to mention the perfect companion for peaceful mornings. Whether you’re backpacking or car camping, you never have to go without your fresh cup of Joe.

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