The Ultimate Guide to the Best Coffee Maker for Backpacking: Find Your Perfect Brew On-The-Go!

Are you tired of settling for mediocre coffee while on your camping or backpacking adventures? Well, fret no more! We've scoured the market and tested numerous coffee makers to bring you the ultimate guide to the best coffee makers for backpacking. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking a budget-friendly option or part of a big group craving a robust brew, we've got you covered. So, pack up your gear and get ready to discover the best coffee maker for backpacking that will elevate your outdoor caffeine game to new heights!

Top Pick: AeroPress Coffee Maker

The AeroPress was our top choice overall. It emerged as the clear winner in our blind taste test, with both of our testers considering it the best-tasting coffee among the options.

Not only does it deliver great flavor, but it's also incredibly fast to brew. It takes just over 2 minutes (excluding the time to boil water). Cleaning it is a breeze, requiring only a few seconds.

The AeroPress is compact and can easily fit into any camping kit. Although it is slightly heavy for backpacking, we have taken it on short overnight trips without any issues.

Including all the additional tools, it weighs 9.5 oz. However, if you only bring the main body and a few filters, the weight drops to 6.3 oz.

Since the AeroPress is designed for making 1-2 cups at a time, it's best suited for small groups. To brew two cups, simply add a half scoop or so of ground coffee, allow the water to drain from the "4" mark to the "2" mark a couple of times, create suction, let the coffee brew, and then press it out.

Despite its many advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider. We found that the AeroPress can be a bit finicky and may result in underextracted and slightly sour coffee.

For a more balanced cup, we recommend turning the AeroPress upside down and letting the coffee sit for 1-2 minutes before flipping it over and pressing. It may take some experimentation with timing to achieve your desired taste.

Another drawback is that the AeroPress requires specific coffee filters, but the product comes with a generous supply. These filters are tiny and easy to pack, and the ones included in the box should last you nearly a year of daily coffee making.

While it's possible to purchase a metal filter, we've found that it doesn't work as well as the included filters.

The AeroPress quickly became our favorite way to make a quick and delicious cup of camp coffee. We highly recommend it. Combine it with a good camping coffee mug or mess kit, and you'll have everything you need to start your mornings right in the backcountry.

Long-Term Testing Notes

Alex using the AeroPress to brew a cup of coffee at Cottonwood Lake Campground in Colorado. Alex Beale, the owner and editor of 99Boulders, has been using the AeroPress as his coffee maker both at home and on camping trips for over a year.

He absolutely loves it and rarely uses any other coffee brewing method now. The AeroPress consistently produces a fantastic cup of coffee, and Alex appreciates how easy it is to clean compared to a standard French press. He has even converted his girlfriend and her two roommates, who now rely on it as their main coffee maker at home.

Alex suggests using the AeroPress to make 1-2 cups of coffee at a time. While he has used it to make coffee for groups of 3-4 people, it does take more time. It involves making a cup or two with one batch of grounds, pressing them out, refilling the chamber with fresh grounds, and repeating the brewing process.

Over the course of his year-long daily use, Alex hasn't encountered any durability issues. The black base is sturdy enough to withstand his strongest pressing, and the brew chamber, made of resilient plastic, has not warped despite exposure to boiling hot and ice-cold water in quick succession.

Alex agrees that the AeroPress is the best camping coffee maker available. He advises that once you start using it, there's a good chance it will become your go-to coffee maker.

Product Specs

• Weight: 9.5 oz
• Type: Press
• Capacity: 1 cup

Snow Peak Collapsible Coffee Drip

Best Overall

Portable Coffee Makers for Camping, Backpacking, and Outdoor Use

Published July 25th, 2023

When you wake up in the morning in the backcountry, there's no reason why you should have to settle for mediocre coffee. That's where we come in. We can assist you in finding the best camp coffee maker, whether you prefer single-serving espresso or need a camping coffee pot to satisfy a large group.

Our team of coffee enthusiasts and testers brewed coffee using 14 different systems in the great outdoors to determine the best camp coffee makers for every type of outdoor adventure. We also cover the basics of coffee brewing and achieving the best extraction, as well as what to do with coffee grounds while camping or backpacking.

If you prefer something quicker, check out our guide to The Best Instant Coffee.

We provide unbiased and objective gear reviews supported by our readers. Our expert editors carefully select the products featured in our stories. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on these links to purchase gear, we may receive a commission without any additional cost to you. We appreciate your support in enabling us to continue providing outdoor coverage for everyone! Learn more.

Snow Peak Field Barista Set

Best Luxury Coffee Set

GSI Outdoors Stainless Steel Percolator

Best Coffee Maker for Large Groups

Unique Imports Premium Copper Turkish Coffee Warmer

Most Unique Camp Coffee Maker

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip

Best Ultralight Coffee Maker

OTHER COFFEEMAKERS WE TESTED

GSI Ultralight Java Drip

Brew Type: Pour Over

Weight: 0.4 oz

Serving Size: 1 cup

Filter Type: None needed

The GSI Ultralight Java Drip is a backpacking-oriented coffee brewer that prides itself on being one of the lightest and most compact coffee makers available. It produces pour-over style drip coffee with reasonably good flavor while maintaining a small footprint. So if you're not a fan of instant coffee and want a brewing system that prioritizes portability, consider the GSI Ultralight Java Drip.

However, in our testing, we found the MSR Mugmate to be easier to use and to deliver a better-tasting, more robust cup of coffee than the Ultralight Java Drip. That's why we selected it as the top choice for backpacking.

Related: The Best Instant Coffee

COMPARE PRICES OF THE GSI ULTRALIGHT JAVA DRIP

Ozark Stainless Percolator

Brew Type: Percolator

Weight: 1.15 pounds for the 8-cup model

Serving Size: Varies with models; available in sizes from 6 to 12 cups

Filter Type: None needed

If you're in search of a camping coffee maker that can handle large groups without breaking the bank, consider the Ozark Stainless Percolator. It's a 10-cup brewer that delivers coffee on par with other percolators, such as the GSI Enamelware, but at a fraction of the cost.

However, during our testing, we found the lid on the Ozark Stainless Percolator to be somewhat finicky, and we had some concerns about its durability. Therefore, if budget isn't your main concern, we recommend the GSI for better overall durability and style.

VIEW THE OZARK TRAIL STAINLESS STEEL PERCOLATOR

OXO Campgrounds French Press

Brew Type: French Press

Weight: 16.1 oz

Serving Size: 8 cups

Filter Type: None needed

We evaluated the OXO Campgrounds French Press for two categories: Best French Press for Camping and Best for Group Camping. It has a large size that can accommodate up to 8 cups, although slightly less compared to the percolator that won that category. Nevertheless, it still makes a considerable amount of coffee. During our testing, we found that, like most French press coffee makers, including the ones commonly found in coffee shops, it can be challenging to prevent grounds from ending up in your cup. As a result, we found that the ESPRO offers a smoother and cleaner tasting French press coffee.

COMPARE PRICES OF THE OXO CAMPGROUNDS FRENCH PRESS

Sea to Summit X-Brew

Brew Type: Pour Over

Weight: 4 oz

Serving Size: 1-2 cups

Filter Type: Mesh

The Sea to Summit X-Brew is an innovative coffee dripper made of silicone. This collapsible pour-over coffee maker can be flattened to a compact disc, making it easy to pack. It includes a built-in metal mesh filter, eliminating the need to carry additional filters. Simply dispose of the grounds and rinse it out when you're done. However, during testing, we found that the Hario, which is less expensive, brews a better cup of pour-over coffee. Nonetheless, we appreciate the clever design of the Sea to Summit X-Brew, especially when space is limited.

VIEW THE SEA TO SUMMIT XBREW

To bring out the full flavor of your coffee beans, it's recommended to grind them fresh right before brewing. In this photo, the author uses a hand grinder to grind coffee beans while camping. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.

The Top 5 Camp Coffee Makers

The Best Camp Coffeemaker:

AEROPRESS

Brew Type: Vacuum press/column

Weight: 11.5 oz

Serving Size: 1 cup (10 oz)

Filter Type: Paper

Highlights: Excellent flavor, consistency, lightweight, packable, durable

Drawbacks: Can be considered heavy by some backpackers, proprietary filters

The AeroPress is known for consistently delivering excellent-tasting coffee with every brew. It's a lightweight and packable option that can easily fit in your backpack or camper, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether you're an experienced coffee brewer or a beginner, you can expect a flavorful and satisfying cup of coffee every time.

COMPARE PRICES ON THE AEROPRESS

The AeroPress uses a plunger-like device to push hot water through coffee grounds, a process referred to as forced extraction. Here, the author is pushing coffee through grounds on the AeroPress. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.

The classic AeroPress works by using a plunger-like device to push hot water through the coffee grounds, resulting in a process called forced extraction. This method, combined with the small paper filter used by the AeroPress, ensures a clean and smooth taste without any sludge at the bottom of your cup.

One of the advantages of the AeroPress is its versatility in controlling the strength of your coffee. Whether you prefer a strong espresso-like brew or a regular cup of American-style coffee, the AeroPress can accommodate your preferences. It can even make cold brew for those hot summer days at camp.

Unlike other pour-over systems that require precise pouring techniques, the AeroPress's forced extraction method allows you to brew coffee without the need for a gooseneck kettle. A basic camp kettle or a cook pot with a spout can provide equally satisfying results.

Brewing a cup of coffee with the AeroPress takes only about a minute, and cleaning up is a breeze. Simply remove the cap, push out the coffee grounds and filter into the trash, and you're done. No need for rinsing or extra water.

The original AeroPress can brew up to four servings of espresso-strength coffee or a few small cups of regular coffee. The AeroPress Go, a smaller version, can make up to three servings of espresso and two small cups of regular coffee. While the AeroPress is ideal for individuals or small groups, it may not be as convenient for larger groups that require a larger coffee percolator or a french press.

The classic AeroPress weighs 16.5 oz and is compact enough for car camping trips. It's also reasonably packable for backpacking trips, as long as weight isn't a concern. The AeroPress Go, weighing 11.5 oz, is even more lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for portable travel.

Both the AeroPress and the AeroPress Go are made of durable plastic and have proven to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. They have been tested in various conditions, from winter ski trips to summer camping and backpacking, and have shown minimal signs of wear and tear.

The AeroPress comes with a tote bag and 350 microfilters, while the AeroPress Go includes its own camp mug, 350 microfilters, and a travel filter holder.

In conclusion, the AeroPress and AeroPress Go are our top picks for camp coffee makers due to their excellent taste, versatility, ease of use, and durability. They provide the perfect blend of convenience and quality for your outdoor coffee brewing needs.

AeroPress Go

Brew Type: Vacuum press/column

Weight: 11.5 oz

Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)

Filter Type: Paper

Highlights: Excellent flavor, consistency, lightweight, packable, durable

Drawbacks: Proprietary filters

If you're looking for a smaller coffeemaker for your travels or backpacking trips, the AeroPress Go is the perfect choice. It offers the same great features as the original AeroPress but in a more compact and lightweight package. With a weight of only 11.5 oz and the ability to brew a slightly smaller cup of coffee (8 oz), it strikes the right balance between portability and functionality.

COMPARE PRICES OF THE AEROPRESS GO

A PCT thru-hiker tested this Aeropress Go and still loved carrying it after 500 miles. It makes one cup and weighs less than the regular size Aeropress.

The AeroPress Go uses the same vacuum press/column brewing mechanism as the AeroPress, ensuring a consistently flavorful and satisfying cup of coffee. It also uses the same small paper filter, resulting in a clean and smooth taste without any sludge.

Just like its larger counterpart, the AeroPress Go doesn't require a gooseneck kettle for precise pouring. This makes it even more convenient for travel as you can use a regular backpacking cookpot or a hotel hot water kettle.

Best Budget Camp Coffee Maker:

Hario V60 Pour Over

Brew Type: Pour Over

Weight: 3 oz

Serving Size: 1-4 cups

Filter Type: Paper

Highlights: Affordable, easy to use, various size options, evenly extracted, clean and bright cup

Drawbacks: Learning curve to improve taste

For those who appreciate the art of hand-brewed pour over coffee, the Hario V60 Pour Over is an excellent choice that won't break the bank. It offers a simple and affordable brewing method that delivers a clean and bright cup of coffee every time.

The Hario V60 Pour Over comes in three different sizes (01, 02, and 03), with each size capable of brewing one to four cups of coffee. We recommend the 02 size for its versatility and packability.

COMPARE PRICES OF THE HARIO V60 PLASTIC

The Hario V60 plastic is a lightweight version of the barista classic ceramic V60. This makes it more portable to outdoor locations. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.

The V60's simplicity makes it easy to use, but mastering the pouring technique can enhance the overall flavor of your coffee. Pouring the water slowly in small circles ensures that all the coffee grounds are evenly hit, resulting in a delicious and well-extracted cup of coffee. With practice, you can achieve results similar to those of the AeroPress.

Cleaning up after brewing in the V60 is a breeze. Simply remove the filter with the grounds and dispose of them. When camping, you'll need to pack out the used filter and grounds, but we believe it's a small sacrifice for the exceptional taste.

While the V60 weighs only 3 oz and is made of durable plastic, it may not be the most compact option for backpacking trips. Its cone shape can be a bit challenging to fit in a backpack, but it's still possible. Car camping, on the other hand, is a breeze with the V60.

In conclusion, the Hario V60 Pour Over is a cost-effective and reliable option for those who enjoy the art of hand-brewed pour over coffee. Its lightweight design, ease of use, and excellent flavor make it a fantastic choice for your camping adventures.

Best Coffee Maker for Backpacking:

MSR Mugmate

Brew Type: Steep

Weight: 0.98 oz (filter only--bring your own mug)

Serving Size: 1 cup

Filter Type: Mesh

If you're willing to carry a bit of extra weight and space in your backpack to avoid instant coffee or messy brewing methods, the MSR Mugmate is an excellent option. This compact and lightweight one-cup brewing device allows you to enjoy a smooth and strong cup of coffee even in the backcountry.

COMPARE PRICES OF THE MSR MUGMATE

We were impressed by the quality of coffee the MSR Mugmate was able to brew. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.

The MSR Mugmate is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 0.98 oz without a mug. It features a mesh metal filter that allows you to steep your coffee grounds in hot water, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying cup of coffee. Simply stir the grounds in the hot water for proper extraction.

The Mugmate's filter design eliminates the need for paper filters, making it a convenient option for backpacking. While you may find a small amount of sludge in the bottom of your mug, similar to a french press brew, cleaning up is as easy as tossing the grounds into the trash. A splash of water can help remove any remaining grounds from the filter.

One of the highlights of the Mugmate is its versatility. In addition to making coffee, it can also be used to steep tea leaves, eliminating the need for plastic and paper-wrapped tea bags. It's a fantastic choice for coffee and tea lovers alike.

Durability is another advantage of the Mugmate. It has undergone rigorous testing and has proven to withstand the demands of backcountry adventures. It has been used daily for multiple seasons of backcountry guiding and has shown no major signs of damage or wear and tear.

While there may be lighter and more compact options for backpacking, such as the GSI Ultralight Java Drip, the Mugmate offers a high-quality coffee brewing experience without sacrificing versatility. For those who prioritize taste and convenience, the Mugmate is the best choice.

In conclusion, the AeroPress, AeroPress Go, Hario V60 Pour Over, and MSR Mugmate are our top picks for camp coffee makers in different categories. They all offer excellent brewing methods, convenience, and durability, making them perfect for your outdoor coffee brewing needs.

Best Backpacking Coffee Maker: GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip

The GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip weighs only 0.32 oz and still manages to brew a delicious cup of coffee. It's truly impressive.

If you need more convincing, consider the fact that it doesn't require filters and can be packed down to almost nothing. Cleaning it is a breeze - a quick rinse with less than 1/4 litre of water is all it takes. It also fits perfectly on almost any backpacking cup or mug.

What's more, our taste testers ranked it as one of their top favorite coffees in our blind taste test.

However, the Ultralight Java Drip does have a couple of minor downsides. The plastic clips are a bit fragile and can easily break, leaving you in a bind. Additionally, when the basket is full of grounds and water, it becomes slightly top-heavy. To prevent it from tipping over, you'll need to hold onto one of the plastic legs.

Considering the low price and the fact that it weighs less than a third of an ounce, these minor issues are easy to overlook. Say goodbye to instant coffee on your backpacking trips and pair the Ultralight Java Drip with a lightweight backpacking stove and your favorite coffee for the ultimate on-the-trail coffee experience.

The Ultralight Java Drip folds down to a compact size.

Product Specs

• Weight: 0.32 oz
• Type: Drip
• Capacity: 1 cup

Budget Pick for Solo Campers: Primula Coffee Brew Buddy

We were initially skeptical of the design of the Primula Coffee Brew Buddy. It resembles more of a tea bag than a pour over coffee maker.

However, our doubts were quickly dispelled. The Brew Buddy allows the coffee to stay in contact with hot water for a longer period of time, resulting in a more balanced flavor. It ranked among the best tasting coffees in our blind taste test.

(On the other hand, other pour over coffee makers tended to produce sour and underextracted coffee.)

In addition to its great performance, the Brew Buddy is simple to use and extremely compact. However, pouring boiling water from a camping pot into the small basket can be a bit challenging. The basket can only hold a small amount of water, and if you overfill it, the water quickly overflows onto the flat top, creating a mess.

Despite this, the Primula Coffee Brew Buddy remains a quick and convenient way to make a delicious cup of coffee. It's also lightweight and small enough for backpacking.

Product Specs

• Weight: 3.52 oz
• Type: Drip
• Capacity: 1 cup

Budget Pick for Groups: Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Percolator

The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Percolator offers impressive performance at an affordable price.

As long as you let it percolate for at least 1 minute per cup and avoid boiling it too vigorously, it's difficult to mess up the brewing process.

This percolator also has a large capacity, allowing you to make a substantial amount of coffee at once. Plus, it adds a stylish touch to your campsite.

Although we were quite fond of it, there are a few drawbacks that prevented it from being our top choice for groups. It was the slowest among the coffee makers we tested, taking a painstaking 21 minutes to brew 8 cups of coffee. It was also the most time-consuming to clean, with multiple parts requiring thorough rinsing.

We had mixed feelings about the glass knob on the lid. While it allows you to see when the coffee starts percolating and feels sturdy, glass and camping don't always go well together.

Despite the waiting time, the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Percolator produces a large quantity of coffee. You can also leave the coffee in the percolator for as long as you wish - it won't turn bitter like French press coffee.

Overall, this percolator is a reliable and affordable option for making plenty of coffee while camping.

Product Specs

• Weight: 1 lb 11.5 oz
• Type: Percolator
• Capacity: 8 cups

Best for Big Groups: Planetary Design Table Top French Press

The Planetary Design Table Top French Press is our top choice for making coffee for large groups while camping. Its durable and user-friendly design sets it apart.

Once you've boiled your water, you can quickly brew 6 cups of remarkably good coffee in under 5 minutes.

This French press is clearly well-designed and carefully thought out. We love its sleek style, large handle, and easy-to-use plunger.

Out of all the French press coffee makers we tested, the Planetary Design Table Top French Press was the easiest to use and clean.

In our blind taste test, it ranked in the middle. The coffee it produced wasn't exceptional, but it was nearly impossible to make a bad cup with this French press.

As with all French press coffee makers, the coffee tends to become increasingly bitter if it sits for too long without being poured.

For a group of 4, making a full 6 cups of coffee is a breeze. With smaller groups, you can easily make a smaller amount to avoid drinking overly bitter coffee.

Planetary Design has truly delivered with a camping brewer that is stylish, well-designed, and easy to use.

The simple yet spacious design of the Planetary Design French Press makes mornings at camp easier for groups.

Product Specs

• Weight: 2 lb 4.3 oz
• Type: Press
• Capacity: 6 cups

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best coffee maker for backpacking, there are plenty of options that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're a solo camper looking for a budget-friendly option or part of a big group in need of a high-capacity brewer, there is a coffee maker on this list that will suit your needs. So before you embark on your next outdoor adventure, be sure to pack one of these portable coffee makers and never miss out on your favorite cup of joe again. Happy brewing!