Unveiling the Finest Camping Coffee Makers: Fueling Your Adventure with the Best Portable Options

Imagine waking up on a crisp, sun-kissed morning in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature's beauty. As you take in the fresh air and prepare for the day ahead, one thing is missing – your morning cup of joe. Luckily, we have got you covered with our list of the best camping coffee makers. Whether you're embarking on a camping trip, backpacking adventure, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, these portable coffee makers will ensure that you never have to sacrifice your daily caffeine fix. From the Snow Peak Collapsible Coffee Drip to the Unique Imports Premium Copper Turkish Coffee Warmer, we have researched and found the top five coffee makers that are perfect for your outdoor escapades. So grab your camping gear and get ready to brew the perfect cup of coffee under the open sky.

Discover Portable Coffee Makers Perfect for Camping, Backpacking, and Outdoor Adventures

Published on July 25th, 2023

When you wake up in the morning and emerge from your tent in the serene wilderness, you deserve to enjoy a delightful cup of coffee. Don't worry, we've got your back. We are here to assist you in finding the ideal camp coffee maker that suits your needs, whether you prefer a single-serving espresso or a larger camping coffee pot for sharing with your adventure companions.

Our team of coffee enthusiasts and expert testers passionately brewed coffee using fourteen different systems in the great outdoors, all in the pursuit of discovering the ultimate camp coffee makers for every type of outdoor excursion. Additionally, we provide comprehensive insights into coffee brewing fundamentals, ensuring you achieve the best coffee extraction while optimizing your camping or backpacking experience with ingenious tips for handling coffee grounds.

If you're seeking a quicker alternative, take a look at our comprehensive guide to The Best Instant Coffee.

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The Top 5 Coffee Makers for Camping

The Best Coffee Maker for Camping:

AEROPRESS

Brew Type: Vacuum press/column

Weight: 11.5 oz

Serving Size: 1 cup (10 oz)

Filter Type: Paper

What We Liked: The AeroPress offers excellent flavor and consistency. It is also lightweight, packable, and durable.

What We Didn't Like: Some backpackers may find it heavy, and it requires proprietary filters.

In summary, the AeroPress is known for consistently brewing excellent-tasting coffee. It is a versatile and durable camping coffee maker that can be easily packed in a backpack or camper. The AeroPress, along with its travel-friendly option, the AeroPress Go, outperformed the Hario V60 Pour Over due to its ability to consistently produce high-quality coffee regardless of the skill level of the user.

Click here to compare prices and buy the AeroPress on Amazon

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 is designed with a plunger-like device that creates a vacuum-like pressure to extract the coffee from the grounds. This method is commonly known as forced extraction in the coffee industry.

To enhance the taste and cleanliness of the brew, the AeroPress utilizes a small paper filter. This filter ensures that the finished coffee has a smooth and clean taste without any residue at the bottom of the cup.

One of the benefits of AeroPress is the ease of controlling the strength of the coffee. Whether you prefer a strong, espresso-like brew or a milder American-style cup of coffee, the AeroPress can accommodate your preferences by adjusting the amount of hot water used.

Additionally, the AeroPress can even be used to make cold brew coffee, making it a versatile choice for camping during the hot summer months. In taste tests, the AeroPress consistently ranked highly for its smooth and robust flavor.

Unlike some pour-over systems, the AeroPress does not require a specialized gooseneck kettle for precise pouring. The forced extraction method ensures even extraction without the need for specific pouring techniques.

For brewing with the AeroPress, a basic camp kettle or even a regular cook pot with a spout can be used. This adds to the convenience and simplicity of the brewing process.

Brewing coffee with the AeroPress takes only about one minute, and cleanup is a breeze. Simply remove the cap, push out the coffee grounds and filter into the trash, and the AeroPress is ready for the next use.

In terms of size, the classic AeroPress weighs 16.5 oz and is comparable to a small travel mug in terms of portability. The AeroPress Go is even smaller and lighter, weighing 11.5 oz. Both options are suitable for car camping trips and backpacking adventures. While they may not be the lightest or most compact options on the market, their ease of use, durability, versatility, and high-quality coffee justify their slightly larger size.

The AeroPress is built to last with its sturdy plastic construction. It has been tested and proven to withstand the rigors of various outdoor adventures, from winter ski trips to summer camping trips in the Rockies.

Included with the original AeroPress is a tote bag and 350 microfilters. The AeroPress Go comes with its own camp mug, 350 microfilters, and a travel filter holder that accommodates 20 filters.

In conclusion, the AeroPress offers the best-tasting camp coffee with its versatility, consistency, compactness, and durability. Whether you're an individual coffee enthusiast or a small group of campers, the AeroPress is an excellent choice for brewing high-quality coffee in outdoor settings.

Learn How to Plan and Prep for a Full-Time RV Road Trip

AeroPress Go

Brew Type: Vacuum press/column

Weight: 11.5 oz

Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)

Filter Type: Paper

What We Liked: The AeroPress Go offers excellent flavor and consistency. It is also lightweight, packable, and durable.

What We Didn't Like: It requires proprietary filters.

For those who prioritize portability, the AeroPress Go is the best travel coffeemaker. It is essentially a smaller version of the classic AeroPress, weighing 11.5 oz and making a slightly smaller cup of coffee (8 oz instead of 10 oz).

Click here to compare prices and buy the AeroPress Go at REI

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 operates on the same principle as the classic AeroPress, utilizing a plunger-like device for forced extraction. The main difference is its compact and travel-friendly design.

Just like the AeroPress, the AeroPress Go uses small paper filters to ensure a clean and smooth taste without sludge in the cup.

Similar to the classic AeroPress, the AeroPress Go does not require a specialized gooseneck kettle for ideal brewing. This makes it more accessible and convenient for travel, as a regular backpacking cookpot or hotel hot water kettle can be used.

Best Budget Coffee Maker for Camping:

Hario V60 Pour Over

Brew Type: Pour Over

Weight: 3 oz

Serving Size: 1-4 cups

Filter Type: Paper

What We Liked: The Hario V60 Pour Over offers a budget-friendly price, ease of use, availability in different sizes, and a clean and bright cup of coffee.

What We Didn't Like: There is a learning curve to building the technique for a better tasting cup.

If you're looking for an affordable coffee maker for camping, the Hario V60 Pour Over is the best choice. This simple coffee brewer consists of a plastic, cone-shaped dripper and a paper filter. The brewing process involves pouring hot water over the grounds, resulting in a clean and bright cup of coffee.

The Hario V60 Pour Over comes in three different sizes: 01, 02, and 03. The 02 size, which can brew one to three cups of coffee, strikes the perfect balance between versatility and portability.

Click here to compare prices and buy the Hario V60 Pour Over on Amazon

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.

When properly brewed, the Hario V60 Pour Over produces a delicious and evenly extracted cup of drip coffee. The paper filter ensures that no sludge is left in the cup.

While the Hario V60 Pour Over is easy to use, mastering the pouring technique can enhance the flavor of the coffee. Pouring the water slowly in small circles ensures even saturation of the coffee grounds. With practice, the Hario V60 Pour Over can produce a flavor comparable to the AeroPress.

Cleanup is simple with the Hario V60 Pour Over. Remove the filter containing the coffee grounds and dispose of them in the trash. When camping, the used filter and grounds can be packed out. The paper filter is the smallest among camping coffee systems, minimizing the additional weight and bulk of waste.

Rinsing the Hario V60 Pour Over with water is not necessary as the paper filter prevents any grounds from entering the cup. However, if water is available or conservation is not a concern, a quick rinse can be performed.

Weighing only 3 oz, the Hario V60 Pour Over is one of the lightest coffee makers tested. Its plastic construction ensures durability, although it may be slightly more prone to cracking than the AeroPress. With proper care, the Hario V60 Pour Over can withstand multiple camping seasons.

Compared to the AeroPress, the Hario V60 Pour Over offers similarly delicious coffee but at a lower price point. Its lighter weight makes it a practical choice for camping.

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

For backpackers seeking a lightweight coffee maker, the best option is the MSR Mugmate. This one-cup brewing device is compact, weighing only 0.98 oz, and can fit in the palm of your hand.

To use the MSR Mugmate, simply place the coffee grounds in the mesh metal filter and steep them in hot water. A thorough stir of the grounds ensures proper extraction.

Click here to compare prices and buy the MSR Mugmate on Amazon

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

The MSR Mugmate is designed with a mesh metal filter, eliminating the need for paper filters. While this may result in a small amount of sludge in the cup, similar to a French press, cleaning the filter is as simple as tossing the coffee grounds into the trash and giving it a quick rinse.

One of the key advantages of the MSR Mugmate is its versatility. In addition to brewing coffee, it can also be used to steep tea leaves, making it a multi-purpose tool for outdoor enthusiasts.

Durability is another highlight of the MSR Mugmate. It has been tested and proven on various outdoor adventures, from backcountry guiding in Alaska to road trips and backpacking trips across different terrains. Its compact size makes it a reliable companion for coffee lovers on the go.

While there may be lighter and more packable options available, such as the GSI Ultralight Java Drip, the MSR Mugmate stands out for its ease of use, high-quality coffee, and versatility.

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It is important to note that the coffee makers mentioned above are suited for individuals or small groups. For larger groups, it is recommended to use a large coffee percolator or French press.

In conclusion, these top 5 coffee makers offer a range of options for camping and backpacking enthusiasts. From the versatile AeroPress to the budget-friendly Hario V60 Pour Over, there is a coffee maker to suit every preference. Enjoy high-quality coffee even in the great outdoors with these reliable and durable camping companions.

Snow Peak Collapsible Coffee Drip

Best Overall - The Snow Peak Collapsible Coffee Drip is a highly regarded coffee-making device from Snow Peak. It is uniquely designed to be collapsible, offering convenience and portability for coffee enthusiasts on the go.

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip

Best Ultralight Coffee Maker - The GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip is a top-of-the-line coffee maker known for its lightweight structure. Perfect for outdoor adventures, this java drip is a favorite among backpackers and hikers.

GSI Outdoors Stainless Steel Percolator

Best Coffee Maker for Large Groups - The GSI Outdoors Stainless Steel Percolator is a high-capacity coffee maker designed specifically for serving large groups. Its durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.

Snow Peak Field Barista Set

Best Luxury Coffee Set - The Snow Peak Field Barista Set is a premium coffee set designed for those who appreciate the finest brewing experience. With its elegant design and high-quality materials, it offers a luxurious coffee-making experience.

Unique Imports Premium Copper Turkish Coffee Warmer

Most Unique Camp Coffee Maker - The Unique Imports Premium Copper Turkish Coffee Warmer stands out for its distinctive design and excellent functionality. This coffee maker offers a unique brewing method that produces exceptionally flavorful Turkish coffee.

In conclusion, when it comes to enjoying a delicious cup of coffee while camping, backpacking, or enjoying the great outdoors, these five portable coffee makers are truly the best in class. Whether you prefer a collapsible drip, an ultralight java maker, a traditional percolator, a field barista set, or a premium copper Turkish coffee warmer, there is undoubtedly a coffee maker on this list that will meet your needs and provide you with that much-needed caffeine boost to start your day. So, forget about settling for instant coffee or sacrificing your coffee drinking rituals while camping - invest in one of these top-notch coffee makers and elevate your outdoor coffee experience to a whole new level. Happy brewing!