There is nothing better than waking up in nature – except for maybe waking up and immediately getting a cup of hot coffee into your hands.
Making coffee at a campsite is easy, as long as you have the proper tools to use your favorite brewing method.
Here are the best overall camping coffee makers that we recommend:
- Best Coffee Cooking System: Jetboil Flash Java Kit
- Best DC/Car-Powered Coffee Maker: GoSun Brew – Travel Coffee Maker & Mug
- Best French Press Coffee Maker: Stanley Boil & Brew Camping French Press
- Best Coffee Maker For Backpacking: Primula Coffee Brew Buddy
We’ve also sorted them into categories depending on the type of coffee maker you are looking for. Read on!
Best Camping Coffee Makers
Best Pour-Over & Drip Coffee Makers:
- Best Overall: MiiR Pourigami
- Best For Backpacking: Primula Coffee Brew Buddy
- Best For Budget:Hario V60 Plastic Dripper
- Best Lightweight: GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker
- Best Collapsible: Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper
Best Camping French Press:
- Best Multi-purpose: Stanley Boil & Brew Camping French Press
- Best For Gourmet Taste: AeroPress Coffee Maker
- Best French Press: OXO Good Grips Brew Venture French Press
Best For Campfire Coffee:
- Best For Glamping: Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker
- Best Stainless Steel: Tops Rapid Brew Stainless Steel Percolator
Jetboil Flash Java Kit
Type: French press | Weight: 13.9 oz (393 g) | Dimensions: 4.1″ x 7.1″ x 4.1″| Capacity: 1 L
If you want your coffee fix as soon as possible, this model by Jetboil is up for the task.
I mean, it’s not called “Flash” for no reason.
I was blown away by the fact that the Flash boils 34 oz of water in just 100 seconds.
In the morning, it takes me longer than that just to rub my eyes open.
The capacity is pretty nice – with 34 oz, you can make coffee for the entire group.
Of course, you can always make less than that.
Making coffee is super simple, given that the Flash doubles as a French press.
Basically, bring water to a boil, then add grounds and insert the silicone press.
Push the plunger after a few minutes, then serve coffee. Piece of cake!
I like the fact that the bottom cup doubles as a measuring cup and a bowl.
If you’re backpacking, saving up space and weight on any piece of gear is important.
Pros
- Boils water in just 100 seconds
- Bottom cup also works as a measuring cup and a bowl
- Can make up to 34 oz of coffee or tea at once
- Thermochromic color-change heat indicator lets you know when the water’s ready
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
Best for: groups of coffee drinkers
GoSun Brew – Travel Coffee Maker & Mug
Type: French press | Weight: 4 lbs | Dimensions: 8.75″ x 2.75″ | Capacity: 16 oz
This coffee maker is an amazing option if you’re RV or car camping, as it has a 12V heating element.
Basically, just plug it into the car 12V outlet, and it will brew you coffee.
What’s also great is that this coffee maker doubles as a travel mug. You can both brew coffee in it and sip from it.
It’s the perfect size to fit into a regular car holder.
This brewer makes a strong cup of coffee, as it uses a French press brewing method.
It comes with a plunger made of stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean.
And since it’s made of stainless steel and it’s double-walled, this travel mug has excellent insulating ability.
Your coffee will stay hot for many hours to come.
Pros
- Can be charged by connecting it to the 12V outlet in your car
- Features a leak-proof lid, allowing you to sip directly from it without spilling
- Double-walled, so it keeps your coffee warm for hours
- Fits into a car cup holder
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Can only be hand-washed
Best for: car camping
Best Pour-Over & Drip Coffee Makers
MiiR Pourigami
Type: pour-over | Weight: 6.4 oz | Dimensions: 5.5″ x 2.75″ x 0.75″ | Capacity: 12 oz
Not going to lie – at first, I thought this brewer was just too basic to make good coffee. But, boy was I wrong!
The Pourigami consists of three stainless steel panels that interlock into a triangular pour-over brewer.
It’s such a foolproof design, you won’t ever need to look at the instructions.
But what blows my mind is just how well it performs.
Obviously, a lot of thought was put into the design, because it creates the perfect water flow for optimal extraction.
When not in use, the brewer packs down as compactly as possible, fitting inside a pocket.
You also get a nice case to store the brewer, along with the filters.
And with just over 5 oz of weight, you won’t even notice it weighing you down.
Pros
- Packs down compactly for easy storage
- Made of stainless steel
- Features a storage case with room for stashing filters
- Comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
Cons
- Not suitable for larger groups
Best for: limited storage space
Primula Coffee Brew Buddy
Type: pour-over | Weight: 1.6 oz | Dimensions: 4.2″ x 4.2″ x 1.6″ | Capacity: 0.4 L
When backpacking, you’re bringing only the essentials. But as a coffee enthusiast, a brewer is part of your necessary camping equipment.
Well, with the Brew Buddy, that’s easy given how tiny and lightweight it is.
This product is pretty straightforward to use.
Simply place it over the cup and fill it with coffee grounds (or tea leaves) and pour some hot water over it.
Within a few minutes, your brew is ready for consumption.
With that in mind, you don’t want to leave the Brew Buddy on your cup for too long, as it can result in overly extracted coffee.
What’s really great about this brewer is the ease of cleaning.
At the campsite, a quick rinse with warm water will do the trick.
But once you get home, you can simply place it inside the dishwasher and it will come out as new.
Pros
- Doesn’t need filters
- Dishwasher-safe
- Weighs just 1 oz, so it won’t weigh you down even a little bit
- Fits onto most mugs and cups
Cons
- Can’t brew a very large amount of coffee at once
Best for: backpackers
Hario V60 Plastic Dripper
Type: pour-over | Weight: 7 oz | Dimensions: 4.33″ x 4.8″ x 4.92″ | Capacity: 1-4 cups
Hario V60 is a popular option for pour-over coffee lovers.
It was invented over 70 years ago, but its design barely changed over time, which speaks volumes about how good it actually is.
The V60 can be made of different materials, but plastic is the best option for camping.
It’s extremely lightweight but still very durable and performs just as well as its counterparts.
This brewer comes in three sizes, which can make up to two, four, and six cups of coffee, respectively.
This is great for camping groups, as most drippers make no more than one or two cups at a time.
The only real complaint I have about this brewer is that it requires cone filters designed specially for it.
While you can get them in bulk online, they’re much harder to come by in stores.
Pros
- Features raised spiraling grooves, which ensure consistent water flow and balanced extraction
- Comes in three sizes, allowing you to brew coffee for the whole group
- Very affordable
- Comes in three colors
Cons
- Doesn’t fold, so storage can be somewhat awkward
Best for: pour-over coffee lovers looking for a dripper to use at home as well
GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker
Type: pour-over | Weight: 0.32 oz | Dimensions: 4.2″ x 0.5″ x 4.2″ | Capacity: none listed
When it comes to lightweight, this dripper by GSI Outdoors is a tough one to beat.
It weighs just an ounce, so you can rest assured you won’t even notice it carrying it on your back.
The design is pretty straightforward. The dripper features three legs, which can be clipped onto any mug or cup you want.
Then, just fill it with grounds, pour hot water over it, and voila! There’s your cup of java.
While the legs are made of polyester, the dripper itself is made of nylon mesh.
The mesh is perfectly sized to let coffee through while keeping the particles away from your cup.
When not in use, simply fold the legs and the brewer can fit into a tiny pocket on your backpack.
Pros
- Very lightweight and compact
- Can be set up on a mug or cup of various sizes
- Easy to clean using water and a bit of soap
- Sold at a pretty affordable price
Cons
- Clips are somewhat flimsy
Best for: light backpacking
Sea To Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper
Type: pour-over | Weight: 2.9 oz | Dimensions: 4″ x 4″ x 3.5″ | Capacity: 2 cups
Personally, I’m a big fan of this coffee dripper. It’s made of durable materials, it’s lightweight, and makes great coffee.
What more could you ask for?
The collapsible part is made of food-grade silicone, meaning it’s perfectly safe for use with boiling water.
When expanded, it turns into a grooved brewer that makes two cups of coffee at once.
When not in use, it packs down so small, it could fit into a pocket on your backpack.
What’s really great about this brewer is that, on the bottom, it features a mesh filter.
With super-fine 180-micron holes, there’s really no need to use a paper filter for this brewer.
The mesh filter will get rid of every single coffee particle, leaving you with a clean cup.
Pros
- Made of food-grade and heat-resistant silicone
- No need to use paper filters
- Features a wide base that fits on wide-mouthed water bottles and almost all mugs
- Packs down to store it inside a pocket
Cons
- Metal filter can only be washed by hand
Best for: campers who hate using reusable filters
Best Camping French Presses
Stanley Boil & Brew Camping French Press
Type: French press | Weight: 0.9 lbs | Dimensions: 4.3″ x 7.6″ x 4.3″ | Capacity: 32 oz
With limited weight and storage space, packing everything you need can be tough.
But what I love about this model by Stanley is that you can use it for cooking and boiling as well.
With 32 oz of capacity, you can do whatever you want, from brewing coffee for the entire group to making a quick soup to warm up.
The plunger that this model comes with allows you to turn it into a French press and prevent the grounds from getting into your cup.
Made of 18/8 stainless steel, which is typical for cooking equipment, this brewer is built to last and is resistant to corrosion.
For this reason, it’s perfect for outdoor use.
The handle can be folded when not in use or locked in place, allowing you to pour hot liquid from the brewer.
You can also check out our full video review here:
Pros
- Has a capacity of 32 oz, so it’s great for cooking or brewing for a group
- Resistant to corrosion and is very durable
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- The handle is not very comfortable to hold
Best for: campers looking for a multi-purpose tool
AeroPress Coffee Maker
Type: French press | Weight: 10.56 oz | Dimensions: 4.75″ x 11.75″ x 4.75″ | Capacity: 10 oz
For those who enjoy the short and concentrated shot of coffee that is espresso, this is the perfect brewer.
It may not look like it, but this tiny coffee maker makes excellent espresso with crema – like straight from a cafe.
Of course, you can make your coffee smoother and less concentrated – the AeroPress really lets you play with all the variables.
Just switch out the grind size, water temperature, or immersion time, and you’ll get a completely different drink.
The brewer is made of Tritan, which is a BPA-free plastic polymer.
So, even though it might look fragile, it’s actually shatterproof and great for use on-the-go.
The AeroPress is also compact and lightweight, so it can easily fit inside your backpack.
Pros
- Can make a concentrated espresso shot or a smooth pour-over-like cup of coffee
- Extremely lightweight and shatterproof
- Can be used with AeroPress paper filters or a reusable metal filter
- Brews coffee within just a minute
Cons
- Makes a small amount of coffee in one go
Best for: campers who enjoy a concentrated cup of coffee
OXO Good Grips Brew Venture French Press
Type: French press | Weight: 0.9 lbs | Dimensions: 6″ x 9.4″ x 6″ | Capacity: 8 cups
This brewer is the perfect option for any camper who enjoys coffee made with the good ol’ French press.
It has an 8-cup capacity, so you can make coffee for everyone in your camping group.
And no, it’s not too fragile for use at a campsite. Since it’s made of BPA-free Tritan, it doesn’t shatter or break very easily.
The material is also easy to clean, either by hand or in a dishwasher.
Kudos to the non-slip and comfortable handle, too.
Most campsite-friendly brewers have those thin or collapsible handles, which don’t sit well in the hand.
And when you’re holding a brewer filled with piping hot coffee, the last thing you want is it slipping from your palm.
Pros
- Has an 8-cup capacity, so you can make a large batch of coffee at once
- Non-slip handle makes pouring easy and accident-free
- Spout features a mini filter, preventing any sediment from getting into your cup
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Not very compact
Best for: camping groups that enjoy French press-style coffee
Best For Campfire Coffee
Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker
Type: Moka pot | Weight: 1.05 lbs | Dimensions: 5″ x 5″ x 5″ | Capacity: 3 oz
It’s been almost 100 years since this classic Moka pot was invented.
But to this day, the design remains pretty much the same. It’s that good.
The coffee you get with this brewer is clean and concentrated, perfect for the morning kick.
Not exactly like espresso, but it comes pretty darn close.
Made of aluminum, this brewer is extremely durable and relatively lightweight.
The handle and the knob are made of thermoplastic, allowing you to pour coffee as soon as it’s brewed.
However, you should let the brewer cool down before cleaning, as aluminum can get quite hot.
The cleanup is pretty simple. You don’t need soap, nor should you use one as it can damage the interior and make your coffee taste funny.
Instead, a simple rinse with warm water is more than enough.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of sizes, depending on the amount of coffee you drink
- Very sturdy and can last you a lifetime
- Suitable for use on both electric and gas stoves, as well as a campfire
- Cleaning is easy
Cons
- Must let the brewer cool before disassembling it for cleaning or adding more coffee
Best for: use with a stove
https://www.target.com/p/bialetti-moka-6-cup-express-espresso-maker/-/A-14655160
Tops Rapid Brew Stainless Steel Percolator
Type: percolator | Weight: 1 lbs | Dimensions: 8.75″ x 9.75″ x 5.5″ | Capacity: 12 cups
Arguably, this percolator by Tops is one of the best options for making campfire coffee.
Simply place it on the grate and let it work its magic.
This percolator is made of 18/8 stainless steel, which means it’s extremely durable and resistant to corrosion.
With regular care, you can rest assured this percolator will last you a very long time.
Speaking of care, this model is dishwasher-safe.
Not that it isn’t already pretty quick and easy to wash it by hand, but you don’t have to do that all the time, at least at home.
With a 12-cup capacity, this is an excellent brewer for larger groups.
But of course, you can use it to make coffee just for yourself.
Pros
- Has a 12-cup capacity
- Durable and rust-resistant
- Permawood handle is resistant to heat and feels comfortable to hold
- Can be used on the stove or campfire
Cons
- Glass knob is not as durable as other components
Best for: brewing coffee on the campfire
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Camping Coffee Maker
There are countless coffee makers on the market, and a good portion of them are suitable for camping. But which ones are actually good?
Well, there are a few factors to consider when getting a brewer for your trip.
Your Camping Coffee Needs
First things first, take your camping needs into consideration.
And by this, I mean really think about the essence of your trips.
Mainly – are you situated on a campground with lots of amenities or camping in a remote area?
If you have access to power, you have way more options, including bringing your electrical coffee maker from home.
When camping remotely, on the other hand, camping stoves and campfires are your only sources of heat.
In that case, you’ll need a different kind of coffee maker.
At home, I can’t imagine starting the day without making java with my faithful espresso maker.
But when I’m camping, I have to resort to other types of brewers to get my caffeine fix.
And the choice of coffee maker really depends on my needs during a specific camping trip.
Portability & Size
If you’re car or RV camping, then you might be able to bring a bulky coffee maker to your trip.
But if you’re backpacking, or at least walking up to the campground, then you might need to take portability and size into consideration.
Luckily, there are many brewers designed with both factors in mind.
Those designed for backpacking are typically collapsible, so they can fit into a pocket when not in use.
One thing you should keep in mind is how much coffee a specific brewer can make at once.
Most brewers on our list can make a few cups at a time.
So, if you’re camping with a larger group, that means you’ll have to make a few batches to satisfy everyone’s caffeine craving.
Material & Durability
When it comes to material, stainless steel is arguably the sturdiest option for a coffee maker.
Still, that also means it’s the heaviest option, which is not great for all the backpackers out there.
With that being said, lighter materials aren’t necessarily fragile.
Many brewers on our list are made of nylon or other plastic polymers that are also built to last.
Of course, they’re not as sturdy as steel options, but as long as you’re not playing football with them, they’ll last a good while.
Ease Of Use & Cleaning
I’m sure we all agree that reading a manual is a waste of time when you’re camping.
And really, there’s no need for a camping coffee maker to be as complicated to use as your fancy brewer at home.
Surely, no one wants to spend an unnecessarily long time cleaning a coffee maker.
Especially when you’re camping and water is scarce.
Luckily, many camping coffee makers require just a quick rinse with warm water to get rid of coffee particles.
Certain coffee makers are dishwasher-safe.
And while you don’t actually have access to a dishwasher while camping, it’s great to know you can wash the brewer thoroughly at home.
After prolonged use, it might develop coffee stains, which are easier to clean with a dishwasher.
Brewing Method Preferences
As you know, different types of coffee makers brew different types of coffee.
Which one is best for you depends on the coffee you like to drink.
For camping, there are three main brewing methods available
- French Press
- Pour-Over
- Drip
Between them, the French press makes the strongest and most full-bodied cup of coffee.
That’s because coffee is steeped in water, and not just in short contact with it.
That allows all the flavor compounds to dissolve, giving you a rich cup of java.
Pour-over method requires a bit more input from you.
Basically, you need to slowly pour hot coffee over the grounds, making sure they get equally saturated.
This method typically involves filters (paper or metal), which ensure no sediment gets into the cup.
The drip method is similar to pour-over, since water and coffee are in contact for a short amount of time.
But since it requires less input from your side, which ultimately means you’re less in control of how your brew turns out to be.
Heating Methods
To brew coffee, you need hot water. But where to get hot water while camping? There are a few options available:
Ultimately, your choice of brewer will depend on the heating method available to you.
If you have a portable electric or a gas stove, then any kind of stovetop brewer will work.
But to be able to use one on a campfire, you need to make sure it’s made of materials that won’t melt.
Capacity
If you’re camping with, let’s say, six more coffee-loving friends, you’ll need a large brewer.
Otherwise, you’ll be brewing cup after cup, trying to satiate everyone’s caffeine needs.
And let’s just say, that’s a waste of your precious time outdoors.
Most pour-overs make between one and four cups, so they’re best for solo campers or couples camping.
Moka pots and percolators, on the other hand, usually have larger capacities, allowing you to brew coffee for everyone at once.
FAQs
How Does The Brewing Method Affect The Taste Of Coffee In Camping Coffee Makers?
Brewing methods involving immersion usually make a more bodied cup of coffee compared to drip brewing.
Methods that involve pressure, like brewing with a Moka pot or AeroPress, will give you the most concentrated cup.
Are There Any Environmentally Friendly Camping Coffee Makers?
Many camping coffee brewers feature a mesh filter, thus saving you the need to use paper filters.
Metal filters are easy to clean and can last you a lifetime if taken care of.
How Does The Energy Source Of The Coffee Maker Affect Its Suitability For Camping?
Some coffee brewers work only on stoves, while others just need hot water.
Depending on what energy source you have available at your campsite, you can choose a suitable brewer.
How Important Is The Material Of The Camping Coffee Maker For Durability?
The choice of material plays a huge factor in durability.
Stainless steel is arguably the most durable option, followed by aluminum.
When it comes to plastic polymers, it really depends on the exact polymers used.
Still, they’re nowhere near as strong as metal.
How Easy Is It To Clean & Maintain Camping Coffee Makers?
Most camping coffee makers are designed with ease of cleaning in mind.
In most cases, a quick rinse with warm water will do the trick.
To Sum Things Up
As you can see, there are many ways you can make coffee when camping.
Overall, the Jetboil Flash Java Kit is an amazing tool for a quick caffeinated fix.
For those who prefer a dripper, then MiiR Pourigami might be the best option.
Finally, Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker can be used the good ol’ way – on the campfire.
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