Embarking on a camping trip doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your morning ritual of savoring a perfect cup of coffee. In fact, with the right camping coffee maker, you can elevate your outdoor experience with the rich, aromatic flavors of a freshly brewed cup of joe. We put a range of options—everything from compact pour-overs to rugged French presses—through the wringer on real-world camping trips over the past few months. By the end of our testing, we had our favorites for a variety of different scenarios and situations. But no matter what, these gadgets will motivate you to get out of the tent in the morning to grab a fresh cup of coffee. Here are the best camping coffee makers you can buy now.
Key Takeaways
- AeroPress Go Travel: Compact and easy to use, perfect for quick brews on the go.
- WACACO Nanopresso: Portable espresso maker that delivers high-quality coffee shots.
- MiiR Pourigami: Lightweight and foldable, ideal for minimalist campers.
- Fellow Clara French Press: Stylish and sturdy, great for making multiple cups at once.
- GSI Outdoors Java Drip: Simple drip system, excellent for those who prefer pour-over coffee.
1. AeroPress Go Travel
The AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press is an awesome innovation for those who want to enjoy great coffee and espresso on the go. It uses a tube and rubber plunger to create pressure that forces water through the grounds. This produces a delicious, non-bitter coffee extraction that can be sipped straight, or more water can be added to make an Americano.
Key Features
- Brew Type: Vacuum press/column
- Weight: 11.5 oz
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Filter Type: Paper
What We Liked
- Excellent flavor
- Consistency
- Light and packable
- Durable
What We Didn’t Like
- Proprietary filters
The AeroPress Go Travel is a great value since it comes with everything you need including a box of Micro-Filters.
2. WACACO Nanopresso
The WACACO Nanopresso is a game-changer for coffee lovers who venture into the backcountry. Historically, heading into the wilderness meant leaving behind the caramel crema of a dream espresso. Not any longer. The Nanopresso produces expert-level espresso with a crema to rival the “Guinness Effect” on a freshly pulled shot at your favorite cafe. Best of all, the Nanopresso is compact, rugged and comes with a cool travel case as well as an espresso cup.
Pros
- Compact and rugged design
- Comes with a travel case and espresso cup
- Produces high-quality espresso with minimal expertise
Cons
- Lots of small parts
- Not the easiest to clean
Price
The WACACO Nanopresso costs $84.90, which is pretty reasonable considering its performance. For those looking to elevate their coffee game, consider the Barista Kit, which includes a larger water tank, espresso tamper, and bigger brew baskets.
If you can pump up a bike tire, you can make espresso with the Nanopresso. This nifty little device is ideal for those who can’t imagine going without their daily espresso shot, no matter how deep in the woods they might be.
3. MiiR Pourigami
The MiiR Pourigami features an ingenious folding design – you simply arrange the panels to form a legit pour-over coffee maker. What’s more, the Pourigami is constructed from medical grade stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about hot water and coffee mixing with plastic. And at just $29.95, this dripper won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Tiny size, good coffee
- Constructed from medical grade stainless steel
- Affordable at $29.95
Cons
- Not ideal for groups
- Heavier than some other options
Portability
The collapsible pour-over is little bigger than a credit card — it’s made up of three flat pieces of powder-coated, medical-grade stainless steel that puzzle together thanks to strategically placed slots. Though heavier than some other options, it is very compact, and we appreciate that it eliminates the need to pour hot water over plastic when making coffee in the backcountry.
Ease of Use
The cleverly designed MiiR Pourigami is a pour-over that folds flat. It features three interlocking stainless steel panels that affix to each other to create a solid base for filtering your coffee. Plus, it comes with a travel case that’ll store the dripper and a few filters.
Bold: The MiiR Pourigami is the most compact pour-over brewer that delivers gourmet-level flavor.
Filter Options
The manufacturer produces its own coffee filters but you can use Hario V60 02 paper filters if you want. Alternatively, consider the unfortunately named CoffeeSock Reusable Cotton Filter as a more eco-friendly option when you’re out in nature.
4. Fellow Clara French Press
The Fellow Clara French Press is about as rugged as a French press can get. Not only does this thing look super classy, it’s made from durable stainless steel. Heck, it even features vacuum-insulated walls, so it’ll keep your delicious coffee nice and hot.
Key Features
- Enhanced filtration mesh for a cleaner cup of joe
- All-directional pour lid
- Ratio aid lines on the inside of the press
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek and beautiful
- High-quality construction
- Makes superb coffee
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive for a French press
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | French press |
| Capacity | Makes 3 cups |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 8.2 x 4 inches |
| Material | Stainless steel |
Seeing as cooking up a pot of French press is so straightforward, it’s the ideal brewing method for camping or backpacking. However, your traditional Bodum French press isn’t going to last long in transit because of its glass beaker.
5. Bialetti Moka Express
The Bialetti Moka Express is an iconic stovetop espresso maker that has stood the test of time. This elegant brewer is not only stylish but also incredibly functional, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. The stainless steel redux of the classic design brews a delicious cup of espresso in minutes, making it perfect for both home and campsite use.
Pros
- Bombproof construction
- Makes awesome coffee
- Easy to use
- No extra kettle needed
Cons
- Requires very finely ground coffee
- Aluminum construction is controversial
How to Use
- Add water to the bottom chamber.
- Spoon ground coffee into the filter.
- Screw the components together.
- Place it on a flame and wait for your espresso.
With the Bialetti Moka Express, you’ll never have to worry about tossing it in your backpack and heading into the hills. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and brews wonderful espresso quickly.
Price
Costing just $39.70 for the 1-cup model, the Bialetti Moka Express is a budget-friendly option that delivers high-quality espresso without the need for extra equipment.
6. Coletti Bozeman Camping Coffee Pot
The Coletti Bozeman Camping Coffee Pot is designed by battle-hardened combat veterans, making it seriously rugged and well-made. Constructed using all stainless steel parts, this classic percolator pot is ideal for larger groups. Plus, it’s easy to use when you’re out in the backwoods; simply fill with water, add ground coffee to the basket, and put the pot over your campfire. Before long, you’ll have hot coffee bubbling away.
Pros
- Makes lots of coffee
- Easy to use
- Mess-free cleanup
- Durable construction
Cons
- Rather large
- Coffee not to everyone’s taste
Price and Availability
The Coletti Bozeman Camping Coffee Pot is available in several sizes, with the 9-cup model costing $37.95 on Amazon. That’s actually really reasonable, given the build quality of this camping coffee pot.
Tips for Use
When the pot starts whistling, pop on the silicone grip and serve. It holds six cups, which makes it ideal for serving a group. Incidentally, you can also use the Bozeman pot to make traditional cowboy coffee by ignoring the filter insert altogether.
For campers looking for a reliable and durable coffee maker, the Coletti Bozeman is a fantastic choice. It’s a great addition to your camping gear and perfect for those who love the camping life.
7. Jetboil Flash Java Kit
The Jetboil Flash Java Kit is a top-tier choice for campers who want a quick and efficient way to make coffee. This kit includes the manufacturer’s incredible Flash cooking system, which is essentially a compact and super-fast stove. In fact, the Jetboil system heats water to boiling point in a matter of minutes, making it an efficient way to make coffee while camping or backpacking.
Pros
- Includes stove
- Heats really quickly
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Rather expensive
- Requires special fuel
Price
At $138.95, the Jetboil Flash Java Kit is definitely the most expensive camping coffee maker on my list. Still, when you consider the fact that this kit doubles up as a way to cook soup or steam vegetables, the price looks a lot more reasonable.
If you don’t have a Jetboil already, the stove and coffee press are available as a bundle: Jetboil Flash Java Kit.
8. GSI Outdoors Java Drip
The GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip is an ultralight and affordable alternative to instant coffee that makes it possible to have delicious pour-over java on backcountry trips. Weighing less than half an ounce, it folds flat to fit inside most backpacking pots when not in use. It’s fantastically easy to use and makes a great pre-filter for purifying water. However, the plastic arms and clips that support the mesh filter may not offer long-term durability.
Pros
- Ultralight and compact
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Plastic parts may lack durability
- Limited to single servings
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brew Type | Pour Over |
| Weight | 0.4 oz |
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Filter Type | None needed |
For those who want a quick and easy way to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while camping, the GSI Outdoors Java Drip is a fantastic choice. It’s one of those camping life hacks that can make your outdoor experience even better.
9. JoGo Brew Straw
The JoGo Brew Straw is a game-changer for minimalist campers and coffee enthusiasts alike. This stainless steel infusion brewer is designed to be as compact as a pencil, making it incredibly easy to carry around. All you need to do is add hot water and regular coffee grounds to your cup, wait four minutes, and then drink through the straw. The insulated silicone tip helps control the flow, ensuring a smooth drinking experience.
Key Features
- Compact and Lightweight: Our convenient coffee maker is only 0.5 x 0.5 x 7.8 inches and weighs just 1 oz.
- Durable: Made from stainless steel, it’s built to last.
- Great Flavor: Enjoy the rich, bold flavor of traditional French press coffee without the mess.
- Reduces Teeth Stains: The JoGo helps reduce coffee stains on your teeth.
- Versatile: Can also be used for cocktails and tea.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | A bit heavier than instant packets |
| Fast | Each person needs their own |
| Great flavor | |
| Compact | |
| Reduces teeth stains |
How to Use
- Add hot water and coffee grounds to your cup.
- Wait four minutes.
- Add sweeteners and cream if desired.
- Drink through the JoGo Brew Straw using the insulated silicone tip.
The JoGo Brew Straw does an excellent job of keeping your brew grit-free to the last drop. When you’re done, simply dump the spent grounds into your compost or trash bag. It’s a bit heavier than instant coffee packets for backpacking, but it allows you to choose your own coffee and reduces packaging waste.
10. GSI Outdoors Glacier Percolator
The GSI Outdoors Glacier Percolator is a classic choice for those who love the traditional method of brewing coffee. Made from durable stainless steel, this percolator is built to last and can be used on both stovetops and campfires. It’s available in multiple sizes, including three, six, nine, and twelve-cup versions, making it perfect for groups.
Pros
- Durable
- Great value
- Multiple sizes available for groups
- Creates steamy morning ambiance
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than some
- Slower than some methods
- May get a bit of residual grit
Why We Love It
There are different sizes available, including larger options that are perfect for groups. The nine-cup version we tested took approximately 20 minutes to brew, but the wait is worth it for the rich, flavorful coffee it produces.
What to Consider
It’s definitely not an instant process; the nine-cup version we tested took approximately 20 minutes to brew. However, if you like to relax in camp in the morning, make your coffee a ritual like they did in the 1960s with the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator. The heavy-gauge stainless steel construction ensures it will last for many camping trips to come.
If you like to relax in camp in the morning, make your coffee a ritual like they did in the 1960s with the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator. We love to sit back and watch the steam rise and the color change in the resin knob on this little beauty — especially when we’re surrounded by an epic landscape.
The GSI Outdoors Glacier Percolator is a must-have for any camping enthusiast looking to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee in the great outdoors. Its rugged design and efficient brewing make it an essential piece of gear for your next adventure. Don’t miss out on this camping essential!
Conclusion
Embarking on a camping trip doesn’t mean you have to forgo your morning ritual of enjoying a perfect cup of coffee. Our extensive testing of various camping coffee makers, from compact pour-overs to rugged French presses, has shown that there are excellent options for every type of camper. Whether you’re looking for affordability, portability, or the best value, there’s a coffee maker out there that will suit your needs and enhance your outdoor experience. So, pack your gear, choose your favorite coffee maker from our list, and get ready to savor the rich, aromatic flavors of freshly brewed coffee under the open sky. Happy camping and happy brewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camping coffee maker for portability?
The AeroPress Go Travel and JoGo Brew Straw are highly recommended for their portability, making them ideal for camping and backpacking trips.
Are there affordable options for camping coffee makers?
Yes, there are several affordable options such as Alpine Start, Starbucks Via, Jetboil Silicone Press, LHS Slow Drip, and GSI Outdoors Java Drip.
Can I use a French press while camping?
Absolutely! The Fellow Clara French Press and the Coleman camping coffee maker are excellent choices for French press coffee while camping.
What should I consider when choosing a camping coffee maker?
When choosing a camping coffee maker, consider factors such as your budget, size and weight of the coffee maker, equipment needed, ease of use, and cleaning requirements.
Is it worth investing in a high-end camping coffee maker?
If a delicious cup of coffee in the outdoors brings you joy, it’s worth paying a bit more for high-quality beans and a great coffee maker. There are both affordable and high-end options available.
Can I make coffee without electricity while camping?
Yes, there are many non-electric coffee makers for camping, such as lightweight percolators, French presses, and various instant coffee options.
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