For outdoor lovers, there’s nothing quite like emerging from a bell tent at the first break of the day. From the crisp morning air on your skin to the beautiful scenery and the songs of chirping early birds, there’s a lot to enjoy about spending a morning at camp The cherry on top of it all? A fresh cup of coffee to delight your last sense.
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The outdoors can pose a few obstacles when it comes to brewing, whether it’s the lack of electricity, the exposure to the elements, or something else entirely. Perfecting your brew in the wilderness requires choosing a brewing method, careful choice of supplies, and knowledge of preparation best practices. Here’s everything you need to know to make a cup of joe that rivals your home brews!
Gather Your Supplies
While exact supplies will differ depending on the exact brew method you choose, there are a few basics everyone will need to start. First and foremost, you’ll need a heat source. For traditionalists and minimalists, a campfire is the natural choice. For this method, use a campfire grill grate, or, fashion a makeshift pot hanger out of sticks!
If you prefer a more modern approach to cooking outdoors but still wish to pack light, a portable gas stove is your best bet. Portable camping stoves range in size, from foldable backpacking stoves to multi-burner standing grills.
If staying in the comfort of your tent while cooking is more your style, invest in a camping tent stove as your heat source. Tent stoves are one of the best tent accessories you can invest in. Not only do they give you the ability to safely cook in your shelter, but they also provide warmth and ambiance to your campsite setup. If you choose to go this route, make sure your canvas camping tent is equipped with a properly installed stove jack to ensure your safety.
Once you’ve secured a safe source of heat, you’ll need potable water. While many campgrounds will offer a source of potable water for your cooking and drinking needs, some won’t. Be sure to find this information out beforehand, and plan accordingly. If you’re on your own, bring your own water jugs, or invest in a water filter to use on nearby non potable sources.
Additionally, you’ll need your preferred coffee! Depending on the brew method, you’ll need either whole beans or grounds. Make sure to measure these out beforehand and pack enough for the length of your trip!
Lastly, while it’s not a necessity, bringing along an insulated mug or thermos will go a long way in elevating your experience. After all, it’d be a shame to spend time planning and prepping your coffee, only for it to go cold before you have the chance to thoroughly enjoy it all.
With these four basics in your arsenal, it’s time to pick a brewing method.
Pick a Brewing Method
There are thousands of ways to brew a cup of coffee, and you can make almost all of them while outdoors. So how do you know which is right for your camping trip? Well, you’ll want to consider the time each method takes, the additional supplies you’ll need, the portability of the setup, and the quality and depth of taste each provides.
Check out these 6 tried-and-true methods for campers:
Instant Coffee
Arguably the simplest method on this list, all you’ll need are pre-packaged servings of instant coffee, which you can find at virtually any grocery store. Heat your water, mix it with your instant coffee packets, and voila! While it may not be the most sophisticated flavor profile available, it’s an incredibly easy way to get your daily dose of caffeine. Plus, it’s super lightweight and time-saving, making it the ideal method for backpackers.
Time required: 1-2 minutes
Supplies needed: heat source, potable water, mug, instant coffee packets
Pour Over
The minimal supply list necessary for a pour-over makes it a great option for the campsite. Moreover, the supplies you do need are compact and relatively affordable. With your coffee grounds portioned out and ready in your dripper, pour a small amount of water to wet your coffee grounds to allow the coffee to bloom. Then, pour the rest of your water over the grounds in a slow, circular motion.
Time required: 3-4 minutes
Supplies needed: heat source, potable water, mug, coffee grounds, collapsible coffee dripper, spoon, reusable filters
AeroPress
The AeroPress is a nifty coffee-making tool that makes brewing at camp a breeze. This preparation combines air pressure and micro-filtration to create a delicious drink tailored to your taste preferences. The AeroPress only brews a single cup of coffee at a time, making it great for solo campers or small groups. Plus, the kit is super compact making it an obvious choice for the campsite.
Time required: 2-3 minutes
Supplies needed: heat source, potable water, mug, coffee grounds, AeroPress kit
French Press
The French press method is ideal for serving large groups without sacrificing great flavor. Like other preparations on this list, the French press requires a few supplies to get you started. After blooming your coffee grounds, pour your heated water over and use the plunger to press the grounds and release the robust flavor of your coffee.
Time required: 4-6 minutes
Supplies needed: heat source, potable water, mug, coffee grounds, French press
Portable Espresso
Whether you need the extra caffeine boost or you prefer the flavor of espresso over transitional coffee, portable espresso is another great option for campers. While bringing along an espresso machine setup is a little impractical for the everyday outdoorsman, there are plenty of portable options available on the market to give you the espresso kick you’re after.
Time required: 1 minute
Supplies needed: heat source, potable water, mug, coffee beans, portable espresso maker
Perfect Your Brew With These Best Practices
Pouring the perfect cup of coffee goes beyond the brew method you choose the supplies you invest in. For best results, follow these simple brewing tips:
Use high-quality coffee
The taste and depth of flavor of your coffee will fall heavily on its quality. Freshness and processing methods will be your main concern here. Pay careful attention to the origin of your coffee and the processing method when shopping if you’re after a flavorful cup of joe.
Wait to grind your beans
The longer you wait to grind your coffee beans, the fresher your brew will be, and the better it will taste! Even if your preparation method calls for ground coffee, opting for beans and grinding them yourself will make all the difference in the taste. If you’re willing to do the extra work at camp in exchange for a perfect brew, only grind your beans when you’re reading to make your coffee.
Never boil your water
Boiling your water is a surefire way to burn your coffee! The general consensus among coffee fanatics is that 205 degrees Fahrenheit (96 degrees Celsius) is the ideal brewing temperature. If you don’t have a cooking thermometer handy at camp, remove your water before it reaches a rumbling boil. The only exception to this is if you need to boil your water as a means to make it safe to drink. Even if this is your situation, try to wait for it to cool down a bit before brewing your coffee for best results.
Store your coffee properly
Always aim to store your coffee in a cool, dry place at camp. Excess heat, light, and moisture can not only spoil your coffee, it can also speed up the chemical reaction that causes it to lose its flavor. While camping, store your coffee beans or grounds in an airtight container and pack them away in a dry sack.
Wrapping It Up
Just because you’ve ventured outdoors for a few nights doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your cup of coffee in the morning. Many brewing methods are extremely campsite friendly thanks to the minimal supplies they require and their quick turnaround times. Instant coffee is a great option for less picky campers who prioritize convenience. Pour overs and AeroPress coffees are ideal for small groups and solo campers looking for a more elevated experience. The French press is fantastic for larger groups and those who plan to spend a little more time at camp. If espresso is more of your jam than traditional coffee, portable espresso machines make prepping a shot a breeze.
Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to prioritize high-quality coffee, coffee freshness, water temperature, and proper storage in your brewing process for the best results. With these tips in mind, you’ll be enjoying better coffee quicker, and heading into your outdoor adventures a little more caffeinated than before!
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