Best Coffees for Camping: 9 Easy Ways to Brew Coffee Outdoors

Whether you’re getting cozy on a cold morning or priming the team for a summit attempt, one of the most satisfying moments in a camping trip is sipping a finely brewed cup of coffee.

Coffee is both a simple pleasure and an invaluable staple, but to be properly enjoyed, it has to be brewed right — a true art form when fending for yourself in the wild. One of the biggest coffee camping mistakes is starting the day with something too watery, bitter, or burnt. 

Being on a backpacking trip is no excuse for bad coffee, so we compiled this guide to our top coffee choices and the best gear for brewing the perfect cup.

What is the Best Coffee to Bring Camping?

Whether you're in your favorite cafe or deep in the wilderness, you can't have good coffee without good beans. Skimp out here, and all the gadgets in the world won't save you. 

Best Instant Coffee for Camping

Instant coffee used to be a dirty word among connoisseurs, but it has come a long way in recent years. Refined flavor profiles have replaced burnt and chalky caffeine water with instant drinks you can actually look forward to savoring.

Our go-to instant coffee is Cafely Instant Espresso. Within seconds of adding hot water, it turns into a double shot of espresso, the perfect base for any espresso drink. 

Fortified with Korean ginseng and L-theanine to soften jitters, our instant espresso sustains energy levels once you hit the trail, rather than hiking on borrowed time. 

Best Ground Coffee for Camping

Pre-ground coffee strikes a comfortable middle ground between quality and convenience. Ground coffee gives you more control over brewing your ideal cup and eliminates the added weight of a grinder. 

Be sure to keep grounds in airtight containers so flavor and aromas are preserved. A twist-top or pop-top jar works great, although we like our doses pre-weighed and individually packaged in zip-lock bags.

What ground coffee you choose depends on your preferred brewing method, which will also influence grind size.

For a Phin filter, Aeropress, or moka pot use a medium to fine grind well-suited to HaNoi robusta coffee.

A French press works best with a coarse grind, where SaiGon OG really shines. 

Best Whole Bean Coffee for Backpacking

Some are willing to rough it while camping, but others will do nothing of the sort. We're coffee people, too — we get it! 

If you are also obsessed with perfect cups everywhere, ultralight scales, and designer hand grinders, the perfect beans are non-negotiable items on the packing list.

Whole coffee beans should be kept in airtight containers or bags, weighed, and ground just before brewing. A quality hand grinder will be able to adjust grind size, making most brewing methods available, although superfine can be difficult to achieve.

We are partial to simple, flavorful methods like pour-over and phin filters while camping with a good whole bean. We often pack our 100% Arabica DaLat for its caramel and blackberry flavor or the dynamic, bold, and slight black cherry notes of fresh ground 100% robusta BanMe Peaberry.

Choosing the Best Coffee Grinder for Backpacking

Some of the best coffee grinders around are very portable. Burr grinders are the preferred method of choice, which are specially designed to make grounds all the same size. Consistent grounds allow for even extraction, making dialing in your brewing methods much easier.

Here are the top grinders for making coffee while camping:

1. Plastic Grinders — Affordable and slightly lighter options at 300 to 400 grams, most plastic grinders are between $15 to $25 on Amazon. Although they can be a budget-friendly option, don't expect to be able to dial in your grind size or for the grind to be uniform.
2. Timemore — A basic model is around $50 on Amazon and a good entry point with stainless steel burrs and an adjustable grind size. The standard Timemore weighs 700 grams, although the Slim line shaves the weight to 439 grams.
3. KINGrinder — Affordable and lightweight options with the lightest models (P0, P1, and P2) clocking in at an impressive 330 grams. However, the lighter the model, the more you sacrifice the grind quality, so be sure to strike a balance you are comfortable with.
4. VSSL Java G25— Durable and thoughtfully designed with a slick collapsible handle, magnetized grip knob, and weighs a tad less than the competition at 431 grams. Grinding is smooth and quick with 50 settings for size. This grinder will set you back around $200, but it is well worth it, especially for regular campers.
5. Timemore X Millab Wireless Portable — An electric burr grinder with a charge lasting for 30 grinds along with several size settings. While not ultralight at 990 grams, the Timemore Wireless is quick and easy to use. While it’s better for car or van camping, it is manageable to pack if you need to take it with you. 

Best Coffee Brewing Methods When Camping

Humans have been brewing coffee for centuries. So, there are an abundance of methods to choose from, even without your La Marzocco expresso machine or electric kettle.

Here are some of the best ways to make a quality cup out in Mother Nature. 

1. Instant Coffee

Making coffee using an instant coffee blend is the easiest way to make a morning brew while you’re camping. Instant coffee doesn’t provide the same deep flavors as regular coffee, but a high-quality blend gets close. 

We recommend Cafely Vietnamese Instant Espresso for those who enjoy a strong shot of coffee in the morning. If you prefer a creamy coffee, try our instant milk latte or the instant coconut latte (vegan).

Making Cafely Instant Espresso on the go is simple. Just boil water in a pan over an open fire or on a gas stove. Then, add the instant coffee granules to a mug, followed by the water, stir, and enjoy.

2. Cowboy Coffee

The classic cowboy coffee — basically a scoop of coffee in boiled water — deserves a mention. If you forget filters or brewing devices, cowboy coffee can save a trip and, with some practice, actually make a pretty darn good cup of coffee.

Here are instructions for making cowboy coffee:

1. Grind your coffee: a coarse grind (like sea salt) is ideal.
2. Bring water to a near boil: too hot, and you'll burn the grounds.
3. Add coffee: measure and pop in two tablespoons per cup.
4. Add the water: pour hot water over the coffee grounds and stir for two or three minutes.
5. Wait: leave it alone for another two minutes for the sediment to settle.
6. Enjoy: Carefully pour and drink the coffee.

3. French Press

The French press is a simple, highly effective method. So long as you have your coffee ground and weighed, you can be sure of a great cup with minimal effort and equipment. 

Stainless steel or plastic presses are safest for backpacking, although carefully packed glass cafetières can be taken with you, too. Insulated tumblers designed for a single serve are also excellent trail companions. 

Here’s how to make French press coffee while camping: 

1. Heat a pan of water on a campfire or gas stove: Don’t let it get too hot, it should be just shy of boiling.
2. Measure the coffee grounds: Use a ratio of 1:12 coffee to water and a coarse grind.
3. Add the coffee grounds and water: Pour slowly, and consider adding a small amount of water to start to let it bloom.
4. Allow to brew: Four to five minutes should do the trick
5. Plunge the coffee: Slowly push the plunger through the brew to strain it.
6. Pour into mugs and enjoy.

Although it’s an easy way to prepare great coffee, a French press can be a pain to clean even at home. So, it’s something to keep in mind when it comes to maintenance. Additionally, this piece of kit could be too bulky and heavy for some people focused on ultralight gear.

To make French press coffee for your camping crew, we recommend a 1:12 coffee-to-water ratio and a coarse grind.

4. Percolator Coffee

The percolator is a camping classic, and the iconic tall metal pots shouldn't be discounted as useless antiques. The percolator will demand some of your attention and might take practice, but the results are worth the effort. 

Even the retro stainless steel versions still found in thrift stores are fairly lightweight and pack down pretty well, even in overcrowded bags. Modern outdoor companies have even refined the format further for truly camping-friendly options.

Here’s how to make percolator coffee while camping:

1. Fill the percolator: Add cold water up to the fill line. 
2. Assemble the basket: Attach the basket to the stem.
3. Add the coffee grounds to the basket: Add a tablespoon of coarse grounds for each cup you intend to make.
4. Insert the basket: Securely fasten the basket inside the percolator and close the lid securely. 
5. Heat the coffee: Place the percolator onto your camping stove or above the flames of your campfire. 
6. Remove from the boil: When the water has begun to boil, take the percolator from the heat and set aside. 
7. Wait to brew: Leave five to ten minutes before pouring for it to work its magic. 
8. Pour and enjoy!

A percolator uses one tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee to one 8-ounce cup of water. The trick to the perfect percolator coffee when camping is trying not to make things move too fast. Get the coffee to circulate through the system a few times, around seven to ten minutes. Be careful, though, because circulating the coffee for too long can make an over-extracted, overly bitter brew.

5. Moka Pot

The moka pot is not designed for camping, but its simplicity and quality output make it a top contender for the best camping coffee. You can use a moka pot with most camping stoves, and with careful use, it can work over a campfire. The moka pot isn't exactly ultralight, but the one and three-cup options are portable enough.

filters up through the coffee and is collected in a chamber above. 

We recommend the DaLat (100% Arabica) blend for moka pot coffee.

Here’s how to make moka coffee while camping:

1. Measure the grounds: Use a ratio of 1:10 finely ground coffee to water and add to the filter basket.
2. Fill the lower chamber: Add cold water to the fill line.
3. Assemble the moka pot: Connect together the lower chamber, filter basket, and collection chamber.
4. Place the pot on a camping stove or campfire: Make sure the flames don’t wrap around the pot (this will scorch the grounds)
5. Wait for the coffee to brew: The moka pot will make a distinct gurgling noise after two to 10 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat and wait for a “sputtering” sound: When the pot begins spluttering, it’s ready.
7. Pour the shot into a mug and enjoy.

Be aware that both gas and wood fires will blacken a moka pot. Having a dedicated pot for camping or wrapping aluminum foil around the bottom of the pot will keep the metal clean. Also, keep an eye on the plastic handle, which can melt.

6. Vietnamese Phin Filter

Quick, durable, and producing a bold brew, the Vietnamese phin filter is one of the easiest and fastest routes to full-bodied flavor. Extremely light, easy to clean, and one of the cheapest devices on this list, the phin filter is surprisingly unknown for being a solid backpacking option, although it can take some time to clean.

The phin method works best with a 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio with finely ground beans. We recommend 100% robusta beans to fully appreciate the powerful cup the phin makes, like those in our HaNoi blend. 

Making phin coffee while camping is easy:

1. Heat the water: You want it to be just shy of boiling. 
2. Assemble your phin filter: Place it over your mug ensuring a stable fit. 
3. Add coffee grounds: Place fine coffee grounds at a ratio of 1:2 coffee to water in the chamber, and tamp using the gravity press.
4. Add the water: Slowly pour the hot water into the chamber to the fill line. 
5. Wait: It should take five to seven minutes for your coffee to reach your mug. 
6. Sit back and enjoy a decadently strong campfire brew. 

If you are lucky enough to have a cooler on hand to add some ice, a Vietnamese drip can be both refreshing and invigorating. We also like to use condensed milk with phin-drip, which is an easily packable item for the trip. 

Learn: How to Make Vietnamese Coffee With a Traditional Phin Drip Filter

7. AeroPress 

AeroPress has become the go-to brewing system for camp coffee. Made from lightweight and durable polypropylene this clever invention uses pressure for extraction. Quick and easy to learn, the AeroPress is capable of a smooth and robust cup that can hold enough flavor to be the base for espresso drinks.

The AeroPress favors a fine, sand-like grind with a 1:7 ratio of coffee to water. Best results are achieved with fresh beans processed on the spot with a quality burr hand grinder. Make sure you don't forget the filters, or perhaps try a third-party reusable filter to save the paper.

We recommend DaNang Coffee (Arabica x Robusta) for AeroPress coffee. 

Here’s how to make coffee using an AeroPress:

1. Heat the water: Ensure it is hot, but just shy of boiling for the best results. 
2. Measure your pre-ground coffee: Use a ratio of 1:7 and a fine grind.
3. Prepare the AeroPress: Add the filter and grounds then place a mug under the AeroPress.
4. Fill up the chamber: Reach the fill line but be careful if using a pan which could spill.
5. Extract the coffee: Press down the plunger to extract the brew.
6. Enjoy your AeroPress coffee in the great outdoors. 

AeroPress has leaned into its acceptance amongst enthusiasts of coffee and backpacking with the AeroPress GO, a complete packable system including a cup weighing 318 grams. 

8. Single Serve Pour Over (V60)

The pour-over still produces some of the most flavorful cups of coffee possible and is perhaps the ultimate choice for ultralight setups. Mastering the entire process can take practice and is a morning ritual that just keeps on giving.

There is an abundance of silicon collapsable V60 devices that are light, easy to clean, and work just like your V60 at home. Pour-over coffee is best done with a 1:15 coffee ratio and a medium-coarse grind.

We recommend freshly ground beans with a hand grinder. Once you have the grounds dialed, the trick is mastering a smooth pour without your gooseneck kettle. We recommend a camping kettle over a pot of water, and although it will take practice, remember to go slow and steady.

Here’s how to make pour-over coffee while camping:

1. Heat the water: Reach a point where it has just come off the boil. 
2. Prepare the pour-over cone: Add your filter of choice and place it over your mug or vessel.
3. Add the coffee grounds: use a medium-coarse grind and a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water. 
4. “Bloom” the coffee: Add a small amount of water and allow it to percolate for one to two minutes.
5. Pour the rest of the water: Use a slow, circular motion if possible and wait for it to filter through. 
6. Remove the pour-over cone and enjoy.

9. Stovetop Steamer

If you aren't backpacking and fancy yourself a real connoisseur, check out stovetop steamers. Brewing systems like the Bellman CX25 might initially seem overkill, but the results are difficult to ignore.

The Bellman uses pressure to extract espresso and features a pressure gauge for pulling shots with real crema. The steam wand is very functional, easily turning milk into silky bubbles. You can also enjoy its benefits at home — stovetop steamers can often outperform espresso machines in the same price range. 

Here’s how to use a stovetop steamer on your camping trip:

1. Add the coffee: Add finely ground coffee to the top of the chamber. 
2. Place the filter: Tamp the grounds to a smooth base and put your paper filter on top. 
3. Fill the water chamber: You’ll want this to be around the “three” marker. 
4. Assemble: Place the coffee chamber on top of the water basket, and affix the brew tap.
5. Heat it up: On medium heat on your camping stove, wait until the pressure gauge reaches 2.5.
6. Open the tap: Place your mug under the tap and release the brewed coffee. 
7. Enjoy!

At over 2.5 kg, these contraptions aren't ideal for backpacking but work just fine on gas stoves like the classic Coleman. It’s definitely worth considering if you are camping in a van or RV, where you can easily set up a stove and have a place to put it rather than carting it around with you. 

The whole device works its magic under significant pressure, so if you only have a campfire for cooking, you may wish to look at an alternative option for your trip. 

FAQs: Cafely Camping/Backpacking Coffee

Still unsure about how to make quality coffee in the great outdoors? We’re here to enlighten you with some top tips and information for your next trip. 

1. What Types of Cafely Coffee Are Best for Camping or Backpacking?

We recommend our single-serve instant coffee sachets (Vietnamese Coffee 2.0). These options are specifically designed for easy transport and minimal hassle — just add hot water! On hot summer days, you can throw in some ice from your cooler for a classic Vietnamese-style iced coffee.

2. How Do I Brew Coffee While Camping or Backpacking?

For minimal fuss and equipment, instant coffee is ideal — just add hot water. For a more traditional brew, our single-serve pour-overs only require a mug and hot water. Each method ensures you can enjoy quality coffee without needing to carry heavy brewing gear.

3. Does Cafely’s Coffee Keep Well in Various Weather Conditions?

Absolutely! Our camping and backpacking coffee options are packaged to withstand various environmental factors, ensuring freshness and flavor are preserved no matter the weather conditions.

4. What Makes Your Camping/Backpacking Coffee Different From Regular Coffee?

Our camping and backpacking coffees are created with convenience and durability in mind. They are packed in lightweight, secure packaging that makes them easy to pack without risk of leakage or spoilage.

5. Can I Prepare These Coffees Cold if I Can't Heat Water?

Yes, our instant coffee blends can also be prepared with cold water, making them versatile for all situations. The flavor profile is slightly different, but you'll still get a refreshing and energizing coffee experience.

6. How Much Coffee Should I Bring for a Multi-day Hiking Trip?

We recommend planning one to two servings of coffee per person per day, depending on your personal coffee consumption. Our products are conveniently portioned to help you pack the right amount.

7. How Should I Dispose of Coffee Waste When Camping?

Always practice Leave No Trace principles. Use biodegradable bags to store used coffee grounds and other waste, ensuring you leave your camping or backpacking site as pristine as you found it.