There’s something magical about sipping hot coffee with a mountain view or quiet forest all around. Whether you’re hiking out deep in the backcountry or car camping at your favorite spot, you don’t have to settle for instant coffee (unless you want to, no judgment here).
Here are some of the best ways to brew coffee at camp, ranked by ease, flavor, and the gear you’ll need.
Pour-Over
Best for: Car campers or ultralight coffee lovers
Gear needed: Pour-over cone (like the collapsible GSI or Hario V60), filters, kettle or pot
Pour-over is a favorite for a reason: it’s simple, clean, and makes a solid cup. Heat your water over the campfire or stove, set the cone over your mug, and do a slow, steady pour. The key is using medium-ground coffee and taking your time.
Pro tip: Pre-pack filters with grounds and twist-tie them into little pouches for easy grab-and-go brewing.
AeroPress
Best for: Flavor chasers who like a strong, espresso-style cup
Gear needed: AeroPress, filters, coffee scoop, hot water
The AeroPress is a cult favorite among campers and backpackers alike. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and makes a bold, smooth cup. Just add grounds, pour in water, stir, steep, and press.
Pro tip: It doubles as a cold brew maker if you’re camping somewhere hot—just steep it longer with cold water.
French Press (Travel Style)
Best for: Mornings at basecamp
Gear needed: French press mug (like Jetboil or Stanley), coarse ground coffee, hot water
A French press is a classic and cozy way to start the day, especially if you’re in no rush. There are camp-ready press mugs that brew and serve all in one, so it’s not as bulky as it used to be.
Pro tip: Clean-up is a little messier, so pack a waste bag for grounds or scatter them responsibly.
Percolator
Best for: Campers with a love for tradition
Gear needed: Percolator pot, coarse ground coffee, campfire or stove
This is the cowboy method—put your coffee grounds in the basket, add water to the pot, and set it over heat until the water perks through. It takes longer and you’ll have to watch it, but it brings serious nostalgic vibes.
Pro tip: Don’t boil the water too hard or too long, or you’ll end up with bitter brew.
Instant Coffee (But Make It Good)
Best for: Ultra-light packers or minimal-effort mornings
Gear needed: Just hot water and a cup
Not all instant coffee is created equal. Brands like Voila, Alpine Start, and Kuju have seriously stepped up the game. If you’re in a rush, or deep in the backcountry with limited gear, good instant coffee can absolutely hit the spot.
Pro tip: Add a splash of powdered creamer or milk alternative to level it up.
Bonus: Cowboy Coffee
Best for: When you forgot your gear but still need caffeine
Gear needed: Pot or pan, grounds, water, nerves of steel
Boil water, toss in grounds, let them steep and settle, then carefully pour without stirring up the sludge. It’s gritty, a little chaotic—but sometimes that’s the vibe.
Final Sips:
However you like your coffee, strong or smooth, (or just now, please) there’s a camp method that fits. The key? Pre-grind your beans, store them airtight, and always pack out your grounds.
Coffee tastes better outside. That’s just science.