The Best Camping Coffee Methods Tested

How can you make coffee when camping?

A good cup of coffee can make all the difference on a camping trip. Whether you are starting an early hike or warming up after a cold night, that first brew is often the best part of the morning.

Camping does not mean giving up good coffee. There are several simple ways to make it outdoors without carrying bulky equipment.

To find the best option, we tested four camping coffee methods and rated them for taste, ease of brewing, ease of cleaning, and convenience of carrying.

4 different ways to make camping coffee

Coffee Press

Cafe Press

Coffeebrewer

A portable coffee dripper on a metal cup resting on a forest floor, with a paper filter inside, surrounded by twigs and pine needles.

About the testers

Image of Tom

Email & CRM Executive

Tom

At home, I make my coffee with a V60 filter brewer. I find it a quick and easy way to get perfect coffee at home; I can do it with my eyes half open. Although its hard to beat coffee with a view, I have to admit I often skip coffee when camping, and especially backpacking, as I find it’s one too many things to faff with in the morning. If I’m going to bring coffee and a brewer camping, I want it to be as streamlined and easy as possible.

Image of Matt

Creative Lead

Matt

My go-to coffee is an Americano, usually made on my espresso machine at home. I enjoy the process of pulling a fresh shot of espresso and then adding hot water to create a smooth, balanced cup that’s rich in flavour without being too heavy. The Americano keeps the depth and aroma of espresso while giving me a longer drink that I can enjoy slowly. Making it on an espresso machine also lets me control the quality of the shot and the strength of the coffee, which makes the ritual of preparing it just as satisfying as drinking it.

Image of Beth

Content & SEO Executive

Beth

I usually brew coffee using my bean-to-cup espresso machine at home. I tend to prefer a rich, dark roast for the deeper flavour it brings out. When outdoors or travelling, though, I'm much less fussy and find that instant coffee will do the job just fine.

Image of Esme

Senior Content & SEO Executive

Esme

Coffee first thing in the morning is non-negotiable for me, especially when camping. At home, I usually brew with a V60. I like how simple it is and the flavour it produces. I am not overly picky about coffee. A decent medium to dark roast is good enough for me. When I am camping, I normally default to instant. It is not glamorous, but it is lightweight and easy. All I need to carry is the coffee itself, without any extra brewing gear.

Our thoughts

Snow Peak Folding Coffee Dripper

Pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter atop a camping mug, outdoors.

“I really enjoyed that the folding dripper works just as well as my home V60 brewer and doesn’t need any extra tricks to get a good cup. It was by far the least messy method we tried, with the coffee grounds contained in the filter paper and easy to dispose of. The folding flat design means it could slot into any camp kitchen, and you could even slide it down the back of your pack for easy backpacking storage.” - Tom

MSR WindBurner Coffee Press

Person using a portable camping stove with a coffee press attachment outside a tent in a wooded area.

“Everything I need was contained in one compact space, light enough to carry anywhere, yet capable of creating that familiar moment of comfort. Watching the water heat and preparing the coffee in the quiet of nature brings the same sense of calm as making it in my kitchen, reminding me that home isn’t always a place - it’s sometimes just a simple routine carried with you.” - Matt

Snow Peak Titanium Cafe Press

Person pouring water from a stove into a cup outdoors, with grass in the background.

“The Titanium Cafe Press was easy to use, and it produced a consistently good cup without much fuss. It is lightweight, yet durable and has a very smooth, satisfying press. With its simple design, there's very little to figure out, which is exactly what you want when making coffee outdoors. It’s perfect for cold mornings around camp when you want a decent cup of coffee without any complicated kit.” - Beth

The Brew Company Coffeebrewer

Snow Peak Titanium Cafe Press

Person pouring hot water from a stove into a camping coffee bag on a portable stove outdoors.

“I wasn’t sure how this would perform. It felt like it might be a bit gimmicky. It was easier than I expected to pour water into the pouch, and it produced a nice, classic cup of coffee. This was my choice because you don’t need to carry any extra gear. It is basically the coffee version of a boil-in-the-bag meal.” – Esme

Our favourites

Woman with braided hair, wearing a dark jacket, stands outdoors with trees in the background, looking directly into the camera.

Our favourites

Woman in a light purple fleece jacket stands in front of a tree, smiling softly with her hair tied up.

Our favourites

Man wearing a mustard yellow Montane jacket, standing outdoors with a blurred natural background.

Our favourites

A person wearing a black cap, glasses, and a light grey puffer jacket stands outdoors in front of a large tree trunk.

Final thoughts

There are plenty of ways to make good coffee while camping, and the best option depends on what matters most to you. If pack weight and simplicity are the priority, lightweight options like a folding dripper or coffee pouch work well. If you prefer a richer, fuller brew, a cafetiere-style press can be worth the extra space.

All four methods we tested produced a good cup of coffee. The main differences came down to pack size, ease of cleaning, and how much equipment you need to carry.

In the end, the best camping coffee method is the one that fits your style of trip. Whether you value convenience, flavour, or minimal gear, there is a simple way to enjoy a proper coffee in the outdoors.

About the contributors

Image of Esme

Senior Content & SEO Executive

Esme

I’ve always loved the outdoors and find spending time in nature restorative. I enjoy hiking, camping & running. I love exploring the nature that's on my doorstep in the Peak District or venturing further afield through travelling. I write a range of articles and guides to help others explore and enjoy the outdoors.

Image of Tom

Email & CRM Executive

Tom

I grew up exploring the outdoors; kayaking, biking and surfing around the South West coast. Moving to Manchester led me to the joys of climbing grit and limestone, and I haven't looked back since. I also enjoy all the hiking that the Peaks have to offer, so there's always something to do when the rock is wet.

Image of Beth

Content & SEO Executive

Beth

I grew up going on camping holidays with my family every summer, which sparked my love of the outdoors. Many of those early trips were spent exploring and camping in Wales. Now you will find me on trails in the Peak District and the Lake District, as well as heading on adventures across Europe whenever I can.

Image of Matt

Creative Lead

Matt

I’ve always felt drawn to the mountains, from early hikes in the Lake District with my family to seeing the Swiss Alps at twelve - a moment that truly shaped my connection with nature. Being in the mountains brings both peace and perspective. Photography deepens that connection, encouraging me to slow down and see the landscape differently, a perspective I try to carry into everyday life.

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