Best Coffee Makers for Camping and Backpacking
 

There’s nothing like sipping a steaming, hot cup of coffee in a scenic outdoor setting. Whether conditions are beautiful and balmy or dreary and drizzly, you can always count on liquid energy to put a little pep in your step.

When you start looking for the best way to brew the perfect cup of joe, you’ll quickly find that there are a ton of products out there. We tested the best instant coffee and coffee makers on the market for camping, backpacking, and travel to make it easy for you to find the right one for your adventure style.

Alpine Start & Starbucks Via instant coffee is our go-to for backpacking since it’s ultralight, compact & easy

Alpine Start & Starbucks Via instant coffee is our go-to for backpacking since it’s ultralight, compact & easy

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

The best coffee-making options on the market for camping, backpacking & travel

The best coffee-making options on the market for camping, backpacking & travel

What’s Most Important to You in a Camping Coffee Maker?

PRICE - 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. That said, there are both affordable and high-end options in almost all the brew styles.

The AeroPress Go Travel is a great value since it comes with everything you need including a box of Micro-Filters

The AeroPress Go Travel is a great value since it comes with everything you need including a box of Micro-Filters

PORTABILITY - A lot of backpackers use instant coffee since it’s convenient, ultralight, and doesn’t require any additional items. If instant coffee isn’t your jam, your best bet is to go with an ultralight pour-over. For travel or frontcountry camping, any of the coffee makers on our list are reasonably compact and lightweight; we recommend choosing one based on your group size.

Alpine Start & Starbucks Via instant coffee dissolves completely in water, so no coffee maker is needed

Alpine Start & Starbucks Via instant coffee dissolves completely in water, so no coffee maker is needed

DURABILITY - Daily use will put a lot of wear and tear on your coffee maker, so you’ll need something durable if you plan to do a lot of camping and traveling. Consider how you’ll be storing your camp kitchenware and how sturdy you need it to be to keep up with your lifestyle.

The GSI Outdoors Glacier Percolator is made of stainless steel, so you can toss it in your kitchen tote without worry

The GSI Outdoors Glacier Percolator is made of stainless steel, so you can toss it in your kitchen tote without worry

FLAVOR - If great flavor is your top priority, we recommend choosing an espresso maker that’s designed to release the subtle aromas and oils from the coffee grounds with pressure. If you like your coffee strong, a coffee press might be your best bet. Pour over coffee makers or percolators will produce a lighter, but flavorful cup with less acid. Flavor is subjective when it comes to instant coffee, but we’ll list our personal favorites first based on taste tests.

With the Wacaco Minipresso GR, you can have rich, velvety espresso anytime, any place

With the Wacaco Minipresso GR you can have rich, velvety espresso anytime, any place

NUMBER OF CUPS - Many of the more gourmet coffee makers on our list only brew a single cup or espresso shot at a time. We don’t mind brewing a cup at a time if the process is quick and there’s only a person or two to serve. If you’d rather be able to brew a larger batch of coffee for a group of people, it’s best to use a system designed to make multiple cups in one go.

The Eureka Camp Cafe is made for groups & brews up to twelve cups of joe at a time

The Eureka Camp Cafe is made for groups & brews up to twelve cups of joe at a time

BREW SPEED - A key consideration you need to make is how fast you want your java to brew. If you’ve got time to enjoy a slow morning coffee ritual, why rush it? But if you like to be able to just get up and go, you might want a faster and more convenient coffee option. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to boil water to make hot coffee with any brew method. Luckily, boiling water can be super quick and easy with the right camping or backpacking stove.

EASE OF CLEANUP - All of the coffee makers on our list are relatively easy to clean. However, some are a bit more simple than others - especially when you have limited access to running water. Instant coffee only requires you to dispose of wrappers and rinse your mug when you’re done. Coffee makers with paper filters stay fairly clean since they keep the grounds contained and easy to dump. With coffee presses and espresso makers, you’ll have to scoop out the grounds and do a little more rinsing and wiping.

Kuju Coffee Pocket PourOvers are delicious & convenient since you don’t need a maker & there’s very little cleanup

Kuju Coffee Pocket PourOvers are delicious & convenient since you don’t need a maker & there’s very little cleanup

Best Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers of 2023

Alpine Start & Starbucks Via Instant Coffee

BEST INSTANT COFFEE

MSRP: $9 ($1.12 per serving)

WEIGHT: 0.11 oz. each

PROS: Ultralight, affordable, fast & convenient, hot or cold brew, easy cleanup

CONS: Expensive over time, trash from individual packets, some find it bitter

BOTTOM LINE: When you need your coffee fast, the convenience of Alpine Start & Starbucks Via can’t be beat. Instant coffee is our go-to for backpacking since it’s ultralight, compact, and incredibly easy. It’s ground super-fine so it dissolves quickly in hot or cold water, which eliminates the need to carry an additional item for brewing. Starbucks Via is fast, convenient, and widely available online and in grocery stores. Alpine Start has excellent flavor, and we like that it’s available in bulk so we can reduce the number of wrappers we have to pack out on multi-day trips. Both instant coffees come in a variety of roasts and flavors to suit different tastes.

SIMPLE & DURABLE PERSONAL COFFEE MAKER

MSRP: $25

WEIGHT: 1 oz.

PROS: Durable, fast, great flavor, compact, reduces teeth stains

CONS: A bit heavier than instant packets, each person needs their own

BOTTOM LINE: We’re fans of the JoGo Brew Straw for home use, camping, and coffee on the trail. All you have to do is add hot water and regular coffee grounds to your cup, then wait four minutes. You can add sweeteners and cream, then drink through the straw using the insulated silicone tip to control the flow. The JoGo helps reduce coffee stains on your teeth, and the fine mesh strainer 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. The JoGo weighs an ounce and is as compact as an ink pen. It’s a bit heavier than instant coffee packets for backpacking, but it allows you to choose your own coffee and reduces packaging waste. We also love that the JoGo can be used for cocktails and tea!

BEST GOURMET COFFEE MAKER

MSRP: $40

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 1.7 oz.

PROS: Compact; fast; great flavor; easy cleanup; makes American, espresso & cold brew

CONS: Requires Micro-Filters (includes 350)

BOTTOM LINE: 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. When you’re done, all you have to do is pop the leftover disc of grounds out of the end for disposal. The AeroPress Go Travel is an excellent value since everything you need is included, and it’s our top travel coffee maker overall for brew quality, portability, and ease-of-use.

BEST COFFEE MAKER FOR JETBOIL USERS

MSRP: $19

WEIGHT: 1.3 oz.

PROS: Lightweight, compact, affordable, brews enough for two

CONS: Jetboil Stove required, brews more acidic coffee

BOTTOM LINE: The Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press is an accessory every coffee-loving Jetboil user should own. It essentially converts your pot into a french press, which allows you to quickly brew a batch of coffee for two without adding much extra weight to your kit. The Jetboil Flash is one of our favorite backpacking stoves because it’s incredibly fast and efficient for boiling water. We also use our Flash for car camping and on roadtrips since it’s so convenient for making hot drinks. If you don’t have a Jetboil already, the stove and coffee press are available as a bundle: Jetboil Flash Java Kit.

BEST COFFEE MAKER FOR TRAVEL & COMMUTING

MSRP: $50

WEIGHT: 9.8 oz.

PROS: Lightweight, fast, easy, double-wall bottle serves multiple purposes, slim shape fits well in a backpack pocket

CONS: Slightly expensive, sip cap can’t be removed to stir in ingredients after coffee is brewed (best for those who drink black coffee or use liquid creamer), brews more acidic coffee

BOTTOM LINE: The ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Bottle is like a personal to-go french press for active people who live busy lives. Just add ground coffee, pour in hot water, and you’re ready to roll! If you’re really short on time, you can even let your coffee brew for 4-5 minutes in your cup holder on the way to the trailhead. When your java reaches the perfect brew-strength, press down the plunger to strain it through two super-fine mesh filters. The ESPRO Bottle is one of the lightest double-wall bottles on the market, so you can also use it to insulate hot and cold drinks on your adventures without adding much weight to your pack.

LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE COFFEE PRESS

MSRP: $40

WEIGHT: 10.0 oz.

PROS: Durable, lightweight, brews enough for two

CONS: Slightly expensive, brews more acidic coffee

BOTTOM LINE: The GSI Outdoors Java Press is a simple and classic way to make coffee. Just add grounds and hot water to the carafe, wait, plunge, and pour. You have full control over your coffee’s flavor and can brew it as light or dark as you like. French presses get a bad rap for being too fragile for the outdoors since they’re typically made of glass, but the GSI solves this problem by using lightweight and durable BPA-free, shatter-resistant plastic. The Java Press is sturdy enough to toss in a tote with other camp kitchenware and will help fuel your adventures for years to come.

BEST PERCOLATOR

MSRP (6-cup): $35

WEIGHT (6-cup): 1 lb. 5.6 oz.

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

BOTTOM LINE: If you like to relax in camp in the morning, make your coffee a ritual like they did in the 1960’s 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. Perkin’ may take a bit longer than some methods to get a strong brew, but it makes great-tasting coffee and enough of it for your whole crew (3, 6, 9, and 12 cup sizes available). The Glacier Percolator is a tad on the heavy side, but that won’t matter too much if you’re staying close to your car. And it’s so sturdy, it just might last a lifetime if treated with care.

GOURMET PORTABLE ESPRESSO MAKER

MSRP: $55

WEIGHT: 13.6 oz.

PROS: Brews coffee with excellent flavor & texture, fast, compact

CONS: A bit expensive, makes a single shot at a time, a bit more fiddly to clean/gets clogged on occasion

BOTTOM LINE: If high-quality, tasty espresso is your jam, don’t think twice - just buy the Wacaco Minipresso GR. The Minipresso turned out to be one of our favorite coffee makers overall - we love it so much that we find ourselves using it a lot at home. The Minipresso uses pressure to make frothy, rich coffee extractions with a manual pump so you can use it anywhere as long as you have access to hot water. Our one gripe is that it’s a bit tedious to clean between shots, so it might not be the best choice if you need to make a lot of servings of coffee for a group. That said, we highly recommend the Minipresso to singles or couples who love espresso and the outdoors. Just be warned, you might find yourself drinking more coffee than usual!

BEST CAMPING COFFEE MAKER FOR GROUPS

MSRP: $120

WEIGHT: 2 lb. 7 oz.

PROS: Makes large batch for groups, efficient, includes versatile kettle, easy cleanup

CONS: Expensive, heavy, bulky, requires paper filters

BOTTOM LINE: If you find yourself camping with a group often, the Eureka Camp Cafe is a great way to go. Pour-over coffee is clean and has a great subtle flavor with low acidity, which is good for sensitive stomachs. The Camp Cafe set includes a 2.5-liter kettle to boil water, a large pour-over holder for a paper filter, and a carafe to hold the coffee. The kettle itself is lightweight and has coils at the base to create more surface area and make heating water fast and fuel efficient. While this system is a bit on the bulky side, we love that the parts nest together in a neat, tidy package. The Camp Cafe is a bit expensive, but since you get a great coffee system and two versatile pots you can use for lots of other camp cooking, we find this set to be an excellent value.

DURABLE, AFFORDABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY COFFEE MAKER

MSRP: $16 (often on sale for less)

WEIGHT: 2.6 oz.

PROS: Affordable, paperless, lightweight, compact, durable, easy cleanup

CONS: Makes weaker coffee than some

BOTTOM LINE: The LHS Slow Drip is a simple and affordable pour over coffee maker with a good balance of durability to low weight and size. It’s essentially a metal cone made of fine mesh that you slowly pour water over, so there’s no need to use paper filters. The cone clips onto a wide base plate that fits over the rim of travel mugs, or it can be used separately as a filter for other drippers that normally use paper. For us, the LHS Slow Drip is a bit heavy for backpacking, but it’s an elegant option for car camping, travel, and home use. You can’t beat the price, and it makes delicious coffee with low acidity and delicate flavors.

BEST ULTRALIGHT COFFEE MAKER FOR BACKPACKING

MSRP: $11

WEIGHT: 0.4 oz.

PROS: Very lightweight, compact, affordable, multipurpose

CONS: Not as durable as some

BOTTOM LINE: 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. The Java Drip weighs less than half an ounce, and it folds flat so it will fit inside of most backpacking pots when not in use. It also makes a great pre-filter for purifying water. The arms and clips that support the mesh filter are plastic, so this may not be the product for you if you’re looking for long-term durability. But for us, the pros outweigh the cons since the Java Drip is so ridiculously lightweight.

BEST SINGLE-SERVE POUR OVER COFFEE

MSRP: $15 ($2.50 per serving)

WEIGHT: 0.5 oz. each

PROS: Great flavor, compact, lightweight, easy cleanup

CONS: Expensive, trash from individual packets, not as ideal for the backcountry as instant coffee

BOTTOM LINE: You can have both great flavor and ultimate convenience with Kuju Coffee Pocket PourOver Coffee. These individual packets of specialty coffee have a gourmet taste, and you don’t need a special coffee maker since the paper pour overs anchor right on to the rim of your cup. A kettle is helpful since you have to pour water slowly, but a pot and a steady hand will do in a pinch. While we still prefer instant coffee for backpacking since it’s lighter and the wrappers are less bulky to pack out, we love Kuju Coffee for camping trips or traveling when hassle-free brewing and easy cleanup are key.

NUTRITIOUS INSTANT COFFEE WITH CREAMER

MSRP: $14 ($1.75 per serving)

WEIGHT: 1 oz.

PROS: Fast & convenient, creamer included, lightweight, less packaging than some, hot or cold brew, nutritious

CONS: A bit expensive long-term, heavier than other instant coffees, distinct texture & flavor may not be for everyone

BOTTOM LINE: You need all the calories and nutrition you can get when you’re putting in the work on trail, and Laird Superfood Instafuel can help fuel your body as you get your caffeine fix. The coconut-based creamer and arabica instant coffee come together in a smooth, creamy cup of joe that injects some healthy fats and minerals into your morning coffee routine. Instafuel is great to have on hand if you’re not a fan of black coffee since it comes complete with light sweetening and creamer, and it doesn’t require refrigeration. Instafuel might be for you if you want a fast, healthy, and convenient way to charge up your energy level.

COMPACT & DURABLE COFFEE MAKER FOR CAMPING & TRAVEL

MSRP: $30

WEIGHT: 6 oz.

PROS: Very compact, durable, lightweight, easy to clean

CONS: Expensive for a pour over, requires paper filters, slower brewing than some

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a compact coffee maker for camping and travel that takes up almost no space, the Miir Pourigami is an awesome option. The pieces interlock to make an origami-like holder for a paper filter that sits on the rim of your cup. When you’re not using it, the three flat pieces break down and slip into a flat case no bigger than a smartphone. The Pourigami is a tad pricey for how basic it is, but since it’s built with powder-coated stainless steel, it’s very durable and will last a long time. We recommend the Pourigami for those who want a design that looks cool enough to be a conversation starter and those with really limited storage space.

The ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Bottle is like a personal french press to-go

The ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Bottle is like a personal french press to-go

brew methods in a nutshell

There are a lot of ways to make coffee outside. Here’s the gist of each brew method and a few pros and cons for each:

INSTANT COFFEE - Very fine coffee that dissolves completely when stirred into hot or cold water. Available in packets or a jar.

  • Pros: Ultralight, fast, no grounds to dispose of, very little cleanup, no coffee maker needed

  • Cons: Expensive long-term, more bitter than other methods, single-serve packets create more trash

TEA BAG COFFEE - Pre-ground coffee in disposable paper tea bags that you steep and discard.

  • Pros: Easy, no coffee maker needed, very little cleanup

  • Cons: Packaged ground coffee isn’t as fresh, wet bags are heavy and bulky to pack out

COWBOY COFFEE - Coffee grounds and water boiled directly in a pot or kettle for 2-3 minutes, then allowed to settle with a dash of cold water before pouring off the liquid.

  • Pros: Nostalgic, easy, good for groups, boiling makes coffee less acidic

  • Cons: Grit in your teeth

Laird Superfood makes delicious & nutritious Drink mixes including Instafuel, Superfood Creamer & coconut water

Laird Superfood makes a variety of delicious & nutritious Drink mixes including coffee, matcha & chai

POUR OVER COFFEE - A cone-shaped holder for ground coffee that sits directly on top of a carafe or mug while you slowly pour hot water over it. Some pour-overs use a paper filter, while others are made of mesh to be paper-free.

  • Pros: Simple, affordable, usually lightweight & compact

  • Cons: Slight learning curve to making strong coffee with this method, helpful to have a kettle with a narrow spout for slowly pouring water

COFFEE PRESS (AKA FRENCH PRESS) - A carafe with a mesh plunger filter that pushes spent grounds to the bottom, leaving the brewed coffee behind to pour off.

  • Pros: Brews multiple cups at a time, lots of control over strength of coffee

  • Cons: Can be expensive, makes more acidic coffee, lack of attentiveness can lead to bitter coffee

PERCOLATOR - A pot with a basket inside that continually cycles boiling brew through the grounds using gravity until the desired strength is reached.

  • Pros: Iconic, durable, good for groups, deep flavor, holds heat well

  • Cons: Slower than other methods, coffee can be a bit gritty, lack of attentiveness can lead to bitter coffee

TRAVEL ESPRESSO MAKER - Travel espresso makers utilize high pressure to extract a rich brew. Each maker is a little different, but most use a pump or plunger to force hot or cold water through a small amount of grounds. Espresso can be sipped as a shot or added to more water for an Americano.

  • Pros: Gourmet flavor, fast, versatile, brews hot or cold, less bitter than other methods 

  • Cons: Generally more expensive, more steps involves

The Wacaco Minipresso GR comes with its own cup, scoop & even a brush

The Wacaco Minipresso GR comes with its own cup, scoop & even a brush

Critical Camping Coffee Maker Considerations

KITCHEN SUPPLIES - Finding the ideal coffee brewing method greatly depends on what type of supplies and kitchenware you have access to. If you’re car camping, you’ll likely have a camping stove and kettle or pot to work with. You’ll probably also have the ability to toss spent coffee grounds in a garbage bag and have access to water for rinsing. If you’re on the road or backpacking, a smaller backpacking stove will be the most practical tool for boiling water for coffee. Remember that you’ll have to pack out anything you bring into the backcountry, including any packaging and used coffee grounds. Wherever your adventures take you, you’ll also need some great cups or travel mugs.

The LHS Slow Drip has a good balance of durability to low weight & size for camping & travel

The LHS Slow Drip has a good balance of durability to low weight & size for camping & travel

WATER TEMPERATURE - We don’t expect you to bust out a thermometer to make camping coffee, but it does make a big difference in flavor if you get the water temperature right for your style of brewing. Most coffee presses and pour overs perform well with water that’s about 200 degrees. There’s no need to get too nerdy about it - just bring your water to a boil, then let it sit for about a minute before brewing. Alternatively, bring water to bubbling, just before it boils.

The Jetboil Flash is one of our favorite backpacking stoves because it’s incredibly fast and efficient for boiling water

The Jetboil Flash is one of our favorite backpacking stoves because it’s incredibly fast and efficient for boiling water

PRE-WARM MUGS - A cold mug will cool your coffee too quickly, taking away from your sipping enjoyment. If you want to make sure your java stays hot for a long time, boil some extra water to fill your cup to pre-warm it for a few minutes. Dump the water out just before you pour in your fresh-brewed coffee.

The Yeti Rambler is the best-ever travel mug for durability, performance & style - shown with the Miir Pourigami

The Yeti Rambler is the best-ever travel mug for durability, performance & style - shown with the Miir Pourigami

GRINDING COFFEE - Coffee experts recommend buying coffee beans a week at a time and grinding them fresh before each use for optimal freshness. You can also store your coffee in the freezer to keep it fresher for longer. You can save yourself some work by buying pre-ground coffee or grinding enough beans for your trip before you leave home. If you want to grind your beans fresh on car camping trips and don’t mind taking an additional item, there are some great manual coffee grinders on the market. Remember, every brew method has a recommended grind from coarse to fine. It’s simple to do, and it really pays off in better flavor and drinkability to dial the grind size in.

the LHS Manual Coffee Grinder makes it possible to have fresh-ground beans at the campsite

the LHS Manual Coffee Grinder makes it possible to have fresh-ground beans at the campsite

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

The GSI Outdoors Java Press is durable & makes great, strong coffee

The GSI Outdoors Java Press is durable & makes great, strong coffee

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

Kuju Coffee Pocket PourOver Coffee come is a variety of flavors & blends

Kuju Coffee Pocket PourOver Coffee come is a variety of flavors & blends

More Information

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

 
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About the Author
About the Author

Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker and camping aficionado. She cut her teeth on winter camping and rock climbing trips as a youngster then went on to thru-hike over 6,000 miles of America’s longest trails. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.