What coffee maker for outdoors? We show you, 10 clever coffee makers, for when you are camping or hiking.
The aroma of a freshly brewed coffee when you are camping is a big highlight. Some cold mornings, sitting around a campfire, with a cup in hand, is a great and very relaxing way to start your day. Or if you have done a hike, then sitting back, admiring the view whilst you rest is also highly satisfying with a cuppa.
Life is too short to drink that over-processed poor-excuse for a coffee (AKA instant coffee such as International Roast or Nescafe).
Even when heading outdoors, there is no need to resort to drinking instant. There is always an option to get a good brew, wherever you are, however you camp. Always.
Now, some of you might be saying “I love International Roast coffee”. So taste is very personal.
But how to get that perfect coffee when camping?
Many campers have their preferred way of getting a good coffee.
We love the Aeropress (you can read our review of the Aeropress here, and find out how it works – price $55 including delivery). Why do we like the Aeropress? Because of its simplicity and the end result, which is a great coffee. On any list, it would be our number one choice.
1. JetBoil Coffee Attachment
The JetBoil has been around for years, and there seems to be something new coming out frequently to complement or add to the JetBoil. This was one of our first purchases for getting hot water for coffee on-the-go a few years ago, and it remains a reliable method (albeit a little bulky) way to get a coffee.
If you own a JetBoil but not the coffee press, you can purchase the coffee attachment separately and turn your JetBoil into a coffee maker (coffee ready in 2 minutes). Just make sure you buy the attachment that suits your particular Jetboil.
The quality of the coffee will depend on the sort of ground coffee you use and how long you let it steep.
Cost & Availability: Wide range of Jetboils and accessories can be found via Amazon
2. Hario Dripper V60
The beauty of this coffee maker for camping is not only the simplicity but the price.
The dripper seems to fit every average coffee cup you own, and add a filter to it, put in the ground coffee, and slowly pour the water over the surface of the dripper, to allow a slow but even drip into your cup.
Cost & Availability: More details and costs (around $15 plus delivery) can be found here via Amazon (our affiliate)
What sort of camper would this suit?: Anyone looking for simplicity in their coffee making. Light enough that backpackers can take it with them.
3. Primula Coffee Brew Buddy
In 2014 we listed the MSR Mugmate on this list. And whilst it was good, for Australians it was just too difficult to source readily. So this spot in our Top 10 has gone to the Primula Coffee Brew Buddy. It’s still not that easy to source, but easier than the Mugmate. If you have the MSR Mugmate, you won’t need this one.
4. Pour Over Brew Method – Snow Peak Coffee Drip
Snow Peak Coffee Drip – this is one designed for those watching weight and space, as it folds down flat. Snow Peak makes some wonderful products, so quality is generally always excellent.
Weighing in at around 113g, it may be too heavy for some backpackers who count every gram.
Requires filters and a bit of practice to ensure the filter is placed correctly otherwise the filter can sag down into the hole into the mug. The size and shape of this filter mean that it is versatile with your cup choice. Some coffee makers seem to suit only a certain size of a mug which can be limiting.
Cost & Availability: Around $47 plus shipping via Amazon (our affiliate)
What sort of camper would these suit?: Campers looking for the low mess with their coffee makers, and simplicity. No skill required to get this coffee.
5. GSI Mini Espresso Maker
This is a very popular one, and a little more upmarket looking for your camping coffee.
Used on a stovetop, this espresso maker gives you one double shot, in 90 seconds. It comes in one cup or 4 cups design, so this larger capacity is useful if it’s not just you who needs that morning coffee, but the whole family.
Plus, another benefit of a larger design is the ability to get your second cup rapidly, and not have to wait for the machine to cool down, clean and refill and then reheat.
Cost & Availability: This is available in Australia, The 4 cup model will cost around $55-75 depending on where you purchase, so like anything, shop around. I have seen it online at Amazon (our affiliate) – see it here
What sort of camper would this suit?: Campers who like their coffee with a bit more finesse than a pour-over brew. As it requires a stove to cook on, it would suit most campers who have that option. Frequently used by hikers on overnight trips due to its durability as well.
6. Handpresso Wild Hybrid
Time to go seriously hi-tech looking with the Handpresso Wild Hybrid.
It uses either ground coffee or an ESE pod (note: not to be confused with the capsules like Nespresso) and works by pumping the handheld unit up to 16 bars of pressure – like you would use a bike pump. Then add hot water to the reservoir and at the push of a button, the infusion of coffee into the water starts. Push the button again, and the infusion is over.
No batteries or electricity required. Level of crema isn’t as strong as such as the Wacaco Nanopresso (see below) but you will still get a good coffee.
See a review by the site Home Grounds for full information of this device.
Cost & Availability: $135 and free delivery. See here for purchase details
What sort of camper would this suit?: Any camper who loves a good gadget plus a camper looking for a good espresso delivered via pressure.
7. Wacaco Nanopresso
This is the Minipresso all grown up (but actually smaller in size) with a size of only 15.6cm long, weighing 336grams and holds 80ml of water, this could be the preferred hikers coffee maker.
Looking for another version of this – try the Wacaco Minipresso NS at a lower price. See it here.
8. Esbit Coffee Maker
This coffee maker has been around for some time, and one of the many products made by the German company, Esbit.
This coffee maker needs solid fuel tablets which might prove limiting if you can’t find any in your local camping store. The difference with this coffee maker and which sets it apart from the others already mentioned is that it is on its own little stove.
The process to get your brew is fill up the coffee pot with water, put in the grounds holder and put your grounds on top, screw the lid on, place it on the stove and ignite the solid fuel tablet. Put the coffee cup under the spout, and wait for the coffee to come out.
It’s like many espresso makers, but the built-in stove is the difference.
Want to read a review of it?
Cost & Availability: It’s a bit trickier to find in stores, though Amazon does sell for around $126. See it here on Amazon
What sort of camper would this suit?: Most campers, though once again, hikers might not like due to weight and size, especially if you are already bringing a stove along for your cooking, and then need this stove just for coffee.
9. Espro Travel Coffee Press
The Espro is the French Press sort of coffee maker. Working with a double filter to make sure you don’t get any grinds in your coffee and by adding water, then waiting and then plunging, you get your coffee! Muscles are needed a bit on this, as the filters are in the press and it’s a tight fit. If you are particularly worried about any grinds escaping into the liquid, a paper filter is an option that can be added.
10. Mukka (cappucino maker for camping)
How could we not include a cappuccino maker in the list? Nearly didn’t because they are not easy to find for camping. After hunting around, I still haven’t found many alternatives to this.
The Mukka by Bialetti is a derivative of the famous Moka Pot (cheap and reliable way to get a coffee from your stovetop!). The difference with the Mukka is that you have a separate section for the milk and the pressure inside bubbles the milk, and empties into the cup.– serving 1 to 2 people.
They come in the cute cow design or a more simple version – aluminium.
It seems to have received very mixed reviews since its inception (cleaning of numerous parts apparently is a bit of a drag) and consequently harder to find.
Cost & Availability: Found online at varying prices. Amazon has it here.
What sort of camper would this suit?: Cappuccino lovers, who need their frothy milk hit.
For the coffee connoisseurs out there, you can rest assured that going outdoors doesn’t mean you need to be deprived of your favourite brew. There is bound to be one coffee maker in this list which will help your caffeine requirements in the wild.
