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Best Camping Coffee Makers in 2022

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Updated March 3, 2022

The best camping coffee maker will be portable and durable while still making the type and amount of coffee you need on your camping trip every morning. These small devices fit in your backpack or duffel bag and use manual brewing methods to ensure the perfect cup, even when you’re not at home.

While these types of coffee makers are convenient, they tend to be small. They generally only brew a few cups of coffee at a time, if that. However, they come in a wide variety of designs, allowing you to take your pour-over coffee, espresso, or French press with you when you go.

Every coffee lover wants the best coffee maker, even when enjoying the great outdoors. For the ultimate outdoor enthusiast, camping coffee makers are the perfect solution. Keep reading to learn more about them.

Top Camping Coffee Makers

 #1  COLETTI Bozeman Coffee Maker

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features stainless steel construction for a durable device that is lightweight and ready for a trip outdoors. Users will love the large serving capacity and ready-to-serve design that is great for big groups.

Pros
  • Extremely durable
  • Strong brewing
  • Wooden handle
Cons
  • Large holes in the filter basket

The COLETTI Bozeman coffee maker is an excellent choice for users who like to camp with friends or prepare strong cowboy coffee at home. This model features a durable stainless steel design that offers a lightweight unit for backpacking and camping, and it can stand up to a direct flame. Thanks to the wooden handle and pouring mouth, users can serve hot mugs of brew right off of the stove. While the metal filter basket lets grounds into the drink, the open design makes it easy to add a paper or mesh filter.

In addition to stainless steel durability and easy serving, the COLETTI Bozeman coffee maker is an excellent companion for hiking in the woods or enjoying a quiet morning in a cabin. This model features a beautiful tempered glass top that clearly signals when your coffee is ready to drink. Additionally, thanks to percolation, this device offers bold black coffee that’s ideal for drinking plain or adding a bit of creamer.

 #2  Overmont Kettle-1.2L Coffee Maker

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model won’t weigh users down as they explore the wilderness or take a trip to a tried and true spot for pitching tents. Users will love this model for its quick heating and a maximum serving size that’s good enough for a small group of fellow campers.

Pros
  • Fast heating
  • Insulated handle
  • Portable
Cons
  • The lid isn’t secured to the top

The Overmont Kettle-1.2L coffee maker is an excellent choice for users who want quick cups of hot tea or strong coffee while sitting around a fire. This camping kettle is made of anodized aluminum that makes it lightweight and sturdy enough to withstand camping stoves or an open flame. Additionally, users will love the insulated handle that ensures that users can safely handle this model right after brewing your drink. While the lid isn’t secured with a clip or hinge, the mid-cover handle makes it simple to quickly check on your drinks.

In addition to durability and multiple handles, the Overmont Kettle-1.2L coffee maker provides users with an excellent unit for brewing and serving their favorite drinks. Additionally, the thickened bottom is anit-slip and resistant to high temperatures so users can attain hot beverages within minutes. The polished and rounded edges keep users safe from cuts during washes, and the pointed spout makes it easy to serve drinks without splashing.

 #3  GSI Outdoors 65203 Coffee Maker

Award: BEST FOR ROUGH TRAVEL

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features a lightweight metal construction that is resistant to rough travel and corrosion. Additionally, this model is safe for an open flame or portable stove, so users can serve strong brews without needing additional containers or tools.

Pros
  • Extremely portable
  • Pouring spout
  • Heat-resistant handle
Cons
  • Small serving capacity

The GSI Outdoors 65203 coffee maker is a compelling choice for users who enjoy going on rough treks through the wilderness or extended backpacking vacations. This model and the filter basket is constructed from stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and will keep working after tough travels or drops on a trail. The silicone handle ensures that this percolator is safe to handle after a brewing cycle. While the carafe isn’t very big, this model is perfect for quickly brewing a personal serving of strong coffee.

In addition to strong build quality and a silicone serving handle, the GSI Outdoors 65203 coffee maker features a removable stainless steel filter basket so users don’t have to worry about carrying additional paper or mesh filters. The PercView knob is made from a durable resin and it ensures that users know when their brewing cycle is done. Lastly, thanks to the built-in spout, users can easily serve their brews to a favorite mug or a friend.

 #4  REDCAMP Rc22043 Coffee Maker

Award: BEST FOR QUICK BREWS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model offers extreme durability and a portable design that makes it easy to take along on a journey in the wilderness. Additionally, the reinforced body offers quick and even heating for users that need a hot brew after a hard day on the trails.

Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Two insulated handles
  • Pointed spout
Cons
  • Handle coating isn’t flame resistant

The REDCAMP Rc22043 coffee maker is a compelling choice for users that need a compact kettle that can stand up to rough travel or a simple camping trip. The reinforced anodized aluminum body and threaded teapot bottom ensure quick and even heating for quickly brewing a flavorful drink. Additionally, the pointed spout offers easy serving that’s free from leaking or splashing. While the silicone handle cannot withstand an open flame, it is great for mitigating ambient heat.

In addition to a durable body and even heating, the REDCAMP Rc22043 coffee maker offers users multiple features for safe handling after a brewing session. The insulated handle makes it safe to pick up from a stove, and the shark fin mid-handle lets a user safely check on their boiling water. Additionally, this model is lightweight and the included carry bag lets users attach this kettle to their backpack or utility belt.

 #5  Bestargot BSTTCP01 Coffee Maker

Award: BEST FOR FLAVOR

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features a lightweight metal design that can keep up after a hard day walking the trails. Users will love the ability to brew on an open flame, and the great filter will keep their drinks smooth.

Pros
  • Fantastic flavor
  • Resistant to extreme temperatures
  • Great durability
Cons
  • No insulated handles

The Bestargot BSTTCP01 coffee maker is an excellent pick for users who value challenging outdoor treks as much as strong-flavored brews. This titanium french press is resistant to extreme temperatures, so users can place this unit directly on a stove or in a flame. Additionally, this titanium mug features a folding handle and a hanging handle so users can place this unit where they need to. While none of the handles are insulated, users will love the durability that this model offers.

In addition to durability and the ability to brew on an open flame, the Bestargot BSTTCP01 coffee maker provides users with a removable stainless steel filter. Additionally, the high-density mesh filter keeps coffee sediment to a minimum, and the pointed spout makes it simple to pour your brew into a mug without splashing or leaking hot coffee. Lastly, the measuring units are engraved on the mug, so users can stay informed about brewing their favorite beans.

 #6  Texsport 13210 Coffee Maker

Award: BEST FOR LARGE GROUPS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features an extremely large serving capacity for users who like to go trekking with the family or a big group of friends. Users will love this model’s quick heating and spout that make it easy to bring flavorful brews to a thirsty group.

Pros
  • Huge capacity
  • Included stem and basket
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Not easy to pack away

The Texsport 13210 coffee maker is a fantastic pick for users that like to camp with large groups and like strong and flavorful coffee. This aluminum percolator offers an included filter basket and stem, so users will be prepared to serve up to 20 cups of fresh coffee in a single brewing session. While this 10”-tall model is tough to pack away in a backpack, users will love the stainless steel design and carrying handle that make it easy to carry along a trail.

In addition to a large serving capacity and being easy to carry, the Texsport 13210 coffee maker offers strong coffee that is easy to serve to a big group of friends. This model features a pointed pouring spout to mitigate leaks or spills, and the top and side handles make it easy to serve out of a full carafe. Lastly, the percolator knob is clear and durable so users can spot their brew the moment it is finished.

Beginner’s Guide to the Best Camping Coffee Maker

What are Camping Coffee Makers

Camping coffee makers are compact and lightweight appliances for brewing coffee and don’t require any power to operate. Their small size ensures that they fit in your backpack and are easy to carry with you on long treks. They’re also durable and easy to clean, even without much access to water in the wilderness.

While in use, camping coffee makers should be intuitive and minimize your brew time so you can enjoy your coffee before embarking on the day’s adventure. Most models are modern-looking pour-over or French press-style coffee makers. They can be made of anything from plastic to ceramic to stainless steel, depending on the model.

If you prefer something with a more old-fashioned design, however, you can also find percolator coffee pots that are meant to be used on a camp stove or heated at the edge of your campfire. These models are generally made of either enameled or plain stainless steel.

Camping Coffee Makers vs Standard Coffee Makers

When compared with standard coffee makers, the most noticeable difference is in their size. Camping coffee makers are generally very compact, with many models weighing less than a pound. Some camping coffee makers are even collapsible.

Since they typically only consist of a carafe, lid, reusable filter, and a plunger, they don’t take up much space and don’t require electricity to run, making the whole coffee-making process a manual endeavor. As mentioned above, they can be made of a variety of materials, including plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. All of this makes them perfect for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity.

On the other hand, traditional coffee makers, like the best Bunn coffee maker, are anything but portable and are far more complex, providing a more automated coffee-making experience. They’re generally much larger, require electricity, and weigh around three pounds (sometimes more, depending on the model).

These standard coffee makers consist of a carafe that sits on a warming plate inside a cavity in the appliance’s body. The body is usually made of plastic and includes the water tank, a water pump, a drip mechanism, and a basket that holds the coffee grounds. Some models are equipped with a heating element in the water tank to warm the water before it’s pumped over the coffee grounds.

How Camping Coffee Makers Work

Coffee makers for camping feature a compact design that allows you to bring it with you, even when you’re limited on space. Those that don’t include a coffee filter are simply carafes meant to heat the water over the fire so you can pour it over the grounds in your coffee cup. Those with a filter will include a manual pump or plunger that allows you to filter water through the grounds into a reservoir.

Some camping coffee makers include a simple kettle with an infuser that allows you to boil water while the grounds are in it. You can also use these to make tea using either loose tea or tea bags.

A few camping coffee makers are much more elaborate. The best French press for camping, for example, lets your grounds sit in hot water to steep for a few minutes. You then use the included plunger to separate the water from the grounds. You can then pour the prepared coffee directly into your cup or larger insulated carafe.

Camping coffee percolators work by forcing the water through the coffee grounds as it boils over a camp stove or sitting at the edge of your campfire. You don’t have to boil water in a separate pot this way, making it much more efficient to make your morning brew.

A pour-over kettle features a simple design that gives you more control over the taste of your coffee and is the most like a traditional drip coffee maker. These are also the easiest to clean. However, it takes time to master the technique that makes the best cup of coffee for you. Most of these camp coffee makers work without paper filters, so you can enjoy flavorful coffee, whether it’s a cold brew, java, or hot coffee.

Why Should You Buy a New Camping Coffee Maker?

Every coffee-loving outdoor enthusiast needs a camping coffee maker. Whether you already have one or you’re looking for an upgrade, these handy devices give you the ability to enjoy your morning coffee, no matter where you are.

Is a Camping Coffee Maker Worth Buying?

  • They’re portable: By nature, camping coffee makers are portable because they’re designed to come with you to the campsite. They’re small and lightweight, so you can pack them easily without taking up too much space.
  • They’re durable: Most camping coffee makers have stainless steel construction or are made of a durable silicone material that will endure backpacking over rough terrain, being packed tightly in your bag, and heating up over a roaring fire. They’re made to withstand the rugged outdoor lifestyle you love.
  • They’re versatile: While they’re designed for outdoor use, you can also use a camping coffee maker at home. This cuts down on kitchen clutter, which is not only convenient but works out pretty well for those who love their camping coffee maker and want to use it all the time. You can even take it with you on other vacations, whether you’re camping in the wilderness or staying in a luxury hotel.

Why a Camping Coffee Maker May Not Be For You

  • They require work: You can’t just push a button and expect these coffee makers to do everything for you. Camping coffee makers require work. You have to heat the water without electricity and then mix it with the grounds somehow, whether that’s using a pour-over technique or manual tamping and pumping.
  • You have to perfect the technique: There’s a lot more to pour-over coffee than just pouring the water over your grounds and hoping for the best. Finding the right speed and pouring intervals requires trial and error. It takes time to figure out how to make the best cup of coffee manually, and not everyone is cut out for it.
  • They are small: While you can find various sizes of camping coffee makers, it’s rare to find one that will hold more than 6 cups at once. That means that you may have to make two pots for a large group of people who drink a lot of coffee. Plus, you have to find room in your pack for something that holds the amount you need.

How Long Will a Camping Coffee Maker Last?

Camping coffee makers aren’t particularly complicated. Even those that have multiple components don’t have motors that can wear out, so with proper care, they’ll last quite a long time. You can count on a camping coffee maker to last several years, even under heavy use.

How to Choose the Best Camping Coffee Maker

There are a number of key considerations that go into selecting the right camping coffee maker for you. Keep reading to find out more about how you should decide which camping coffee maker to get.

Camping Coffee Maker Key Features

1. What size do I need?

Several factors go into deciding what size camping coffee maker you need. The two main things to evaluate are the size of your camping group and how much coffee you drink every morning. If you’re camping alone and you only want one cup, a small, collapsible camping coffee maker will work very well for you. However, if you have a large group of people who like to drink multiple cups, you’ll need something bigger.

2. What type should I choose?

The kind of camping coffee maker you choose depends on how you take your coffee. If black coffee suits you just fine, a simple coffee maker is all you need. If you can’t live without your morning espresso or French press, look into portable versions of your favorite machine.

3. Should I be worried about taste?

Instant coffee will never taste as good as the real thing. If you want delicious coffee, even while you’re camping, then most camping coffee makers can deliver. While pumping methods differ from one apparatus to another, they all use traditional coffee grounds and water to brew your beverage. Some will even brew fresh coffee with hot or cold water.

4. How long does it take to brew?

Smaller camping coffee makers will brew coffee much more quickly because you won’t have to heat as much water. These are great for people who only want one cup. However, if you like to enjoy multiple cups, it may be worth it to wait a little bit longer and have a full 6 cups ready to go.

5. Should it be simple or complex?

Even camping coffee makers with many different components can be easy to use, so don’t let their complexity deter you. Still, looks can be deceiving, and devices that look simple may not be. Choose one that’s straightforward to use and easy to clean afterward, no matter what kind of supplies are available at your camp.

6. Should it be collapsible?

Unless you’re backpacking for weeks at a time with limited space, you don’t need to worry too much about the packability of your camping coffee maker. If you’re driving to your campsite, you can load up your vehicle with everything you need, including the coffee maker.

Camping Coffee Maker FAQs

How do you use a percolator coffee pot when camping?

A percolator coffee pot is an excellent camping companion. Just fill it with water, add coffee grounds to the filter basket, and put the lid on. Heat the pot over your campfire or camping stove until it boils. Remove it from direct heat and let it percolate in a cooler spot for 10-15 minutes. When the color of the water reaches your ideal strength, it’s ready to enjoy.

What grind size should I use?

The best results come from the ideal grind size for your particular coffee pot. Every camping coffee maker is different. Percolators work well with beans that are coarse-ground while moka pots need coffee beans that are very finely ground because they make a richer coffee, much like espresso. A French press also produces the best results with coarse-ground beans while a pour over device can make the best coffee with a medium grind.

What is coffee blooming?

Pouring a small bit of water over your coffee grounds and letting it sit for a short time before continuing is called blooming. This step is fast and easy, and can make your coffee even more delicious. If you’re camping, the best way to perform this step is with a pour over kettle or a French press. The best way to bloom coffee is to even dampen your grounds and allow them to bloom. You’ll see this bloom as your grounds bubble and rise. Let them do this for about 30 seconds, which will release carbon dioxide. Then you can pour the rest of the water. Carbon dioxide makes coffee taste sour, so releasing it before you pour out the rest of the water will eliminate the barrier between the water and the grounds, producing more flavor.