No camping trip is complete without carrying the best coffee maker for camping. After a long hike or a road trip, all you need is a whiff of the freshly-brewed coffee to get you going. So, for a great camping experience, a coffee maker is a must-have camping accessory along with the usual camping gears, such as camping cookware and backpacking stoves. The market is buzzing with many choices, but we make life easier for you by providing a compilation of the 13 best coffee makers for camping.
How To Choose The Best Coffee Maker For Camping
The key to choosing the best coffee maker for camping lies in considering all the factors that contribute to its effectiveness. You may be an expert in making coffee, but it’s also important to weigh in the following factors that make a good coffee maker.
Material and Quality
What good is a coffee maker if it breaks or cracks under the slightest pressure? It’s important to choose a coffee maker built of durable material to sustain the entire camping trip. Many coffee makers are made of indestructible 18/8 stainless steel. There are other durable materials too, such as Polypropylene, but steel is considered the best of the lot.
In addition to durability, the quality of material plays an important role in how the coffee maker filters the grounds. For example, there are many high-end models that have a double-mesh filter system found typically in stainless steel builds to enhance the natural flavor of the coffee. Since glass or steel exteriors usually do not affect the coffee taste, such builds are preferred most to make a great cup of coffee.
Convenience
When backpacking, you are bound to look for a coffee maker that is portable, easy to clean, pack, and carry. There are many coffee makers in the market with all these convenient features. Most are designed in such a way that they are not only lightweight, but also folds flat for easy storage and packing. Many even come with a storage case or have nested coffee mugs to save packing space. Most are easy to clean, especially single-serve type ones or those with reusable filters. However, there are some French press types that require intensive cleaning.
Capacity
This is a key factor to consider depending on the size of your camping group. If you’re camping solo, you can go for coffee makers that can serve 2 to 3 cups of coffee. However, if it’s a big group, there are coffee makers that can easily brew as many as 6 to 9 cups of coffee. Depending on the requirement, you can take your pick from the best options available in the market.
You should also check the brewing time taken by these coffee makers. There are some that take several minutes to brew coffee, especially if you intend to serve multiple people in your camping group. However, if you choose to go for solo or single-serve coffee makers, you can brew within seconds. That’s a huge time difference, isn’t it?
Eureka! Camp Café
13
If you are hiking with a large group, then Eureka! Camp Cafe is, without a doubt, the most suitable and best coffee maker for camping. This coffee maker comprises a 2.5 liter boiling kettle, a carafe with handles, a measuring spoon, a BPA-free pour-over filter, and a lid. You can easily brew as many as 12 cups of coffee in 60 ounces of water in just six minutes! Of course, for that, you need to carry a camping stove or burner with you.
A standard 10K BTU burner will just serve the purpose of having freshly-brewed steaming coffee from this versatile coffee maker. Equipped with a unique Flux Ring technology that helps increase the heat efficiency, this coffee maker is made of durable anodized aluminum to withstand the heat. Add to that, the carafe, the filter, and spoon can be easily kept inside the boiling kettle for easy carrying.
What We Love
- Ideal coffee-on-the-go maker for a large camping group
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Large capacity for brewing coffee
- Boils water twice as fast as standard kettles
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Pricey
Coleman Nine-Cup Coffee Percolator
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Do you prefer brewing coffee in the old school way? Then your search should end with the traditional Coleman Nine-Cup Coffee Percolator. Although this coffee maker features a classic old-Westerner style, it has a sturdy aluminum make that is rust-resistant. This entire package comes with a base, a tube, and basket with a lid and it’s highly affordable too. What’s more, it’s perfect for a big group as you can serve up to nine cups of coffee. Plus, it features a top and side handle that makes pouring easy without scalding yourself. If you’re using this coffee maker, remember to brew the coffee in the water that’s just about to splutter or boil.
What We Love
- Great percolator pot for a large group of campers
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to use and pour
- Rust-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- The handle may get too hot to use
Stanley Camp Percolator
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Compared to all other coffee makers for camping, the Stanley Camp Percolator is one of the best coffee makers for camping with respect to reliability. You will love this traditionally-styled coffee maker if you’re into the cowboy style of camping. With a make of 18/8 BPA-free stainless steel and weighing around 1.3 pounds, the percolator can brew coffee for at least five to six people.
Though traditional in appearance, the percolator has all the modern features to brew quality coffee. All you need to do is add water and the coarsely grounded coffee and put it on the camping stove for boiling. For easy pouring, it features a silicone grip on the handle and a hinged flip-top lid. Furthermore, the silicone grip can be removed while cleaning the coffee maker. And most importantly, this product from Stanley resellers comes with a lifetime warranty period.
What We Love
- Most reliable coffee maker for backpacking
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Silicone-grip handle for easy pouring
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Includes a lifetime warranty period
Cons
- The handle is not that sturdy
Thermos 34 Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Press
10
The Thermos 34 Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Press is a great choice if you prefer the French press method of brewing coffee. This coffee maker for camping weighs only 8 ounces and has a fairly large size at 34 ounces, with the capability of brewing coffee for up to three people. You can be assured of piping hot coffee even if you take it after a long gap of six hours thanks to the thermos vacuum insulation technology.
Made of 18/8 stainless steel, it’s the perfect coffee maker to withstand the rustic camping lifestyle. Even with its maximum capacity, you can easily go for another round as it takes just a few minutes to brew. The method is quite simple. Just add ground coffee, then fill it with hot water, cover and wait for few minutes before pressing the plunger, and hey presto, your coffee is ready!
What We Love
- Ideal for campers who prefer the French press brewing method
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Great size for solo or group use
- Easy to use
- Coffee stays hot for long due to vacuum-insulated technology
Cons
- Difficult to estimate how much coffee is left in the maker
Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper
9
Savor your coffee in style with the single-serving and also the best coffee maker for camping, the Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper. This trendy dripper doesn’t take up too much space also in your backpack because of its collapsible design. When you are ready to brew, just extend the collapsible coffee maker comprising a reusable stainless-steel double-mesh filter with 180-micron holes for perfect straining of the coffee grounds. In fact, even when you use an alternative paper filter, the quality of the coffee will not waver. Built from Nylon 66 and food-grade, heat-resistant and BPA-free silicone, the coffee dripper nicely fits on wide-mouthed water bottles, mugs, or cups.
What We Love
- Compact coffee maker for camping
Pros
- BPA-free and heat-resistant
- Thoroughly strains coffee
- Easily fits inside a kettle or a mug
- Easy to clean
- Packable and lightweight
Cons
- May not extract properly if the grind is too big or coarse
MiiR Pourigami
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Shaped just like an origami design, the innovative MiiR Pourigami is arguably the best coffee maker for camping. Don’t get fooled by the deceptively small size even though it measures just 2.4 x 5 x.09 inches. The single-serve four-ounce coffee maker is made of durable 18/8 medical-grade stainless steel and features three interlocking Hardshell powder-coated, BPA-free panels.
Not to worry, this origami-shaped coffee maker is quite easy to assemble with machined grooves to fit perfectly over your cup. Easy to store too as you just need to press it flat neatly inside the compact storage case. Plus, the storage case can fit filters of any kind, be it your own paper filter or a branded one, and perfect for compact packing.
What We Love
- Simple yet uniquely-designed coffee maker on the go
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Includes a compact storage case
- Convenient and packable
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean and assemble
- Stores flat
- BPA-free product
Cons
- Not tall enough to support a paper filter
Stanley Boil and Brew French Press
7
The Stanley Boil and Brew French Press is the best French press for camping. The press doesn’t crack easily and you can keep it in any way in your backpack or car. Well, it’s no surprise at all as this unique 32-fluid-ounce press is crafted of the most durable BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel. Add to that, you can use the device to serve multiple functions such as boiling soups or cooking vegetables. Furthermore, the press is easy to pour without the risk of burning yourself thanks to the two foldable handles along with the vented nylon lid. Above all, it’s definitely worth the purchase as it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
What We Love
- Multi-functional coffee maker that works great for camping trips
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to pack with a handle that folds
- Burn-resistant
- Easy to clean, dish-washable
- Includes a lifetime guarantee period
Cons
- The press may be too stiff to press down in the initial stage
Primula Single Cup Coffee Brew Buddy
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Out of the many, the Primula Single Cup Coffee Brew Buddy is the most affordable coffee maker for camping and just what you need when camping alone. Nothing beats having a private moment with your cup of joe in the lap of nature. What further adds to the attraction is that it’s extremely lightweight and easy to carry. With such a slim and unique design, your brew buddy hardly takes up any space in your bag or backpack. And most importantly, it just takes 30 seconds to prepare your coffee. Better still, the coffee maker cleans and rinses well as it’s made of an eco-friendly reusable fine mesh filter.
What We Love
- Uniquely-designed coffee maker on the go for solo campers
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
- Reusable eco-friendly filter
- Easy to clean
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Extremely affordable
Cons
- Tend to be messy if the plastic bit is not angled properly over the cup
Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Drip
5
For some people, coffee is just an energy booster, but for hard-core coffee drinkers, what also matters is the right kind of device for brewing great coffee. You know what’s a good device when you see the fashionably conical-shaped Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Drip. Designed beautifully, this one-liter kettle is sturdy and robust with wooden knobs and a stainless steel build. Plus, the kettle has a removable lid lined with vents that makes pouring easy. For better and enhanced use, you also have the option to buy the field grinder and reusable filter separately. It is priced higher than most coffee makers for camping, but then hey, if you’re a true coffee lover, you should be willing to pay the price, right?
What We Love
- Traditional pour-over coffee dripper for a good brew
Pros
- Durable
- Brews good quality of coffee
- Easy to assemble and dissemble
- Includes a storage case
- Easy to pour
Cons
- Expensive
GSI Outdoors Personal Java Press
4
Smart and compactly built, the GSI Outdoors Personal Java Press is one of the best French press that you can get in the market for outdoor trips. The BPA-free Polypropylene build is the reason for it being lightweight and durable. Add to that, it’s reasonably-priced too making it the ideal and one of the best coffee makers for camping trips.
Unlike other fragile French presses made of glass, this stainless French press is practically indestructible and hence, can be packed without the fear of it breaking or cracking under pressure. Yes, there’s this slight doubt if the unique make alters the taste of the coffee, but it doesn’t much make a difference if you have the coffee instantly after brewing.
The press also comes with a nested coffee mug and weighs only 10.8 ounces in total. Both the items are well-insulated being wrapped in a removable ballistic nylon cozie. The best thing about the press is that it can easily brew two cups of coffee and perfect for those who need a second espresso shot to start the day with a bang! The icing on the top is that it includes a lifetime warranty period.
What We Love
- Perfect portable French press for backpackers
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Portable
- Includes a nested coffee mug
- Well-insulated
- Includes a lifetime warranty period
Cons
- No insulation at the bottom of the mug
- Cleaning can be a tedious affair
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
3
Buy the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker without a second thought if you are a true coffeeholic. Considered as the best coffee maker for camping, you can finally dream of having that perfect camping trip savoring the perfect espresso that you have always pined for. Coffee lovers will unanimously agree that nothing beats a strong potent cup of joe to start your day!
Lightweight and compact, the espresso maker can be used anywhere, at home or outdoors. This Phthalate-free and BPA-free compact unit includes an AeroPress press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 350 microfilters, and a filter holder. Also, quite easy to use and all you need to do is just press the coffee into the coffee mug through the paper filter and your shot is ready in 30 seconds. Note that it makes one cup at a time and may not be ideal for a big group.
What We Love
- Ideal French press for caffeine enthusiasts
Pros
- Renders full-flavored espresso
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Include 350 filters
Cons
- Cleaning can be intensive
Jetboil Flash Java Kit
2
Want your coffee in a flash? Then, you should definitely go for Jetboil Flash Java Kit, the fastest coffee maker for camping. The kit is a compact system that makes coffee in a jiffy and hugely popular among backpackers and campers. The best feature is that it’s paired with a cooking system comprising an effective camping stove for quick water boiling or instant soup or noodles to have with your piping hot coffee. In fact, the stove is capable of boiling 16 ounces of water and making coffee for a large group in less than just two minutes. The kit is more than a camp stove and features a one-liter flux ring cooking cup with an insulating cozie wrapped around it. There is also a tripod base for stability.
What We Love
- Convenient and quick coffee-making system for hikers and backpackers
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Insulated cooking cup
- Boils water fast
- Includes a color-changing heat indicator
Cons
- Coffee press is only compatible with JetBoil Flash camp stoves
- Expensive
GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip
1
Whether you’re at base camp or on the move, fresh, hot coffee is moments away with this top-rated and the best coffee maker for camping. Although the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip looks strange, being shaped like a tri-legged cone-shaped nylon filter hanging on over a mug. However, don’t judge the operational efficiency by its look. You can brew the coffee in any way you like, with or without the filter and coffee will taste just fine. However, if you wish to have strong coffee, make sure the coffee is ground fine and place an additional paper filter for a slower drip. Just don’t forget to go by the rule of adding two tablespoons of ground coffee in six ounces of boiling water and your coffee is ready within minutes for everyone. To top it, you get a lifetime warranty against any kind of manufacturing defect.
What We Love
- Ultralight and best backpacking coffee filter for camping
Pros
- Durable and sturdy
- Works very well
- Can be used without a paper filter
- Highly affordable
- Compact and folds flat for easy storage
- Brews real strong coffee
- Cleans very well
Cons
- Water filters too fast without additional filter
