How Do You Make Backpacking Coffee?

By Robert Palmer

Coffee is a staple part of most people’s daily lives and is a great way to start off your day or give you a boost in energy throughout the day. But, when you go camping or backpacking, it can be difficult to have access to your favorite cup of joe. Luckily, there are several ways you can make coffee while out in the wilderness.

Drip Coffee – Drip coffee is the easiest way to make coffee while out camping. All you need is a pour-over device like the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip, or even a DIY version made with paper filters and an empty water bottle.

You just fill the filter with grounds, pour hot water over them and let gravity do its job. You can also use pre-made drip bags like the Café Du Monde Coffee Chicory if you don’t have time to grind your own beans.

French Press – If you’re looking for something stronger than drip coffee, consider using a French press. This method takes a bit longer than drip coffee but gives you more control over the strength of your brew. You just need a French press, ground beans and hot water.

Put the grounds in the French press and add hot water (not boiling!) over them and let sit for 4 minutes before pressing down on the plunger.

Cowboy Coffee – This method is probably one of the oldest ways to make coffee while camping and all you need is ground beans, hot water, and an empty pot or mug. Just add about 2 tablespoons of ground beans per cup of hot water (not boiling) into an empty pot or mug and stir it together for about 5 minutes until all the grounds settle at the bottom of your mug.

Instant Coffee – For those who don’t have time or access to grind their own beans, instant coffee is always an option when camping or backpacking. It’s simple: just add some pre-ground instant coffee into a mug (or right into your mouth!), add some hot water (just below boiling temperature) and stir until dissolved.

No matter which method you choose, making backpacking coffee is easy! With just a few simple ingredients and tools, plus some patience (and maybe some creative thinking!), you can enjoy that cup of joe even when out in nature.

Conclusion:


Making backpacking coffee doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether it’s using drip bags for quick convenience or taking time for French press for something stronger, there’s something for everyone when it comes to making that perfect cup of joe on-the-go.