The Best Methods To Brew A Delicious Cup Of Coffee On Your Next Camping Excursion

Spending an extended period of time outdoors surrounded by natural beauty is incredible for our mental health, and camping is one of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in nature. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for campers to get quality sleep. Sleeping in a tent on the ground is often uncomfortable, and some travelers may not wake feeling perfectly rested. High-quality gear can help, but you might still feel restless due to the unfamiliar sounds and surroundings. Luckily, a little sleepiness in the morning is nothing a good cup of coffee next to the campfire can't fix. 

For many of us, coffee is a necessity in the morning. According to the National Institute of Health, about 80% of the world's population consumes caffeine daily. Well over half of those living in the U.S. drink coffee daily. Caffeine is an addictive substance, so if you're used to having a cup or two when you wake up at home, you might feel a little grumpy if you try to go without during your camping adventure.

Luckily, preparing a delicious cup of coffee at camp is easy. It can also be a really fun experience. Instead of mindlessly popping your k-cup into a machine and pressing a button like you do at home, turn your morning cup of coffee into a ritual. People have been preparing coffee around a campfire for hundreds of years, and it's fun to imagine yourself following in the footsteps of early pioneers. After researching different methods used to prepare coffee, we decided that these are the best options for your next camping excursion.

In order to make a cup of coffee while camping, you'll need to invest in basic tools. Regardless of which coffee brewing method you choose, these items are must-haves in order to heat water for brewing your beans. You can boil water directly in the campfire using a stainless steel pan, but your coffee may end up with a wood ash flavor. It's best to invest in a proper kettle. Find one with a whistle if you can, so that you know when the water has started to boil. Coffee will not brew properly if the water isn't hot enough.

If you're going to place your kettle on the fire, make sure it doesn't have any plastic components that could melt or become toxic when heated. Something made entirely from steel is a good choice. The Snow Peak Kettle No. 1 doubles as a pot, so it's a good multi-purpose cooking tool for camping. It costs $27 on REI's website.

If you're not planning on cooking over the campfire, or you're in an area that has restrictions on campfires due to wildfire risks, you're going to want to bring some kind of camp stove. A classic Coleman camp stove is great for boiling water fast. There are also tiny lightweight options that are excellent for ultra-minimalist backpacking adventures.

If you've ever brewed coffee using a French Press at home, you know they're a great way to brew a strong cup. Next to the simple electric coffee pots, a French Press is one of the most popular ways to make coffee. The method was invented in the mid-1800's in France. It's believed that a man was attempting to make coffee outdoors over an open fire. He boiled his water and realized he had forgotten to add the coffee grounds. He poured them on top of the water, but they floated. He had the bright idea of using a small piece of metal screen and a stick to push the grounds towards the bottom of the pot. When he tried his coffee, he decided it was the best cup he ever had.

The French Press coffee makers we use today work the exact same way. Most of them are made from a mixture of glass and metal, but you can find some pure metal options that are ideal for camping. Parks Project makes a stainless steel option with a design that is inspired by U.S. National Parks.

To make the perfect cup, simply add boiling water to ground coffee beans within the French Press. Let the coffee steep for three to seven minutes. The longer you leave it, the stronger your coffee will be. When you're ready, press down on the plunger until it's at the bottom of the pot. Pour your coffee immediately and enjoy.

The pour-over method is a simple way to make a tasty cup of coffee while camping, and requires a minimal amount of equipment. The pour-over method involves placing a cone-shaped contraption filled with ground coffee beans over your vessel of choice, and then pouring boiling water on top.

If camping on your own, the pour-over method is a great choice, because you can brew your coffee directly into your camping mug so there are no unnecessary dishes to wash. The funnel is lightweight enough to take backpacking, and comes in a variety of sizes and materials. Some require a paper filter and others come with a metal strainer. Plastic or silicon options are lightweight and budget-friendly. They even come in collapsible varieties to save even more space in your backpack. IKEA makes a great stainless steel version that has a built-in mesh strainer for sustainable waste-free camping. It costs under $20.

The only downside with the pour-over method is that it takes time. If you're preparing coffee for a large group, it may not be the best choice, as each cup takes a few minutes to brew.

AeroPress coffee has become a popular method to use while camping because the equipment is small and it brews a strong and flavorful beverage. The AeroPress device is lightweight, but will take up some space in your camping storage.

If you're someone who prefers cafe quality coffee drinks no matter where you are, the AeroPress could be worth investing in. After all, a good cup of coffee has the potential to transform your basic campsite into a luxurious glamping experience.

The AeroPress device is somewhat similar to a French Press. It has a chamber, a plunger, and a filter. You can make a strong cup of coffee using very little grounds, and it takes less time than a French Press. If you're hoping to make coffee for everyone at your campsite, the AeroPress might not be the best choice, because they can only brew a few cups at a time. They also require specific paper filters, unless you invest in a metal alternative. REI sells a great travel version that has a built-in mug for about $50. The AeroPress can also be used to make delicious cold brew in about two minutes.

If you're going on a wild camping excursion, every single ounce of weight counts. You'll be carrying your gear on your back, so you'll want to ensure that everything you bring is as lightweight as possible. For this reason, many backpackers and long distance hikers opt to use instant coffee on the trail. Instant coffee is the easiest, most lightweight, and least expensive way to make coffee while camping. The downside is that you'll create waste each time you open a packet. Another problem is that instant coffee often doesn't taste as good as a freshly brewed cup made with ground coffee beans.

Instant coffee is essentially coffee that's been brewed and dehydrated. The freeze-drying process that's used decreases the antioxidants contained in coffee, but also makes it shelf stable so that it lasts a long time.

It's a very fine powder that's usually packaged in single-use plastic wrappers. All you have to do is pour the powder into hot water and stir. Instant coffee isn't an ideal choice if you prioritize flavor, but will do in a pinch, and can be a convenient option when you're minimalist camping.

In order to formulate our list of the best methods for brewing coffee while camping, we read multiple travel blogs to learn about popular techniques. We searched the internet for different products that could be used at a campsite, and found some that are specifically designed with campers in mind. Finally, we tested each of the methods out over a long weekend campout at West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park.