Best Way To Make Camping Coffee

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Jay Elliott

Chief Camping Officer

Best Way To Make Camping Coffee

Ways to make camping coffee

Nothing beats a hot cuppa in the morning. Put that together with the camping experience and you are in for a relaxing and energizing start to your day. But when you’re on a camping trip, you can’t bring all the things you use at home to make coffee. Here are a few ways to make the perfect cup of coffee even while camping: 

Single-use brewing

This is one of the simplest methods in terms of effort and equipment needed. Portable single-use brewing systems mainly use brew-in-bag and drip coffee bags.

Brew-in bag

The process of using brew-in bags are similar to using tea bags. You can buy reusable or pre-filled disposable brew-in bags.

What you need:  brew-in bag, cup, spoon

How to use it:

  1. Start by boiling water to near boiling temperature.
  2. Put the brew-in bag in your mug.
  3. Pour the hot water over the bag.
  4. Stir and brew until it reaches your desired strength or taste for coffee. You can steep the coffee for 5 to 6 minutes for a strong brew and less for a weaker brew.
  5. Remove the brew-in bag and dispose properly.

Instant coffee

The easiest but not the tastiest way to make your coffee, especially for coffee enthusiasts. If you aren’t picky about how it is made and just want to drink a cup of coffee, then you can go with the instant packet. This method is convenient because you only have to bring a few packets of instant coffee, without any extra coffee-making equipment.

What you need:  packet of instant coffee, mug, hot water, spoon

How to make it:

  1. Start by boiling water to near boiling temperature.
  2. Pour desired amount of water into your mug.
  3. Open the coffee packet and pour into the mug.
  4. Stir the coffee until dissolved.

Cowboy coffee

Cowboy coffee originated from the breakfast rituals of cowboys who helped to settle the west by working in ranches by running cattle. It is an old method of coffee making with an additional ingredient not found in most modern coffee recipes.

What you need:  coffee grounds (coarse ground is recommended), mug, eggshells/raw egg (optional), coffee pot

How to make it:

  1. Start by pouring COLD water into the coffee pot,
  2. Mix in desired amount of coffee grounds. At this point, you can do what the cowboys did and add broken eggshells or one raw egg with the grounds. This is totally optional and take extra precautions by using eggs specifically produced for raw consumption. 
  3. Place the coffee pot on the stove or fire. Let it heat but at the first signs of boiling take it out of the heat.
  4. Pout in a shot of cold water and wait 5 minutes for the coffee grounds to settle on the bottom.
  5. Pour your freshly brewed cowboy coffee into your cup.

AeroPress coffee

The AeroPress is a device that has been a favorite of coffee lovers for those days on the road or while camping. With AeroPress, you can make rich and smooth coffee with minimal equipment. 

What you need:  AeroPress, mixing stick, coffee scoop, filter, mug, medium-fine coffee grounds, portable grinder (if using beans)

How to use it: 

  1. If using beans, use portable grinder and grind the beans medium to fine.
  2. Heat the water to near boiling temperature.
  3. Put filter into the filter basket and attach the basket to the brew chamber.
  4. Set the brew chamber over your mug.
  5. Fill the brew chamber with desired amount of coffee grounds.
  6. Degas the coffee by pouring a hot water in the brew chamber. Stir for 15 to 30 seconds and allow to drip.
  7. As the chamber drains, pour in the remaining water.
  8. Insert the plunger and press using a slow downward motion until it reaches the bottom.
  9. Remove the AeroPress off your mug and enjoy your coffee.

Percolator

Using the percolator to make your coffee is an old-fashioned method that can yield dry and bitter coffee if not executed properly. If done correctly, you’ll have a rich brew to enjoy. 

What you need:  Percolator, mug, ground coffee (coarse ground is recommended)

How to use it:

  1. Take out the percolator basket and fill with enough cold water.
  2. Fill the percolator basket with coffee grounds and reinsert into the percolator. Cover the grounds and close the lid properly.
  3. Set the percolator on the stove or fire (medium heat)
  4. Just when the water starts boiling through the siphon (this is visible through the sight glass), decrease the heat or remove the percolator from heat.
  5. Let it brew until your desired strength or taste is reached (10 minutes is the recommended brewing time).
  6. Open the lid and remove the percolator basket carefully.
  7. Allow a few minutes for the grounds to settle in the bottom.
  8. Pour into a mug and enjoy.

What are the benefits of drinking coffee?

Drinking coffee doesn’t just perk you up and gives you the much-needed energy to face the day. Drinking just the right amount of coffee every day also has great health benefits for your body. 

Live longer

Studies have shown that an intake of 3 to 4 cups of coffee per day (300 – 400 mg/d of caffeine) may help to prevent Type 2 diabetes mellitus and liver disease. It has also been connected lower risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer, depression, and obesity.

Boost energy 

The caffeine in coffee blocks the inhibitory transmitter adenosine, as a result, there is a stimulant reaction that increases neuron activity. This is the reason why coffee drinkers experience boosted energy levels following a cup of coffee. 

Burn fats

Coffee boosts metabolic performance by 3 to 11% which helps us to burn fat faster. 

Can make you happier

Coffee consumption boosts brain function such as the areas that control mood, memory, and energy levels. Coffee has a lot of great benefits and there are studies to back up its effects. However, coffee also has its drawbacks.

Studies have shown that chronic consumption of coffee will have harmful effects on your health including anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, and tremulousness. Regulate your coffee intake so that you can prevent the side effects from happening.

Why coffee is great for camping

It gives you energy

A hot cup of coffee in the morning is a great way to start your day. When you’re on a camping trip, you will do a lot of activities which require a serious amount of energy. 

To soothe cold weather

Sipping on something hot during cold weather banishes the chilly feelings and warms you right to your toes.

How to make your camping better with coffee 

The ritual of drinking coffee (or any hot drink of your preference) makes the camping experience better, you can:

Drink it with your family or friends

Share a pot of coffee around the campfire and share some bonding time with your family or friends.

Drink with a good view

Nothing beats holding a cuppa while staring at gorgeous sunsets or sunrise, magnificent mountains, or snow-covered fields. In any season and any place, a cup of coffee makes it better.

Drink alone

A cup of coffee is a great way to spend some time by yourself. If you’re on a solo camping trip this will be a great time to appreciate nature and relax from all the stress of daily life.

Best foods to partner with coffee

Make the most of breakfasts during your camping trips with these dishes that are best paired with coffee: 

Toasted bread 

A classic pair for a nice warm cup of coffee.

Egg and ham sandwich

Fry up some eggs and ham and toast some bread to make an egg and ham sandwich to go with your coffee.

Waffles

This may be a bit difficult to make from scratch on a camping trip, but you can buy waffle mix and cook waffles to eat with your coffee.

Muffin

Muffins especially those made of berries or fruits are a great pairing for coffee.

Donuts

The bitter notes of the coffee go well with the sweetness of the donut. This is the classic pairing.

Pancakes

A hearty breakfast of pancakes paired with a cup of coffee is a great camping breakfast, camping enthusiasts are sure to love.