There’s nothing quite like a fresh cup of coffee with a view of the mountains or the sound of a river. But achieving that perfect brew in the great outdoors requires the right gear. Forget instant packets; today’s portable coffee makers deliver cafe-quality taste from your campsite, backpack, or tailgate with impressive ease and efficiency.
Choosing the best one depends on your style. Are you car camping with a group, backpacking where every ounce counts, or seeking a quick single-serving solution? From rugged percolators to ultralight drips and self-contained systems, we’ve rounded up the top options to fuel your adventures. The right portable coffee maker is a small luxury that makes a big difference when you’re off the grid.
Our Top Picks for Portable Camping Coffee
- Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Percolator
- STANLEY Perfect Brew Pour Over Set
- Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker
- STANLEY All In One French Press
- GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip
- Jetboil Flash Java Kit Cooking System
- Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
- STANLEY Travel Mug with Integrated French Press
- Primula Park Pour Over Set
- AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Percolator
For group camping trips where you need to brew a full pot, the Farberware percolator is a time-tested solution. Its heavy-duty stainless steel construction is polished to a mirror finish, making it durable enough for campfire or stove use and easy to clean. The classic percolator design is straightforward and reliable.
This 12-cup model features a permanent filter basket, eliminating the need for disposable paper filters and reducing waste. The sturdy, clear glass knob on the lid allows you to see when the percolating action begins, giving you control over the brew strength. It’s a simple, mess-free way to make large quantities of coffee for the whole campsite.
STANLEY Perfect Brew Pour Over Set
Combine your brewing device and your drinking mug into one compact kit with the STANLEY Perfect Brew Pour Over Set. This system includes a 12-oz insulated camp mug and a stainless steel pour-over dripper with a permanent micro-filter. It’s designed for a traditional, controlled brew that highlights your coffee’s aromatic oils and flavors.
The stainless steel filter is both stylish and non-breakable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to paper filters. The process is simple: place the dripper on top of the included mug, add coffee, and slowly pour hot water. The insulated mug then keeps your coffee hot long after brewing, making it perfect for slow mornings at the campsite.
Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker
When you want the convenience of a standard drip coffee maker at the campsite, the Coleman QuikPot delivers. This high-powered brewer connects directly to a small propane cylinder, operating with 4500 BTUs for efficient performance. Its InstaStart ignition allows for easy, matchless lighting, so you can get your brew started quickly.
Engineered with PerfectFlow technology, it ensures consistent operation in various outdoor conditions. You can brew up to 10 cups of fresh coffee in approximately 18 minutes. It’s an excellent, familiar option for car camping, tailgating, or hunting trips where propane is your primary heat source and you’re serving a group.
STANLEY All In One French Press
The STANLEY All In One French Press is a versatile powerhouse built for rugged use. Constructed from durable, BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel, it’s designed to be used directly on a stove or campfire to boil water, then immediately function as a French press. This boil-brew-cook capability makes it a multi-purpose camp kitchen essential.
With a large 32-ounce capacity, it can prepare several cups at once. The fine stainless steel mesh filter plunger separates grounds for a clean, full-bodied brew. Its tough construction means it can handle the bumps of outdoor travel and direct heat application, providing a simple yet effective method for making robust coffee.
GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip
Minimalist backpackers will appreciate the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip. Weighing a mere 0.4 ounces, this collapsible silicone pour-over cone adds almost no weight to your pack. Its design is the epitome of space-saving and portability, fitting into the smallest nook of your backpack.
It’s a reusable, BPA-free coffee maker that works with your own mug and eliminates the need for disposable paper filters, aligning with Leave No Trace principles. Simply place it on top of your cup, add ground coffee, and pour hot water through. It’s the simplest, most weight-conscious solution for enjoying pour-over coffee on the trail.
Jetboil Flash Java Kit
The Jetboil Flash Java Kit is a complete, integrated system for the ultimate in speed and efficiency. It combines Jetboil’s famous rapid boiling technology with a press-style coffee maker attachment. The pushbutton igniter starts heating instantly, and the thermochromic heat indicator shows when your water is ready.
This kit includes a coffee press lid that fits directly onto the cooking cup, allowing you to boil water and brew coffee in the same vessel. The insulated cup keeps your coffee hot, and the bottom cup can double as a measuring tool or a small bowl. It’s an ideal all-in-one solution for backpackers who prioritize fast fuel times and consolidated gear.
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
For a strong, espresso-like coffee in the outdoors, the iconic Bialetti Moka Express is a classic choice. This Italian-made stovetop brewer uses steam pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee, producing a concentrated and flavorful brew. Its distinctive octagonal shape and aluminum construction are recognized worldwide.
It’s easy to use: fill the base with water, the filter basket with coffee, and assemble. Place it on your camp stove or grill. The patented safety valve provides security, and the ergonomic handle stays cool. The 6-cup size (about 12 oz of liquid) is perfect for sharing a potent morning brew with a camping partner.
STANLEY Travel Mug with Integrated French Press
This STANLEY product combines a leak-proof travel mug with a French press plunger system, creating the ultimate grab-and-go solution. You brew your coffee directly in the same insulated mug you drink from, and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps it hot for up to four hours after brewing.
Built with tough, BPA-free 18/10 stainless steel, it’s made to last. The fine stainless steel mesh plunger effectively keeps grounds out of your drink. It’s perfect for scenarios where you want to make your coffee quickly at camp and then immediately hit the trail or for keeping your brew hot during a slow morning by the lake.
Primula Park Pour Over Set
The Primula Park Pour Over Set offers a more substantial glass carafe option for those who prefer a pour-over method with a serving vessel. It includes a borosilicate glass carafe and a reusable, ultra-fine micro-mesh stainless steel filter that sits on top. The 36-ounce capacity is great for serving multiple people.
The permanent filter is environmentally friendly and designed to allow oils and subtle flavors to pass through for a richer cup. The glass carafe has a comfortable handle and dripless spout for easy pouring. This set is ideal for car camping where you have a stable table and want to brew a larger quantity of clean, flavorful coffee to share.
AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
The AeroPress Go is a complete travel kit engineered for portability and a unique brewing style. It uses a combination of air pressure and a short brew time to make smooth, rich coffee with low acidity. The entire kit compacts into its own mug, making it a self-contained unit that’s easy to pack.
It includes the AeroPress brewer, a mug, a lid, a stirrer, a scoop, and a filter holder with micro-filters. The process is fast, clean, and versatile, allowing you to experiment with different brew methods. Its lightweight and compact design make it a favorite among travelers and backpackers who don’t want to compromise on coffee quality.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Portable Camping Coffee Maker
When I’m picking out a camping coffee maker, my main focus is on portability. But that single word covers a lot of ground. It’s not just about being small and light; it’s about how easily a brewer fits into my entire outdoor routine. The best camping coffee makers for portability strike a balance between size, weight, brewing method, and cleanup. Here’s what I always consider before making a choice.
First, think about weight and packability. A heavy, bulky percolator might be classic, but it’s not for a backpacking trip. For hiking, I look for makers that collapse, nest inside my pot, or are made from ultra-light materials like titanium or silicone. For car camping, I have more flexibility and can consider slightly larger options like a small French press or a pour-over dripper that doesn’t collapse but is still simple.
Next, the brewing method is huge. It affects the taste, the gear I need to bring, and the effort required. A French press makes a rich, full-bodied cup but requires coarse grounds and can be a pain to clean. A pour-over cone, like an AeroPress or a simple dripper, gives me more control and cleaner coffee, and often just needs a quick rinse. Instant coffee is the ultimate in portability—just hot water—but the flavor is a compromise. I also consider fuel efficiency; a method that needs a rolling boil for 10 minutes uses a lot more gas than one that just needs water heated to near-boiling.
Finally, I’m ruthless about simplicity and cleanup. After a morning in a tent, I don’t want a complex, multi-part assembly. The fewer pieces, the better. Cleaning is equally important. Can I just shake it out and give it a quick rinse with some water, or does it require soap and a scrub brush? In the backcountry, minimizing waste and mess is key, so I lean toward systems with reusable filters or that don’t need a filter at all. By weighing these factors—pack size, brew style, and ease of use—I can find a portable coffee maker that gets me a great cup without weighing me down.
FAQ
What is the most lightweight type of camping coffee maker?
For pure weight savings, it’s hard to beat a simple reusable filter cone or a silicone dripper. These often weigh just an ounce or two and pack completely flat. Some ultralight backpackers even just use a small piece of cloth as a filter. The absolute lightest option is, of course, high-quality instant coffee packets, which add almost no weight beyond the hot water you’d already be carrying.
Can I use a regular French press for camping?
You can, but I’d be careful. The glass carafe in most home French presses is a major risk for breaking in a pack. If you love the French press method, look for one made from durable, unbreakable materials like stainless steel or tough plastic. These are designed for the outdoors and are much safer. They’re still a bit bulkier than other options, so they’re often better suited for car camping than long hikes.
How do I clean my coffee maker without a sink?
This is a crucial skill! For most portable makers, I use a simple “rinse and shake” method. I dislodge the grounds by adding a little clean water, swishing it around vigorously, and then dumping it well away from camp (following Leave No Trace principles). For a more thorough clean, a bit of biodegradable soap and a quick scrub with a small brush or a handful of sand works. The goal is to prevent oils from going rancid, not to get it spotless.
Do I need a special grinder for camping coffee?
Not necessarily, but it helps. Pre-ground coffee is the easiest and saves time and weight on a grinder. The trade-off is that it goes stale faster. If I’m out for more than a few days or am very particular about taste, I bring a small, lightweight manual grinder. Grinding beans fresh in the morning makes a noticeable difference and is a nice ritual. For a short trip, I just pre-grind at home and store it in a sealed bag.
What about power? Are there electric options for camping?
If you have a reliable power source, like a car outlet or a large portable power station, small 12V drip coffee makers or immersion heaters exist. However, I find they add a lot of complexity and dependence on gear that can fail. For true portability and reliability, I stick with non-electric methods that only need a heat source. This gives me the freedom to make coffee anywhere, whether I’m at a drive-in site or deep in the wilderness.