Camping

Everything You Need to Make the Best Camp Coffee

Posted by
Sarah Lamagna
November 21, 2023
Updated December 15, 2023

Making coffee at a campsite

Nothing compares to a cup o’ joe while adventuring in the wild.

There is something special about lounging in a hammock and drinking a cup of piping hot camp coffee while listening to the world wake up around you. Maybe it’s the relaxing sounds or the chill in the air. Perhaps, it’s the anticipation of an adventurous day ahead that makes coffee hit a bit different when you’re in the wild. Or maybe, if you’re like me, it’s a welcome jolt of caffeine after a night of getting kicked in the face by your toddler who hasn’t quite mastered the art of sleeping in a tent. 

Regardless of why camp coffee is so magical, you need the essential items to ensure the best morning wake-up. From stoves to fire starters and mugs, we’ve got you covered. Check out our recommendations below to make the best camp coffee you’ve ever had.

making camp coffee

Our Top Picks: 

Stoves for Camp Coffee

Coffee Makers

Fire Sources

Coffee Mugs

Pots

Coffee

 

Best Stoves for Camp Coffee

You could boil water over a campfire, but who wants to wait that long for their morning cup o’ java?  Finding the right stove will eliminate the hassle standing between you and your caffeine. You’ll want a fast boiling time and easy operation since your brain might not be completely functioning. 

MSR PocketRocket
MSR PocketRocket – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Best Overall Camp Stove: MSR PocketRocket2 Stove

It’s all in the name: a stove small enough to fit into your pocket. I’ve owned the original MSR PocketRocket since 2006, a year after it came out. Seventeen years (and hundreds of miles) later, the stove is still going strong.

But nothing is perfect, so MSR designed an upgrade. The MSR PocketRocket2 stove is essentially the same as the original except it got smaller and lighter to help you achieve gourmet cooking in the wild. It folds up into one of the smallest stoves I’ve ever seen and can easily be transported anywhere you’d like to wake up with a cup of coffee. Plus, it comes with an ignition switch now, making it extra easy to spark a flame.

Tech Specs:

  • Fuel/Fuel type: Isobutane-propane/Canister
  • Number of burners: 1
  • Weight: 2.6 oz.
  • Dimensions (when compacted): 3.1 x 1.7 x. 1.3 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Lightweight
  • Pro: Easy operation
  • Pro: Affordable
  • Pro: Small for packing
  • Pro: Quick to boil
  • Con: Flame is vulnerable to wind
  • Con: Pot supports lack stability

Buy at REI

Buy at Amazon

 

Best Budget Stove: Coleman Cascade Classic

Coleman Classic camp stove
Coleman Classic camp stove – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

The Coleman company has been selling stoves since the early 1900s, so they’ve dialed in their products. The Coleman Cascade Classic is a stove that sends a heaping dose of nostalgia through me. The minute I see one, I’m immediately back at camp at Hopeville Pond in 1993 where my dad is cooking up hot dogs on our own Coleman two-burner stove as I put bait on a fishing pole. The functionality is much the same as previous Coleman stoves, but the sleek redesign and iconic color of the Coleman Classic gives it a much-needed facelift.

Tech Specs:

  • Fuel/Fuel type: Propane/Canister
  • Number of burners: 2
  • Weight: 11 lbs. 14.4 oz.
  • Dimensions (when closed): 21 x 13 x 3.6 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Robust
  • Pro: Cheaper than other similar stoves
  • Pro: Auto ignition
  • Pro: Easy to carry
  • Con: Heavy

Buy at REI

Buy at Amazon

 

Best Quick-to-Boil Stove: JetBoil Flash Stove

For anyone who can’t function until coffee hits your bloodstream (ahem, hi!), the  JetBoil Flash stove might be your ticket. At just three minutes of boiling time, you’ll have your camp coffee before the birds wake up. JetBoil has become such a household name for camping stoves that campers have been known to refer to all stoves as a generic ‘JetBoil.’—kind of like the whole tissues and Kleenex thing.  It’s for good reason though: JetBoil is a thoroughly tested piece of gear that rarely disappoints.

Tech Specs:

  • Fuel/Fuel type: Isobutane-propane/Canister
  • Number of burners: 1
  • Weight: 13.1 oz
  • Dimensions (when compacted): 4.1 x 7.1 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Quick to boil
  • Pro: Auto ignition
  • Pro: Easy operation
  • Pro: Fuel canister and stove burner fit inside cup
  • Con: Clunky
  • Con: Only compatible with JetBoil accessories

Buy at REI

Buy at JetBoil

 

Camp Coffee Makers

If you want to go bougie in the backcountry, ditch the instant coffee in favor of a classier setup like a French press or pour-over java. You’ll instantly be transported (mentally anyway) to a Parisian cafe—minus all the busy tourists and pecking pigeons.

Miir Pourigami
Miir Pourigami – Photo: Sarah Lamagna 

Best Overall Camp Coffee Maker: MiiR Pourigami

It might look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the MiiR Pourigami is anything but fictional. The sleek design includes three interlocking panels (get the name now?!) for compact storage and travel. Give yourself some patience first thing in the morning to get the panels sorted–it takes a bit of finagling to get the last two panels to fit together. You can use it in the backcountry or at your typical campground for a robust cup of coffee.

Tech Specs:

  • Liquid capacity: N/A
  • Weight: 4 oz.
  • Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.75 x. 0.75 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Lightweight
  • Pro: Easy to assemble/use
  • Pro: Compactable
  • Pro: Quick clean-up
  • Con: Takes some puzzlework to get it connected 

Buy at REI

Buy at Amazon

 

Best Travel Camp Coffee Maker: Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press

The Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press is for the proud-and-loud coffee snobs out there. If you are looking for a cup of camp coffee similar to what you get at home, this is the coffee maker for you. Its design allows coffee connoisseurs to pack it tightly and bring it with them on every adventure. Plus, it tastes darn good.

Tech Specs:

  • Liquid capacity: 8 fl. oz.
  • Weight: 11.5 oz.
  • Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: No floating coffee grains
  • Pro: Easily packable
  • Pro: Quick brewing
  • Pro: Cold brew capability
  • Con: Needs a coffee filter despite it being a press
  • Con: Only makes 1 cup at a time

Buy at REI

Buy at Amazon

 

Best French Press Basecamp Coffee Maker: Stanley Vacuum French Press

The Stanley Vacuum French Press is the mama bear of coffee makers. It puts all other coffee makers to shame due to its sheer size and ruggedness. If you’re camping in a group, this one is a favorite: this big guy can make four large cups of coffee without breaking a sweat. We’ve taken it on group camping trips and it’s always the superhero of the morning.

Tech Specs:

  • Liquid capacity: 48 fl. oz.
  • Weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz.
  • Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 9.5 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Makes a lot of coffee at once
  • Pro: Well insulated
  • Pro: Durable
  • Con: Very heavy

Buy at Amazon

Buy at Stanley

 

Best Fire Sources

Maybe you went to a school of wizardry and can simply point your wand and say “incendio” for a fire to appear. But most of us need a third party to get a flame going—an essential component to boiling the water for our coffee. Depending on your location and type of adventure, you’ll want to choose the right fire-making device. 

UCO Long-Burn Matches
UCO Long-Burn Matches – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Best Matches: UCO Long-Burn Matches

Raise your hand if you’ve ever burned a finger with a flimsy book of cheap gas station matches? Your run-of-the-mill matches either break when you scrape it against the side of the box or don’t last long enough to get the stove to light, especially in windy conditions. Remove the stress of quickly lighting your stove with UCO’s Long-Burn Matches. Down with burned fingers.

Tech Specs:

  • Material: wood
  • Weight: 3 oz. (box)
  • Dimensions: 3.75 inches long (1 match)

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Lightweight
  • Pro: Easily discarded/no trash
  • Pro: Affordable
  • Con: Hard to light in wet conditions

Buy at REI

Buy at Amazon

 

Best Budget Lighter: Bic Multipurpose Lighter

Bic makes everything from razors to pens to white-out. And, yes, they make lighters as well. They have been in business for over 40 years and make quality, durable lighters to fit any of your needs. Bic’s Multipurpose Lighter has an ignition button that’s easy to use and a flame that lasts. You can usually get 200 lights from these Bic lighters, so it should last your entire camping season without a refill.

Tech Specs:

  • Material: plastic and metal
  • Weight: 4 oz (1 lighter)
  • Dimensions: 13.5 inches long (1 lighter)

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Easy operation
  • Pro: Affordable
  • Con: Not refillable

Buy at Amazon

 

Best Work-in-Any-Weather Lighter: TOPKAY Torch Lighter

Imagine waking up to gusty winds and realizing your rinky-dinky lighter isn’t going to cut it. Get yourself the TOPKAY Torch Lighter with a flame powerful enough to withstand those windy days at camp. Due to its refillable compartment, you only have to buy this lighter once and then add fuel as you need it.

Tech Specs:

  • Material: metal, copper, and ceramic
  • Weight: 5.3 oz.
  • Dimensions: 6 inches long

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Refillable
  • Pro: Windproof
  • Con: Heavier than others

Buy at Amazon

 

Camp Coffee Mugs

Some mornings might be rougher than others and you might want to drink coffee straight from the pot. No judgment here. Luckily, no critter is getting through your camp coffee mug with our sturdy options below.

Hydro Flask Tumbler
Hydro Flask Tumbler – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

 

Best Overall Coffee Mug: Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler

My Hydro Flask All Around 12 oz Tumbler has accompanied me on hundreds of adventures. It fits just the right amount of coffee to jumpstart my morning at camp. If I have to wrangle my kiddo while also trying to make breakfast, my drink stays nice and hot until I can remember to drink it again. Plus, it’s one of the few adventure tumblers that fit into my car’s cup holder—total win. 

Tech Specs:

  • Number of colors: 8
  • Dimensions: 5.7 x 2.8 inches
  • Capacity: 12 oz or 20 oz
  • Insulation: Yes

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Sleek
  • Pro: Insulated
  • Pro: Durable
  • Pro: Fits most cup holders
  • Pro: Dishwasher-safe

Buy at Hydro Flask

Buy at Amazon

 

Best Insulated Coffee Mug: YETI Rambler Mug

YETI is revered by most outdoor enthusiasts. And, their mugs live up to the hype. The YETI Rambler Mug is a great option for your basecamp coffee needs. You can choose between 10 oz, 14 oz, or 24 oz depending on how much caffeine typically gets you up and running. The best part: thanks to the double-wall construction that prevents heat transfer, you can go for a hike and return to camp…and your coffee will still be piping hot.

Tech Specs:

  • Number of colors: 8
  • Dimensions: 5 x 3.75 inches
  • Capacity: 10 oz., 14 oz., or 24 oz.
  • Insulation: Yes

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Insulated
  • Pro: Durable
  • Pro: Dishwasher-safe
  • Pro: Splash-resistant
  • Con: Bulky

Buy at Amazon

Buy at YETI

 

Best Travel Coffee Mug: Sea To Summit Collapsible Cool Grip Mug

Sea to Summit Collapsible Cool Grip Mug
Sea to Summit Collapsible Cool Grip Mug – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

If you’re looking for a more lightweight and compact option to bring with you to the backcountry, the Sea to Summit Collapsible Cool Grip Mug is perfect. The serrated surface allows you to hold onto the mug without scalding your palms. It folds flat to just 5/8” thick so you can easily fit it into a backpack for any adventure. Tradeoff: It’s collapsible which means it’s inherently flimsier. 

Tech Specs:

  • Number of colors: 2
  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.2 inches
  • Capacity: 16 oz.
  • Insulation: None

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Compact
  • Pro: Lightweight
  • Pro: Heat resistant
  • Con: Less sturdy
  • Con: No insulation

Buy at Amazon

Buy at Sea to Summit

 

Pots

Life at camp usually entails different types of weather, wildlife, and kitchen items that are bound to be dropped. Make sure you have the most durable pots to boil your water so you can get to that camp coffee faster. 

MSR Pika Teapot
MSR Pika Teapot – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Best Overall Pot: MSR Pika Teapot

If you’ve bought the MSR PocketRocket2, you’re in luck with the MSR Pika Teapot. The small stove fits perfectly inside the teapot with plenty of room to spare. Put your matches or lighter along with any other small items that can easily get lost in a backpack. For fans of pour-overs, this teapot will give you a precise pour with even distribution of coffee grains.

Tech Specs:

  • Fluid capacity: 34 fl. oz.
  • Weight: 5.2 oz.
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.5 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: No spill spout
  • Pro: Secure lid
  • Pro: Lightweight
  • Con: Sticker on the side is hard to remove 

Buy at Amazon

Buy at REI

 

Best Travel Pot: Sea to Summit X-Pot Kettle

sea to summit x kettle

As is the case with the MSR teapot and accessories, the Sea to Summit X-Pot Kettle also holds their X-Mugs and X-Cups inside. On top of boiling water for your favorite hot beverage in the morning, this kettle can also be used to cook pasta and other meals for your adventures. Its multi-use ability makes it a great addition to your basecamp kitchen.

Tech Specs:

  • Fluid capacity: 44 fl. oz.
  • Weight: 6.5 oz.
  • Dimensions: 5.7 x 3.5 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Collapsible
  • Pro: Durable
  • Pro: Large capacity
  • Con: Less affordable
  • Con: Not dishwasher safe 

Buy at REI

Buy at Sea to Summit

 

Best Quick-to-Boil Pot: GSI Outdoors Halulite Tea Kettle

GSI Outdoors Teapot
GSI Outdoors Teapot – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

I bought the GSI Outdoors Tea Kettle during my research technician days. It was exactly what I needed to cook my dehydrated meals throughout those eight-day hitches. Water boils evenly and quickly thanks to its heat-distributing alloy construction. Not only does this save on the time it takes to boil water, but also helps limit your fuel usage. You won’t have to worry about running out of fuel to brew your morning coffee—which would be a travesty.  

Tech Specs:

  • Fluid capacity: 32 fl. oz.
  • Weight: 5.8 oz.
  • Dimensions: 6 x 3.5 inches

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Heat distributing material
  • Pro: Lightweight
  • Con: Spout drips when pouring
  • Con: Lid is not secure

Buy at Amazon

Buy at REI

 

Camp Coffee

As outdoor enthusiasts, we want coffee that gets us our jolt, but comes from brands with ethical and environmentally friendly business practices. All of our recommendations come from companies that are members of 1% for the Planet and give one percent of their profits to environmental organizations.

Hikers Brew Coffee
Hikers Brew Coffee – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

Best Overall Camp Coffee: Hikers Brew

Hikers Brew is one of the most versatile basecamp coffee brands out there. Their coffee is compatible with a good ol’ fashioned drip, French press, pour-over, percolator, or aero press. You can choose between 1.5-ounce pouches or snag a 12-ounce “Basecamp Bag.” Hikers Brew was created with adventurers in mind and the founders are driven by sustainability. Their pouches are 100% compostable and keep coffee fresher for those who end up far into the wilderness.

Tech Specs:

  • Number of flavors: 6
  • Serving size: 1.5 oz. pouch = 24 fl. oz. of coffee

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Multi-use
  • Pro: 100% compostable pouch
  • Pro: Organic, fair trade
  • Pro: Climate-neutral certified
  • Con: Takes longer to brew

Buy at Hikers Brew

 

Best Instant Camp Coffee: Alpine Start

Some of us have zero patience—like me. In a dream world, I’d love it if I was able to get a grande vanilla latte with some coffee art atop it, but I’d settle for any type of caffeine at camp. The quickest way I get that fulfilled is by brewing up some instant Alpine Start coffee (or try their Dirty Chai!).  Not only does it make great coffee, but Alpine Start also dissolves in cold water. You’ll thank them when humidity is at 100% and camp temperatures are already 80 degrees.

Tech Specs:

  • Number of flavors: 3
  • Serving size: 1 packet = 10 fl. oz. of coffee

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Quick brew time
  • Pro: Dissolves in cold water
  • Pro: Great for travel
  • Con: Limited flavors

Buy at REI

Buy at Amazon

 

Best Pour Over Camp Coffee: KUJU

Pour Over KUJU Coffee
Pour Over KUJU Coffee – Photo: Sarah Lamagna

You’ll feel good about yourself when you support KUJU coffee by grabbing one of their signature flavors. Although their coffee tastes great, they like to say they picked their coffee with their “moral tastebuds” and sourced it from farms that support local livelihoods. I prefer the “Bold Awakening” dark roast–it has such rich, earthy flavors and enhances the outdoor experience.

No matter the flavor you prefer, every pour-over packs a punch with as much coffee grounds as they could load into each filter. Seriously, they don’t cheat you out of a full cup of coffee. It only takes about two to three minutes to complete a pour-over before you start sipping a great cup of coffee.

Tech Specs:

  • Number of flavors: 6
  • Serving size: 1 pouch = 8 fl. oz. of coffee

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Ethically sourced
  • Pro: 100% wind-powered
  • Pro: 100% recyclable filter
  • Con: Takes patience to continuously pour

Buy at REI

Buy at Amazon

 

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