Nothing beats French Press coffee.
It’s rich, bold, frothy. Ugh. I’m just dreaming about it now.
But if you use one of our Best French Presses for at-home brewing, chances are you may not want to take it on the road with you.
You want a travel french press coffee maker. Whether you’re going camping, adventuring outdoors, backpacking, hiking, commuting, road tripping, or just looking for a plunger pot you can leave at the office or a friend’s house.
This list is for you.
Sure you can bring along a single cup Keurig machine, manual espresso maker, or a pour over apparatus with a kettle— but the easiest portable coffee maker to take anywhere is hands down a french press!
Why?
No paper filters needed, easy to clean, and they brew a mean cup of coffee.
The only thing even close is instant coffee. And instant coffee sucks. (Sorry!)
But you already know why we love french press coffee. Let’s look at the best travel-ready french presses for you.
Overall Best Travel French Press: Coffee Gator French Press (Editor’s Pick)
On our recent camping trip, we used the Coffee Gator French Press every morning to make coffee. The process was straightforward and didn’t require any fancy equipment. We simply heated up water over the fire and added coarse-ground coffee to the press.
It was delicious.
Honestly, it felt like home.
The 7 Best Travel French Presses at a Glance
- Coffee Gator French Press
- Aeropress Go
- Stanley Classic Travel French Press
- Bestargot Portable French Press Coffee Maker
- Aeropress
- Bodum Travel French Press Tumbler
- Bodum Cold Brew French Press
#1 – The Best Travel French Press: Coffee Gator French Press (Editor’s Pick)
Getting hands-on with the Coffee Gator, I can say that it feels like one of those buy-it-for-life investments you long to find.
Other buyers feel the same way. One customer called it “the perfect camping coffee maker,” while another said it was “great for travel.”
Why We Picked the Coffee Gator French Press
- Durable construction: The stainless steel design is built to last and can handle the wear and tear of travel and outdoor activities.
- Excellent heat retention: The double-walled construction keeps coffee hot for hours.
- Precise pouring: The precision spout allows for a controlled pour without any drips.
- Easy to clean: The micro-mesh filter is simple to clean and eliminates the need for paper filters. And it’s dishwasher safe.
- Double Walled stainless steel insulation
- BPA Free
- Easy pour spout ensures leak-proof pours everytime
Honestly, what’s not to love?
Overall, I would highly recommend the Coffee Gator French Press for anyone who loves drinking the best coffee and enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. It’s the perfect companion for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
#2 – Aeropress Go French Press (Best Travel French Press for Commuters)
This portable coffee maker has been receiving rave reviews for its ease of use and exceptional taste. We wanted to see if it lived up to the hype, so we put it to the test.
First, the Aeropress Go is perfect for travel.
It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to bring along on camping trips or vacations. The included travel mug and mug lid also make it easy to enjoy a hot cup of coffee on-the-go. Plus, it doesn’t require electricity or batteries. It’s a French press travel mug all in one.
Why We Picked the Aeropress Go
- Lightweight and compact design, perfect for travel
- Includes a travel coffee mug and lid; it’s an all-in-one brewing and drinking solution
- Makes a delicious cup of coffee in under 2 minutes
- Easy to use and clean
- BPA Free
One buyer raved, “I’m an avid backpacker and was hesitant to bring my traditional coffee maker on a camping trip. The Aeropress Go was a game-changer for me! It’s so easy to use and makes a delicious cup of coffee in no time.”
As for our experience using the Aeropress Go, we were thoroughly impressed. It was incredibly easy to use and clean, and the resulting cup of coffee was smooth and delicious. We were also impressed with the included travel mug, which kept our coffee hot for hours.
If you’re looking for a portable coffee maker that doesn’t sacrifice taste but also filters out sediment, the Aeropress Go is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for traveling or camping.
#3 – Stanley Classic French Press (Best Travel French Press for Camping and Outdoors)
This French press is designed to be durable, portable, and perfect for travel, and we were eager to see if it lived up to its promises.
One of the standout features of the Stanley Classic French Press is its build quality. Made from stainless steel, this French press is incredibly sturdy and feels like it could survive just about anything. Other buyers felt the same way, with one saying that it was “built like a tank” and another noting that it was “made to last.”
But durability isn’t the only thing that makes the Stanley Classic French Press a great option for travelers.
Why We Picked the Stanley Classic French Press
- Durable construction that can withstand the rigors of travel
- Easy to use and clean
- Double-wall insulation for keeping your beverage warm for up to 4 hours
- Large capacity (48 oz) that’s great for groups
- Doubles as a water bottle for additional convenience
- Lifetime warranty on all Stanley products and gadgets
- Spill resistant
- Vacuum-sealed, thermos-like design
We were able to brew a fresh pot of coffee in the morning and still have it be piping hot by the afternoon.
Overall, we think that the Stanley Classic French Press is a fantastic option for coffee lovers who are always on the move. Its durability and ease of use make it perfect for camping trips, road trips, and any other adventure that requires a fresh cup of coffee.
Plus, its insulating properties mean that you can enjoy your coffee at your own pace, without having to worry about it getting cold.
The only real downsides:
- It’s a bit heavy for people who like to pack light
- If you fill to the fill line, there is reports of some overflow (we didn’t experience this)
If you are looking for a great french press for camping, but are looking for a larger amount of coffee, try the Mueller French Press on Amazon that comes with an airtight canister to bring your ground coffee along with.
Also check out our list of Best Camping French Presses.
#4 – Bestargot French Press Coffee Maker (Best Portable Travel French Press for Backpacking and Hiking)
This compact and lightweight coffee maker is perfect for travel and outdoor adventures. It’s made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and easy to clean. Plus, it’s completely BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals leaching into your coffee.
Other buyers felt that the Bestargot French Press Coffee Maker was a game-changer for their camping trips. They loved that it was so easy to use and that it made a great cup of coffee every time.
As far as a portable French press, you can’t get much better.
Why We Picked the Bestargot French Press Coffee Maker
- Portable and lightweight design
- Durable stainless steel construction
- BPA-free
- Easy to use and clean
- Produces a great cup of coffee
- All in one brewing process, heat, plunge, drink all in one piece of equipment.
- Stainless steel mug can also be used for food preparation and double as a way to enjoy your cup of coffee or a pot of soup.
One of the things we appreciated most about this French press is how easy it is to pack and take with you on the go. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack or travel bag, and it’s lightweight, so you won’t even notice it’s there.
And when you’re ready for a cup of coffee, it’s simple to use – just add your coffee grounds and hot water, wait a few minutes, and then press down the plunger.
Voila!
A delicious cup of coffee, no matter where you are.
Using the Bestargot French Press Coffee Maker is like having a (very) tiny barista in your pocket. It’s small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to making coffee.
If you’re looking for another compact option but are looking for something a little more leak proof but can double as a way to make hot coffee and also hot food try the GSI Outdoors Javapress that features a double wall stainless steel insulation and an external padding to help protect from burning your hands.
#5 – The AeroPress (Best Travel French Press for Single Serve Coffee)
This little gadget is perfect for making a quick and easy cup of coffee while on the go.
One of the things that sets the AeroPress apart from other coffee makers is its unique brewing method. By using air pressure to force hot water through the coffee grounds, it produces a smooth and rich cup of coffee that’s free from bitterness and acidity.
Why We Picked the AeroPress
- Made of durable, BPA-free plastic
- Comes with a travel bag and all necessary accessories, including a scoop, stirrer, and filters
- Brews one to three cups of coffee in less than a minute
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Easy to use and produces a consistently great cup of coffee
- Compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for travel
- Great for beginners looking for guess-free French press coffee
- Barista’s #1 pick for easiest way to brew french pressed coffee
But enough about specs – let’s talk about how the AeroPress actually performs. We found that it was incredibly easy to use and produced a consistently great cup of coffee every time. Plus, it’s compact and lightweight, making it the perfect addition to our travel coffee kit.
Other buyers felt the same way – one reviewer said “I can’t believe how easy it is to use and how delicious the coffee turns out” and another praised the AeroPress for its “compact and travel-friendly design.”
Using the AeroPress is like being a mad scientist in your own coffee lab, experimenting with different brewing methods and ratios until you find your perfect cup.
We brought our AeroPress on a camping trip. We were a little skeptical about whether it would work well in the great outdoors, but we were pleasantly surprised. We even had some fellow campers come over to our site to see what the delicious smell of coffee was all about!
Really, the only downside to the AeroPress is that you need to bring your own cup (or, BYOC, as we call it.)
But that’s easily remedied. Check out the AeroPress Go for a cup + French press combo.
#6- Bodum Travel Press Tumbler (Best Travel French Press Coffee Mug)
After reviewing coffee equipment for 5 years, the Bodum Travel Press Tumbler caught my eye.
This travel mug has a built-in French press, allowing you to brew coffee on the go without the need for a separate brewing device.
Why We Picked the Bodum Travel Press Tumbler
- 15-ounce capacity
- Double-walled stainless steel design to keep your coffee hot
- Vacuum-sealed lid with a spill-proof and heat-resistant silicone band that you can’t drop
- Built-in French press with a plunger and mesh filter
- Dishwasher safe
- Eliminate the hassle of by brewing and pressing your coffee all in one
- Fits into any cupholder
The built-in French press works well and produces great coffee, and the double-walled design keeps your coffee hot for hours. Customers found that the silicone band around the lid is a nice touch, as it not only prevents spills but also makes the mug more comfortable to hold.
Other buyers felt that this tumbler is perfect for camping, traveling, or even just using at home.
One thing I particularly liked about this tumbler is that it is easy to clean. The French press and mesh filter can be easily removed and rinsed, and the entire mug is dishwasher safe. This makes it a convenient option for traveling or using on the go.
With its built-in French press, spill-proof design, and easy-to-clean features, this is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee anywhere.
When testing this guy out, I was rushing to catch a flight and didn’t have time to stop at a coffee shop. I had my Bodum Travel Press Tumbler with me and was able to quickly brew a cup of coffee while waiting at my gate. It saved me from having to go without my morning caffeine fix and made the whole experience much more pleasant.
If you’re looking for a travel french press tumbler but are looking to invest a little more into your purchase, try the Espro P0 Ultralight Travel French press.
It’s vacuum insulated and leak proof due to its twist off lid, the only downside is because of its height, sometimes it can have issues fitting in a traditional cup holder
Or try the Bobble travel french press that is similar to the Espro but more affordable.
#7 – Bodum Cold Brew French Press Coffee Maker (Best Travel French Press for Cold Brew Coffee Drinkers)
As avid coffee drinkers and travelers, we were excited to see how this product held up on the road.
One thing we immediately loved was the simplicity of the design.
The process of making cold brew with this French press was straightforward and easy to understand. Other buyers felt the same way, commenting on the “user-friendly” aspect of the product. The Bodum Cold Brew French Press Coffee Maker is also lightweight and compact, making it an ideal choice for travel.
Why We Picked the Bodum Cold Brew French Press Coffee Maker
- It’s easy to use and requires no electricity, making it perfect for travel
- The carafe is made of durable borosilicate glass and can hold up to 12 cups of cold brew and allows for the transfer of hot water in the carafe to be placed directly into the fridge without any cracking of the glass.
- The filter is removable and washable, making cleaning a breeze
- The airtight lid helps to keep your cold brew fresh for days
- Can withstand extreme temperatures
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with 2 lids, one to soak your coffee grounds overnight in the fridge to create the perfect cup of cold brew. Second lid can be placed the next morning with a built-in plunger and mesh filter to press your cold brew.
- Works for loose-leaf tea, too
One thing to note is that the brewing process can take up to 24 hours, so it’s important to plan ahead when using this product. That being said, we found that the end result was well worth the wait. The cold brew was smooth, rich, and had a much lower acidity than hot brewed coffee.
We once tried to make cold brew in a hotel room using a makeshift setup of plastic bags and rubber bands. Needless to say, it didn’t turn out quite as well as our experience with the Bodum Cold Brew French Press Coffee Maker.
Check. Check. Check. If you’re looking for a portable and easy-to-use cold brew maker, the Bodum Cold Brew French Press Coffee Maker is a great option. Its durable design and delicious end result make it a perfect companion for any coffee-loving traveler.
Choosing the Best Travel French Press: Our Review Factors & Criteria
We evaluated all of these products based on a few key factors.
1. Price
One of the most important factors we considered when evaluating travel french presses was the price. We wanted to find a product that provided good value for the money. We looked for products that were affordable and offered good features for the price.
2. Ease of Use
We evaluated each travel french press for its ease of use. This includes factors such as weight and portability, how easy it was to assemble and disassemble, and how easy it was to brew coffee. We wanted to find a product that was easy to use on the go, whether you were camping, traveling, or simply in a hurry.
3. Design
The design of a travel french press is important because it affects the quality of the coffee you brew. We evaluated each product for its design features, such as the size and shape of the carafe, the type of filter used, and the quality of the plunger. We wanted to find products designed to produce high-quality coffee, while also being compact and easy to pack for travel.
4. Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning
We also evaluated each travel french press for its ease of maintenance and cleaning. This included factors such as how easy it was to remove and clean the filter and how durable the product was over time. We wanted to find a product that was easy to maintain and clean, so you could keep using it for years to come.
Looking for a companion? Check out our favorite camping coffee grinders.
