Hot coffee is a camping staple.
This makes a camping coffee maker essential camping gear.
If you’re looking for a camping coffee maker, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will review the 11 best camping coffee makers for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each model, and help you decide which camping coffee maker is right for you. So, whether you’re an experienced camper or just getting started and looking for something to take on your first camping trip, we’ve got you covered.
Making Coffee While Camping
When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee on a backpacking trip, hiking, or just camping out of your car, there are quite a few different methods you can employ.
There are 10+ methods you can use to brew coffee while camping, but we’re going to focus on the 6 most popular brew methods:
- Propane Coffee Makers
- Percolator
- French Press or AeroPress
- Coffee Dripper (Pour Over)
- Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker)
Each style and device offers its own advantages, so it’s important to consider your options and choose the right brew method and equipment for your caffeine needs.
The Best Propane Coffee Makers for Camping
These are our top picks for the best propane coffee makers:
- Coleman QuickPot Propane Coffee Maker (Top Pick)
- Jetboil Flash Java Kit (Best for Fast Brewing)
- Coleman 2000015167 Coffeemaker (Best for Car Camping)
- Stanley Adventure All-in-One Boil + Brew Set (Best Budget Option)
Propane-powered coffee makers are often used when camping. They use a refillable propane canister to create a fire that heats the water used to brew the coffee.
They generally operate similar to a drip coffee maker that you might use at home.
That’s one of the main reasons why they’re popular among outdoors enthusiasts.
What is a Propane Coffee Maker?
Propane-powered coffee makers are often used when camping. They use a refillable propane canister to create a fire that heats the water used to brew the coffee.
They generally operate similar to a drip coffee maker that you might use at home.
That’s one of the main reasons why they’re popular among outdoors enthusiasts.
Many folks choose these devices because they’re predictable, easy to use, and familiar.
On the other hand, they aren’t super portable. They tend to be a bit bulkier than other brewing devices and they require propane, which makes them more ideal for car camping than hiking through the backcountry.
#1 – Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker (Top Pick)
Our hands-down favorite propane-powered coffee maker is the Coleman QuikPot.
What makes it great? In a word: Convenience.
This coffee maker comes in a compact, all-in-one design with an included carrying case for packing into the campsite or easily transporting in your car, RV, or camper van. It connects directly to an external propane canister (sold separately) and doesn’t require any additional setup or equipment to brew. This model even includes an InstaStart ignition button to for matchless lighting.
Brewing coffee with the Coleman QuikPot is both simple and quick.
- Fill the glass carafe with up to 10 cups of water
- Pour water into the reservoir; replace the carafe
- Place coffee grounds and coffee filter into the removable filter basket
- Connect propane cylinder and turn on propane
- Use the InstaLight ignition button (or match) to light internal burner
- Wait for the water to heat up (~5 to 20 minutes, depending on temperature)
- Let the coffee brew and drip into the carafe
- Pour into coffee mug and enjoy
Again, this device works very similarly to your at-home drip coffee maker–one of the reasons why it’s our top pick for the best propane coffee maker.
It includes a glass, 10-cup glass carafe, and a removable, dishwasher-safe filter basket.
The propane connector provides what Coleman calls “PerfectFlow technology” meant to ensure that the fuel flows evenly and consistently, even in extreme weather. Altogether, it offers 4,500 BTUs of cooking power.
#2 – Jetboil Flash Java Kit (Best For Fast Brewing)
If you’re looking for the quickest cup of coffee possible while camping, look no further than the Jetboil Flash Java Kit. The brewing process takes just about two minutes flat–that’s faster than most at-home drip coffee makers.
It’s also one of the most compact and lightweight options on our list, weighing in at just under 15 ounces without fuel. It functions as both a brewing device and a coffee mug. It also has a thermo-reactive sticker on the side that changes colors when the water’s up to temperature.
This is also a nice pick because it’s actually a cooking system that can be used for more than just brewing coffee.
This is a really cool device. The only real drawbacks are that it uses isobutane fuel (rather than propane) and requires the compact canisters shown in the product photo. It won’t work with propane or other types of fuel canisters.
Here’s how to use the Jetboil Flash Java Kit:
- Fill the included cooking up with water up to the fill line
- Assemble the cooking stove (fuel canister, bottom cup, and stabilizer)
- Attach the cooking cup to the cooking stove
- Turn on the fuel and press the push-button ignition
- Wait for the water to boil (~100 seconds)
- Remove mug from heat and add coffee grounds directly to the water
- Wait 3-5 minutes for the coffee to extract
- Assemble the Jetboil coffee press and insert it
- Press the Jetboil coffee press (works like a french press)
- Snap the Jetbloil coffee press onto the cooking cup as a lid
- Pour and enjoy
The Jetboil Flash Java Kit is a great camping coffee maker for solo campers or anyone who doesn’t need to brew a lot of coffee at once. If you’re camping with a group, though, you may want to consider one of our other picks.
One final note: This Jetboil system comes in various sizes.
So, depending on your camping plans and party size, you might consider one of the other models for more or less coffee (yeah right, who wants less coffee?)
First, you’ll need to grab a Jetboil Silicon Coffee Press. (Note: There is a “Regular” and “Grande” size depending on which Jetboil cook system you choose. Grande is for the Sumo model; Regular for other models.)
Then you can choose from one of the other Jetboil Camp Cook systems:
- Jetboil Stash Ultralight (0.8 Liters)
- Jetboil Sumo Camping and Backback Stove (1.8 Liters)
#3 – Coleman 2000015167 Camping Coffeemaker (Best For Car Camping)
The Coleman Camping Coffeemaker is a great camping coffee maker for car campers.
Chances are you’re not going to lug this thing on your back deep into the wilderness since it weighs in at 6 pounds. But if you’re sticking close to your car, truck, or RV, this is a reasonable way to cook up some cafe.
This camping coffee maker can brew up to 10 cups of joe at once and has a swing-out filter basket, just like your home coffeemaker. It also comes with a drip-free carafe–a nice feature if you’re camping with kids (or clumsy adults).
It also has a Pause ‘n’ Serve feature, meaning you can pull the carafe from under the coffee dripper before there’s a full pot, pour a cup, and then put it back in. The coffee drip will pause when the carafe isn’t in place, so the coffee won’t continue to drip onto the burner.
One important drawback: The Coleman Camping Coffeemaker requires a propane camp stove (sold separately).
The entire device is built to sit on top of your 2- or 3-burner propane stove and use the flame to heat the coffee in the same way as the Coleman QuikPot. But this coffee pot requires a separate stove.
Here’s how to use the Coleman 2000015167 Coffeemaker:
- Place the Coleman Camping Coffee Maker on top of your propane stovetop, above one of the burners
- Fill the glass carafe and pour the water into the water reservoir (up to the fill line)
- Add coffee grounds and coffee filter to the swing-out filter basket
- Connect your camp stove to the propane source
- Turn on the camp stove burner (keep it under 15,000 BTUs)
- Wait for the water to heat and coffee to brew (~12 minutes)
- Pour and enjoy
While slightly less convenient than some of the other options the Coleman Camping Coffeemaker is certainly simple to use. And it’s a great value–specifically if you already have and plan to camp with a propane stove on your next adventure.
The Best Coffee Percolators for Camping
These are our favorite percolators for brewing while camping:
What is a Percolator?
Looking for a rugged but simple way to brew while outdoors?
Percolators are time-tested and proven coffee machines that are perfect for brewing a cup over an open fire or campsite cook stove.
They’re good for big groups, since they often have a fairly large capacity.
Best of all, they don’t require a lot of extra equipment. While the percolator itself will take up a bit of space in your load out, they can usually be hooked or clipped to the outside of a backpack for easy portability.
Brewing with a Percolator while Camping
Making coffee with a percolator at your campsite is very simple:
- Add filtered water to the carafe
- Place coarse ground coffee into the included filter basket
- Put the lid on
- Place the entire percolator directly over a heating source (propane stove, grill, or campfire)
- Wait for the water to come to a boil
- Lower the heat and let the coffee percolate for ~15 minutes
Percolators often include a see-through resin or glass cap that lets you see the water heating up and the coffee percolating. It’s fun to watch!
Now which devices are best for your next adventure?
#4 – Farberware Yosemite Coffee Percolator
The Farberware Yosemite is a classic.
This percolator can brew a large pot of coffee—up to 12 cups at a time if you buy the bigger model. It’s made of durable stainless steel and has a sturdy handle that is easy to grip, even with gloves on.
One of the best things about this device is that it’s affordable and easy to find—you can find it on Amazon, at REI, or even find it at many grocery stores. It also has a built-in permanent filter, meaning you won’t have to worry about bringing along paper filters. Just add your grounds and brew.
And when you get home, it’s dishwasher safe—so you can just pop it in and have it ready for your next camping trip.
Probably the only downside to this classic percolator setup is that brewing great coffee can take a bit of practice. Controlling the heat and the coffee extraction is a science and an art. So you’ll probably want to get in a few test runs before you wake up desperate for a good cup of coffee.
#5 – GSI Outdoors Glacier Percolator
The GSI Outdoors Glacier Percolator is a high-quality, stainless steel camping coffee maker that is built to last. It’s made of durable 18/8 stainless steel and has a double-wall construction that helps keep your coffee hot.
This model has a heat-resistant silicone handle, making it perfect for cooking over a campfire just as well as a camp stove.
It also has a unique percolating system that evenly distributes heat, so your coffee brews evenly every time.
What makes this a really attractive option for campers is that it comes in a wide variety of sizes, including 8-cup and 12-cup capacity.
So there’s a great option here whether you’re solo hiking and camping in the backwoods or taking a big group out for a family expedition.
Like the Farberware Yosemite model, the brewing process is a breeze. You simply add grounds to the basket, add water to the reservoir, and apply heat. As with other percolators, the brew timing can be a bit tricky. But it doesn’t take too many runs to dial it in.
The Best French Presses for Camping
Another classic way to brew campsite coffee is the trusty French press.
But you don’t want the fragile glass carafe you have in your kitchen. You want a lightweight, durable model that you can pack in and pack out without much hassle.
Here are our favorite camping french presses:
- AeroPress Go Portable Travel Press (Simplest)
- Stanley Adventure All-in-One Boil + Brew Set (Most Versatile)
- Frieling Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker (Best for All-Day Coffee)
- GSI Outdoors Java Press
What is a French Press?
In case you’re not familiar with the French press brewing method, it’s a fairly simple device that includes two parts:
- Carafe or mug
- Plunger and filter
Known for making rich-tasting coffee that maintains all of the oils and body, it’s a pretty simple “set it and forget it” way to make great coffee without a lot of fuss.
Brewing with a French Press while Camping
Coffee making with a French press really couldn’t be much easier:
- Remove the plunger/filter from the carafe
- Add coarse-ground coffee to the vessel
- Heat water either in the carafe or in a separate kettle (over campfire or propane stove)
- Pour the water over the grounds
- Stir
- Replace the plunger but without pressing; let steep for 3-5 minutes
- Slowly but firmly press the plunger down, capturing the grounds
- Pour and enjoy!
Now let’s look at which devices are best suited for your needs.
#6 – AeroPress Go Portable Travel Press (Simplest Camping Coffee Maker)
As the name implies, the AeroPress Go is designed for portability and convenience. It’s a great camping coffee maker because it’s small enough to fit in your camping gear, but it’s a high-quality coffee press that takes up just a fraction of the space and pack weight of other brewing methods. And when it comes to ease of use, you can’t get much easier than this.
The AeroPress Go also comes with a mug and a filter, so you have everything you need to make coffee in one package.
If you’re looking for a coffee maker that is lightweight, easy to use, and produces great-tasting coffee, the AeroPress Go is an excellent choice.
Since this device is so compact, it’s a good solution for just about any camping trip where you’ll have a fire or stove and able to make hot water.
The only real drawback is that you’ll need a separate vessel–a kettle or pot–to heat your water before pouring it into the AeroPress.
The other limitation is that it has a single-serve capacity. So if you’re camping with a bunch of coffee drinkers, it may take a while to brew a cup for everyone.
#7 – Stanley Adventure All-in-One Boil + Brew Set (Best Budget Option)
The Stanley Boil + Brew Set is a great camping coffee maker for budget campers.
This all-in-one camping coffee maker includes a coffee pot, travel mug, and french press–everything you need to make coffee in one compact package. The stainless steel pot includes collapsible and locking handle.
It’s also made of stainless steel, so it’s BPA free and durable enough to withstand some abuse (and it won’t add any weird flavors to your delicious cup).
Like the Coleman Camping Coffeemaker, you’ll need another source of heat to use this press. Many campers will choose to prepare the hot water over a propane camp stove. But it can also be used on a campfire or other heat source.
Here’s how to use the Stanley Adventure Boil + Brew Set:
- Remove the inside sleeve from the steel pot
- Fill the pot with water to the fill line
- Place the pot on your lit camp stove or over heat source
- Wait for the water to boil (time will depend on heat source)
- Remove steel coffeepot from heat and add coffee grounds directly to the water
- Wait 3-5 minutes for the coffee to extract, then stir
- Place the french press sleeve on top of the pot and press down slowly to filter the coffee
- Pour and enjoy
If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills camping coffee maker that won’t break the bank, the Stanley Cook + Brew Set is a great option.
And it comes with a lifetime warranty to boot.
There are just a few downsides to this particular model. It does include a locking pot handle to grab and pour—but it’s not insulated or silicone, meaning it’ll probably be hot when taking it off heat and you’ll need to use gloves.
It’s also not insulated, so the coffee will lose heat more quickly than the Frieling model.
#8 – Frieling Double-Wall Stainless-Steel French Press Coffee Maker (Best Insulated Camping Coffee Maker)
The Frieling Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press is an insulated french press. It’s made of double-walled stainless steel and has a durable construction. Plus it looks pretty damn sleek.
Brewing is simple.
You add coffee grounds to the main body of the french press. Heat water over a camp stove or fire—you’ll need a separate pot or kettle for this—until it’s boiling. Take off of heat and let it cool slightly (don’t brew with boiling water or you’ll burn the coffee). Pour the hot water into the press. Stir and steep for 3-5 minutes. Then use the plunger and built-in filter to press the coffee grounds, leaving just hot coffee that’s ready to serve.
Once the coffee is brewed, the double-wall insulation will keep it hot for hours.
Like many of the brewing devices on this list, you won’t be able heat the french press over the fire directly. So, the main drawback here is that, again, you’ll need to bring along supplies to heat water before you can brew.
#9 – GSI Outdoors Java Press
The GSI Java Press is easy to use and easy to clean. It’s made of durable nylon so it’s super lightweight compared to the stainless steel french press options. It’s also a nesting set—including both the french press itself and a portable travel mug.
Both the mug and the press include insulated sleeve to keep coffee warm.
Like the Frieling option, this is not a heat-safe device, so you’ll need to heat water on your stove or fire in another vessel before brewing with the Java Press.
The biggest drawback to this model—or the biggest upside, if you’re looking for something to make coffee for just yourself—is that it’s fairly small. It’s just a 20oz press and the mug is 17oz. In other words, you’re basically making a single cup of coffee at a time.
This is more of a single-serve french press.
There is a listing for a 50-oz version of this model for big groups, but at the time of review, it doesn’t appear to be available on their site, Amazon, or REI.
The Best Coffee Dripper (Pour Over) for Camping
When it comes to minimal brewing setups, a collapsible dripper is about as simple and compact as they come.
We have one device, in particular, that we love:
- GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip (Best Ultra-Portable Coffeemaker)
What is a Coffee Pour Over?
Pour-over coffee is essentially the same as what your automatic drip coffee machine would make. But it’s the manual version of the process.
You brew coffee by pouring near-boiling hot water through suspended coffee grounds and letting the water trickle through the grounds, absorbing the oils and flavors, and then dripping into the cup or mug below.
It’s generally a single-serve brew method, meaning you make a single cup of coffee at a time.
Brewing Pour-Over Coffee while Camping
If you’re looking for good coffee in the outdoors, the barista-approved pour-over method is pretty hard to beat. And brewing coffee is super simple, although a bit more time- and attention-intensive than other brew options.
To wit:
- Place pour over device over the mug or cup
- Add medium-coarse coffee grounds in the pour over
- Heat water over stove or open flame
- Pour water over the grounds in a circular motion, wetting completely
- Let the water filter through before pouring again (3-4 pours total)
- Enjoy!
#10 – GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip (Dripper) (Best Ultra-Portable Coffee Maker)
It doesn’t get much simpler than this ulta-portable coffee dripper.
The GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip is a lightweight, portable camping coffee maker that is easy to use and easy to store. It’s made of durable silicone and can be set up in just seconds.
Unrivaled packability is the main draw. It’s just 4 inches in size and weighs almost nothing — less than 1/10th of a pound.
You can essentially turn (almost) any container into a pour-over coffee pot.
One great thing about this option for brewing coffee is that you’re in total control of the amount and strength of the coffee you brew. You can adjust the amount of grounds you add or the amount of water you use to brew a single-serve batch or up to 12 cups of coffee at a time.
There are only a few drawbacks to this ultra-portable, ultra-simple brewing method. For one — it’s a manual dripper. So brewing time—especially if you’re making coffee for the whole crew—can take a bit longer than other methods. Secondly, the simplicity of the device comes at a cost. In addition to the brewing device itself, you’ll need coffee grounds, a pot/kettle to heat water, and a mug, carafe, or thermos to brew the coffee into. So, while the device itself is ultra-portable, this could add a bit of weight to your payload if you weren’t planning to pack out these extras in the first place.
If you like the idea of making drip coffee at your campsite but aren’t sold on the GSI dripper, there are a few other options.
See also:
The Best Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker) for Camping
Last, but certainly no least, is the trusty Moka Pot, also known as a Stovetop Espresso Maker.
When it comes to brewing Moka coffee, there’s one brand we love most.
Bialetti.
So it’s no surprise that one of their models is our top pick:
- Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker (Best for Strong Coffee)
What is a Moka Pot?
The Moka Pot is similar to a percolator in function. But it uses pressure to drive water from the bottom of the pot, up through the grounds, and into the top reservoir where you pour it.
It’s worth noting that, despite being called a Stovetop Espresso Maker, the Moka Pot doesn’t technically brew espresso — just very strong, rich coffee.
Brewing Moka-Pot Coffee while Camping
The beauty of bringing a Moka Pot on your camping trip is that the process is dang simple.
- Add filtered water to the lower reservoir
- Fill the filter basket with medium-coarse ground coffee
- Assemble the Moka Pot
- Place over fire or stove to heat
- Bring the water to temp and let the coffee brew (6-10 minutes)
- Pour and enjoy!
#11 – Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker (Best for Strong Coffee)
Raise your hand if you like a kick in the pants.
The Bialetti Moka Express is a stovetop coffee pot that is easy to use and easy to clean. It’s made of durable aluminum and has a comfortable grip handle.
Also known as a stovetop espresso maker, the Bialetti is the quintessential moka pot.
The main draw: It makes damn strong coffee.
Despite the misnomer, this device doesn’t make espresso. But it does apply more pressure than other brewing methods and tends to create a richer, fuller, and bolder coffee.
Although how the moka pot works is different from a percolator, the setup and ease of use are nearly identical.
Using a moka pot like the Bialetti Moka Express will be familiar. Simply add water to the reservoir, add coffee grounds to the basket, and screw on the lid. Then, put it on your camp stove or over a fire and wait for the water to boil.
One of the big upsides to bringing a moka pot on your camping trip—you can heat and brew directly on a stove or open flame. No additional vessels required.
On the downside, this is probably the most challenging brew method on the list—it takes a special touch to brew great coffee without scorching. And, of course, not everyone is looking for that kick in the pants.
A Few Final Options
None of the above options tickling your fancy?
Well that’s a shame. But you’re not entirely out of options.
The good news is that—because we all love coffee so damn much—there is no shortage of methods and devices you can use to brew. Even when you’re a million miles from nowhere, you can brew a good cup of high-quality java.
Consider these alternatives as a last-ditch effort:
- WACACO Nanopresso – Add coffee and hot water, pump, and brew for near-instant espresso anywhere. This tiny espresso maker can pack up to 18 bars of pressure.
- WACACO Pipamoka – Another hand-powered option. The Pipamoka lets you twist ‘n’ brew coffee. Unlike the WACACO Nanopresso, this device uses vacuum but doesn’t hold the same pressure; it brews coffee—not espresso.
- AICOK Portable Espresso Maker – This is a rechargeable electronic device that you can pack and brew anywhere.
- Makita DCM501Z Portable Coffee Maker – This machine is suitable for car camping but probably not going to make its way into your ultra-light backpacking rig. It’s powered by rechargeable batteries (like the line of tools) and brews just like a countertop automatic drip machine.
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing a Camping Coffee Maker
Okay, so we’ve shared with you our top picks for the best coffee makers for campers.
But how do you know which one is right for you?
There are a few things you’ll probably want to consider when making a purchase decision.
Here’s what we suggest you keep in mind:
Portability & Packability
Since these coffee makers are meant to be used while camping, portability was a key factor in our rankings. We looked for coffee makers that were compact and easy to pack.
We also considered how easy it was to set up the coffee maker and how long it took to brew a pot of coffee.
But this of course was also balanced with cup capacity considerations.
Ease of Use
Another important consideration was the ease of use. We looked for camping coffee makers that were easy to operate, even for beginners.
We also considered how easy it was to clean up the coffee maker after brewing.
Heat Source (and Fuel Efficiency)
You’ll want to consider all of the camping gear you’re planning to take.
Will you have a propane stove and propane tanks? Or will you be relying on a campfire for your cooking and coffee needs?
For propane-powered options, consider how efficiently the coffee maker used propane. We considered both the average boil time and the burn time per ounce of propane when making our rankings.
Burn time is particularly important because it can impact how long you can use the coffee maker on a single tank of propane.
Coffee Quality
Of course, we also considered the quality of the coffee that each camping coffee maker produced. We looked at factors like brew time, water temperature, and flavor.
We also considered whether or not the coffee maker produced a consistent cup of coffee each time it was used.
Great coffee is non negotiable — no matter the outdoor occasion.
Price (And Value)
Finally, we looked at the price of each camping coffee maker. We considered both the initial cost and the cost of refilling the propane tank when making our rankings.
With all of these factors in mind, let’s take a closer look at our top picks for the best propane camping coffee makers.
We only listed high-quality products in this review.
Brewing capacity
How many people will you be camping with? If you’re camping with a large group, you’ll want to make sure you choose a coffee maker that can brew enough cups of coffee for everyone.
For instance, Coleman’s camping coffee makers (both models) can brew up to ten cups of coffee at a time, while the Stanley Boil + Brew Set cooks up 32oz at a time.
Flexibility
Some camping coffee makers are more versatile than others. For instance, the Jetboil can also be used to brew tea or make oatmeal.
Similarly, the Stanley Cook + Brew Set can also be used to heat water for other purposes (like washing dishes).
The Coleman models, on the other hand, are really just built for one thing — to brew coffee.
So consider how you’ll use the gadget and if you might use it in a variety of camping circumstances (e.g., car camping vs backpacking).
Budget
Last, but definitely not least, consider how much you’re looking to invest. How much money do you want to spend? Our list includes both high-end and budget options, so there’s something for everyone.
Remember to keep the factors we mentioned in mind and happy camping!
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