Coffee On The Go: Ways To Make Coffee While Camping
Coffee On The Go: Ways To Make Coffee While Camping
Camping. It evokes images of starry nights, the crackling of a campfire, and the refreshing embrace of nature. But for many of us, the thought of giving up our morning coffee ritual might feel like a daunting sacrifice. Don't worry; whether you're an occasional camper or a hardcore adventurer, there are several ways to make coffee while camping that will make your outdoor excursion as enjoyable as your cozy mornings at home. Let me share some techniques with you.The Classic Campfire Method
Nothing screams “outdoorsy” like brewing coffee over an open fire. The classic campfire method not only provides you with that necessary caffeine kick but also enhances your camping experience with a touch of nostalgia. Here's how I usually do it:
First, I gather my supplies: a metal coffee pot, ground coffee, and water. I fill the coffee pot with water and place it on the campfire to boil. Once boiling, I add a generous amount of coffee grounds, stirring occasionally. After about 5-10 minutes, I remove the pot from the fire and let it sit for a bit, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom. A quick pour into my cup and voila! Rich, smoky campfire coffee.
French Press
If you are like me and you can't compromise on coffee quality, carrying a French Press to the wilderness is a brilliant idea. The French Press method is fairly simple and yields a strong, flavorful brew.Here's my routine: start by boiling water over your camping stove or campfire. Place coarsely ground coffee into the French Press – the general rule is one to two tablespoons per cup of water. Pour the hot water over the grounds, stir, and let it steep for about four minutes. Press the plunger down gradually and pour the coffee into your mug. The results? A robust cup of joe that can rival any fancy coffee shop.
Pour Over Coffee
The pour-over method is another favorite of mine for its simplicity and flavor. The method is also incredibly versatile, and easily adapted to the great outdoors.To make pour-over coffee while camping, you'll need a portable pour-over coffee maker – there are several designed specifically for camping – alongside your coffee grounds and hot water. Simply set the pour-over dripper over your mug, add a coffee filter and the coffee grounds, then pour hot water over the grounds in a slow, circular motion. The coffee drips through the filter into your mug, providing a clean and delicious brew.
Single-Serve Bags
Single-serve coffee bags are the camper's best friend. Imagine the convenience of a tea bag, but it's coffee! These pre-packaged coffee bags are lightweight, easy to pack, and require minimal effort.I start by heating water over my campfire or portable stove. Then, I place the coffee bag into my mug and pour the hot water over it. Steeping time can vary based on how strong you prefer your coffee, but around 5 minutes often does the trick for me. Give it a little stir, and I have a hassle-free cup of coffee ready to go.
GoSun Brew
When I'm craving a quick, easy, and excellent cup of coffee while camping, the GoSun Brew is my go-to gadget. It's compact, durable, and perfect for travel. It has a built-in heater coil that is powered by 12 volts from your car, a battery, or solar power. The GoSun Brew yields a smooth, espresso-style coffee, which can be enjoyed as is or mixed with hot water for a traditional cup of coffee.Percolator Coffee
The percolator is a tried and true method for making coffee while camping. It's durable, versatile, and can be used over a campfire or camping stove, making it a reliable companion for any camping trip.I use a stovetop percolator and begin by adding water to the bottom chamber. Next, I add enough coffee grounds to the basket (usually one tablespoon per cup of water) and place it on the campfire. As the water heats, it's pulled up through a tube, saturating the coffee grounds and then trickling back down. I usually keep an eye on it and let it perk for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong I want my coffee. The percolator has never failed me, delivering a rich, aromatic brew every time.
Instant Coffee
Okay, I get it. Sometimes we don't want to fuss around with gadgets and gizmos when we are camping. Enter instant coffee. For those days when simplicity is key or I'm running low on time, instant coffee is my savior.To prepare, I simply boil water, add a scoop of instant coffee granules into my mug, and pour the hot water over it. Stir and sip. While it might not be on par with the taste of freshly brewed coffee, it certainly does the job of waking me up and getting me ready to explore nature. Plus, it's lightweight and compact, sparing me of the burden of heavy equipment.
Coffee in a Pot
One particularly minimalistic method for those who wish to avoid extra equipment is simply brewing coffee in a pot. This technique takes us back to basics, requiring only a pot, water, and coffee grounds.I start by boiling water in a pot over my campfire or portable stove. Once boiling, I add coffee grounds and stir. The key here is to let it continue boiling for a couple more minutes. After that, I remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a bit to allow the grounds to settle to the bottom. I then carefully pour the coffee into my mug, making sure not to stir up the grounds. This method offers a straightforward and strong cup of coffee, ideal for the minimalist camper.
Specialized Portable Coffee Makers
Lastly, for those coffee aficionados not willing to compromise on quality, there are numerous specialized portable coffee makers designed for the outdoors. Depending on your budget and space constraints, these can be a superb investment.Some of these specialized brewers even mimic traditional espresso machines but are designed to be lightweight and durable. I've found that some portable coffee makers that run on batteries or propane can make a barista-quality espresso right at your campsite. The convenience and quality combination they offer is well worth considering for serious coffee lovers.
Conclusion
Camping should be an enjoyable escape, not an excuse to settle for subpar coffee. With these methods, I've found that it's completely possible to savor a great cup of coffee while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you prefer the classic campfire method, the rich taste of a French Press, or the convenience of instant coffee, there's a way to suit everyone's palate and camping style. Give them a try and find your perfect brew under the stars.I'd love to hear about your favorite camping coffee techniques or any adventures where coffee made the experience even better.
