Last Updated on September 1, 2020
Are you looking for the best camping coffee maker?
I love my morning coffee and I spend a lot of time in the woods camping, hiking, backpacking, traveling, and trail riding so I have spent years testing different coffee making methods while in the woods. I’m not a big fan of instant coffee so I like percolators and similar camping coffee methods.
I’ve reviewed the most popular camping coffee maker models on the market today and after reading this article you will know my recommendations.
Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my top camping coffee maker picks, or read on for the full review:
- Coletti Bozeman Percolator Camping Coffee Pot
- Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator
- GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot
- Eureka! Camp Café Camping Coffee Maker
- Pour Over Coffee Dripper Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
- GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip
- GSI Outdoors JavaPress French Press Coffee Mug
- Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker
- Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker Press
Table of Contents
Types of Camping Coffee Makers
Percolator: The camping percolator is my favorite style of camping coffee maker. It is the classic style most people think of when picturing making their morning coffee over the campfire. This style you place your water in the canister and your coffee grounds in the metal filter that is raised above the water. You place your percolator on the fire or a grilling grate and allow the water to boil. The boiling water will bubble up to the grounds making a strong cup of coffee. A pecolator camping coffee maker is easy to get started with that is a bit of an art form in itself as you learn to make the ideal cup of coffee.
Pour over or Drip Style: This is another great way to make coffee at the campfire. A pour over style has a coffee filter holder that you can place over a coffee pitcher or directly over your coffee mug. You place a filter and your grounds in the filter holder and pour boiled water into over the grounds. This is another simple way to make coffee but it too is fun to learn how to make a great tasting cup of joe. This is an ideal style of coffee maker for backpackers and hikers due to the light weight of the system.
Coffee Press: If you are familiar with a French press coffee maker, you know how this camping coffee maker works. You place your coffee grounds and hot water in the bottom of the coffee press. Let it stand for your desired amount of time (I go for about 4 minutes) then press the plunger down. Some people prefer to only press the plunger down part way. Either way you did it, this is a great way to make your morning coffee. Some models double as a thermos allowing you to take your coffee on the go.
Best Camping Coffee Maker
I’ve been making my coffee on the trails for decades and honestly I take my morning coffee seriously. A great cup of coffee isn’t a luxury, it’s a part of the joy of the outdoors and I’m picky about the performance of my camping coffee makers. I’ve reviewed the top models for performance, durability, and value. Find my top picks for percolators, pour over, and coffee press models below.
Camping Percolators
Coletti Bozeman Percolator Camping Coffee Pot
This is an exceptional percolator ideal for camping, hiking, and travel. It is constructed of durable 18/8 stainless steel with a glass cover topper. This coffee percolator makes a rich and full flavored brew. It comes with filters but you do not need to use them as the metal basket works great on it’s own. Like I said, I am a huge fan of the percolator style and this is a great model.
- Durable stainless steel
- Glass cover topper
- For campfire grates or stove top
- Great tasting coffee
- Excellent value
Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator
This lightweight camping percolator comes with everything you need to make a great cup but the coffee. Inlcudes the base, the tube, basket and lid. It can brew up to 12 cups over the campfire making it perfect for families and camping groups. It is well constructed and is built to last.
- Stainless steel
- Corrosion resistant
- Easy to clean
- 12 cup capacity
- Ideal for families and groups
- Excellent value
GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot
I’ve had a blue enamel camping coffee percolator for years. As a little guy, I remember watching my grandpa making his morning coffee in this classic style pot. It has an 8 cup capacity and steel constructed. The see through cover knob let’s you see your coffee perking making it easy to know when your coffee is brewed just right. Makes a great cup of camping coffee.
- Classic blue enamel coffee percolator
- 8 cup capacity
- Durable steel construction
- Manufacturer warranty
Camping Pour Over and Drip Coffee Maker
Eureka! Camp Café Camping Coffee Maker
This is a high quality coffee maker ideal for backpacking, hiking, and camping. It features a large capacity 80 oz kettle that boils water quickly and efficiently. The filter holder and coffee carafe sits snugly in the kettle for safe brewing. It can double as a camping cooker for noodles and freeze dried meals.
- High quality hiking, backpacking, and travel coffee maker
- BPA free
- Large 5 liter capacity
- Brew an excellent cup of coffee
- Durable and lightweight
Pour Over Coffee Dripper Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
While I am a percolator fan, I also own a number of these pour over coffee makers. They really do make an excellent cup of coffee simply and quickly. This pour over fits well over your coffee cup or mug and has an excellent flow. It is compact and lightweight making it a great option for long hiking trips. This is a great value pour over drip style camping coffee maker.
- Lightweight and compact
- Makes excellent coffee
- Ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking
- BPA free
- Excellent value
GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip
This is an even lighter weight and compact pour over coffee maker. It features a collapsible design making it easy to store without taking up much room in your pack. It fits well over your mug for easy spill free coffee brewing. It has a snap on cover that I quite like as well.
- Brews up to 12 cups with one filter
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Lightweight
- Spill free brewing
- Excellent value
Camping Coffee Press
GSI Outdoors JavaPress French Press Coffee Mug
This is a high quality camping coffee press. It is very well constructed making it ideal for regular use. It is essentially a french press which allows for a great brew once dialed in. It has a large 30 oz capacity for all day coffee when hiking or camping.
- French press design
- Large 30 oz capacity
- Consistent brew
- BPA free
Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker
Another great coffee press for on the go. It is ideal for camping and travel with it’s durable stainless steel construction. The handle stays cool for easy pouring. It has a large 34 oz capacity making it great for families and groups. Comes with a high quality coffee screen for consistent coffee quality.
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Large 34 oz capacity
- Ideal for families and groups
- Excellent brew consistency
- Great value
Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker Press
This is unique camping coffee maker that is ideal for travel, camping, hiking, and even taking to work. Just pour in heated water, place a K-cup in and press down. It’s as easy as that. Great for solo adventurers or couples who are looking for a compact manual K-cup coffee maker.
- Manual K-cup coffee maker
- Compact design
- Ideal for individuals and couples
- Excellent value
For more guides and tips read these articles:
- Going Camping? Don’t Forget the Cooking Tripod
- Stay Hydrated While On The Trails
- 12 Essential Trail Riding Tips To Keep You Safe and Having Fun
- Top Rated Reviews: Saddle Bags
Having a great cup of coffee while traveling, camping, hiking or backpacking doesn’t have to be a challenge with a high quality camping coffee maker. I’ve spent years testing different styles and models and have become decently skilled at getting a great cup of coffee over the campfire. My top picks for camping percolators, pour over, and french press style coffee makers will help you get an awesome cup of joe too.
Here is the quick list with my best camping coffee maker picks one more time. To see prices and customer reviews view the links below.
- Coletti Bozeman Percolator Camping Coffee Pot
- Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator
- GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot
- Eureka! Camp Café Camping Coffee Maker
- Pour Over Coffee Dripper Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
- GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip
- GSI Outdoors JavaPress French Press Coffee Mug
- Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker
- Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker Press
Fred is the editor of Equine Ridge. He grew up raising horses and has been riding, training, and competing for almost four decades. Fred started out performing on the AQHA and PHBA circuits. Fred trained other competitors in English and Western riding disciplines and today offers free riding lessons to youth who would otherwise not be able to afford lessons. When not working with horses he can be found backpacking or trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Email Fred at fred@equineridge.com