Our Top 13 Picks for Best Coffee Maker for Camping and Backpacking

Misty mountain mornings? Gazing up at a blanket of stars in the Arizona desert? Kayaking along a lazy winding river?

There’s one thing that these scenes have in common that might surprise you: succulent, savory coffee! Yep, you read that right. No coffee enthusiast or explorer should have to sacrifice their love of coffee for their sense of adventure.

Sometimes, instant coffee just doesn’t cut it. That’s why we’ve journeyed high and low to find some of the best on-the-go coffee makers for camping and backpacking!

At a Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Best Coffee Maker For Camping And Backpacking

We’ve looked at sizes, shapes, materials, brewing methods, and more to compile our list of some of the best options on the market today. All of these items are durable, ensuring that you can brew a delicious cup of coffee for as long as your journey lasts.

Wherever you travel, make sure to stay caffeinated on your journey with any of these dynamic and durable on-the-go coffee makers!

For the Solo Adventurers

Traveling alone or with a small group of companions? These camping coffee makers are perfect for brewing quality coffee in smaller amounts yet enough to fuel you and your friends.

In addition, since some of these options are smaller and more compact, they are easier to pack, carry, and clean: aka the most important qualities any traveling coffee drinker needs.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

If French press brewing is already your cup of tea, then the Aeropress is a great option for simple and fast coffee brewing while on the road. The AeroPress uses full-immersion brewing to thoroughly extract the innermost notes of flavor within the coffee, similar to a glass or stainless steel French press.

However, one thing that separates AeroPress from its French counterpart is the material. Made of 100% polyester, it’s lightweight, easy to transport, and shatter-proof.

Furthermore, the AeroPress is designed to rest on top of your coffee mug, allowing you to brew straight into your cup! After quickly rinsing it out, all that’s left to do is dry the AeroPress with a few swipes of a towel and toss it straight into your backpack.

When solo traveling–or traveling with a friend or two–the AeroPress can’t be beaten for efficiency and ease of use. Though the steeping setup is fairly simple, you’ll need access to a kettle to heat your water before brewing with the AeroPress.

If you’re traveling with a larger group, you may find yourself brewing a few batches of coffee in a row to accommodate everyone’s morning coffee needs.

Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper, Size 02, Clear

Another over-the-cup option, the Hario V60, is simpler in design than the AeroPress. The Hario continues to be an excellent option for all of the pour-over coffee lovers out there to brew coffee in any setting and is available in a variety of colors and materials.

Though the V60 you see in your local coffee shop is probably made out of glass, there are more durable plastic options that make it easier and safer to transport.

Similar to the AeroPress, the V60 also requires access to a kettle and either permanent or disposable coffee filters for brewing.

Though it’s a little bulkier when loading it in your backpack, the good news is that it doesn’t require extra assembly. You’ll also need a gooseneck kettle and permanent/disposable coffee filters to make coffee with this brewer

The Hario is made for single-serve brewing, but you may want to think twice if you’re traveling with a group of people. Though it could work for a larger group, the Hario is definitely a better option for solo travelers.

It can be more difficult to brew larger amounts of coffee in one sitting, and transferring the V60 from one camper’s cup to the next can be tiresome, especially if every member of your party drinks coffee multiple times a day. Otherwise, the Hario V60 makes brewing a breeze!

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker

Made with over 30 years of thoughtful design, the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker is a more durable French press option for French press lovers who want to maintain their brewing routine as much as possible.

The GSI is made with stainless steel for indestructibility and a silicone-ringed plunger for thorough flavor extraction.

We enjoy the GSI for traveling because it’s definitely one of the most durable options on our list. On the spectrum of stainless steel French presses, the GSI is very ultralight, making it bulky to pack but effortless to carry.

In addition, it’s comforting to know that any drops, scratches, or bumps during your journey pose no risk to the Ultralight Java Drip because of its strength and structure.

Another great characteristic is the size. The Java Drip comes in both 20- and 50-ounce sizes, allowing you to easily brew something for yourself or a small group of fellow travelers.

The insulated nylon-wrapped body contains the heat from your coffee and keeps your cup of coffee warm long after brewing, making it easy for you to enjoy a second cup or share it with others.

Slightly pricier than other options on our list, the GSI will give you all the bang for your buck because it’s not only for rough, outdoorsy travel. It will also keep creating delicious coffee for you for years to come.

Primula Brew Buddy Portable Pour Over

Are you solo traveling on a budget? The Primula Brew Buddy has your back! It’s the cheapest, smallest, most impressive portable, and is the most compact coffee maker on our list.

The Primula is lightweight (.06 pounds, to be exact) and will let you brew a single-serve cup of coffee anywhere you roam. Pour-over coffee lovers can easily pack the Primula in a suitcase, backpack, or even a jacket pocket if needed.

Comfortably fitting the rims of cups up to 4.5 inches in diameter, the Primula’s mesh filter ensures that your cup of joe is completely ground-free.

The brewing process uses the pour-over method in its simplest form; the plastic rim secures the Primula to the lip of your favorite adventure mug while you pour hot water over the grounds to brew.

Though this is one of the cheapest travel coffee makers on our list, it does lack large-scale brewing capacity, and it could potentially lack durability simply because of the cheap material it’s made of.

However, if your backpacking or camping trip only lasts for a relatively short time, then it should last through the duration of your journey.

If you need a quick cup of coffee to energize you before you pack up camp and voyage to the next location, then Primula will quickly become your favorite camping accessory.

Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper

If you want your coffee maker to be as compact as possible, the Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper is an excellent pour-over option for a savory, single-serve cup of coffee. Made out of food-grade silicone, the X-Brew is a reusable filter that requires minimal skill to operate.

Simply place the X-Brew on top of your mug, place the grounds inside the filter, and brew away! The only other thing you’ll need to brew with the X-Brew is a gooseneck kettle to pour the hot water.

The X-Brew is made of food-grade silicone and is fully collapsible, making it even easier to store in a backpack pocket. The material is also super easy to clean, only requiring a quick rinse after brewing before packing it up again to head to your next destination.

And when it comes to the design, the spiral pattern on the inner base of the dripper enables the water to thoroughly saturate the grounds and filter out effectively.

Though we don’t recommend the X-Brew for large groups, it works extremely well for individual adventurers.

The X-Brew is a great option for the solo traveler who needs something fast and simple and is primarily concerned with the efficiency and compactness of the coffee maker.

And remember, like so many other options on our list, you’ll need a gooseneck kettle to brew effectively with the X-Brew!

WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker

Glamping, anyone? Everyone’s favorite “fancy” camping accessory, the WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker, is ideal for the bougie traveler.

If you’re espresso-obsessed, the Nanpresso is portable enough to brew rich and robust espresso to fuel you with every sip.

Standing apart from other manual brewing options on our list, the Nanopresso is innovative, thoughtfully designed, and made for the technologically savvy coffee addict.

The Nanopresso’s most innovative quality? No batteries or electricity are required! With a capacity of 2.7 fluid ounces and four different colors to choose from, the Nanopresso produces a caffeine-filled shot of delicious espresso with a delectable, dense layer of crema to satisfy your taste buds.

The tamper, portafilter, and everything else is included with the Nanopresso machine, and all it takes is 20-30 pumps of the piston to brew!

This nifty device is ideal for the individual traveler, yet it can accommodate small groups if you’re willing to do some extra brewing. You can also rest assured that the Nanopresso will remain secure and protected wherever you voyage with the durable EVA material case.

However, there are a few things to consider when choosing an espresso maker like the Nanopresso. Because it’s engineered specifically for espresso brewing, you already need to be accustomed to drinking stronger espresso.

In addition, it only works with finely ground coffee. This is important for those used to brewing with the French press or pour-over method to keep in mind.

It’s best to either pre-pack finely ground coffee for your trip or at least a travel-sized coffee grinder so you can grind your coffee on the go.

JoGo Straw

With a design inspired by the traditional South American bombilla straw, this nifty coffee straw is the easiest and most lightweight coffee brewer ever. This unique little gadget is super simple to use.

Put your grinds in your mug and fill the mug with water. Use the Jogo straw to stir the grinds and wait a few minutes for brewing. After, sip from your Jogo straw and enjoy a delicious, French Press-like brew.

We love how simple and straightforward the design is, how easy it is to use and clean, and how incredibly small and lightweight it is!

If you’re looking for a coffee device that does the trick and takes up minimum space, then this is definitely the best choice. Of course, there are several factors to consider if you’re not keen on sacrificing the quality of the coffee.

Although the filter on the end of the straw does an excellent job keeping coarse grinds out, you aren’t removing the grinds from your cup, which means extraction will continue, resulting in a very bitter and over-extracted cup of coffee unless drunk within the first 4-5 minutes of brewing.

However, this would work perfectly for cold brew, as the coffee gets maximum extraction during the brewing process, or for coffee lovers who don’t mind compromising on taste quality.

Bestargot Camping Titanium Pot

Made with rust-proof titanium, this mini French Press-style single brewer is a great camping companion for a solo hiker. With the filter press built into the lid, you can make and drink your brew in the same canister. This type of coffee maker makes for a compact addition to your backpack and leaves no waste.

The mesh press is very fine and does a great job of containing the grinds once brewed. Because of the titanium build, this little pot can also serve double duty for cooking or making other things during your camping adventures. Overall, this little pot makes an excellent addition to any camping site.

For the Whole Gang

More company? More caffeine! If you’re traveling with a larger group, make sure your traveling buddies are perked up and ready for an adventure with any of these camping coffee makers large enough to serve bigger groups.

Any of these coffee makers are dependable and efficient for brewing larger quantities of coffee quickly and effectively. Though most of these options will naturally be larger than the more compact options for individual travelers, they’re more than adequate for brewing wherever you roam.

Even after your travels are over, these options also make great additions as manual coffee brewers for your kitchen at home!

Bialetti Express Moka Pot, 9-Cup, Aluminum Silver

A classic, Italian-designed brewing option, the Bialetti Express Moka Pot is durable, reliable, and definitely one of the most recognizable coffee brewers on our list.

Even those who may not drink coffee regularly can recognize the structure and shape of the Bialetti as it’s been a classic Italian-engineered coffee maker for decades.

Bialetti offers a variety of sizes (1 cup, 6 cups, 9 cups, and 12 cups) designed well enough to hold as much coffee as you need.

For ideal volume size and travel, we suggest purchasing the 6-cup or 9-cup option to accommodate a larger group and repeating the brewing cycle once or twice to produce multiple cups of coffee without sacrificing storage space.

We enjoy the Bialetti because it’s designed for brewing extremely strong coffee, which is why it has made its way into many Italian and American homes over time. However, while Bialetti makes a strong cup of coffee, its materials aren’t super strong.

The Bialetti is naturally lighter because it’s made of aluminum, making it easy to travel with. Still, it can be damaged if it takes a tumble on more strenuous hiking trails.

In addition, you’ll need to consider how often your Bialetti is exposed to water or rain since aluminum can rust easily.

Secura French Press Coffee Maker

If durability is your must-have, the Secura French Press makes an excellent addition to any hiking or camping adventure. The exterior and the interior are made of 18/10 stainless steel, ensuring the coffee maker can survive any toss or tumble.

And, though the Secura will keep your coffee safe, it’s also stylish, making it a great accessory to your campsite.

The outside of the Secura is structured well, but the inside construction of the French press filter is really impressive.

The three-layer stainless steel unit is easy to disassemble and clean, and a bonus stainless steel screen is included in the filtration system to keep extra coffee grounds out of your finished brew.

This system also gives you more control over the overall strength of your french press coffee. To brew a stronger batch of hot coffee, just stack the mesh screens to filter the grounds out, giving your delicious coffee more polished notes of flavor.

In addition, the Secura’s handle is also a “cool-touch” handle, making it comfortable to touch when pouring the coffee. Another reason to love the durable material of the Secura is that once your hiking expedition is over, you can just stick it in the dishwasher because it’s dishwasher-safe!

Faberware Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Percolator

Meet the Faberware Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Percolator: your new favorite thing to pack for all your future backpacking trips!

Faberware has been used to brew delicious coffee since the early/mid-1900s. Faberware comes in both 8-cup and 12-cup options, but we advise using the 8-cup size because it may be a bit easier to pack and carry around.

Furthermore, the quality of the stainless steel used to construct the Faberware can’t be beaten. Polished to be as shiny as a mirror, the percolator is definitely one of the most aesthetic options on our list–yet all of those aesthetics still serve an important function.

For example, there’s a glass knob located on the top of the lid that allows you to see the brewing process in action!

One of the greatest characteristics that we love about the percolator is that you won’t need to bring a kettle to boil water for your coffee. You can actually boil water inside the percolator as the coffee is brewing!

However, it’s best to have your own portable camp stove to place your percolator on to adequately brew the coffee.

Mueller French Press Double-Insulated Coffee Maker

With its food-grade stainless steel construction, the Mueller French Press is a durable option that your group can use to brew savory french press coffee by the campfire after a long day of hiking. It’s double-insulated to preserve temperatures for both hot and cold liquids.

An Austrian brand, the Mueller French Press is an excellent option for those who are looking for a dependable, large-capacity coffee brewer that’s sleek and aesthetically designed.

The Mueller’s body is impressively strong, drop-proof, and rust-proof, and the thoughtfully designed inside keeps your tasty coffee warm for over an hour.

Weighing about 2.2 pounds on its own, the Mueller’s larger volume does make it heavier and bulkier. However, if you’re traveling with a larger group, it may be easier to accommodate if several people are willing to take turns transporting it.

Stanley Camp Pour Over Coffee Set

Made with stainless steel and coming in three different color options, this nifty pour-over device is great for solo camping or a group. The brewer clicks on the top of the mug and filters your pre-ground coffee as you pour water on top.

Once you have a fresh, steaming cup of coffee, simply rinse out the top portion and use it again for the next person.

There are 12 and 20-ounce sizes available, and although the device isn’t large, being 8.9 inches high and 5.8 inches wide, it’s not compact in any way, making it a bit bulky.

Some users also found swapping out the metal filter for paper filters was more in line with their coffee preference, but ultimately it’s up to the consumer and what you like.

Things to Consider Before Buying

You need to consider where and how you’re traveling before deciding to bring a coffee maker along, and you’ll also need to take into account the terrain, weather, access to fresh water, and access to fire/heat to boil water, etc.

Once you figure all that out, then you can decide which coffee maker works best for you based on these characteristics.

Weight and Material

Though these may seem pretty straightforward, the composition of your coffee maker will determine how easy it is to carry around.

The heavier the brewer, the more inconvenient it will be to transport, and the weight of the coffee maker is primarily determined by the material used in the coffee maker.

Metal naturally weighs more than materials like cloth, plastic, or silicone, which can be easily transported.

Likewise, the size of the coffee maker will also determine how potentially heavy it is. That’s why it’s important to verify how much coffee you really need to brew.

Volume

When making coffee on the go, size, in fact, DOES matter. When choosing which brewer best suits your needs, it’s important to consider whether you’ll need enough brewing capacity to brew just for yourself or for a group of people each day.

Taking the volume of your container into account will also help you “guestimate” how much storage space it will take to transport.

Ease of Use and Portability

Whether you’re camping or backpacking, you’ll need to consider exactly how you’ll be transporting your coffee maker–in a backpack, in a vehicle/RV, etc.

Furthermore, you’ll also need to consider if your coffee maker even requires extra materials to brew – such as a kettle, coffee mug, disposable filters, etc.

The ease of usability also matters. Portable coffee makers should be simple to assemble and disassemble, as well as easy to pack. When you assemble your coffee maker, the transfer from backpack to camping stove should only take a matter of seconds.

The cleaning process is another step that’s important to consider. Cleaning and repacking the coffee maker should be simple and fast.

Depending on how remote your destination is, access to running water is another factor that may influence both the brewing and cleaning process–something to also consider when choosing your coffee maker.

Brewing Style

If you’re accustomed to your permanent, machine-based coffee brewing methods at home, you may have to reconsider what type of coffee best accommodates your traveling lifestyle.

Since outdoor traveling already has its limitations regarding the comfort of everyday life, you’ll have to resign yourself to more manual methods of brewing, such as the French press and the pour-over method.

In addition, if you have to adapt to a new brewing style, you may also have to adjust to the new strength of the coffee that the brewing style creates.

For example, coffee drinkers used to espresso-based beverages such as lattes, cortados, or cappuccinos may have difficulty adjusting to drinking black coffee from a pour-over or French press.

Likewise, depending on what brewing method you prefer, you’ll need to consider any extra equipment that you may need to brew your coffee.

For example, methods like pour-over involve the use of a gooseneck kettle and paper filters, while other brewing processes may involve more.

You’ll need extra tools to brew your cups of coffee; a coffee grinder, a kettle for hot water, a grinder, coffee beans if you prefer to grind your coffee while traveling, paper filters, and more are all essential.

Cost

Lastly, your traveling coffee maker should be a quality investment, but it doesn’t need to break the bank. Just because a product is the most expensive doesn’t mean it’s the most suitable for you.

Ideally, the characteristics of the coffee maker that best fits your travel needs will determine the overall cost.

Simply stated: if you’re looking for a coffee maker made out of extremely durable, well-made material, such as stainless steel, you may be looking at a slightly higher price range than opting for a cloth or plastic version.

The Verdict

There are many backpacking and camping coffee makers out there for you to choose from, but it really just comes down to what best suits your needs.

Make sure to consider how easy your backpacking coffee maker is to transport, as well as any extra equipment you may need for brewing.

So, grab your camping coffee maker and coffee cup, pack a bag, and get to brewing in the great outdoors!

Happy Caffeinating!