Camping With Coffee: How to Brew Your Own Coffee Outdoors and Get It Right Every Time
Crisp fresh air, the sound of birds chirping, and the beautiful flow of nature is all you need to reset your mind and recharge your energy. Add to that a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and you’re ready for anything the road might bring.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast who lives for the adrenaline or you love to camp with your family, there’s a Sträva Craft Coffee for every adventure style. But how do you brew a delectable cup of coffee while out in the wild?
Keep reading to learn how to brew your own coffee outdoors, discover the best brewing methods, and make the perfect cup every single time.
Outdoor Coffee Brewing Made Easy: Equipment and Accessories
To make the perfect coffee outdoors, just like the one you make at home, you need the right equipment and the right brewing method. Whether you’re camping or going on a hike, a good cup of Sträva will keep you energized and alert.
You can take a bag of whole beans with you and grind them right before brewing or grind the beans at home and pack them in an airtight container. Also, decide on the brewing equipment you’ll bring based on the type of trip.
The best brewing pots for making coffee outdoors include:
- Moka pot – perfect for making coffee over a campfire or on a portable stove
- Mini espresso maker – great for fresh espresso wherever you are
- Portable coffee pod machine - perfect for K-cups and coffee capsules
- Percolator – the best option for brewing over a campfire
- French press – a simple, easy solution for making coffee on the go
- Aeropress – great portable solution for all outdoor trips
- Cold brew coffee – great refreshment, pre-packed solution, saves time and space
- Single-serve pour over – if you love this coffee brewing method and want to try it outdoors
You’ll also need:
- A bag of high quality coffee
- Coffee mugs or travel mugs
- Manual coffee grinder
- Paper filters
- Water kettle
- Spoons
- Sweetener
- Milk or creamer
Now you’re ready for a caffeine-fueled camping trip and we’re here to support your adventures.
The Best Methods for Brewing Coffee Outdoors
Cowboy Coffee
Cowboy coffee is one of the oldest coffee-brewing methods that got its name because it was a favorite among American cowboys in the Wild West. They loved their coffee black and strong, using a single pot to brew a big batch that would keep them awake and alert.
If you find yourself without any coffee equipment and need a cup of joe, simply toss the coffee grinds in a kettle or pot filled with water (1:1 ratio) and put the kettle over the fire. As soon as it starts to boil, immediately remove the pot from the fire.
The next step varies in different cowboy coffee recipes. Some people add crushed eggshells to reduce the acidity levels; others add more cold water to help the grinds settle at the bottom and stop the brewing process. In authentic cowboy coffee, the coffee grinds should stay in the cup.
Moka Pot
The Moka Pot was invented by Luigi Di Ponti and put into production by the Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti who made this invention popular around the world. The Moka pot is made of aluminum (or stainless steel) and you put it on a stovetop or a gas stove in order to brew an extraordinary cup of espresso.
To brew coffee in the Moka pot, fill the bottom section with water, add a scoop of grinds in the filter, and close the pot. As the water at the bottom boils, it goes up through the coffee grinds, and all the way to the top part of the pot, where it emerges in the form of espresso.
Aeropress
The Aeropress is a light, portable coffee maker that’ll give you a smooth, strong cup of coffee wherever you are. To make coffee in the Aeropress, boil the water first. Then, insert the coffee filter in the filter cap. Lock the filter cap with the brewing chamber and run hot water through the filter.
Add the coffee grinds in the Aeropress chamber and pour a little hot water to let the grinds bloom. After 30 seconds, stir the grinds and add the remaining water. Press the Aeropress plunger down and you’ll get a nice cup of delicious coffee.
French Press
The French press is a favorite brewing method among outdoor enthusiast because of its ease of use and richness of the coffee. If you love a full-bodied cup of coffee without bringing heavy coffee-brewing equipment, the French press is a lifesaver.
Heat the water without boiling. Add the coffee grinds to the bottom of the press and pour a little hot water over them to help them bloom. Add the remaining hot water to the press and stir. Insert the plunger and let the coffee steep for around 5 minutes. Press the plunger downwards and enjoy your French press coffee.
Cold Brew Coffee
When you don’t have the time or equipment to brew hot coffee, cold brew coffee is a great way to get your daily caffeine without worrying about hot water, filters, and heat.
Simply add your coffee grinds into a jar or container filled with water (ratio: ¾ cup beans per 4 cups of water). Place the coffee in a mini-fridge overnight and enjoy your coffee the next day.
You can also prepare the cold brew before your camping trip and bring it with you to heat it or enjoy it cold.
Best Coffee for Outdoor Coffee Brewing
When prepping for your camping trip, pack the coffee equipment in a separate bag that you can access easily. Place the coffee beans in an airtight sealed container or buy a brand new bag that’ll be fresh and ready for grinding and brewing.
Here are some of our favorite roasts we think you’ll love on your next camping adventure:
- Sträva Regular Strength Medium Roast - with 10 mg CBD per serving (8oz cup)
- Sträva Regular Strength Dark Roast - with 10 mg CBD per serving (8oz cup)
- Sträva Maximum Strength Medium Roast - with 20 mg CBD per serving (8oz cup)
- Sträva Maximum Strength Dark Roast - with 20 mg CBD per serving (8oz cup)
- Sträva Craft Coffee K-Cup Compatible Capsules – the entire Sträva Original CBD Infused Coffee Collection packed in convenient 4-packs, 12-packs, and 48-packs perfect for traveling
- Sträva Craft Coffee Nespresso Compatible Pods – with 10 mg CBD per serving (1.15 oz. cup)
What Is Your Favorite Outdoors Coffee Brewing Method?
Whether you’re going camping or taking a trip to the countryside, making coffee outside is a whole new experience.
All you need is a portable coffee maker, a bag of the best beans, and a campfire to brew a cup of perfectly smooth coffee.
Have you ever made coffee while camping? Which of these methods did you use? Share your tips with us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook and let us know how it went.
Frosina A. Ivanovic is a content marketing specialist and writer. She’s passionate about quality coffee, travel, wellness, and digital marketing. You can connect with Frosina on LinkedIn or her website, Zhillmatic.
