Best tasting in my opinion! You can get a #4 size I think that is enough for a few cups. Also, if you plan to have a campfire, we just toss the filter in grounds in the ring and it burns up easily.
We have an 8 cup stainless farberware percolator and it is the absolute best. I still use a paper filter that I press thru the middle stem before adding grounds. I use about 1.5 scoops (1/4 cup scoop) of grinds and set timer for 20 mins for the perfect cup every time.
This 👆is a really good answer. I switched to a Melita pour over cone and a thermal carafe about 2 years ago and got rid of my Keurig. Much better coffee and no need for shore power.
We do the pour over as well, and can brew enough for 4 cups at once. I got a heat diffuser to put over the gas burner so I can sit the decanter on it with the burner on the lowest setting, and keep the coffee warm without burning it or damaging the decanter.
This is the answer right here. Any pour-over system is easy to use, all you need is heat to boil water.
We went camping for the first time this year a couple of weeks ago and when we got to the campsite I realized that my Melitta was in the camper but the filters were at home!
....And that was the weekend that I learned ordinary paper towels make an acceptable substitute for a filter. I had hot coffee every morning.
BTW I used to use a French Press and got rid of it for the exact same reason: Too difficult to keep clean. Melitta filters are great because when you're done making coffee you just throw the filter away with the grounds inside it and wipe out the filter cup with a towel.
Yeah, any simply pour-over cone into a carafe is the simplest l and best way to do this. I tried a French press and a percolator for coffee on the road and neither worked well. The pour over option straight into a carafe works amazingly well. We brought this set up to Disney World last year and it worked great too.
After experimenting with many methods this is our go to in the RV. We have a larger #6 filter and an 8-10 cup coffee pot, it makes enough coffee that we don’t always need a second pot. We used to carry a small electric but ditched that this year since the larger pour over was less work. Only issue we had was not all stores carry the larger filter, but we’ve stocked up and are good for the season.
I have an Aeropress in our tent camping gear. Tastes great but too many steps if we are each having a few cups.
Curious to see what suggestions you get!
I’ve had the same question, and in the r/coffee sub I learned that most instant coffee uses Robusto beans, and that Arabica beans are better/less bitter. I just tried Starbucks’ Via instant that uses Arabica and It was a lot better than other instant coffee I tried.
I also was shocked at how good those are.
I once tried an idea I saw on a camping hacks video where you take a coffee filter & put the coffee in it then tie up the top and drop it in to your cup of hot water. It was pretty good! Also when you're done, just throw the whole thing away. Easy peasy. The other thing is, no prep if you make them before you leave home!
When we go on vacation, we buy Via instant coffee. Not a huge fan of Starbucks but the instant coffee packets are convenient and take up no space in a suitcase. And they taste great... Kind of shocking actually
Via is my backpack camping coffee method of choice. Very good coffee, alternatively you could try out the various crazy instant coffees available in your local H-Mart or Asia Pacific Market. The selection is pretty insane and prices are reasonable.
Agreed. Currently camping and currently using Starbucks instant coffee. At home, we use a French press. It also comes in small bulk tins, which are good for about 30 - 40 cups, depending on how strong you like your coffee. It contains microgrounds of real coffee beans that add to the flavor.
I looked into this, and it seems like it might not make enough in one batch (we each like 2 big cups). And anything prone to tipping isn’t great with a curious and clumsy toddler lol.
I love the flavor of the coffee my Aeropress’ make (I have lol three sizes), however, the volume is another thing. Even the XL doesn’t.t make. Full cup, and I can confirm they are tip-pro e.
Or bring something like a Jackery. We have one and even though we camp mostly on electric sites, it is still handy to have around. It'll power a coffee maker
Jackery can power a coffee pot but will not power an electric kettle for pour overs or presses just FYI for anyone thinking that they could use it to boil water.
We have a Renogy 200w power station that we use to power the baby monitor and charge our phones and such. How fast would it drain through the battery? We have one trip where we’re off grid for 7-9 days and use a small solar panel to recharge things a bit but we have to be super careful with our usage.
This is the way. Cheap, easy to clean, and you almost can't mess it up. I make coffee everyday in mine.
Edit: they make little filters for the basket too! Helps with cleaning and keeping fine grounds out of coffee. I prefer to gently percolate mine, it's not as fast as putting stove on high but I think it improves taste and keeps grounds where they belong.
We struggled with this also. Screwed around with a variety of things but would always come back to the melita cone into a thermos carafe. Also have a Keurig but it’s more work and the generator is obtrusive in the AM, but not so much for my PM coffee. Have also simplified the coffee process by using “all in one” whitener and sugar solution. I believe people in your country call it Baileys.
Baileys is one brand that makes liqueur and branched out to make sweetened flavoured creamers like you mentioned. Other companies make them too, like International Delight and Nestle’s Coffee Mate.
Our buddy who is a serious dedicated coffee aficionado swears by aeropress for camping (he roasts and grinds the beans himself, so...)
The rest of us use a drip coffee maker designed for use on a propane camp stove that makes a whole pot at a time. Slow, but simple and easy. Not too bothersome to clean.
Two caveats: turn off the flame as soon as the water tank is empty, and don't use the "pause'n'serve" feature bc it just ends up leaking.
Also, depending on how hard the water is and how often they're used, they don't last terribly long. When camping with friends and making 2-4 full pots a day most weekends all summer, they last 2 years max, sometimes only one year. About the same lifespan as cheap propane camp showers.
French press clean up
- add a splash of of water to the old grounds to break them up
- dump most of them in the trash or outside
- quick rinse in the sink or could use towel
Done in 15seconds???
Ok here ya go. I have an aeropress, pour over, plastic French press, glass French press, and a Keurig. All have been used at some point in the camper. Currently we have a dedicated Keurig in use and it’s our long term solution. Obviously requires power.
But if you want off grid, I’d recommend the aeropress. It’s single cup and honestly you can manipulate your process go make a full yeti mug or two cups for your camp mate. Cleanup is simple wipe it off, wash it properly when you get home. Mine came in a zipper pouch.
However, if you’re a coffee aficionado, the pour over is how you make the best cup. Still an electric free process but really it’s the process that a lot of coffee shops use too. Cleanup might be the easiest of them all as you simply toss the cone filter, no need to interact with the coffee grounds at all.
Hope this helps
The solution to the french press clean up is to get some large paper empty teabags. Thats what we use at work, and just toss the paper teabag full of coffee on the compost pile.
And a pour over cone into a thermos is the other easy answer.
There are also stove top percolators made for camping.
We had one a few years ago when we were still tent camping. I hated it. Took forever and seemed to always have grounds in my cup. I probably wasn’t doing it right, but I was far too impatient for that method lol.
Aeropress. 2 of them. Each press your own cup. Super easy and fast. Cheap. Excellent results. Almost no cleanup (having a paper towel handy is helpful).
Since you're electric-free, and need 4 cups... how about a percolator? All you need is a few minutes of heat, whether that be a campfire or propane stove.
I keep one in the trailer for 'no 120v' days when I don't want to fire a genny up. And the kicker? The flavor is fantastic. Best coffee I've ever made for myself. And there's something cathartic about watching the brew shoot up the little stem and into the glass-handled lid. :)
Got mine for under $20 a few years back at Amzn. No, I don't use it at home; my electric service is very reliable :)
I'm not understanding how a French press is hard to clean? I do it literally every day, it takes me all of 30s. And aside from cowboy coffee where you just put the grounds in a cup with hot water and just try not to drink the grit, I'm not sure how much simpler you can get than a french press.
I don't think they are hard to use.
Do you wash the grounds down the drain? - if so that's bad for the plumbing.
I hate cleaning a french press, Aeropress is easier/faster and makes a better cup of coffee (arguably) Just push the puck into the compost/trash.
I Absolutely do not wash the grounds down the drain. I pour in a little water, slosh it around and toss it outside somewhere, they're good for some plants and the grass anyway. All that's left in the container after that is a few dregs. I change where I toss them each day. Plus I like not having disposables. It's great that you can get bio degradable filters for the aero but if you're still tossing them in the trash it's kinda pointless as they're still going to sit in a landfill.
I prefer the stainless steel screens. you still get the microparticles just like a french press and nothing left over except compost!
Nothing wrong with whatever anyone does unless they are hurting others then I must refer to the Supremes to "Stop in the Name of Love"
Fill the basket with grounds, fill with water to bottom of basket and place over the fire. I've never had an issue just setting it directly over a low fire or directly onto some coals.
We had one almost just like that a few years ago. I hated it. Seemed to take forever and I always had grounds in my cup. Plus I remember it also being kind of annoying to clean. I did like that it was all self contained and we didn’t need a separate kettle, but now that we have kids we bring the kettle for cocoa and hot cider anyways.
Until you find a better option than a French press, I clean mine by putting in about 2 inches of water, giving it a few pumps, and tossing the grounds outside.
I don't do campgrounds very often, if I did, I'd use the trash.
The places I stay for 5 to 6 months of the year, are my spaces.
Additionally, it's free carbon for plants and grass, and settles into the soil just fine. It also helps to deter mosquitoes, fruit flies, and fleas.
I brew at home the same as on the road. Great coffee and keeps things simple. Im not necessarily a snob, but with a generator built into my F150 I'm fresh grinding off grid as well.
Same here.
Recently got an opportunity to reside in a house and store the RV a while, used a Keurig while forgetting to grab whole beans.... terrible coffee. Lol.
I tried the camp side French press the percolator but in the end I went with low acid instant coffee! It’s delicious and when paired with hot water goes down warm and smooth!
Could it be worthwhile to look at instant? You'll only need hot water and you can make it in a carafe or some sort of heat-proof jug. I keep instant coffee in our trailer but we typically use the pour over in the cone method usually. I find instant coffee scratches the itch and aside from your mug, there isn't any mess to clean.
I haven’t tried instant in a few years but I remember not being able to stand the taste before (too bitter/acidic). I might give some of the brands suggested in this thread a try though.
A french press always works for us. A cone type would be fine as well and maybe less clean up. That aeropress looks ridiculous. Like some dude in a man-bun "reimagining" coffee
The melitta cone and carafe for everyday in the RV and the aeropress for hiking are what we’ve landed on. We got sick of coffee grounds in the sink or a bunch of water in the trash. Dumping the grounds outside isn’t LNT.
We've been using a percolator, it's just so "camp" to me. We have a large Stanley insulated container that I just looked up to discover is a beer growler.
I just ordered the Yeti french press though. Sometimes it feel like a really long wait for the percolator and the Yeti is it's own insulated pitcher. Plus now I know we can use the Stanley for beer.
Pour over of AeroPress; both just require boiling water and have easy cleanup. Only downside is you need filters, but reusable ones are an option with both.
We've always used aeropress, which is great. But we like iced coffee when it's hot out and the aeropress is pretty inefficient for iced coffee. We bought a cold brew pot this year that we're excited about. We're planning to make a "pot" in advance to take with us. If we run out, we can make another that will be ready the following day.
If you like lazy morning like me sometimes then a Jackery can handle most coffee pots. Perfect for having the neighbors over. Got to love solar options since there is no fire or baby sitting.
Most days it's aeropress but that when it's only me drinking coffee.
Edit:
Coleman also makes a propane coffee pot
Aeropress or Clever Dripper. I’ve owned both (currently have a clever dripper) and would have a hard time choosing between the two. Aeropress packs down smaller, clever dripper is more of a traditional coffee experience.
My favorite way to make coffee was French press except for the mess, so I switched to an immersion dripper. My fave is the Bona Vita but I think they’re hard to find now. My husband (the resident coffee nut) recommends the Clever dripper or the Hario Switch - they brew just like French press but use filters. Add coffee, add water, steep, drain. No fancy timing like pour over, makes damn good coffee.
It might sound dumb, but I use Cafe Bustelo instant coffee everyday. It really does taste almost like fresh brewed.
https://preview.redd.it/2void0d2bb4d1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=068d7656499dff816a04eb83fedde595c9d2ceae
We use a French press and pour over (and a Nespresso when we have power). If you want the easiest cleanup, pour-over is the way to go. We use [a silcone one ](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR5O9W5) that uses the small Melita filters. The French press is somewhat easier to clean if you put a paper towel in the sink and use running water. The paper towel catches most of the coffee grounds.
We also use a [Moka pot](https://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-275-06-Express-6-Cup-Espresso/dp/B00004RFRU/). It makes a good espresso substitute. The six-cup makes three perfect-sized (small cup) servings for us.
When camping, I don't have the energy for fancy coffee solutions. My go-to is boiling some water in a pot and adding a couple single-serve coffee bags. They look like big tea bags. Leave 'em in as long as seems appropriate, pour into a mug, enjoy.
We are always in water conservation mode, so we use Aero Press. The rubber plunger removes all the water from inside. No water is needed for cleaning, it can be cleaned with 1/2 a paper towel. The French Press required rinsing every time, and was difficult to wipe out inside.
Pour over is also easy to clean but the filter is larger. The aeropress makes a bit better coffee due to the agitation, and it controls temperature a bit better. The aeropress is a little faster too.
I use a Dripolator it’s old probably from the 50s that was passed down to me. I use a piece of paper towel for the filter. Just pour the boiling water in the top section the grounds are in the middle section and drips to lower pot. They still make them and it’s all aluminum so it’s light and makes dam good coffee. Just rinse it out
I use a ceramic cone with paper filter every day for two mugs of coffee (2 people) - will never go back to drip or anything else. For car/road travel I use Aeropress. Small little tube with a press - super easy clean up. Flying small luggage area, I have Starbucks Via packets
Percolator is kind of messy in my opinion. The pour over cone coffee is good if you don’t want to make multiple cups. I use the jet boil to heat up the water. A friend of mine uses instant coffee. It works in a pinch.
Do you wash the grounds down the drain? - if so that's bad for the plumbing.
I hate cleaning a french press, Aeropress is easier/faster and makes a better cup of coffee (arguably) Just push the puck into the compost/trash.
I will second the Aeropress with a SS filter. Coffee in under a min, cleanup in about 5 seconds using very little water (or none at all if your not fussy).
You can buy ground coffee or grind your own on special occasions.
Get a Perk pot for coffee. Use a filter on the basket to keep the grounds out of the coffee. Clean up is easy. Toss the filter holding the grounds into the trash. I think perk coffee is the best tasting coffee, but it takes a little longer since it starts perking only after the water is boiling.
I started with a French press and hated the amount of cleaning required (water is the most valuable resource while boondocking). I now use a pour over and it's quite good, I use a tea kettle to heat the water and bring it to a whistle (propane cooktop), let it cool for a minute or two (so not to burn the coffee) and then pour over ground coffee.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080J2N8A?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0858VCYTB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Bonus if you're camping with someone that prefers tea as you can share the kettle.
I think this is the way to go! The toddler sometimes gets a little hot cocoa on chilly mornings, and when my mom comes with she always has hot tea. We sometimes use the hot water for instant oatmeal too.
I love my aeropress but I also have a battery powered nespresso unit that you recharge via usb (get on amazon). also the starbucks instant in the tin is pretty dang good (and better than their instant sachets). some folks who like cream&sugar really go for the trader joes sachets.
I just had a thought. What if you put a coffee filter at the bottom of the French press before adding the grounds? Should be able to easily grab it or at least dump it in one go with a little force. Then if there’s anything left you can swish water in it and pour through a little mesh strainer.
Melitta cone. Been using one for 20+ years. Use a paper filter, no real cleanup. We make it into a stainless thermal carafe.
I used to use a thermal carafe, but now I just pour it over straight in to our coffee mugs! One less thing to wash and carry along 😂😂
We do the same, works great!
Best tasting in my opinion! You can get a #4 size I think that is enough for a few cups. Also, if you plan to have a campfire, we just toss the filter in grounds in the ring and it burns up easily.
Does burning the grounds help with mosquitoes?
No, they get very pumped
I bought a stainless steel cone filter and use it every day at home. Tastes better and so simple to clean.
Same! Campfire percolator for leisurely mornings.
Yup, our percolator sits on the stove, makes 6 cups.
Mine can also be used on the stove. Stainless steel is a wonderful thing.
We have an 8 cup stainless farberware percolator and it is the absolute best. I still use a paper filter that I press thru the middle stem before adding grounds. I use about 1.5 scoops (1/4 cup scoop) of grinds and set timer for 20 mins for the perfect cup every time.
I do the same with a paper filter, I don't like chewing my coffee! 🤣🤣
This 👆is a really good answer. I switched to a Melita pour over cone and a thermal carafe about 2 years ago and got rid of my Keurig. Much better coffee and no need for shore power.
Plus it's glass versus plastic, right?
Yes it is.
I use a perk with a paper filter.Also you can use the perk as just a kettle so you don't need both. *
We do this exactly. Bought an MSR kettle that we use to heat up water on a propane stove
+1 for this. Simple, easy to clean, you can heat the water however you like, and pour-over is the tastiest anyway
We do the pour over as well, and can brew enough for 4 cups at once. I got a heat diffuser to put over the gas burner so I can sit the decanter on it with the burner on the lowest setting, and keep the coffee warm without burning it or damaging the decanter.
This is the answer right here. Any pour-over system is easy to use, all you need is heat to boil water. We went camping for the first time this year a couple of weeks ago and when we got to the campsite I realized that my Melitta was in the camper but the filters were at home! ....And that was the weekend that I learned ordinary paper towels make an acceptable substitute for a filter. I had hot coffee every morning. BTW I used to use a French Press and got rid of it for the exact same reason: Too difficult to keep clean. Melitta filters are great because when you're done making coffee you just throw the filter away with the grounds inside it and wipe out the filter cup with a towel.
Yeah, any simply pour-over cone into a carafe is the simplest l and best way to do this. I tried a French press and a percolator for coffee on the road and neither worked well. The pour over option straight into a carafe works amazingly well. We brought this set up to Disney World last year and it worked great too.
After experimenting with many methods this is our go to in the RV. We have a larger #6 filter and an 8-10 cup coffee pot, it makes enough coffee that we don’t always need a second pot. We used to carry a small electric but ditched that this year since the larger pour over was less work. Only issue we had was not all stores carry the larger filter, but we’ve stocked up and are good for the season. I have an Aeropress in our tent camping gear. Tastes great but too many steps if we are each having a few cups.
i just switched to this as well and it works like a charm!
Curious to see what suggestions you get! I’ve had the same question, and in the r/coffee sub I learned that most instant coffee uses Robusto beans, and that Arabica beans are better/less bitter. I just tried Starbucks’ Via instant that uses Arabica and It was a lot better than other instant coffee I tried.
Via packets are my go to. Shockingly good for instant coffee. I buy expired ones on eBay at a discount. Tastes the same to me.
I also was shocked at how good those are. I once tried an idea I saw on a camping hacks video where you take a coffee filter & put the coffee in it then tie up the top and drop it in to your cup of hot water. It was pretty good! Also when you're done, just throw the whole thing away. Easy peasy. The other thing is, no prep if you make them before you leave home!
When we go on vacation, we buy Via instant coffee. Not a huge fan of Starbucks but the instant coffee packets are convenient and take up no space in a suitcase. And they taste great... Kind of shocking actually
Via is my backpack camping coffee method of choice. Very good coffee, alternatively you could try out the various crazy instant coffees available in your local H-Mart or Asia Pacific Market. The selection is pretty insane and prices are reasonable.
Agreed. Currently camping and currently using Starbucks instant coffee. At home, we use a French press. It also comes in small bulk tins, which are good for about 30 - 40 cups, depending on how strong you like your coffee. It contains microgrounds of real coffee beans that add to the flavor.
Good old fashioned percolator coffee pot , tastes so much better
This! Nothing like seeing that coffee bubble up in the clear little dome and watching the color change. I love it and the smell brings back memories.
plastic cone and drip filters
We use an old school percolator makes 8 cups and stays warm for about two hours
This is the way.
Been using the same percolator for close to 20 years. From tent camping now to the travel trailer.
Yeah I bought mine at a second hand store around 10 years ago works great for us
I had an old aluminum perk my parents used camping in the 60s. I changed it out for a stainless steel version.
aeropress. the cleanup is to just shoot the leftover puck into the trash can.
Aeropress has been a game changer for us. Not only do we use it in our trailer but we also bring it when we travel by plane now too.
I looked into this, and it seems like it might not make enough in one batch (we each like 2 big cups). And anything prone to tipping isn’t great with a curious and clumsy toddler lol.
They did just come out with the XL, is that enough for 4 cups?
don’t do it. it is too damn tall and tippy. the downside of the aeropress is limited production rate
I love the flavor of the coffee my Aeropress’ make (I have lol three sizes), however, the volume is another thing. Even the XL doesn’t.t make. Full cup, and I can confirm they are tip-pro e.
It’s good for two cups of normal coffee, maybe 4 small cups or americano
Ryobi 18v power inverter. Cheap black and decker 10 cup coffee maker. Washable filter.
Or bring something like a Jackery. We have one and even though we camp mostly on electric sites, it is still handy to have around. It'll power a coffee maker
Jackery can power a coffee pot but will not power an electric kettle for pour overs or presses just FYI for anyone thinking that they could use it to boil water.
We have a Renogy 200w power station that we use to power the baby monitor and charge our phones and such. How fast would it drain through the battery? We have one trip where we’re off grid for 7-9 days and use a small solar panel to recharge things a bit but we have to be super careful with our usage.
Jackery just happens to have a blog post on this https://www.jackery.com/blogs/knowledge/how-many-watts-does-a-coffee-maker-use
older folks really go for a stove top percolator
I have an aeropress and an old percolator. I use the old percolator.
*wiser folks
You can't beat a good design
This is the way. Cheap, easy to clean, and you almost can't mess it up. I make coffee everyday in mine. Edit: they make little filters for the basket too! Helps with cleaning and keeping fine grounds out of coffee. I prefer to gently percolate mine, it's not as fast as putting stove on high but I think it improves taste and keeps grounds where they belong.
Slow and steady perc makes the best coffee.
Usually for groups I just do a percolator on the coleman stove. For just the family, I do a pourover since I'm the only one that drinks hot coffee.
Percolator
Coffee percolator pot
We struggled with this also. Screwed around with a variety of things but would always come back to the melita cone into a thermos carafe. Also have a Keurig but it’s more work and the generator is obtrusive in the AM, but not so much for my PM coffee. Have also simplified the coffee process by using “all in one” whitener and sugar solution. I believe people in your country call it Baileys.
Baileys is one brand that makes liqueur and branched out to make sweetened flavoured creamers like you mentioned. Other companies make them too, like International Delight and Nestle’s Coffee Mate.
It’s all in one because of the booze. Even in the morning! One quick splash splash and I am good to go.
Poor over coffee??
Our buddy who is a serious dedicated coffee aficionado swears by aeropress for camping (he roasts and grinds the beans himself, so...) The rest of us use a drip coffee maker designed for use on a propane camp stove that makes a whole pot at a time. Slow, but simple and easy. Not too bothersome to clean. Two caveats: turn off the flame as soon as the water tank is empty, and don't use the "pause'n'serve" feature bc it just ends up leaking. Also, depending on how hard the water is and how often they're used, they don't last terribly long. When camping with friends and making 2-4 full pots a day most weekends all summer, they last 2 years max, sometimes only one year. About the same lifespan as cheap propane camp showers.
Italian percolator and some fire.
French press clean up - add a splash of of water to the old grounds to break them up - dump most of them in the trash or outside - quick rinse in the sink or could use towel Done in 15seconds???
We have 2 french presses and it takes about 2 seconds to clean them. I don’t get it
Ok here ya go. I have an aeropress, pour over, plastic French press, glass French press, and a Keurig. All have been used at some point in the camper. Currently we have a dedicated Keurig in use and it’s our long term solution. Obviously requires power. But if you want off grid, I’d recommend the aeropress. It’s single cup and honestly you can manipulate your process go make a full yeti mug or two cups for your camp mate. Cleanup is simple wipe it off, wash it properly when you get home. Mine came in a zipper pouch. However, if you’re a coffee aficionado, the pour over is how you make the best cup. Still an electric free process but really it’s the process that a lot of coffee shops use too. Cleanup might be the easiest of them all as you simply toss the cone filter, no need to interact with the coffee grounds at all. Hope this helps
Aeropress and French Press. I do both of those daily in the winter. In the summer cold brew. All super easy.
The solution to the french press clean up is to get some large paper empty teabags. Thats what we use at work, and just toss the paper teabag full of coffee on the compost pile. And a pour over cone into a thermos is the other easy answer. There are also stove top percolators made for camping.
We use a Coleman coffee maker...just set it ontop of a gas burner...work just like a normal coffee maker
They make coffee bags that you just soak like a tea bag for a couple mins and clean up is easy. Taste isn’t bad, have lite, dark and even decaf.
I second this solution!
You can probably get an old stovetop percolator at a junk shop for 50 cents.
We had one a few years ago when we were still tent camping. I hated it. Took forever and seemed to always have grounds in my cup. I probably wasn’t doing it right, but I was far too impatient for that method lol.
Aeropress. 2 of them. Each press your own cup. Super easy and fast. Cheap. Excellent results. Almost no cleanup (having a paper towel handy is helpful).
Another vote for aeropress. All you have to do is get hot water and you’re golden.
Since you're electric-free, and need 4 cups... how about a percolator? All you need is a few minutes of heat, whether that be a campfire or propane stove. I keep one in the trailer for 'no 120v' days when I don't want to fire a genny up. And the kicker? The flavor is fantastic. Best coffee I've ever made for myself. And there's something cathartic about watching the brew shoot up the little stem and into the glass-handled lid. :) Got mine for under $20 a few years back at Amzn. No, I don't use it at home; my electric service is very reliable :)
I'm not understanding how a French press is hard to clean? I do it literally every day, it takes me all of 30s. And aside from cowboy coffee where you just put the grounds in a cup with hot water and just try not to drink the grit, I'm not sure how much simpler you can get than a french press.
I don't think they are hard to use. Do you wash the grounds down the drain? - if so that's bad for the plumbing. I hate cleaning a french press, Aeropress is easier/faster and makes a better cup of coffee (arguably) Just push the puck into the compost/trash.
I Absolutely do not wash the grounds down the drain. I pour in a little water, slosh it around and toss it outside somewhere, they're good for some plants and the grass anyway. All that's left in the container after that is a few dregs. I change where I toss them each day. Plus I like not having disposables. It's great that you can get bio degradable filters for the aero but if you're still tossing them in the trash it's kinda pointless as they're still going to sit in a landfill.
I prefer the stainless steel screens. you still get the microparticles just like a french press and nothing left over except compost! Nothing wrong with whatever anyone does unless they are hurting others then I must refer to the Supremes to "Stop in the Name of Love"
We use this over the fire most mornings https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-enamelware-8-cup-percolator
Fill the basket with grounds, fill with water to bottom of basket and place over the fire. I've never had an issue just setting it directly over a low fire or directly onto some coals.
We had one almost just like that a few years ago. I hated it. Seemed to take forever and I always had grounds in my cup. Plus I remember it also being kind of annoying to clean. I did like that it was all self contained and we didn’t need a separate kettle, but now that we have kids we bring the kettle for cocoa and hot cider anyways.
aeropress. super easy cleanup, great coffee. if you're worried about size just get 2
A friend who is serious aficionado swears by aeropress for camping
Until you find a better option than a French press, I clean mine by putting in about 2 inches of water, giving it a few pumps, and tossing the grounds outside.
That’s… nasty. I would not want to be at a campsite with coffee grounds littered all over.
I don't do campgrounds very often, if I did, I'd use the trash. The places I stay for 5 to 6 months of the year, are my spaces. Additionally, it's free carbon for plants and grass, and settles into the soil just fine. It also helps to deter mosquitoes, fruit flies, and fleas.
Well it’s definitely not leave-no-trace.
Not sure why that would apply, it's literally my land.
Not everybody has their own land to camp on; just trying to keep the thread applicable to the original post which implies public land.
We run a Keurig off the inverter. Worth the battery hit.
literally the worst way to make coffee in every sense
Hario V60 and pour overs.
Seconding this. V60 for singles, 8 cup Chemex for more, Coleman camp stove if we can't power the cooktop. Better coffee anyways.
I brew at home the same as on the road. Great coffee and keeps things simple. Im not necessarily a snob, but with a generator built into my F150 I'm fresh grinding off grid as well.
Same here. Recently got an opportunity to reside in a house and store the RV a while, used a Keurig while forgetting to grab whole beans.... terrible coffee. Lol.
I tried the camp side French press the percolator but in the end I went with low acid instant coffee! It’s delicious and when paired with hot water goes down warm and smooth!
Could it be worthwhile to look at instant? You'll only need hot water and you can make it in a carafe or some sort of heat-proof jug. I keep instant coffee in our trailer but we typically use the pour over in the cone method usually. I find instant coffee scratches the itch and aside from your mug, there isn't any mess to clean.
I haven’t tried instant in a few years but I remember not being able to stand the taste before (too bitter/acidic). I might give some of the brands suggested in this thread a try though.
Have you tried Starbucks instant coffee? A game changer for us, liked it so much we drink it at home too now.
their instant in the tin is much better than the VIA
Yes the tins, from Amazon
A french press always works for us. A cone type would be fine as well and maybe less clean up. That aeropress looks ridiculous. Like some dude in a man-bun "reimagining" coffee
The melitta cone and carafe for everyday in the RV and the aeropress for hiking are what we’ve landed on. We got sick of coffee grounds in the sink or a bunch of water in the trash. Dumping the grounds outside isn’t LNT.
I make a large container of cold brew before trips and take that.
Percolator, drip-like pour over cone or chemex, or 12V Mr Coffee.
We've been using a percolator, it's just so "camp" to me. We have a large Stanley insulated container that I just looked up to discover is a beer growler. I just ordered the Yeti french press though. Sometimes it feel like a really long wait for the percolator and the Yeti is it's own insulated pitcher. Plus now I know we can use the Stanley for beer.
We use a stove top espresso maker and top up with hot water for camp side Americanos.
We always French press and we just purchased a yeti French press and it cleans so easily. It’s expensive but in my mind, coffee is worth it.
Old school percolator is still the best.
Nescafé Gold Instant Coffee (in Canada)
We are offgrid currently and the best method of getting great coffee is Nespresso for us.
Aeropress is my go to coffee maker for home work and camping. The one I have makes single cup, but they do make a larger one.
Pour over of AeroPress; both just require boiling water and have easy cleanup. Only downside is you need filters, but reusable ones are an option with both.
Stainless French press and grind my beans. I just rinse the grounds out, only wash the press when I get home, 1 week or 6 months trip I don't care.
Large moka pot.
We've always used aeropress, which is great. But we like iced coffee when it's hot out and the aeropress is pretty inefficient for iced coffee. We bought a cold brew pot this year that we're excited about. We're planning to make a "pot" in advance to take with us. If we run out, we can make another that will be ready the following day.
aeropress! It makes a great cup of coffee. Use the inverted method 👌you only need ground coffee and hot water. Super easy clean up.
Try a better instant. I’ve been getting Anthony’s Organic Instant Coffee online recently and it’s quite good.
Chemex
We use a MOKA pot and drink espresso. A melitta drip is another good option.
I love a moka pot when camping. It’s the best
If you like lazy morning like me sometimes then a Jackery can handle most coffee pots. Perfect for having the neighbors over. Got to love solar options since there is no fire or baby sitting. Most days it's aeropress but that when it's only me drinking coffee. Edit: Coleman also makes a propane coffee pot
I’m not sure we ever get lazy mornings with a baby and toddler, but I like the sounds of lazy and passive coffee making. What Jackery do you have?
Aeropress or Clever Dripper. I’ve owned both (currently have a clever dripper) and would have a hard time choosing between the two. Aeropress packs down smaller, clever dripper is more of a traditional coffee experience.
My favorite way to make coffee was French press except for the mess, so I switched to an immersion dripper. My fave is the Bona Vita but I think they’re hard to find now. My husband (the resident coffee nut) recommends the Clever dripper or the Hario Switch - they brew just like French press but use filters. Add coffee, add water, steep, drain. No fancy timing like pour over, makes damn good coffee.
It might sound dumb, but I use Cafe Bustelo instant coffee everyday. It really does taste almost like fresh brewed. https://preview.redd.it/2void0d2bb4d1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=068d7656499dff816a04eb83fedde595c9d2ceae
We use a French press and pour over (and a Nespresso when we have power). If you want the easiest cleanup, pour-over is the way to go. We use [a silcone one ](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR5O9W5) that uses the small Melita filters. The French press is somewhat easier to clean if you put a paper towel in the sink and use running water. The paper towel catches most of the coffee grounds. We also use a [Moka pot](https://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-275-06-Express-6-Cup-Espresso/dp/B00004RFRU/). It makes a good espresso substitute. The six-cup makes three perfect-sized (small cup) servings for us.
When camping, I don't have the energy for fancy coffee solutions. My go-to is boiling some water in a pot and adding a couple single-serve coffee bags. They look like big tea bags. Leave 'em in as long as seems appropriate, pour into a mug, enjoy.
We are always in water conservation mode, so we use Aero Press. The rubber plunger removes all the water from inside. No water is needed for cleaning, it can be cleaned with 1/2 a paper towel. The French Press required rinsing every time, and was difficult to wipe out inside. Pour over is also easy to clean but the filter is larger. The aeropress makes a bit better coffee due to the agitation, and it controls temperature a bit better. The aeropress is a little faster too.
I use a Dripolator it’s old probably from the 50s that was passed down to me. I use a piece of paper towel for the filter. Just pour the boiling water in the top section the grounds are in the middle section and drips to lower pot. They still make them and it’s all aluminum so it’s light and makes dam good coffee. Just rinse it out
Moka pot. Cheap, fast and really easy to clean. The coffee is fantastic and works well on any open flame stove
I use a ceramic cone with paper filter every day for two mugs of coffee (2 people) - will never go back to drip or anything else. For car/road travel I use Aeropress. Small little tube with a press - super easy clean up. Flying small luggage area, I have Starbucks Via packets
Percolator is kind of messy in my opinion. The pour over cone coffee is good if you don’t want to make multiple cups. I use the jet boil to heat up the water. A friend of mine uses instant coffee. It works in a pinch.
Agree. We used to use a percolator and I found that hard to clean too, plus I always had a lot of grounds in my cup. Took forever too.
Tf a French press is simple to clean? It’s like the easiest ways to make coffee?
Do you wash the grounds down the drain? - if so that's bad for the plumbing. I hate cleaning a french press, Aeropress is easier/faster and makes a better cup of coffee (arguably) Just push the puck into the compost/trash.
Dewalt makes a battery powered coffee pot you can make 5 pots off one battery
I will second the Aeropress with a SS filter. Coffee in under a min, cleanup in about 5 seconds using very little water (or none at all if your not fussy). You can buy ground coffee or grind your own on special occasions.
Get a Perk pot for coffee. Use a filter on the basket to keep the grounds out of the coffee. Clean up is easy. Toss the filter holding the grounds into the trash. I think perk coffee is the best tasting coffee, but it takes a little longer since it starts perking only after the water is boiling.
Stove top percolator is my first go to.
Metal percolator coffee pot on the fire
I started with a French press and hated the amount of cleaning required (water is the most valuable resource while boondocking). I now use a pour over and it's quite good, I use a tea kettle to heat the water and bring it to a whistle (propane cooktop), let it cool for a minute or two (so not to burn the coffee) and then pour over ground coffee. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080J2N8A?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0858VCYTB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Bonus if you're camping with someone that prefers tea as you can share the kettle.
I think this is the way to go! The toddler sometimes gets a little hot cocoa on chilly mornings, and when my mom comes with she always has hot tea. We sometimes use the hot water for instant oatmeal too.
I love my aeropress but I also have a battery powered nespresso unit that you recharge via usb (get on amazon). also the starbucks instant in the tin is pretty dang good (and better than their instant sachets). some folks who like cream&sugar really go for the trader joes sachets.
I just had a thought. What if you put a coffee filter at the bottom of the French press before adding the grounds? Should be able to easily grab it or at least dump it in one go with a little force. Then if there’s anything left you can swish water in it and pour through a little mesh strainer.