Percolator vs French Press: Best Coffee Maker

Camping continues to grow in popularity as more people seek ways to unplug and connect with nature. Thanks to social media and the wealth of outdoor resources available, it’s easier than ever to plan a trip into the wild.

One challenge of camping is maintaining a few comforts from home, like a great cup of coffee. Luckily, we have portable, easy-to-use brewing tools built specifically for life outdoors, from rugged French presses to compact pour-over setups.

Gone are the days of settling for bitter, sludgy brews. With the right gear and a little preparation, you can enjoy high-quality coffee no matter where your adventure takes you.

Choosing the Right Camp Brew Method

When selecting a coffee brewing method for camping, consider your priorities: portability, durability, ease of use, and brew quality. Compact options like French presses or pour-overs are ideal for 1–2 people, while larger setups, like high-capacity presses or multi-serve systems, are better for groups. Stainless steel gear is rugged and long-lasting, perfect for rough conditions, while plastic or silicone options are lighter and easier to pack. Look for simple designs with easy-to-clean parts to keep your morning routine stress-free. Bonus features like carrying cases or built-in insulation can add convenience, but be mindful of added weight and bulk. Ultimately, the best method is the one that fits your camping style and taste preferences.

Our Camp Coffee Picks

Easy Clean | OVRLNDR® Travel Press

If easy cleanup is a top priority, the OVRLNDR® Travel Press delivers. Designed with convenience in mind, this rugged French press features a patented removable bottom that makes cleaning fast and mess-free, whether you're switching between flavors or rinsing on the go. Perfect for commutes, road trips, or everyday brewing, it’s the no-fuss solution for flavorful coffee or tea anytime, anywhere.

All of our BruTrek® presses are built with durable stainless steel and double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your brew hot for hours. Plus, each one features our patented Bru-Stop® press screen for a smooth, grit-free cup without bitterness.

Best for Backpacking | Double Shot 4.0 Travel Press

If you’re looking for the best French Press for backpacking and don’t mind a little extra storage attached, the Double Shot 4.0 French Press is an excellent choice! This sleek cup features a laser-welded durable handle that allows you to enjoy smooth-tasting coffee or tea on the go. Not only does this press provide superior usability and quality, but it also has an integrated storage canister, perfect for storing extra grounds, tea leaves, or snacks.

And if it’s outdoor brewing you’re after, this mug has a spill-proof combination press & drink lid that fits both left and right-handed drinkers! With its spacious 16 fl oz capacity, this mug will make sure your caffeine cravings are covered even while on the road.

Best Value | The Steel Toe 3.0 Travel Press

The Steel Toe 3.0 Travel Coffee Press is your go-to brewing companion for life on the move. Built for durability and performance, it delivers rich, full-flavored coffee without the bulk. If you’re looking for great-tasting coffee in a compact, rugged form, the Steel Toe makes it easy to enjoy quality brews anywhere, without compromise.

Best for Groups | BaseCamp French Press

The rugged BaseCamp French Press is made for outdoor adventures but brews just as beautifully at home. Available in 32 and 48 fl. oz. sizes, it’s perfect for fueling groups of 3 or more. Whether you’re at the campsite or the kitchen table, the BaseCamp lets you serve up bold, delicious coffee that everyone will love.

Ultra-Packable | Collapsible Pour Over

The BruTrek® Collapsible Pour Over is built for adventure, ultralight, rugged, and designed to pack flat so you can brew anywhere. Made of stainless steel and paired with reusable CoffeeSock® filters, it’s a zero-waste solution that fits easily in your pack, pouch, or glovebox. Bold coffee, no bulk.

Keurig Lovers | Trestle Aeropress® & K-cup® Adapter

Trestle is the new outdoor brewing adapter that lets you use K-Cup® capsules with your Aeropress® coffee maker. Combining convenience and portability, it’s designed for reliable, mess-free coffee wherever your adventures take you, delivering great coffee with a minimal packing footprint.

Tools to Perfect Your Camp Coffee

BruTrek® Hand Grinder: A high-quality, adjustable steel burr grinder designed for consistent coarse grinds. The leveraged handle ensures smooth, efficient grinding, while the compact form fits easily in your pack. Grinds 32–40g at a time — perfect for brewing a solo cup or sharing a fresh pot with friends.

BruTrek® Stir Stick: A versatile tool with a durable silicone paddle, perfect for stirring, scooping, and cleaning your French press.

BruTrek® Cargo Can: a versatile, airtight container designed to keep your coffee, tea, protein, or cannabis fresh on the go. Featuring a writable lid for easy labeling and a magnetic base for secure attachment, it’s compact and travel-ready.

BruTrek® Camp Cup: A durable, double-wall stainless steel insulated cup designed to keep drinks hot or cold on any adventure. Its stackable shape and rubber-padded base make it stable and space-saving, while the sip lid preserves temperature for easy sipping. Available in 8, 12, and 16 fl. oz. sizes, it’s perfect for everything from espresso to cocktails.

How to Clean Your French Press or Collapsible Pour Over While Camping

Cleaning your camp coffee gear doesn’t have to be complicated, even with limited resources. Here’s how to keep your French press or collapsible pour over fresh and ready for the next brew:

Remove Coffee Grounds: For a French press, press the plunger down fully and lift it out to discard the grounds. For a collapsible pour over, discard the used coffee grounds from your filter (like the reusable CoffeeSock®).
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse all parts with hot water if possible, or cold water if not, to remove leftover coffee residue.
Wipe Down: Use a soft, damp cloth or even a clean piece of clothing to wipe the inside and outside surfaces.
Dry Completely: Let all components dry fully before packing away to prevent mold or odors.
Clean Filters Separately: Rinse reusable filters carefully and let them air dry before the next use.

A quick rinse and wipe after each use keeps your coffee tasting great and your gear in top shape, so you can enjoy fresh brews every day of your adventure. Be sure to thoroughly wash all parts with soap and water when you return home to keep your gear in optimal condition.

What to do With Coffee Grounds While Camping?

When camping, it is important to follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. This includes properly disposing of your coffee grounds and other trash.

Here are a few tips for disposing of coffee grounds while camping:

Pack it out: If you are camping in a location where there are no trash facilities, it is important to pack out all of your trash, including coffee grounds. This may mean carrying a small container or bag to store your coffee grounds until you can dispose of them properly.
Compost it: If you are camping in an area where it is safe to do so, you can compost your coffee grounds. Coffee grounds can be a great addition to a compost pile, as they are high in nitrogen and other nutrients that can help plants grow.
Dispose of it responsibly: If you are camping in an area with trash facilities, be sure to properly dispose of your coffee grounds in a designated trash receptacle.

Overall, it is important to be mindful of the impact you have on the environment while camping, and properly disposing of your coffee grounds is an important part of this. By following these tips, you can help protect the natural beauty of the area and preserve it for future generations.