Best Backpacking Coffee Makers for Camping and Hiking

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Best Camping Coffee Maker

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This is a review of all the Best Camping Coffee Makers for Backpacking for 2024.

Not everything we want to take on a camping or backpacking trip is portable. If you are going camping, hiking, or backpacking, but still want your daily cup of good quality coffee, then you will need an ultralight backpacking coffee maker. You could think about Backpacking Instant Coffee but some of you want something better.

I have put together the best backpacking coffee makers and the best backpacking coffee press for camping so you will be able to find the best in the market. Each one is portable, lightweight, and will allow you to have a great-tasting cup of camp coffee every day on your next camping trip. 

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How We Tested

All the Backpacking Coffee Makers in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has more than 30 years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. He also spent several years managing a hiking retail store and is regarded as an expert in this field. Some of the Coffee Makers were purchased by the author for this review. They have been rigorously tested by the author in all kinds of weather on multiple backpacking trips and bike touring trips. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to present this honest and unbiased review. Read the Review Policy for further details.


Best Coffee Maker for Camping and Backpacking 2024

The Best Coffee Makers for Camping and Backpacking in 2024 are:

Best camping Coffee Maker – Overall

Bialetti Moka

Bialetti Moka Coffee maker for camping review

Pros:
> No extra filters are needed, as a filter is built within and doesn’t need to be replaced.
> Made from durable aluminum, which can withstand high temperatures. 
> Easy to use, just fill up both sections with either water or coffee ground and let it boil on the gas stove.
Cons:
> You will need to keep an eye on the brewing time of your coffee to make sure you don’t over brew the coffee. 
> Too Heavy to use Backpacking

The Bialetti Moka makes the best espresso coffee for camping. I not only use this when camping but I use it when Bike Touring and when I am at home. It can turn good coffee into great coffee.

Made in Italy with strong aluminum and an octagonal design, it can be used at home or on any camping stovetop.

A camping espresso maker is simple to use, as it doesn’t require any filters or other gadgets. Everything you require was built into the Bialetti Moka.

All you need to do is fill the boiler up towards the safety valve and fill your ground coffee in your filter. Then place the pot on the stovetop or gas cooker.

Overall, this is a camp coffee maker and espresso maker that makes the best coffee. It is the best camping espresso maker available. It makes great coffee. Just be aware that it is not ultralight and will take up a bit of room, so it is best suited to car camping.

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Best Backpacking Coffee Maker

GSI Collapsible Java Drip

GSI Java Drip Backpacking coffee maker review

Pros:
> This coffee drip is collapsible and packs to a small size
> You can make multiple cups of coffee
> The flange on this java drip, will attach to any cup or mug, thus providing you with a spill-free coffee brewing.
Cons:
> The Java Drip is almost twice as heavy as other pour-over brewers.
> The flavor of the coffee is not good if brewing for a large group, best suited for no more than 2 cups of coffee. 

I have been using an earlier version of a GSI Outdoors Java Drip maker since way back in the early 1990s when they were the only ones on the market. The GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip is easy to use and compact much like the Sea to Summit pour over camping coffee makers.

I like the collapsible design that this coffee java drip has, as it makes transporting this product really easy. It only takes up a small amount of space in your backpack or camping kit, due to it collapsing so small. 

Overall, it makes a good cup of coffee and is super simple to use. This is well suited to lightweight hikers wanting to have good drip coffee when on a backpacking trip. A great backpacking coffee maker.

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Best Backpacking Espresso Maker

Wacaco Nanopress Portable Espresso Maker

Wacaco  Expresso Camping coffee maker review

Pros:
> Coffee lovers will appreciate the quality espresso coffee that this product produces.
> The Wacaco Espresso maker doesn’t use any electricity or batteries for its power.
> It is quite small and compact.
Cons:
> Not Cheap

The Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker can help you make a really good cup of espresso while out camping. I used this quite a lot while working during the last couple of years.

What I like about this product is that no electricity or batteries are needed. You use your own hands to add enough pressure to force the boiling water through the filter with the coffee.

Using up to 18 bars of pressure creates a great environment for good coffee, somewhat like you would get in a coffee shop. 

With the Nanopresso maker, you will always create dense yet creamy espressos every time. There is no denying that this is one of the more expensive portable camping coffee makers on our list but for coffee lovers, this might be a wise investment.

Overall, if you are serious about an espresso coffee maker for backpacking and want nothing but the best delicious coffee, then this could be the best backpacking espresso maker for you. It is certainly lightweight enough to take backpacking or hiking.

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Best Backpacking Coffee Press for Jetboil

Jetboil Coffee Press

Jetboil Camping Coffee Maker Review

Pros:
> This is one of the lightest coffee makers on our list.
> Turns your Jetboil camping stove into your French-style press.
> Reasonably Priced.
Cons:
> Only for use with Jetboil, if you have one they are awesome

With the Jetboil Coffee Press, you can create French press coffee wherever you go. This product turns your camping stove into a French press. If you already have a Jetboil Stove or are considering buying one then this is the best choice for you.

The Jetboil Coffee French Press uses a silicon ring that will keep any excess coffee grounds from escaping, during the plunging process. Alongside that, it uses a high-temperature yet durable plastic with a micro-filter. And the coffee it makes tastes great.

Overall, this is the best Jetboil Coffee Press. If you already have a Jetboil then this is for you. If you like French Press Coffee then this is for you.

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Best Backpacking Coffee Press for MSR Windburner

MSR Windburner Coffee Press Review

MSR Windburner Coffee Press Kit Review

Weight: 1.3 oz / 40 grams
Pros:

> Lightweight
> Compact
> Makes good quality coffee
> Reasonably Priced
Cons:
> Might be easy to lose the screw-on handles for the press
> Some coffee grounds can squeeze through the side of the press

If you own the MSR Windburner Stove and love good coffee then getting the French press is a bit of a no-brainer. The MSR coffee press for the Windburner is lightweight, compact, fits inside the stove when not in use, and makes good coffee.

Just like a French Press for coffee that you have at home, you boil the water, add the coffee, wait a couple of minutes, use the press and you are ready to have good quality coffee. It is just very easy to use.

If you could complain about anything it would be that some of the coffee grounds managed to get through the side of the press. While the amount was very minimal it did happen. While not enough to stop me from buying and using the press it is something to keep in mind.

Overall, the MSR Windburner Coffee Press is the best French Press Coffee Maker. It makes good coffee when hiking, backpacking, or camping and is a good choice if you already have an MSR Windburner Stove.

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Read the full in-depth review of the MSR Windburner Coffee Press

Best Ultralight Coffee Maker

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip

Pros:
> Ultralight
> Compact
> Affordable
> Makes good coffee
Cons:
> It makes good coffee but not as good as most of the others in this review but much better than any instant coffee.

The GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip is the lightest backpacking coffee maker in this review.

I have been using this coffee maker for more than 25 years when I first went hiking in Canada and Alaska and wanted to make good pour-over coffee. Over the years I have appreciated the simple drip coffee that it makes when hiking, backpacking, and bikepacking.

The GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip has a reusable mesh filter to strain the coffee. It attaches to your cup via three foldable legs. You must boil the water and slowly pour it into the filter. It can be a slow process to make the coffee but it works well.

Overall, if you are looking for the lightest backpacking coffee makers then the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip is for you.

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More Portable Coffee Makers for Camping

Aeropress Coffee Maker

Aeropress Portable Espresso Coffee Maker Review

Pros:
> The Aeropress Coffee Makers are lightweight.
> Brew a quality full-body cup of coffee within minutes.
> This coffee maker is made from durable and reliable plastic 
Cons:
> You need to use disposable paper filters every time you want to make a coffee.

The Aeropress Coffee Maker is very popular for camping. This is due to its ability to brew a full-bodied cup of coffee in much less time than a French Press. Overall, they can make up to 1 to 3 cups of coffee per brew.

You’re Not limited to the type of coffee that you can brew. The Aeropress coffee makers can also brew espresso types of coffee that can be used in cappuccinos, lattes, and any espresso-based drinks.

If there is one annoying thing, it is the need to use coffee paper every time you want a coffee. However, I think they may have listened to the complaints because they recently released a stainless steel reusable filter. A great step in the right direction that now makes this filter even more desirable.

It works similarly to the Waeco espresso maker but it is bigger and bulkier. If you want to make a large coffee rather than a shot of espresso then this is the coffee maker for you.

Overall, this makes a cup of high-quality coffee and is a well-suited hiking coffee maker for someone wanting good coffee every time. I’ve had many coffees made from this coffee maker I can confirm the quality is good.

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Sea to Summit X-Brew

Sea to Summit X Brew Drip Coffee Maker Review

Pros:
> The Sea to Summit X-Brew can collapse down to less than an inch in thickness.
> Made with food-grade silicone and durable nylon. It is strong and reliable to last. 
> Easy To Use: Just add your ground coffee to the brewer and your hot water.
Cons:
> Some people seem to have issues with the reusable filter

The Sea to Summit X Brew is a collapsible dripper that uses the same space-saving technology as all of the other X products made by Sea to Summit.

They use a fine and reusable stainless steel mesh filter to filter the coffee grounds. Just add the coffee, then pour over boiling water. Very simple to use and it fits with most camping mugs and cups. When you are finished, clean up and collapse the X Brew for easy storage. If you are backpacking then this is your solution for quality coffee when backpacking.

Overall, this is the best lightweight backpacking coffee maker which is best suited to a coffee lover who goes backpacking and needs to bring quality pour over coffee with them.

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Best Coffee Maker for Camping

Camping Coffee Maker Comparison Table

BrandTypeWeight
Bialetti MokaEspresso Maker1lb. 9 oz
GSI Collapsible Java DripDrip Filter5 oz
Wacaco Nanopress Portable Espresso MakerPress Espresso Maker12 oz
Jetboil Coffee PressFrench Press1.3 oz
MSR Windburner Coffee PressFrench Press1.3 oz
GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java DripDrip Filter0.4 oz
Aeropress Coffee MakerPress Espresso Maker11.5 oz
Sea to Summit X-BrewDrip Filter3 oz
Source: Manufacturers


Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use nothing beats Instant Coffee for Backpacking. But when you are a coffee snob and require something better you should take a look at how much work is needed to make that good cup of coffee.

The French Press and Drip Coffee styles are both easy and the equipment is not too heavy to carry. Espresso coffee makers arguably make the best coffee but they usually require a bit more work, are heavier, and require a bit more of a clean-up afterward.

Overall, I am a fan of all the different styles and I regularly use all the different styles depending on what trip I am on.


How Much Clean-Up is Needed

The downside of almost all the equipment in this review is they all require disposing of leftover coffee grounds and cleaning the mess. Most will require some form of water to wash and rinse the makers after use. When following the Leave No Trace Principles it is best practice to carry all used coffee grounds and coffee paper out with you to dispose of.


Portability

The size of your coffee maker is really important. This is because the smaller and the more compact the coffee maker, the more portable it is.

When you are going camping, there is a lot of gear and equipment to take with you. Thus, you don’t want to take a bulky coffee maker, otherwise, it is going to be difficult to carry it around.

You want a coffee maker that will brew enough coffee for whoever wants coffee in the morning. Many of the best coffee makers will brew between 1 and 3 servings of coffee.

If you are camping solo or with a partner or family, you’ll want to make sure that your coffee can brew enough coffee for everyone. However, sometimes the more servings, the coffee maker can brew, the bigger the product will be.

You want to find the right balance of size and how much you want to brew. You have to make sure that whichever coffee maker you go for, is small enough so that it is easily portable. 

Best Backpacking coffee maker
Testing the MSR WIndburner Coffee Press

Material

The materials that make your coffee maker are important. You want the materials to be durable, to survive traveling and camping life. However, the materials will affect how your coffee is brewed. 

Durable materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or aluminum are great materials to choose from. All of these materials are known to be reliable.

Thus, you want to avoid materials like iron or glass, as they are easily breakable or more likely to form rust. 

The material will also alter the weight of the overall coffee maker. Thus, the material that makes your coffee maker can affect a lot of things.

You want a material that will keep your coffee maker lightweight, which will make it easier to carry. But it must also be durable so it won’t break while you are camping and is reliable enough to last your entire camping trip. 


Value

Some of the items in this review are rather affordable and for those of us that are coffee lovers, they are worth the price. Some items come with a bit of a price tag. Overall, most of the items in this review are well-priced and for many of us, there is no reason why we shouldn’t have one or two of them to choose from when we head out on our next trip.


Conclusion 

You can now still enjoy a pleasant cup of coffee while you are camping. We have given you the best camp coffee maker that you can get your hands on right now. It needs to be portable, durable, and give you the best coffee flavor possible.

There is no reason why you can’t enjoy a cup of coffee while camping. With these coffee makers, you’ll never have to go without coffee again. For the year 2024 these are the Best Camping Coffee Makers:

Another one of the Best Backpacking Gear Reviews from BikeHikeSafari.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need To Brew Your Coffee?

To brew your coffee, you can either use your campfire or a camping stove to heat your water. However, some coffee makers use electricity from your car or batteries, and you don’t need any fire. It does depend on the coffee maker that you have purchased. 

How Long Do You Percolate Your Coffee On A Camping Stove?

Once the pot is boiling, you should move your pot to either the fire’s edge, if on the fire, or turn the heat low on a stove. You want to give the coffee around 5 to 10 minutes to percolate.

However, the longer you leave it, the stronger the coffee will be. Therefore, you must judge it on how you like your coffee.

Best Camping Coffee Maker
Best Camping Coffee Maker

BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process

The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.

BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.

The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.

BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.

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Photo of author
About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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