There is nothing quite like waking up in the great outdoors. The crisp morning air, the smell of pine, the sound of birds—and the undeniable, deep-seated craving for a hot, fresh cup of coffee.
At Morning Ridge Co., we believe that hitting the trail shouldn't mean leaving your coffee standards behind. Say goodbye to stale instant coffee and gritty cowboy brews. Whether you are car camping in the mountains, backpacking through the backcountry, or simply brewing up at a local state park, having the right gear is essential.
Today, we are diving into the ultimate outdoor coffee showdown. We’ve tested the best travel coffee makers on the market to bring you our top three picks for adventuring: the AeroPress Go, the Black Metal Hario V60, and the Stainless Steel Kalita Wave 155.
Let’s find the perfect camp coffee setup for your next adventure!
1. The Backcountry Champion: AeroPress Go
If there is a holy grail of outdoor coffee brewing, the AeroPress Go might just be it. Designed specifically for travel, this compact brewer packs everything you need (including a drinking mug that doubles as a carrying case) into one neat, nearly indestructible package.
Why We Love It for Camping:
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Ultimate Durability: Made from tough, BPA-free plastic, you can toss it into your rucksack without a second thought.
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Versatility: Craving an espresso-style shot to kickstart your hike? Or maybe a smooth, full-sized Americano? The AeroPress Go does it all.
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Leave No Trace Friendly: The AeroPress creates a compressed "puck" of coffee grounds that easily pops out into your trash bag, making campsite cleanup a breeze.
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Forgiving: You don’t need a fancy gooseneck camping kettle to pour the water perfectly. Just pour, stir, and press.
🏕️ Morning Ridge Co. Verdict: Best for backpackers, minimalists, and adventurers who want a fast, foolproof brew on the side of a mountain.
2. The Pour-Over Purist: Black Metal Hario V60
For the adventurer who views coffee as a ritual, the Hario V60 brings specialty cafe quality straight to the picnic table. While ceramic and glass versions are too fragile for the woods, the metal V60 is an outdoor warrior.
Why We Love It for Camping:
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Unbreakable Elegance: The stainless steel body means it can take a beating in your camp bin while still looking incredibly sleek.
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Flavor Clarity: The V60’s cone shape and large hole produce a bright, clean cup that highlights the nuanced flavor notes of your favorite light or medium roasts.
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Lightweight: It weighs next to nothing, making it easy to clip to the outside of your pack with a carabiner.
Note for Adventurers: The V60 performs best with a precise, slow pour. We recommend pairing it with a specialized camp kettle that has a precise spout, or practicing your steady hand!
🏕️ Morning Ridge Co. Verdict: Best for "glampers," car campers, and coffee enthusiasts who want to recreate the ultimate third-wave coffee shop experience by the campfire.
3. The Consistent Campmate: Stainless Steel Kalita Wave 155
If you love the idea of a pour-over but want something a bit more forgiving than the V60, the Kalita Wave 155 is your best friend. This brewer features a flat-bottom design with three small holes, which naturally restricts the flow of water and creates an incredibly even extraction.
Why We Love It for Camping:
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Foolproof Brewing: Because of the flat bottom, the Kalita Wave is much less sensitive to your pouring technique. If you are pouring hot water straight from a standard jet-boil or camping pot, you will still get a beautifully balanced cup.
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Rugged Build: The stainless steel version is incredibly durable, rust-proof, and designed to last a lifetime of outdoor use.
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Compact Size: The 155 size is perfect for brewing a single, stellar mug of coffee to warm your hands on a chilly morning.
🏕️ Morning Ridge Co. Verdict: Best for outdoor lovers who want the crisp taste of a pour-over without the fuss of packing a specialized kettle.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Brew
No matter which brewer you choose, keep these quick tips in mind to maximize your camp coffee experience:
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Pack Your Grinder: Nothing beats the taste of freshly ground coffee. A manual hand grinder is lightweight enough to throw in with the rest of your gear.
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Mind Your Water: Use filtered or clean, fresh spring water. A great cup of coffee is 98% water, so quality matters!
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Pack Out Your Grounds: Always practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your used paper filters and coffee grounds to protect the wildlife and environment.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
With so many options available, it can be hard to pick just the right brewer for your preference. At Morning Ridge Co, we are passionate about helping adventurers find the brewer that matches their personality. Contact us today for help in finding your next camping coffee companion.