Pro Tip: 6 Different Ways to Brew Coffee on a River Trip
For me, there is no better way to enjoy a morning on the river than with a nice cup of coffee. While most of us coffee drinkers already have a preferred method to brew at home, it doesn’t always translate into the backcountry. Here are 6 different ways to make coffee at camp.
Cowboy Style
This is a great and simple way to make coffee for a large group of people. You will need a pot to boil water, a strainer with mesh fine enough to catch coffee grounds, and an insulated receptacle to hold the finished product. Hydroflask makes 64oz and 128oz insulated jugs that work great as a place to hold the final product. Equally you can skip the jug and strain the coffee directly into camper’s personal mugs.
Cowboy Coffee
- Step 1:
Heat water in pot
- Step 2:
Remove from heat once water is boiling
- Step 3:
Stir coffee grounds into pot and let brew to desired strength (usually 7-12 minutes)
- Step 4:
Strain into coffee receptacle and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Pouring a little bit of cold water over the coffee grounds before straining help settle grounds to bottom.
French Press
Making coffee with a French press on the river is very similar to using one at home. In fact the only modification needed is to boil water using your camp kitchen set up. This is a great option if you need to use hot water in breakfast for other things, like tea or oatmeal.
French Press
Moka
Moka pot? These are great alternative to those that want espresso on the go! Moka pots are known for making coffee that packs a punch, so this is an especially great option if you want extra caffeine in the morning to get you started. Bialetti is probably the best known brand out there.
Moka Pot Coffee
Don't get this coffee maker confused with a percolator. That is a different style of making coffee. You may be asked to never make coffee again.
Instant Coffee Powder
Instant coffee powder is a great option if you need to save weight and space. In fact the only thing needed to make coffee this way is a way to boil water, and a cup to mix your drink in.
Instant Coffee
Instant coffee often gets a bad rap. However, Starbucks makes these Via packets that are great if you are trying to ditch some gear and weight.
Pour Over Coffee
Pour Over Coffee is a great way to make coffee if all you need is a single serving. Another perk is that the equipment needed is also inexpensive and doesn’t take up much space. Like the French press, this is a great option if you need hot water for other parts of breakfast too.
Pour Over Coffee
Cold Brew
Depending on where you shop, there are usually a few pre-made cold brew coffee options. Cold Brew is the most expensive option, but is the easiest and least time intensive. If your priorities are to have a quick and easy way to consume caffeine with a coffee taste, Cold Brew could be the option for you.
Cold Brew Coffee
While you can buy pre packaged cold brew, you could also make it on the river. There are a handful of cold brew makers out there, however many are made of glass. Also don't forget to start brewing your cold brew well before bed as most suggest a steep times of 12-24 hours.
How do you like to make your coffee on the river? Let us know in the comments below.
