BEST COFFEE BREWING METHODS FOR OVERLAND TRAVEL
If you’re a coffee lover, there’s no reason to sacrifice your morning ritual when heading out on an overland adventure or camping trip. In fact, some of the best cups of coffee you’ll ever taste are brewed outdoors—under the stars, beside your rig, or around a morning campfire.
Whether you’re a weekend camper, a full-time overlander, or a van lifer, having the right camp coffee setup makes all the difference. From French presses to portable espresso makers, here are the best coffee brewing methods for camping and overland travel.
METHOD 1: THE FRENCH PRESS – BEST FOR GROUPS
If you’re traveling with family or a group of overlanders, the French Press is the ultimate tool for brewing large batches of rich, flavorful coffee. We recommend the BruTrek BaseCamp French Press, designed tough for outdoor adventures.
How to Brew French Press Coffee Outdoors:
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Boil water and let it cool slightly (to avoid burning the grounds).
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Add coarsely ground coffee (about 2 tbsp per 8 oz water).
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Pour in hot water, stir, and let steep for 3–5 minutes.
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Slowly press down, pour, and enjoy!
Why Overlanders Love It: Simple, reliable, and perfect for brewing coffee for multiple people in one go.
METHOD 2: THE POUR-OVER – BEST FOR A PERSONAL CUP
For those who like a ritual and a custom brew, the pour-over coffee method is unbeatable. Compact and lightweight, it’s perfect for solo travelers or minimalists.
Popular gear includes the Melitta Filter Coffee Maker, the filter-free LHS Slow Drip Coffee Filter, or the Sea-to-Summit Collapsible X-Brew Dripper (great for saving space in your overland galley).
How to Brew Pour-Over Coffee in Camp:
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Grind coffee to a medium coarseness (like sea salt).
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Place filter, rinse with hot water, and discard rinse water.
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Add grounds (2 tbsp per 8 oz water).
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Pour a little water to let the grounds “bloom” for 20 seconds.
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Slowly pour water in circles until full.
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Sip and savour.
Why Overlanders Love It: Clean flavour, lightweight gear, and easy cleanup—just compost or pack out the filter.
METHOD 3: THE AEROPRESS – VERSATILE & COMPACT
The AeroPress Coffee Maker is a favorite among campers, backpackers, and overlanders. It uses air pressure to brew coffee similar to espresso, but it’s lightweight, durable, and easy to clean.
How to Brew AeroPress Coffee While Traveling:
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Insert a paper filter, rinse with hot water.
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Add medium-fine ground coffee.
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Pour hot water, stir, and steep.
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Press slowly and evenly.
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Enjoy as is, or add water for an Americano.
Why Overlanders Love It: One device = espresso, strong coffee, or Americanos. Cleanup is quick, making it perfect for life on the road.
METHOD 4: THE WACACO MINIPRESSO – PORTABLE ESPRESSO ON THE GO
If you can’t survive without a proper shot of espresso, the Wacaco MiniPresso is a must-have. It’s a compact, hand-powered espresso maker that doesn’t require electricity—just hot water and ground coffee.
How to Brew Espresso with the MiniPresso:
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Add 8 grams of finely ground espresso to the basket.
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Tamp lightly, screw on the filter head.
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Fill the water tank with hot water.
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Unlock the piston and pump until espresso flows.
Why Overlanders Love It: Authentic espresso anywhere—from desert dunes to mountain passes. 
METHOD 5: INSTANT COFFEE TEA BAGS & SINGLE-SERVE POUR-OVERS
Sometimes you just want the simplest coffee solution. Instant coffee tea bags or single-use pour-over pouches are lightweight, quick, and surprisingly tasty.
How to Brew:
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Tea Bag: Drop into hot water, steep to taste.
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Single-Serve Pour-Over: Hook over cup, pour hot water slowly.
Why Overlanders Love It: Lightweight, no mess, and a great backup if you forget beans or a grinder.
METHOD 6: INSTANT COFFEE – ULTRALIGHT & RELIABLE
For a lightweight, no-fuss option, instant coffee strips are hard to beat. They’re small, last forever, and deliver a decent cup in seconds.
How to Brew:
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Heat water.
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Open packet, pour into mug.
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Stir and adjust strength with extra packets.
Why Overlanders Love It: Ultralight, long shelf life, and fits in any pocket, backpack, or glovebox.
PRO TIPS FOR BREWING GREAT COFFEE WHILE CAMPING
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Water Quality Matters: Coffee is 98% water—so pack clean, fresh drinking water or filter natural sources.
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Pack Extra Fuel: A stove or fire is essential. Always carry backup fuel or a way to boil water.
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Experiment with Gear: Different brewing methods create different flavors. Bring two setups for flexibility.
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Clean Up Properly: Always pack out used filters, coffee grounds, or tea bags to keep camps pristine.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Making coffee outdoors is more than just caffeine—it’s a ritual that enhances the camping and overlanding experience. Whether you’re using a French press for a group, an AeroPress for versatility, or a MiniPresso for espresso on the trail, each method adds its own charm to your mornings in the wild.
The best part? You don’t need fancy gear—just hot water, good beans, and your favorite camp coffee maker.
So next time you head out on an overland trip, pack your coffee gear and wake up to the best brew you’ve ever had—with a view to match.
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