The Joy of Camp Coffee

There’s something magical about sipping coffee in the great outdoors. The fresh air, the sounds of nature waking up, and that first sip of warmth all combine to create a moment of bliss. For coffee aficionados, the pour-over method is one of the best ways to achieve a rich and flavorful brew. So, let’s explore four fantastic pour-over options that I tested on a recent camping trip.

1. Collapsible Silicone Pour-Over

First up, we have a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for those who value portability. This collapsible silicone pour-over uses standard cone coffee filters, making it easy to pack and set up. It’s lightweight and does a solid job of brewing a decent cup of coffee. If you’re not too picky about your coffee experience, this is a reliable choice.

2. Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper

Next, let’s take a look at the Sea to Summit X-Brew. This clever little dripper doesn’t require a paper filter thanks to its built-in micro-mesh filter. That means less waste and a more eco-friendly option!

Plus, it’s sturdy and compact, making it a great companion for those longer hikes. I appreciate how it keeps grounds out of your cup—a common issue with less refined methods.

3. MIIR – Pourigami Pour-Over Coffee Maker

The MIIR Pourigmai, a beautifully designed pour-over maker that combines functionality with style. It’s a three-piece setup that’s easy to assemble and disassemble. Again, it uses classic cone filters but feels sturdier than many other options. This one definitely has a touch of elegance while still being lightweight and easy to pack.

4. BruTrek Pour Over

I’ve been a fan of BruTrek for a while, and their pour over coffee maker did not disappoint. It comes with reusable coffee socks that make brewing a breeze. Just be mindful to keep it level while brewing to avoid spills.

The capacity is impressive too, making it a good choice for camping with friends or family. The design is robust, and I loved the flavor it produced—rich and full-bodied!

Brewing Tips

No matter which pour-over method you choose, here are a few tips for brewing a perfect cup of camp coffee:

• Grind Your Own Beans: Freshly ground coffee can make a world of difference. A compact grinder is a great addition to your camping gear.
• Use the Right Amount of Coffee: Generally, aim for about two tablespoons of coarse coffee grounds per cup. Adjust to taste for a stronger brew.
• Level Surface: Always brew on a flat surface to avoid spills and ensure even brewing. This is especially crucial for the silicone models!

Each of the best camping coffee makers brings something unique to the table (or campsite). If you’re a casual coffee drinker, the collapsible silicone option is your best bet. If you want something more durable, the Sea to Summit or Brew Trek are excellent choices. And if you appreciate a well-crafted coffee experience, the MIIR Pourigami won’t disappoint.

As you gear up for your next outdoor adventure, make sure to bring along one of these fantastic coffee makers. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious cup of coffee while surrounded by nature. Now, get out there and make some amazing meals, and don’t forget to enjoy that first sip of morning bliss!

Happy camping, and remember—wherever you go, a great cup of coffee is just a pour-over away!

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I want to give a special shout-out to our partner, the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. Check out their paddling course for more great information.

But here’s the twist—I’m not tackling it in the traditional fashion. Instead of using a canoe, I’m exploring these new waters with a packraft. More specifically, I'm using the new NRS Neutron Packraft, and this will be my first multi-day adventure in this type of craft.

The Noire River is known for its mix of flatwater and runnable rapids, which I'm hoping makes it an ideal place for a packraft adventure. I'm starting at km 72, and my plan is to cover about 16 kilometers each day, for three days, to arrive at the take-out at km 25. The river isn’t low, thanks to some mid-season rains, and so I think I’m in for a fun ride.

Packraft Lessons Learned

The first day was a bit of a learning experience. Twice, I found myself standing on the shore, watching my gear float away. The big lesson here? Tie your gear down! It’s easy to get complacent with a packraft’s open cockpit, especially when you’ve got lots of gear for a camping trip. And of course, everything should be in dry bags—no exceptions.

Another thing I learned is the importance of packing smart with a packraft. Unlike a canoe, where gear is easily accessible, packrafts require a bit more thought. Anything you might need during the day—water filter, snacks, first aid kit—should be kept outside the boat in a dry bag. You don’t want to be deflating your boat mid-day just to get to something you’ve stowed inside.

The Whitewater Begins

The Noire River isn’t just a flatwater paradise; it’s also home to some exciting rapids. My first encounter with whitewater on this trip was a Class 2 rapid. While Class 2 rapids are generally low in technical difficulty and consequences, you never know what you’re going to get, especially with varying water levels.

The packraft handled the rapid well, but I did feel the limitation of the boat. The packraft is self-bailing, meaning water that comes in drains out through holes in the floor, similar to scupper holes on a sit-on-top kayak. But it takes time for that water to drain, and in the meantime, your boat is extremely heavy, which causes you to lose maneuverability. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering packrafting through more technical rapids.

A Sweet Campsite

After a good stretch of paddling, I found a campsite that was too good to pass up. Sure, I could have kept looking for a better spot, but this one had everything I needed. As the sun began to set, I settled in, cracked open the only beer I brought on the trip, and enjoyed a hot and humid, but wonderfully peaceful evening.

Dinner was a simple affair—Italian sausage and zesty tomato sauce with farro pasta, courtesy of Pinnacle Foods. I’m not usually one to rave about dehydrated meals, but I am truly impressed with Pinnacle Foods dehydrated meals!

A New Day on the Noire River

The second day greeted me with overcast skies, which I was totally down with. The day’s agenda included tackling more rapids, including the infamous 50/50, a Class 3 rapid that got my attention. This section of the Noire River is known for its steady class 1, 2 and 3 whitewater, and it didn't disappoint. After 25 kilometres of relative flatwater, I welcomed the predictable flow and whitewater.

After working so hard to make it 16km on the first day, I couldn't believe how quickly I was flying through the miles on Day 2, thanks to the continuous whitewater. By early afternoon, I was flying past the campsite that I had in mind for the night. With only the summer's heat and bugs waiting for me on shore, I decided to keep going. A few hours of relaxed paddling and floating later, and I realized that I was only 8 km from the take out. I decided to stay in the current and grab a campsite further downstream if/when the river slowed down. But that never happened, and by early evening I had traveled over 30 kilometres to arrive at the takeout.

Black River and the NRS Neutron Packraft

The Black River had proven to be an excellent testing ground for the NRS Neutron Packraft. It’s a versatile boat that can handle significant whitewater, but it does have its limitations, especially when it comes to big rapids without a skirt.

But that’s all part of the adventure—embracing the unknown, learning from your mistakes, and pushing your limits. Whether it’s watching your gear float away or navigating a Class 3 rapid, every moment on the water is an opportunity to learn and grow as a paddler.

So, until the next adventure, stay curious, stay safe, and keep paddling.

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Special Thanks

to Ontario Creates for supporting my YouTube channels and blog articles.

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Here’s a rundown of the gear that stood out on that trip—gear that’s applicable not just to a luxurious expedition, but to any river adventure. Before I continue, I'd like to take a moment to thank our Sponsor of this article, the ACA, please remember to wear your lifejacket when enjoying the water. They have a fantastic online course for anyone thinking about getting into paddle sports. Check out the link for the free course!

Essential Safety Gear: Communication Device

When you're out in the backcountry, a reliable communication device is crucial, especially if there's no cell service. I’ve been using the Zoleo for a few years now. It costs around $200 with a $20 monthly fee for the satellite network. The Zoleo allows for two-way messaging, so you can stay in touch with folks back home and even receive messages from them. It also has an SOS feature, though thankfully, we didn't need to use it. We primarily used it for daily weather reports, which helped us plan whether to put a fly on the tent or sleep under the stars without worrying about unexpected rain.

Handy Repair Kit

A well-stocked repair kit is a must for any overnight paddling trip. Our kit included various types of rope, Tear-Aid for vinyl repairs, patches, a sleeping pad repair kit, AquaSeal seam sealer, duct tape, zip ties, and a multipurpose knife. This kit came in handy for quick fixes on the go, ensuring that no one had to sleep on the hard ground or worry about a torn dry bag. A good repair kit is crucial piece of camping gear for river trips.

Gravity Water Filter

We used the Platypus GravityWorks water filter, which made filtering water a breeze. You simply fill the dirty water bag at the river, hang it up, and let gravity do the work. The water passes through a primary filter and then a carbon filter, ensuring it’s clean and taste-free. This system is easy to clean in the field and eliminates the need for manual pumping. It costs around $150 and is definitely worth it.

BruTrek Base Camp French Press

Coffee is essential for any multi-day paddling trip. The BruTrek Base Camp French Press is perfect for a group, holding 48 ounces and making enough coffee for everyone. It’s insulated to keep coffee hot for those who sleep in, and it has a plunger system that keeps grounds out of your coffee. It’s not the lightest option, but at $70, it’s a great investment for coffee lovers.

Online Paddling Safety Course

I want to remind you about the free online paddling safety course from the ACA. It's a great resource, whether you're new to paddling or need a refresher. It covers important topics like kayak fishing, nautical rules of the road, and paddling rescues. Check the link in the description box below to access these valuable modules.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is essential camping gear for river trips. On our trip, everyone brought their own small Adventure Medical Kits. These kits have all the basics you might need. We also designated one person to bring larger items like a SAM splint, ensuring we were prepared for any situation.

Reliable Saw

For firewood, we used the Silky Zubat – a preferred saw among arborists. This saw cuts wood quickly and efficiently, making it an invaluable tool for any camping trip. It costs around $100 but is worth its weight in gold.

Bug Repellent and Bug Tent

Bugs can be a major nuisance, especially in late May when black flies and mosquitoes are out in full force. We each brought a full-size can of bug repellent and used them up. I also tried a new product, Great Outdoors Bug Cream. Additionally, we brought a 30-pound bug tent, which provided a great space for cooking and hanging out, especially in the evenings when the bugs were worst. If you can manage the extra weight, a bug tent is a fantastic addition to any trip.

Barrel Organizers

Keeping food organized in barrels can be challenging, but Recreational Barrel Works' barrel organizers made a huge difference. These cylindrical organizers fit perfectly in the barrels, making it easy to keep everything in its place. We used insulated versions for frozen food and uninsulated ones for other items. They simplified the process of finding and accessing our supplies, turning the barrels from bottomless pits into well-organized storage.

Collapsible Fishing Rod

The Dumoine River is known for its excellent fishing. We all brought collapsible fishing rods from Bass Pro, which were perfect for a whitewater trip. These rods are easy to store and protect, thanks to their telescoping design and rod tip protectors. They allowed us to enjoy some fishing without worrying about damaging or losing our gear.

Big Basin Water Container from NRS

Lastly, the Big Basin Bag water container from NRS was a game-changer for dishwashing. Instead of washing dishes in cold water by the river, we could stand comfortably and wash in hot water right at our kitchen setup. It’s a simple item but made a significant difference on the trip.

There’s a lot more gear I could talk about, but these items were the standout performers on our Dumoine River trip. I have many more trips planned this year, where I’ll be testing even more gear. I’ll be sure to share my findings with you, so stay tuned for more paddling tips, gear reviews, and paddling adventures. Don't forget to take the free online paddling safety course from the ACA.

If you found this article useful, consider adding some of these items to your gear list for your next outdoor adventure. And don't forget to subscribe to Paddle TV for more tips and reviews. See you soon!

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As a guide, as a professional hiker, and as a guy who lives out of his van for long stretches at a time, I have honed in on several satisfying ways to brew camp coffee. So, if you're like me and need a little caffeine to get the juices flowing in the morning, take stock of these six slick gadgets and products. 

The Pour Over Method

The straight-forward pour-over method is a lightweight approach that makes you look like an aficionado at the communal picnic table. For a filter stand, I use BruTrek Pour Over (collapsible). All you have to do is set your cup below, add your desired amount of coffee grounds, and then pour hot water, patiently and evenly, over the goods until your cup is somewhat full (but leave some space because those saturated grounds will keep dripping for a little while). For me, this makes the most satisfying camp coffee out of all the methods we're going to discuss. I would have to ask a passionate barista as to why this is – all I know is that the end result is undeniable. It's a bit of a fancier and slower process, but if your trip allows for that, then go for it. 

The AeroPress Method

The AeroPress has been growing in popularity around campsites and among vanlifers. It essentially acts like a little espresso maker. You add the grounds to the bottom of the hollow chamber, add hot water, and use the top piece to force the water through. This system is much quicker than the gravity-only pour over, and you'll get a lot more bang for your buck out of the grounds (which is another slight downside to the pour over – you have to carry more actual coffee with you).

I have found the AeroPress to be my favorite option when in my van. That first round of brews is ready on command, and it's easy to rinse and stow right afterwards. These benefits will also translate to a cottage getaway, or even at home if you just want to keep things simple, quick and cheap. 

The French Press

This is a classic brewing method, and one that all Ikea couples gravitate towards. The only problem with most units is that they are a pain in the butt to clean. That's why I've landed on the BruTrek OVRLNDR Travel Press. It boasts a detachable bottom which really makes it stand out among all other French Presses. This creates a catch for the pressed grounds that is only a few inches deep, and therefore much easier to empty and scrub.

The OVRLNDR is also a double-walled insulated container, so it keeps your java pippin' hot for a long time. The general advantage of any French press is that it is a great way to make more coffee in one go. If you're sharing with a buddy or small group, or desire to sip cup after cup as you pass away a relaxing morning, then look no further. Oh, and because the brewing time changes the taste, you'll be able to dial in your preferred strength. 

Instant Coffee

But not just any instant coffee, I'm all about the Alpine Start Instant Coffee single-serving packets. This brewing method is by far the best-suited for backpackers who want to prioritize space and weight, but simply can't surrender their beloved morning ritual. Now, it goes without saying that most instant coffee brands have an uninspiring taste. The outcome is merely a hot drink that looks, smells, and tastes enough like coffee to starve off those withdrawal headaches and cranky moods.

However, Alpine Start struck on something that really does pack a nice flavor. When you factor in the boost that a natural setting gives to all camping foods, you're sure to be one happy camper. So why would you not want to use Alpine Start in the backcountry? Well, the box of single-serving sachets won't appeal to eco-conscious explorers. I think there's a time and a place for this method, but I probably wouldn't make this my sole approach. 

Pro tip: Add the instant coffee and then the water for a more effective steeping process. Trying to add the mix to steaming water makes it clump. 

The Nanopresso Method

For you true coffee snobs out there (which I say with love, for I am one of you), or for our European audience out there, the Wacaco Nespresso is your new best friend. This futuristic-looking gizmo makes one authentic shot of espresso. There is a fair bit of grinding, winding and pumping to be had in comparison to these other methods, but the juice is definitely worth the squeeze. This machine forces hot water through at a high rate of speed, getting more crema and goodness out of the bean. The downside for my double-double/venti-drinking North American brethren is the quantity, or rather, the stark lack thereof. But if you're someone who appreciates a fleeting but quality moment, then give the nanopresso a go. 

The Percolator

This is the traditional way to make campfire coffee. If you're a plaid-shirt-wearing, woodsy person, then you've probably busted out a percolator from time to time. I've had a lot of luck with the stainless Champ Chef Percolator. It needs to boil for about 5 minutes, and there's a little window at the top that lets you judge the strength by the color of the brew. I like to aim for a nice medium-brown, but each person will be a bit different. That's all part of the fun.

This is another machine that I like to just keep on hand in my van. I keep it in a storage bin, and when the mood catches me right, or when I have visitors and need to make a large quantity of coffee, then I get to put on my metaphorical (or sometimes literal) cowboy hat. Given that a percolator requires the most amount of fuel and set up, it really isn't designed with backpackers in mind. 

My Flavor-Based Ranking System for Great Camp Coffee

In terms of pure enjoyment, regardless of the circumstances, my list is as follows:

1. BruTrek Pour Over

2. AeroPress

3. Champ Chef Percolator 

4. BruTrek OVRLNDR Travel Press

5. Wacaco Nespresso

6. Alpine Start Instant Coffee

I hope you enjoyed this article as much as that first cup a' joe after crawling out of the tent. And if you're looking forward to trying out these various brewing practices in the wild, then may I suggest you also read about how to poop in the woods (wink wink). For all other backpacking-related subjects, head on over to BackpackingTV. 

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