Brew Anywhere: The Best Camping Coffee Makers for Every Kind of Traveller

How to Brew Great Coffee While Camping

There’s nothing like that first cup of camp coffee in the great outdoors. Whether you're waking up in a swag by the river, setting up your caravan at a powered site, or halfway up a mountain with just your backpack, a warm mug can make all the difference.

And let’s be honest, instant coffee sachets just don’t cut it anymore.

Luckily, you don’t need a fancy home coffee maker or a wall socket to enjoy a proper brew. These days, there are rugged, compact coffee makers built for life off the grid. Some are small enough to fit in your glovebox. Others are tough enough to survive week-long backpacking trips.

At Outback Equipment, we’ve tested the gear and chatted with plenty of Aussie coffee drinkers to help you find the best camping coffee maker for your setup. We’ll show you which camping coffee makers suit different kinds of travellers. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, vanlifer, or brewing for a whole crew, there’s a setup to match your style.

Ready to discover the best way to make coffee on your next camping trip? Let’s dive in.

Camping Coffee Maker Comparison

How to Choose the Right Camping Coffee Maker

Not all camp coffee is created equal. The best camping coffee maker for your setup depends on how you travel, how much space and weight you can carry, and how serious you are about your morning brew. Whether you're heading out on a multi-day backpacking trip or setting up a full campsite, there's a coffee maker that suits your routine.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a coffee maker for camping:

1. Brew Style

Start with how you like your coffee. Do you enjoy a bold espresso, a full-bodied French press, or just need a quick hit with instant coffee? Each camping coffee maker offers something different. The AeroPress coffee maker brews a smooth, low-acid cup of joe similar to espresso, while a French press gives you a strong, shareable brew. If speed is your priority, instant coffee sachets are still the easiest option.

2. Portability and Weight

For backpacking or hiking, stick with lightweight and collapsible options. The Wacaco Minipresso GR and AeroPress are popular picks. Both are compact and durable. For car camping or longer stays, you can bring a stainless steel percolator or French press kit without worrying about space or weight.

3. Ease of Use and Cleanup

No one wants a complicated setup before their first coffee. Choose a method with quick steps and minimal mess. Wacaco machines like the Minipresso NS are great for ease of use, especially with capsules. The AeroPress also earns points for its simple brewing method and being easy to clean. Just give it a quick rinse and you're done.

4. Capacity

Are you brewing just for yourself or for more than one? Solo travellers can go with a 1-cup espresso maker like the Nanopresso, while couples or groups will need something bigger like the MSA 4x4 Deluxe Coffee Kit or a Campfire Percolator. The right size makes all the difference on a busy camping trip.

Brewing Methods: What’s Right for Your Setup?

There’s more than one way to brew coffee while camping, and choosing the right camping coffee maker depends on your style, space, and taste. Each method brings its own perks, so here’s a breakdown to help you find the best fit for your next camping trip.

French Press

The French press is a classic favourite for a reason. It makes a rich, flavourful coffee without fuss. Just add ground coffee, pour hot water, wait a few minutes, and plunge. The MSA 4x4 Deluxe Coffee Kit takes it a step further with stainless steel, double-wall insulation to keep your java hot longer — ideal for car camping and sharing with a mate.

Easy to use, easy to clean, and built tough, it’s one of the best camping coffee maker options if you want simple, strong camp coffee.

Espresso Makers

Craving a bold espresso in the bush? Compact espresso makers like the Wacaco Nanopresso and Minipresso range are made for the job. They’re lightweight, don’t need power, and deliver a punchy shot of espresso using either ground coffee or pods. The Minipresso GR gives you control over your grind, while the Minipresso NS keeps things mess-free with capsules.

If you’re a coffee snob or just love a creamy espresso on the go, these are hard to beat.

AeroPress

The AeroPress Coffee Maker is a crowd-pleaser. Loved for its quick brewing, smooth flavour, and low acidity, it combines the best parts of a press and a pour-over. It’s great for camping or backpacking thanks to its compact design, and it’s easy to clean with just a rinse. The Aeropress coffee method uses pressure to extract flavour quickly — just add coffee grounds, pour hot water, stir, and press.

It’s one of the best camping coffee solutions if you want speed, taste, and ease of use.

MSR Coffee Press (for WindBurner) or Jetboil Coffee Press (for Jetboil Flash Cooking System)

Already using a Jetboil or MSR WindBurner stove? Add to your collection with the MSR Coffee Press for quick, cleaner cup brewing. This collapsible press packs flat, uses a stainless strainer and gasket to keep grinds out of your mug, and is ideal for multi-day backpacking trips or windy alpine mornings.

Or grab yourself a silicone Jetboil Coffee Press when paired with your Jetboil Flash Cooking System. This size coffee press is compatible with Jetboil Flash, MicroMo and Zip, along with 1L tall and .8L spare cups.

Both are a smart pick for lightweight setups that still want delicious coffee on the trail.

Tips for Brewing Great Camp Coffee Anywhere

No matter which camping coffee maker you choose, a few simple tips can help you brew a better cup every time.

Use fresh coffee. Grinding your own beans gives you more flavour and control. If you’re using something like the Minipresso GR, you can pre-grind at home or pack a small hand grinder.

Use clean, boiled water. Whether you're using a Jetboil, camping pot, or stove, clean water makes a big difference. For the best camp coffee, always start with fresh water.

Measure your coffee. Too much or too little can throw off the taste. Use a scoop or spoon to get the right balance.

Rinse and repeat. Clean your coffee maker after each use to avoid bitter tastes. Models like the AeroPress and Wacaco Nanopresso are quick and easy to rinse out.

Practise before your trip. Some brewers, like the AeroPress or handheld espresso machines, take a bit of getting used to. Try a few test runs at home before heading out.

Which Coffee Maker Suits Your Style?

Every traveller has a different setup. Whether you're carrying everything on your back or packing up the 4WD for a family camping trip, choosing the best camping coffee maker depends on your space, fuel, and flavour priorities.

Here’s a quick guide to help you match your coffee maker for camping to your adventure:

• Car campers & touring setups – Go with the MSA 4x4 Deluxe Coffee Kit or a Campfire Percolator if you want to make coffee for more than one. These stainless steel brewers are built tough and come with everything you need to brew coffee with minimal fuss.
• Backpackers & minimalists – For something lightweight and compact, try the Wacaco Minipresso GR or the AeroPress coffee maker. Both are easy to clean and deliver strong, tasty coffee without taking up much room in your pack.
• Espresso lovers – If a bold shot of espresso is your non-negotiable, go for the Wacaco Nanopresso or Minipresso NS. These portable espresso makers offer ease of use and excellent flavour with little mess — perfect for the road or trail.
• MSR WindBurner stove users – Add the MSR Coffee Press to your kit for a collapsible and windproof brewing setup. It’s a clever way to turn your cooking system into a serious coffee maker in seconds.
• Jetboil users – You will love the quick and easy silicone Jetboil Coffee Press when paired with your Jetboil Flash Cooking System. This size coffee press is compatible with Jetboil Flash, MicroMo and Zip, along with 1L tall and .8L spare cups to make an easy brew on the go.

Still undecided? You can explore our full range of portable coffee makers to find the perfect fit for your camping or backpacking setup.

Accessories & Extras to Make Camp Coffee Even Better

Once you’ve found the right camping coffee maker, a few handy extras can take your brew from good to great, whether you're on a quick weekend trip or a full outback adventure.

Keep it hot (or cold)
No one likes lukewarm coffee. Our drinkware and thermo range includes stainless steel mugs, vacuum flasks, and insulated cups. These are designed to handle the outdoors and keep your camp coffee just how you like it.

Store it right
If you're using coffee beans or ground coffee, keep them dry and fresh. Airtight containers help avoid moisture ruining your brew. Kits like the MSA 4x4 Deluxe Coffee Kit include built-in canisters for easy packing and measuring.

Grind on the go
Want more control over your flavour? A compact hand grinder lets you adjust the grind to suit your coffee maker. This works well with setups like the Minipresso GR or AeroPress, where grind size affects the final taste.

Go clean and green
Cut down on waste by using reusable filters and durable drinkware. Many of our espresso makers, like the Nanopresso, don’t require paper filters, making them a cleaner, eco-friendly option. They’re also easy to clean, which is ideal when you're on the move.

Keep It Clean, Green, and Easy

It’s worth choosing a coffee maker that works with your camp style and leaves less waste behind.

Skip the single-use sachets and choose reusable filters, mugs, and stainless steel cups. The MSA 4x4 Deluxe Kit comes with everything you need, while Wacaco espresso makers offer low-mess brewing without needing paper filters. You’ll make less rubbish and still get delicious coffee.

You can also check out our drinkware and thermo gear to keep your camp coffee hot longer without spills — perfect for sunrise sips or long road trips.

Ready to Brew the Best Camping Coffee?

Whether you're deep in the bush, parked by the beach, or enjoying a weekend escape, the right camping coffee maker can turn your morning routine into something worth savouring. From compact espresso makers to full French press kits, there's a perfect match for every style of travel and taste.

At Outback Equipment, we stock quality coffee makers and accessories built for the outdoors. They’re easy to use, rugged enough for real adventures, and designed to help you brew coffee you’ll actually enjoy drinking — no matter where you wake up.

Browse our full range of coffee makers
Shop drinkware and thermo gear to keep your coffee hot or your cold brew chilled

Let’s make your next camp coffee the best part of your day.