From piping hot to ice cold, there are many ways to enjoy the drink made by combing water with roasted, ground coffee beans. Some methods are simply better than others on a summer camping excursion. Let’s grind through how to make coffee in the great outdoors.
• COWBOY COFFEE
– A bold strong coffee, filled with as much character as the cowboys who originally brewed it. Fill a large pot or kettle with water. Add ground coffee—a quarter-pound give or take; simmer for 2-5 mins. After removing the lid, the grounds sink to the bottom, or add crushed eggshells (yes, it actually works) to expedite the process. If you’re equipped, a thick cowboy moustache works as a strainer.
Pros – Minimal equipment. Makes enough coffee for large groups.
Cons – Strong taste and rogue grounds can be off-putting.
• PERCOLATOR
– Make coffee to taste depending on the amount of time you percolate the water. In this method, a canister of coffee is suspended above the water in the pot. As the water boils it is forced up the central column and pours over the coffee grounds.
Pros – Works well on a camp stove.
Cons – Bitter flavours develop when coffee is perked too long.
• POUR-OVER
– Boiling water poured over fine-ground coffee in an ultra-fine filter makes a delicious cup of coffee. Coffee strength varies with the amount of grounds in the filter. A portable coffee grinder ensures the freshest taste from this simple yet effective method.
Pros – Full flavoured coffee without bitterness.
Cons – Only suited to one or two cups at a time.
• FRENCH PRESS
– A low-tech, portable coffee brewing method; it’s extremely popular as indicated by the variety of brands available. Simply pour hot water over coarse-ground coffee and steep for 3-4 minutes before pressing down the filter and serving.
Pros – Easy to make. Suitable for large groups. You control brew time, hence taste.
Cons – Need to monitor time. Sediment or sludge in the cup is a possibility.
• AERO PRESS
– Creates rich, smooth coffee without the bitterness. Aero Press markets itself as “The Better Coffee Press” and judging by the cult-like following of coffee aficionados, they may be onto something. Its design is like an oversized syringe. Simply insert a filter in the bottom, add a measured amount of coffee, pour hot water and wait. In about a minute, depress the plunger making between one to three cups of espresso-style or regular coffee. In my opinion, this method creates the best coffee, any time and anywhere.
Pros – Superb tasting coffee. Quick to make anywhere and simple to clean up. Small and light enough for backpacking.
Cons – Only makes a small amount of coffee.
• INSTANT COFFEE
– A quick cup of go-juice is only a boiling cup of water away—perfect for the minimalist. The quality of instant coffee varies considerably so buy the variety according to your tastes. My go-to is micro-ground instant coffee sold in individual portions.
Pros – Quick and easy to make with minimal equipment.
Cons – Not as tasty as brewed coffee.
Beyond the basics, you can fresh-grind your beans at camp and even make espresso and cappuccino with special equipment! Whether you’re washing down some campfire grub or simply need a caffeine fix, the choice of how to brew is up to you.
(Lowell Strauss lives in Simpson, Sask. He will be sharing stories on the great outdoors with Leader readers on a regular basis. He is a member of a number of outdoor organizations, including the Outdoor Writers Associatio of America.)
-Lowell Strauss