Black, rich, and energy-boosting, one cup of coffee - or even a whole pot - is a ritual not to be skipped while on your next outdoor adventure.

Coffee was meant to be sipped outside while you explore the world. It always seems to have a more distinct, flavorful taste while in nature, as a light breeze hits your face and you enjoy the morning sun.

Or maybe you just are addicted to coffee and the caffeine that comes with it. Whatever your reasoning, it is not rocket science. Keep reading for different ways to brew coffee while in the wild.

Cowboy Coffee

For those that are rugged and simplistic, the Cowboy Coffee method takes no extra equipment than what you probably already have with you - a fire/portable stove, a pot, coffee grounds, and a cup to drink the finished product from. All you do is heat up some water, toss your desired amount of coffee grounds into the pot, patiently wait the excruciating 2-3 minutes, transfer the remaining contents to your favorite camping mug, and partake. If you want extra fiber for the day and want a challenge, you can drink it right from the pot, grounds, and all.

“Tea Bag” Method

This method is beneficial because it adds little to no weight to your bag and is easily packable. It also offers the feature of scalability - you can alter how much coffee you add to the filter. In turn, you can decide how strong you want your coffee to be or determine the number of grounds needed to be used for your group. 

You will need coffee filters. Once you are ready, fill the center of the filter with the desired amount of grounds, draw up the edges like a coin purse, and tie it shut using any string (dental floss works well). From there, allow your water to boil and drop your “tea bag” into the pot or pour water over the bag. After a few minutes, you can drink your delicious beverage! If you tied it well, there should not be any coffee grounds that leak through.

Hanky Coffee

If you want to go green, using the hanky coffee method is the definite way to go. Rather than using coffee filters, you can use a handkerchief, a sock, a shirt, or any clean cloth as a filter. It is the same process as the “tea bag” method above.

Instant Coffee

If you are looking for a lazy method, then Instant Coffee is the way to go. Many backpackers love this method because it is one of the lightest ways to travel with your coffee, however, it is cheating. It can be quite delicious when you choose yummy coffee brands, such as these Starbucks instant coffee packs or Waka dark roast Ethiopian single-serve coffee packs. 

All you need is your pot or something to heat up your water over the campfire or portable stove, add the instant coffee mix, and there you have it - hot, caffeinated (or decaffeinated) coffee.

AeroPress

An Aeropress, which looks like a giant syringe, is another way to brew a quick cup of coffee. They are $20-$30 and allow you to use your own grounded coffee, which is great if you want to bring your favorite grounds with you.

As with the other methods, warm up some water, add the coffee and mix the water in, then press! It is super easy. The coffee will taste more like espresso because of the pressure-through-filter brew method. Pro Tip - invest in a steel filter so you do not have trash.

Reusable Coffee Filter

Cheap ($15), reusable coffee filters negate the need for paper filters and can be stored in any mug or cup.  Since they weigh less than one ounce, a reusable coffee filter is the lightest option, making it a fantastic choice for backpacking. Fill the filter with coffee grounds, place in a mug (or cup), pour water, and then wait a few minutes. And, there you have it, a backpacking coffee to start your day!

Drip Coffee Maker

So you are a hipster that only drinks pour-over coffee? Luckily for you, companies like GSI make lightweight, affordable drip coffee makers for as cheap as $10. All you need are the usuals - ground coffee and water.

French Press

French coffee is amazing! However, due to how bulky and heavy they are to carry in a pack, they are usually a car-camping choice.  Outdoor companies, like MSR and Jetboil, do have a more “lightweight” option, however. Or, you can bring along your French Press from home. Just be extra careful if it is a glass one!

A Good Ol’ Fashion Coffee Maker

This one is a great choice for “Glampers” and is just a tad over the top, but if you have an RV or camper, a full-blown coffee-maker may be a logical option. And if you are going all the way, you might as well do it right with the Oxx Coffeebox ($249). 

Being dubbed as the “world’s toughest coffee maker,” the Coffeebox uses the K-Cup system and electricity. If you have a monster RV, then plug the beast into your outlet and have one of the fanciest coffees while being out in the wild.

With what seems like an unlimited number of ways to make coffee outdoors, it is obvious that brewed coffee should not be confined to your kitchen or a coffee shop. Head to the wilderness and enjoy a cup o’ joe in the crisp morning air.

As always, feel free to leave your comments, questions, or any pictures from you adventures you may have had! And, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE.