Here at Pacific Crest Coffee in Truckee, California, we believe the best coffee is enjoyed outdoors — whether you’re brewing in a ski resort parking lot, on a car camping trip with friends, or deep on a backcountry mission.
We not only roast fresh, mountain-inspired coffee for locals and adventurers alike, but we also sell top-tier brewing equipment and coffee subscriptions online to keep your adventures fueled anywhere.
Today, we’re breaking down the best ways to make coffee outside — whether you’re prioritizing packability, brewing for a group, or just looking for the simplest setup.
Our Favorite Camp Coffee Brewing Methods
Each brewing style offers a unique flavor and experience. In this guide, we’ll focus on the logistics (not the nuance of brewing methods and flavor too much) to help you choose the right gear based on your trip type and coffee needs.
1. Metal Hario V60: Lightweight, Durable, and Versatile
- Weight: ~2.5 oz
- Brews: 1–4 cups
- Simplicity: High
- Coffee Quality: Excellent
The metal Hario V60 is our top recommendation for versatility. It’s ultra-lightweight, practically indestructible, and brews an incredibly bright, clean cup. You can make a single cup or brew for your whole crew without much extra effort.
Whether you’re camping along the Truckee River or backpacking into Desolation Wilderness, the Metal V60 balances packability and high-quality brewing are better than almost anything else.
Find Metal V60 drippers, filters, and fresh beans in our shop.
2. AeroPress: Compact, Lightweight, and Delicious
- Weight: ~6.5 oz
- Brews: 1–2 cups
- Simplicity: Moderate
- Coffee Quality: Excellent
The AeroPress is a favorite for ultralight backpackers and solo campers. It’s compact, brews a clean and flavorful cup, and works perfectly when weight and space are critical.
It is made of plastic, which we don’t love, and it does require paper filters and a little practice to perfect your technique. However, once dialed in, you can make great coffee without a lot of hassle, and the cleanup is nice and easy.
3. BruTrek French Press: High Volume
- Weight: 12–16 oz
- Brews: 2–4 cups (up to 48 oz)
- Simplicity: Moderate
- Coffee Quality: Good
If you love rich, bold coffee and you’re car camping with friends, the BruTrek Basecamp French Press is a great choice. Also perfect for those who love to drink a LOT of coffee.
It’s insulated to keep coffee hot, durable enough for rough campsites, and can brew a serious amount of coffee in one go- 48 ounces!
The trade-off? It’s bulkier and heavier — so it probably won’t be our choice for long treks or weight-conscious missions. It thrives in its niche, though!
Check the BruTrek French Press for your next camping trip.
4. Cowboy Coffee: Simple, Wild, and Weightless
- Weight: 0 oz (plus your pot)
- Brews: Unlimited (pot size)
- Simplicity: Very High
- Coffee Quality: Variable
Nothing feels more authentic than Cowboy Coffee — just ground beans, hot water, and your pot.
It’s the lightest and simplest method, but the quality can be unpredictable and usually a little chewy (hello, grounds in your teeth).
Cowboy Coffee is perfect if you’re ultralight backpacking the Tahoe Rim Trail or just keeping things wild and simple. All you need is the coffee.
Level-Up Your Camp Coffee Game
Freshly Ground Coffee at Camp
You can always bring pre-ground coffee to save time, but if you want to seriously impress your campmates, pack a small hand grinder, like the BruTrek Hand Coffee Grinder.
Freshly ground coffee makes a huge difference in flavor — but might feel like overkill if you’re hauling gear miles into the backcountry. We’ll let you be the judge.
Coffee Storage: Keep It Fresh
Freshness matters.
If you’re car camping, bring an Airscape Coffee Canister to keep your beans fresher longer.
For backpacking trips, a simple airtight bag will usually do the trick.
No matter where you’re headed, protecting your coffee from air and moisture is key to better flavor at camp.
Our favorite: Metal Hario V60 for Outdoor Adventures
When you balance weight, ease of use, coffee quality, and flexibility, the Metal Hario V60 wins for most trips.
It’s easy to use, durable enough for anything the Sierra throws at you, and consistently brews incredible coffee — whether it’s a solo sunrise brew or lazy morning in a campground with your family and friends.
Ready to Brew the Best Coffee Outdoors?
Whether you’re gearing up for car camping weekends around Lake Tahoe, long backpacking trips in the Eastern Sierra, or early morning backcountry ski tours, Pacific Crest Coffee has you covered.
Shop our full collection of fresh-roasted coffee, brewing equipment, and outdoor coffee gear online.
Need a regular coffee fix? Set up a coffee subscription and get fresh beans delivered straight from Truckee to your doorstep.
Fuel your next adventure with better coffee, anywhere.