How to Make the Perfect Coffee on the Trail

One reason we adventure into the wild is to let go of the luxuries of our everyday lives and embrace a simpler way of being. When we hit the trail, we bring only the essentials: clothing, shelter, food, water. But for many of us who embark into the wilderness, coffee is one luxury we still yearn for. Here are three ways to continue your coffee ritual outdoors.

Cowboy Coffee

For hyper-minimalists, cowboy coffee is the way to go. This method requires no additional equipment. Simply bring water to a boil in a pot, then remove it from the heat. Let the pot sit for 30 seconds before adding 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 8 ounces of water. Stir in the grounds and let it brew for a few minutes. This will also allow the grounds settle to the bottom of the pot. Slowly pour the coffee to ensure the grounds stay at the bottom. Many coffee purists insist this is the best method for making the perfect “cup of joe” in the backcountry.

“Tea Bag” Coffee

This is another easy method to get a great brew in hand with no extra gear. All you need is a clean handkerchief or permeable piece of cloth to use as a filter. Put the desired amount of grounds in the center of the cloth, draw the edges up, and tie it shut using a string to make a “tea bag.” Boil water and either drop the bag into the pot or pour hot water over the bag. If you secured the coffee bag well, you should enjoy your coffee sans any grounds.

Pour Over Coffee

There are ways to make drip coffee on the trail without a traditional coffee maker. If you don’t mind a little extra gear, you can purchase a portable drip coffee maker. These are compact and lightweight solutions for pour over coffee on the road. To get your caffeine fix, just attach the coffee cone or maker to your mug, add coffee grounds, and pour some hot water over it.

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