How to Make Coffee While Camping - Aeropress Recipe

This week I’m celebrating one year of full-time nomadic life in my RV. It’s been an amazing, freeing experience so far and we have learned so much about maintenance and the lifestyle. One of those things I’ve learned is how to make coffee while camping using the Aeropress. This coffee is easy to prepare and can be made with pretty much any standard camping equipment plus the Aeropress.

Dry Camping

When we dry camp, we’re parked in a spot that doesn’t give us access to water or electric hook-ups. We do have a generator on board that we could use to power my electric kettle, but I prefer to skip using the generator whenever possible. Plus, most people don’t go camping with a generator, so eliminating that as an option makes this recipe more universally accessible to anyone who wants to make coffee while camping.

What You’ll Need to Make Coffee While Camping

Since our RV is self-contained with a high capacity water tank and propane system, my specific approach is going to look a little bit different than if you’re just out tent camping. The basics of what you’ll need, however, stay the same.

Heat Source and Water Vessel

The first thing you’ll need is a heat source of some kind and a vessel to heat your water in. I use our propane stove and a small kitchen, but you can use a portable propane system like the one by JetBoil. Or take the old school route and make yourself a fire and use a metal vessel like a percolator pot for the water.

Coffee Supplies

We’re making coffee, so I feel like I shouldn’t have to say that you need coffee. I also use a scale and a grinder. If you have the option of freshly ground coffee, always take that option. However, if weight and packability is a concern for you, you may want to consider pre-grinding your coffee. You can also forego the scale and opt instead for the measuring spoon and ballpark estimates for your water.

Aeropress Go

For this recipe, I’m going to use the Aeropress Go. It’s the smaller, more packable brother to the standard Aeropress. Packability is less of a concern for me, but I really like using the cup/container from the Aeropress Go to pour from. It’s beveled edges makes it easier to pour slowly and precisely, rather than trying to pour straight from the pot. It also pours better than pretty much every other mug I’ve tried to use in the past.

Why use the Aeropress?

Thanks to its implementation of pressure in the brewing process, the Aeropress is one of the most forgiving brew methods. Your water does not need to hit a specific temperature to fully extract and you’re not punished for using an inconsistent pour pattern. All of these features eliminate the need for devices like gooseneck kettles and thermometers to get a delicious cup of coffee. Not to mention, the sturdy plastic construction of the Aeropress makes it virtually indestructible, a notable plus when camping.

How to Make Coffee While Camping with the Aeropress

As I mentioned above, my exact implementation of this recipe may vary from yours depending on what tools you have at your disposal. I’ll do my best to note when diverting from the recipe will be beneficial for you. Take this as more of a guideline than a regimented brew method that needs to be followed to a T.

At a Glance

  • Brew Ratio: 16g:256g (1:16, coffee:water)
  • Water Temp: 1-3 minutes off the boil
  • Medium-Fine Grind (4 on Handground)
  • Pour to the top of Aeropress Go
  • Stir for 5 seconds
  • Steep for 1 minute
  • Press

Brew Guide

Personally, I prefer to use the upright Aeropress method. If you prefer to brew inverted, this method will still work with minimal variation.

Prepare

  1. Fill the Aeropress Go cup with water and add it to your water vessel and place on your heat source. Prep the rest of the method while you wait for it boil
  2. Weigh out 16g of coffee (don’t grind just yet)
  3. Put filters in place. I use a Superfine metal from Cafe Concetto + a paper filter on top.
    • If you use just one paper filter, grind a little finer (3 on Handground)
  4. When the water is actively boiling, remove it from heat and pour some into the Aeropress, your drinking mug, and the Aeropress Go mug to preheat and rinse.
  5. While pre-heating, grind your coffee on a medium-fine setting
    • If you’re using pre-ground coffee, wait about a minute to pre-heat.
  6. Dump out your rinse water

Brew

  1. Pour the water from your vessel into the Aeropress Go mug.
    • Only fill it 3/4 full. If it’s too full, the water will stream down the side of the mug when pouring rather than maintaining an even stream.
  2. Add your coffee to the Aeropress
  3. Start your timer and add as much water as will fit in the Aeropress Go while leaving a little bit of room for the stir. (Typically, the Aeropress Go will fit around 200-215g in this phase)
  4. Stir for 5 seconds
  5. Top off with water to a total weight of 256g
    • If you’re brewing without a scale, I’d recommend not adding the water until after you’ve pressed, so you can add it to taste.
  6. Place the plunger on top to stall the flow.
  7. Steep for 1 minute.
  8. Press and enjoy!

I’d love to hear your experiences with this brew method (or any other camp coffee brew methods)! Leave a comment below or on Instagram! 

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can leave a comment below, shoot me an email, or message me on IG!

As always, Keep Coffee Handsome

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RecipesKyle SheppardAeropress, Aeropress Go, camp coffee, RV, campingComment