The Scoutmaster’s camp coffee is an important consideration on any trip.

Most of us look forward to a cup of coffee in the morning. According to the National Coffee Association:

  • Over 50% of Americans over 18 years of age drink coffee every day (150 million).
  • Among coffee drinkers, the average consumption in the United States is 3.2 cups of coffee per day.
  • The average coffee cup size is 9 ounces.
  • 65% of all coffee is consumed during breakfast hours, 30% between meals, and the remaining 5% with other meals.
  • 35% of coffee drinkers prefer black coffee, 65% prefer to add sugar and/or cream.

Preparing a cup of coffee while camping used to mean firing up the aluminum percolator and swilling down the pretty bad results. There’s been a veritable explosion of  coffee making camping gear over the past decade. It’s now possible to outfit yourself with coffee grinders, french presses, espresso makers and some incredibly expensive titanium mugs to enjoy a cup of Joe in the woods.

I am in favor of keeping things simple; most of the time I use coffee bags in a faithful old Stanley plastic insulated mug. I have evolved a bit in the past few years. Here’s some essential coffee making gear that I find useful:

GSI Java PressI thought it was a little ‘over the top’ when one of my Assistant Scoutmasters showed up with a french press coffee pot on a camping trip. He offered me some of his coffee and I changed my mind; it was really good! Now we check to make sure he’s bringing it along.
The GSI Java press is sturdily constructed and has a neoprene insulating sleeve that keeps coffee warm Available in 30 and 50 ounce sizes it makes sense in a shared backpacking cook kit between three or four people at Amazon

Starbuck’s Via
While I am not a big Starbucks fan their Via coffee packets are actually pretty good. They are expensive (about a dollar for a cup of coffee) but compact and easy to use.
at Amazon

Coffee BagsMy default coffee system. Coffee bags (I usually get the store brand) make an acceptable cup of coffee; not great but acceptable. Certainly a lot better than firing up the aluminum percolator.at Amazon

GSI Infinity MugMy old Stanley-Aladdin insulated mug finally gave up (the lid cracked) after fifteen years or more of faithful service. Since they are no longer made I am searching for a suitable replacement. The GSI infinity mug is the latest contender.
This mug is reasonably priced (I am not paying $20.00 or more for a mug), it is large enough (17 oz) but not too large and it is not tall and tippy like commuter mugs. Best of all it is insulated – an uninsulated mug makes no sense for camping.
at Amazon