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When it comes to making coffee, super fans know that not all methods of brewing your morning cup are created equal. Not even all pour overs are created equal. So in our never-ending search for the perfect cup on the trail or at the campground, we’ve rounded up three collapsible camping coffee makers so you can brew anywhere you roam.
Snow Peak Collapsible Coffee Drip
Made entirely of stainless steel, the Snow Peak Collapsible Coffee Drip is a wonderfully compact and plastic-free pour over device. We love that it folds flat so easily, but manages to stay open effortlessly atop a mug (like the Snow Peak stainless vacuum-insulated mug). It weighs 4.9 ounces, is easy to use, no instructions required, and is totally recyclable. What’s not to love? Find it here. One of our favorite campground coffee makers.
- Pros: Plastic-free, all stainless construction, folds flat
- Cons: A bit loosey-goosey so feels like it might collapse (but never has on us), not the most compact on this list
MiiR Pourigami
If there’s a prize for the most cleverly designed coffee pour over that definitely involved a team of engineers, the MiiR Pourigami would win it. It’s not the lightest of the bunch at 4 ounces, but it is the smallest, and dang, it looks good. Three stainless steel panels interlock to take it from flat to 3-D, it has machined grooves to ensure it stays on top of your mug during prep, and the included case means you can easily stash it with some filters for the road, camping, or backpacking. Find it here.
- Pros: Plastic-free, durable stainless construction, folds flat (the smallest of the bunch), looks super cool
- Cons: The heaviest on this list, so not great for ultralight backpackers, has to be assembled/disassembled for use.
Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Pour Over
The lightest of the three at 2 ounces, the Sea To Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Pour Over is made of silicone and a metal mesh filter. And yes, it’s collapsible. The brand says you don’t have to use a paper filter with the metal mesh filter, but using a paper filter with get you a stronger brew (and easier cleanup). The best option for for ultralight backpackers who won’t want to compromise on taste (and stick with instant coffee). Order one here.
- Pros: Lightweight, flexible
- Cons: Not as easily recyclable as metal
A Note Regarding Filters
Naturally, a pour-over requires a filter. And coffee-lovers have their favorites. But if you’re gearing up with a whole new coffee pour over setup, might we recommend a reusable filter like the CoffeeSock. It’s made of organic cotton, a more renewable resource than trees, and means there’s a lot less waste associated with every cup. Just use it like you would any other filter, rinse when you’re done, and leave it to dry. Too easy.
If you’re cutting weight, like for backpacking, and definitely want paper filters, get the cone shaped ones (like these) if you’ll be using any of the above pour over devices. We learned the hard way that the flat bottom filters just collapse under their own weight when unsupported (i.e. when the pour over has a big hole in the bottom). Trust us. You’ll end up with a tablespoon full of grounds in your mug.
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So which filter do you prefer? Would you try one of these? Have you? Or do you prefer a totally different coffee-making method at camp (we reviewed a bunch of them in this post)? Well, however you take your coffee, may your beans always be the perfect grind when you wander on.
Alisha is a freelance outdoor journalist and photographer based in Ogden, UT. She loves backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowboarding (even though she’s terrible at it). She’s also pretty sure she’s addicted to coffee. alishamcdarris.com