I love camping and I love coffee. There’s nothing quite like waking up in nature, taking a deep breath of fresh air, and sipping on a hot cup of joe. But when you’re out in the wilderness, it can feel like a challenge to get that perfect pour over coffee that you enjoy at home. However, fear not! With a little preparation and some handy tools, you can easily make pour over coffee while camping. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the process and provide some tips and tricks along the way.
Gather Your Tools and Ingredients
The first step in making pour over coffee while camping is to gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
– A pour over coffee cone: There are many options available, but I prefer a stainless steel cone as it’s durable and easy to clean.
– Coffee filters: Make sure to bring enough filters for the duration of your camping trip.
– Freshly ground coffee beans: Opt for whole beans and grind them just before brewing for the best flavor.
– Hot water: You can heat water over a campfire, use a camping stove, or bring a portable electric kettle if you have access to electricity.
– A kettle or pot: This will be used to heat the water.
– A sturdy mug or thermos: Choose something that will keep your coffee hot and can withstand outdoor conditions.
– A hand grinder (optional): If you prefer to grind your own coffee beans, a portable hand grinder is a great addition to your camping gear.
Find a Suitable Spot
Once you have all your tools and ingredients ready, it’s time to find a suitable spot for brewing your coffee. Look for a flat and stable surface where you can set up your camp stove or build a small fire. Avoid placing your equipment too close to flammable materials and always follow fire safety guidelines.
Boil Water
The next step is to boil water for your coffee. If you’re using a campfire, you can heat water in a kettle or pot over the flames. Make sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent it from boiling over or causing any accidents. If you’re using a camping stove or electric kettle, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating the water.
Prepare Your Pour Over Cone
While the water is heating, prepare your pour over cone. Place a coffee filter inside the cone, making sure it sits snugly. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the cone. This step is essential for optimal flavor extraction.
Measure and Grind Your Coffee
Now it’s time to measure and grind your coffee beans. The general rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of coffee grounds for every six ounces of water. Adjust the ratio according to your taste preferences. If using a hand grinder, grind your beans to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt.
Start the Brewing Process
Once the water has reached the desired temperature (around 200°F or 93°C), it’s time to start the brewing process. Place your pour over cone on top of your mug or thermos. Add the ground coffee to the filter, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Slowly pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds, allowing them to bloom and release their flavors. This helps to enhance the taste of your coffee.
Pour in a Steady Stream
Continue pouring the hot water in a steady stream, starting from the center of the cone and moving in a circular motion outwards. Pour just enough water to saturate the grounds without overflowing the cone. Take your time, allowing the water to flow through the coffee and extract its flavors. This process is called the “pour over,” and it gives you control over the brewing time and intensity of your coffee.
Enjoy Your Perfect Cup of Coffee
Once you’ve poured all the water into the pour over cone, sit back, relax, and enjoy the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the great outdoors. As the coffee drips into your mug or thermos, the process is almost complete. Finally, remove the pour over cone, discard the used filter and coffee grounds, and savor every sip of your homemade pour over coffee.
Clean Up and Pack Away
After you’ve enjoyed your cup of coffee, it’s essential to clean up and pack away your equipment properly. Dispose of the used coffee grounds in a way that aligns with Leave No Trace principles. Rinse out your pour over cone and filter to remove any residue. Make sure to cool down any hot components before packing them away safely in your camping gear.
Additional Tips and Tricks
– If you prefer a stronger cup of coffee, you can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio or extend the brewing time.
– Experiment with different coffee beans and grind sizes to find your perfect brew.
– Consider bringing a portable milk frother if you enjoy a creamy texture or want to make specialty coffee drinks while camping.
– Don’t forget to pack a small brush or cloth for cleaning your pour over cone and filters.
– To save time and effort, pre-measure your coffee grounds and store them in individual airtight bags before your camping trip.
Conclusion
Making pour over coffee while camping is all about embracing the great outdoors and enjoying your favorite brew amidst nature’s beauty. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to wake up to the perfect cup of coffee every morning on your camping adventures. So pack your camping gear, gather your tools and ingredients, and get ready to savor that delicious pour over coffee while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Happy brewing!