by Andrew Youngker

Created on: July 19, 2008

The deep rich aroma of coffee wakes campers up early to greet the sunrise all across America. Sometimes getting a good cup of coffee out on the range however can be a bit tricky. Nonetheless, there is hope for anyone willing to invest some time in drinking the very best, without lots of grounds in their cup.

The first option to explore is the use of instant coffee. Freeze dried crystals can be found in any local supermarket and are usually packaged in small containers, great for packing up on a camping trip. This is a great option for those that only drink a few cups or for lone camping. Being alone by yourself and making a whole pot of coffee, doesn't make a whole lot of sense. All that is needed is fire, water, and a pot. Heat the water to boiling, wait a few seconds before adding to the grounds in the cup. No muss and no fuss. But its also not quite the coffee we are looking for.

Another way to brew coffee while camping is to use a percolator. This device brings only hot water to the top and trickles down into the ground basket giving coffee. This is a great way to get fresh brewed coffee in a fairly easy manner. There are some steps that have to be taken to ensure a good cup before hand. Before setting out for camp, grind up coffee beans either at home or at the store. What is needed is a larger ground than is found in the traditional coffee cans. Commercially ground coffee is made for automatic drip machines that are found in nearly every home and office across the world. By using a larger ground, there will be less ground in the final brew. After you have the grounds, place some in the basket portion of the percolator and shake around to get some of the small grounds out. Put the larger grounds from the basket into a storage container for the trip and the smaller stuff in the normal stash for home. By doing this first, there will be a lot less grounds in the coffee. Remember that you may need to use more grounds to get the same flavor. Once the water starts to percolate, only cook for about 5 to 10 minutes. Any more and the coffee will burn.

The best way that I like to make coffee, even at home, is to filter it just like an automatic type would. What is needed is a plastic funnel, coffee filters, and a vessel to hold finished coffee. Start by heating water in a pot just until boiling and let cool for a few seconds before pouring on top of the funnel that is fitted with a coffee filter with ground inside resting on top of the container that will hold the coffee (an insulated Thermos works great). The ideal funnel is one that is found at the grocery store for a few bucks. It looks like a funnel with a wide bottom that can be rested on top of a coffee pot for home. If that can't be found, a regular one (clean please) from the hardware store will do just fine. The smaller the hole the more time the water has to extract out the coffee goodness. To make a smaller hole just take some foil and wrap around the pointed end extending the metal past it. Secure with a few rubber bands and the hold can be adjusted by pinching off the foil at the end. This will make coffee just like at home.

Whether coffee is enjoyed at the comfort of the home or the wide open spaces, a little knowledge can go a long way to help make a great cup of joe. I hope this has inspired you to try out a few tricks to get the very best jolt of caffeine in the morning when enjoying nature. There is no reason for anyone to go without or fish out grounds anymore. My friends, go forth and brew.

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