Camping with Coffee: How Long to Percolate?
As a father of three, a content writer and a camper, I’m passionate about anything that helps me make the most of my camping trips. Coffee is an absolute must-have for me when I’m camping, but knowing how long to percolate it in order to get that strong, energizing taste can be a challenge. In this post, I’ll discuss the different methods of making coffee while camping, and how long to percolate coffee when camping, so you don’t miss out on your cup of joe!
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Making Coffee while Camping: Brewing Methods
When camping, having a cup of steaming hot coffee is essential for a great start to your day. There are a few different ways to make coffee while camping, each with its own distinct advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at a few of these methods:
- Percolators: A percolator is one of the most popular ways to make coffee while camping. All you need is your percolator, some water (we recommend bringing your own boiled water in a jug), and freshly ground coffee — all of which should fit comfortably in your pack or car. This method is quick, easy, and great for campers who want to make multiple cups of coffee.
- French Press: A French Press is another popular method of making coffee while camping. All that’s needed is freshly ground coffee, boiling water, and of course, the French Press itself. It’s lightweight, compact, and only takes a few minutes to make.
- Pour Over: This is another great method of making coffee while camping. While it is a bit messier and slower than other methods, it has the benefit of producing a smoother and thicker cup of coffee. All you need is coarse ground coffee, some boiling water, and your preferred coffee filter, such as the popular pour over “cone”.
How Long to Percolate Coffee?
Now that you know a few ways to make coffee while camping, the next question is: how long should you percolate the coffee? The answer is that it depends on the method of percolation and the type of coffee you are using. Generally speaking, if you are using a percolator, it should take around 4-6 minutes to make a great cup of coffee.
The amount of time it takes for coffee to steep in a French Press or a pour-over is dependent on the type of coffee you are using and the flavor of the coffee you want to achieve. Generally, a lighter roast will take between 2-3 minutes to steep and a darker roast is usually between 4-6 minutes. When using a pour-over, you may need to adjust the time and the amount of coffee grounds you’re using depending on how strong you want your coffee.
For example, if you’re using a light roast, start with less water, and shorter steeping times. As you get a sense for the strength of your homemade brew, you can adjust the “recipe” to get the desired result.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you find that your coffee is too weak, try increasing your dosing of grounds as well as the steep time. Conversely, if it’s too strong, reduce the amount of grounds and shorten the steep time. Once you’ve gained some experience with how to make the perfect cup of camping coffee, you can adjust your preferred “recipe” to ensure you always get the taste you like.
Finally, when you’re using a French Press or a pour-over, be sure that you’re using a quality, fresh ground coffee. This not only results in better tasting coffee, but it also guarantees that you’re getting the most out of your percolation experience.
Watch & Learn
If you’re new to making your own coffee while camping, then the best way to learn is to watch someone else do it. You can find several great tutorials on YouTube that can teach you how to make your perfect cup of coffee using your percolator or your French Press. Take a look at the video embedded below for a comprehensive guide to making great camping coffee.
Conclusion
Making coffee while camping can be easy and enjoyable, once you know the secrets to successful prepercolation. While it may not be as quick or as simple as making an instant coffee, it’s worth it for the great flavor and the satisfaction of crafting your own cup of coffee. With the right tools, a few handy tips, and your own special touch, you can turn a regular camping trip into an extraordinary coffee-filled adventure.