To choose coffee to make while camping, start with the equipment you’re taking: look for a grind marked for moka if you’re using a stovetop coffee maker, or the specific format accepted by your machine if you’re using ground coffee, pods or capsules. Then compare the flavour profile and how much you’ll need. A strength you enjoy won’t make an incompatible format suitable.
If you make coffee in a moka pot, look for a grind labelled for this method rather than relying on the word “espresso” alone. illy, for example, offers a dedicated moka grind. Check that you can use the coffee maker and camping stove safely before setting off.
If you have a machine for ground coffee, capsules or pods, the format it accepts matters more than your choice of blend. illy, for example, distinguishes between Iperespresso capsules and E.S.E. pods; the two formats aren’t interchangeable.
If you’ll be sharing several cups during your trip, choose an amount that suits the number of coffee drinkers and the length of your stay. Lavazza recommends transferring ground coffee to an airtight container after opening.
A moka pot, a machine for ground coffee and a pod machine all call for different choices. Once you’ve found a compatible format, the packaging and flavour can help you choose between the coffees you can actually make.
Choose this: if you’re taking a stovetop coffee maker and the coffee is labelled “moka” or “stovetop coffee maker”.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to be able to use the coffee maker and camping stove in the conditions at your campsite. The word “espresso” on a packet alone doesn’t confirm that the grind is suitable.
Choose this: if your machine or espresso maker accepts the grind specified on the packet.
Bear in mind: check your machine’s instructions. A grind recommendation for an espresso maker doesn’t guarantee it will work in every portable machine or moka pot.
Choose this: if you’re taking a machine that accepts the exact system shown on the box.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need the machine and a power supply, even when the coffee is already portioned.
Choose this: if you’re taking a grinder or a machine with a built-in grinder, so you can prepare a grind that suits your equipment.
Bear in mind: a grinder means taking extra equipment and adding an extra step every time you make coffee.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Compare the method stated on the coffee with your machine’s instructions: moka, ground espresso coffee, pods or a specific capsule system. | If I’m taking a moka pot or portable machine, I want to be able to use the coffee I’ve brought rather than discover at the campsite that the format isn’t suitable. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise compatibility. |
| Format and storage | Choose a net weight that suits the number of cups you plan to make, and check how to protect the coffee after opening, particularly from heat and moisture. | Whether I’m away for a few days or travelling with a group, I want to take a useful amount without leaving the rest exposed throughout the trip. This would be the top priority for around 43% of consumers. |
| Blend profile | Check the roast, flavour and composition details where these are given for the product, and compare strength descriptions in context. | Once I’ve found the right format, I’m mainly looking for a cup that suits the people who’ll be drinking it. Around 21% of consumers would put flavour profile first. |
On its own, this word doesn’t tell you whether the coffee is suitable for your moka pot, espresso maker or pod machine. If the format isn’t compatible, you may not be able to make coffee at all.
Make a note of the model of the equipment you’re taking, then compare its instructions with the method or system stated on the coffee packaging.
A pack size that works for a group could leave you with a lot of opened coffee after a short trip. The amount you need depends on how many cups you plan to make, not just the weight of the packet.
Work out how many coffees you’ll make, and take an airtight container for any ground coffee left after opening.
You’ll also need room to carry an opened packet and keep it away from heat and moisture.
Heat and moisture can make it harder to keep coffee fresh. A camping stove comes with separate safety precautions: the Fire Prevention Information Centre advises never using one indoors.
Protect your coffee in a suitable container. Follow the instructions for your stove and fuel, and check the campsite rules before using them.
These brands and retailers offer useful information about grinds, brewing systems and pack sizes. A preparation method stated for one product doesn’t automatically apply to other coffees in the same range.
Lavazza differentiates its ground coffees by flavour profile and brewing method.
illy offers espresso and moka grinds, as well as a range of pre-portioned formats.
Some Carte Noire products are sold as ground espresso coffee, while others come in pod format.
This retailer stocks products including ground Lavazza coffee; it isn’t presented here as a coffee roaster.
E.Leclerc offers Marque Repère ground coffees in a range of profiles, including traditional, pure Arabica, intense and decaffeinated.
Depending on the product, this retailer’s listings provide preparation or storage guidance for the coffees it sells.
These coffees and pre-portioned formats suit different ways of making coffee while camping. For each one, check that it works with the equipment you’re taking before considering the blend profile or pack size.
Image unavailable
If you’re taking a stovetop coffee maker, check the preparation method stated for this coffee: “Mocha” in its name isn’t enough to confirm that it’s suitable for a moka pot. The pack contains 250 g.
Image unavailable
If your machine accepts ground espresso coffee, compare the grind stated on the pack with your machine’s instructions. If you’re using a moka pot, also check that the coffee is specifically labelled for this method. 250 g pack.
Image unavailable
This pack is for travellers taking a machine that accepts these exact pods; check the system before setting off. It contains 16 pods and doesn’t include a coffee machine.
Image unavailable
Consider these if you’re taking a machine that accepts Senseo pods and can power it at your campsite. The pack contains 36 pods; you’ll still need the machine to make them.
Image unavailable
If you’re planning to take a capsule machine, check its exact system and power supply before choosing this pack. It contains 10 capsules; the Nespresso name doesn’t remove the need to check that they’re compatible with your machine model.
Choose coffee whose packaging says “moka” or “stovetop coffee maker”. illy, for example, offers CLASSICO moka grind. Follow the instructions for your own coffee maker when preparing it.
No. The capsule must match the exact system used by the machine. illy distinguishes between Iperespresso, capsules designed for Nespresso Original and E.S.E. pods; check both packs before setting off.
Put the opened coffee in an airtight container and keep it away from heat and moisture. Lavazza recommends using an airtight container after opening. Take an amount that suits the number of cups you plan to make.
No. Strength is a guide to a coffee’s profile and helps you choose according to your taste; it doesn’t tell you whether the coffee is compatible with your equipment. First check the grind or pod system your machine requires, then compare the flavour descriptions of suitable products.
Don’t use a camping stove inside a tent or any other enclosed space. The Fire Prevention Information Centre warns, in particular, of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. When using a stove outdoors, follow its instructions and check the campsite rules.