6 Best French Presses for Camping & Backpacking Reviewed

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 1st, 2023

Camping is an experience that should be enjoyed to the fullest, so the last thing you want is for your trip to be ruined by coffee that tastes subpar. As a result, choosing the right French press is crucial.


There are a plethora of French presses on the market, and although some are effective, others do not offer all of the necessary features. It can be difficult to distinguish these from the efficient ones.

French Press Camping

Here are our reviews of some of the best French presses, as well as a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best French press for your needs.

Camping French Press

In a nutshell, materials like high-density polyethylene, stainless steel, and even titanium are tough. The inevitable bumps and drops that accompany an outdoor lifestyle will not harm a camp French press. That first cup of coffee in the morning while outside is something amazing.

While we warm up and take in our gorgeous surroundings, we all look forward to that comfortable cup of camp coffee. The durability and resilience to breaking is the most significant feature of a camp French press.

Top recommendations

GSI Outdoors 30 Fl. Oz. JavaPress French Press

The GSI Outdoors is the best choice for individuals who value beauty as well as efficiency. The filter design produces ultra-fine, rich-tasting coffee, and it can brew four cups of coffee.

Your coffee will stay hot thanks to the double-insulated lid. The insulating cloth not only adds to the device’s visual appeal but also helps to keep the coffee warm. This French press has a collapsible handle, which adds to its portability.

This French press is simple to operate, and the ease with which it can be cleaned makes it ideal for camping. You won’t have to worry about breaking the GSI Outdoors because it is quite resilient.

We recommend this press over any other French press for camping since it is efficient, convenient, reliable, and compact. It’s worth noting that it only makes four cups of coffee in a single round, which is a somewhat low capacity.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Great design
  • Simple to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Keeps coffee hot
  • Portable

Cons

  • Limited capacity

Stanley Adventure All-in-One Boil + Brew Camping French Press

The adaptability of this All-in-One French press is vital when the need to pack light arises. You not only get a boiler and a French press in one, but you also cut down on the number of dishes you have to do.

Because of the folding handle and nesting construction, this French press is exceptionally small. It can brew 32 ounces of coffee at once, which is a decent amount.

Although this French press appears to be functional, the welding on the top near the lid was done incorrectly, and it will only be a matter of time before it falls apart. Although the handle is small, it is not very ergonomic and may cause you to spill water or coffee.

The slowness of this French press necessitates patience when using it. Worse, the coffee produced isn’t as good as most people would like it to be, and it’s a little bitter. This is not a French press that we would recommend to a friend.

Pros

  • Multifunctional
  • Compact 
  • Portable

Cons

  • Welding should be improved
  • Non-ergonomic handle
  • Slow brewing
  • Rough and bitter coffee

Stanley Classic Stay Hot French Press 48oz.

The Stanley Classic Stay Hot French Press is a substantial, feature-packed press that keeps on delivering.

The Stanley firm has been producing all-steel vacuum bottles since 1913, and while the 42-ounce French press is a newer addition to the brand’s roster, the same ruggedly attractive design is what distinguishes this French press from other glass, plastic, and ceramic types.

The BPA-free stainless-steel body is reinforced with double-wall vacuum insulation, ensuring that the coffee is poured out at the exact same temperature as the water you placed into the container (water temperature is a crucial factor for brewing a perfect French press coffee; I prefer mine at 195 degrees Fahrenheit).

It can keep beverages hot for four hours, cold for nine hours, and iced for twenty-four hours, and the steel mesh filter holds the grounds in place as you pour, leaving you with only a powerful, rich cup of coffee with very little residue (much less than my glass French press leaves).

Pros

  • 48-ounce or 4-5 cups per brew
  • 18/8 stainless steel
  • BPA-free  
  • Double-wall vacuum insulation 
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Easy-to-clean filter
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Comes with a built-in steel coffee press 

Cons

  • Heavy at 2.5 pounds.
  • There have been a few complaints about coffee grounds getting into freshly poured cups, so the filter could be improved.
  • Pricey 

KONA French Press Coffee Maker

The KONA French Press Coffee Maker is made of glass and has an appealing design. It has a comfortable and durable handle. It has a huge capacity of 34 ounces and can take roughly six to eight cups of coffee. It’s easy to use, and it’s even easier to clean.

You may brew a fine and rich-tasting coffee thanks to the filtering system. On the flip side, the glass is prone to cracking and shattering, and the device is bulky, making transportation difficult.

Pros

  • Ergonomic handle 
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Big capacity

Cons

  • Breaks easily
  • Bulky

Womice French Press Coffee Maker

Because of its big capacity of 34 ounces, the Womice French Press Coffee Maker is a good choice for a group of campers. It’s constructed of stainless steel, so it’s tough and can endure everything, including hot flames and rough surfaces. This is definitely a plus for clumsy campers.

This French press’ double-layer vacuum structure ensures that your coffee stays hot for longer. This press is simple to operate and maintain.

Unfortunately, the handle is uncomfortable to hold and protrudes more than typical French presses’ handles. The device’s compactness suffers as a result.

Although it can brew a huge volume of coffee in a single round, it does so slowly, and the filter does not completely filter the coffee because the lid does not completely seal when brewing, the coffee cools down faster despite the two-layer vacuum.

Everyone wants a portable coffee maker that can create exactly the correct amount of coffee, but if it’s too heavy, it’s useless. It would be difficult to carry the Womice French press because it is rather hefty.

Pros

  • Large storage capacity
  • Durable
  • Simple to use

Cons

  • It’s not compact.
  • The handle isn’t comfortable to hold.
  • The lid does not completely close.
  • Heavy

Coffee Gator 4-Cup French Press Coffee Maker with Travel Canister in Insulated Stainless Steel

Although Coffee Gator is not a household name, they have sold over 100,000 camping French presses and are a worthy competitor to the more expensive Stanley. It is a fantastic value that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Pros

  • 34 oz. or 4-5 cups of camp coffee
  • Stainless steel 
  • Double-walled insulation
  • Dual filter screen
  • Large 
  • Cool-touch handle
  • Free coffee canister
  • More affordable than Stanley’s

Cons

  • Does not stay hot for as long as they would like.
  • When it comes to insulation, quality control might be a little shaky.
  • The exterior coating is susceptible to peeling.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Although the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker is not a French press, we included it in our top selections because of its efficiency and ease. This equipment makes it simple to make coffee while camping. It quickly makes three cups of rich-tasting coffee without losing taste.

The resulting coffee is not harsh and can be kept for a few days. For fine and smooth coffee, there is a microfilter.

This coffee maker is multifunctional since it can brew both American and Espresso coffees. Despite the fact that you’re camping, you’ll be able to experience some diversity. Cleaning takes simply a few seconds once you’ve finished preparing your coffee.

For solo campers, this coffee maker will be great. It employs filter paper, which some people find inconvenient because the filter bags must be disposed of on a regular basis.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Produces excellent coffee
  • Quick

Cons

  • Tiny
  • Utilizes filter bags

Why do you need a French Press for camping?

No-fuss build

With a camp French press, you only need a few items to have your morning coffee ready: a  carafe, cover, and plunger.

Easy to use

In only 5 easy steps, you can get from fresh whole beans to robust camp brew. In a moment, I’ll break out the really simple brewing process!

Delicious brew

The oils extracted from the coffee beans have nowhere to go in a French press, giving the coffee a richer, silkier texture. When compared to other brewing methods, such as drip coffee makers or pour-over coffee, Some even describe it as ‘chewy,’ which I adore!

But don’t fret; depending on the level of roast, you do have some control over this. You can choose a medium or light roast for a lighter, thinner texture.

Choose a bold or extra bold roast and steep for 4 minutes if you like a bold, chewy cup.

Downsides

There aren’t any serious drawbacks to using a French camp press to make camp coffee, but there are a handful of minor annoyances to be aware of. 

  • Preparation is a sort of ritual for me. While the brewing process is straightforward, you should pay attention to your coffee grind, water temperature, and steeping time to get that perfect mug. It’s not difficult, but it does necessitate some attention. Plus, be careful not to pour any coffee powder particles into your cup when serving.
  • The plunger/filter, as well as the steeped coffee grounds from the carafe, are a little messy to clean out. This isn’t much of a gripe, but I bring it up because there are alternative ways to make camp coffee that are handier.

Buyer’s guide

Before deciding to buy a French press, consider the following features.

Build

Steel, glass, and plastic are some of the materials used in French presses. However, because the camping environment isn’t as forgiving as your home, choosing the most durable material is a sensible decision.

A French press comes in a variety of materials, so you may pick one that suits your tastes and needs.

Glass French Press

When you plunge the coffee into the glass jar, you can watch it brew. Because it is fragile, you should use borosilicate glass which is non-breakable.  To add to the protection, most glass presses come with plastic or metal supports. It’s also crucial to have a strong foundation.

Stainless Steel French Press

The stainless steel French press material helps to hold the heat for a longer period of time, resulting in a tastier cup of coffee. It has a double-walled design and is more durable than a French glass press.

Capacity

One of the most crucial jobs of a camper is to use resources sustainably. As a result, your French press should be able to make enough coffee for everyone in a single round. Before you buy a French press, be sure you know how many ounces it can hold.

Ease of use

Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, and it only takes a few simple yet efficient items to do so. Your French press should be simple to use, with only a few steps required. You should be able to clean it with minimal effort as well.

Portability

If you’re going camping, your French press should be simple to transport. It will be useful to have a French press that is lightweight and compact. If you’re looking for something little, French press mugs are a good option.

Quality

Examine the components of a French press, such as the lid and handle. They should be durable and comfortable to use. As a general rule, quality comes at a cost.

Although this isn’t always the case, if an item appears to be too good to be true, it’s probably cheap because of its poor quality.

Filtration capacity

If you don’t want to drink loose ground or dark coffee while camping, you’ll need a filter. Separating the liquid from the solid is crucial, which is why the French press comes with filtration and filters the coffee to perfection.

Furthermore, a good seal around the edge will ensure that no stragglers pass through the carafe side.

Brew duration

Everyone wants their morning coffee on time, especially when camping, and those who drink four to five cups of coffee each day need a press that can keep up. They will always choose the quickest option. Getting the best and fastest French press for a quick cup of coffee can be beneficial.

Cleaning

Basic dishwashing will remove almost all of the coffee grounds from your carafe and filter, but you’ll want to disassemble the filtering mechanism every now and again to get the remaining few particles out.

Price point

Not only did the expensive French presses function well, but so did the less expensive ones. Many manufacturers now provide budget-friendly presses that provide even better value for money, ensuring that coffee-making does not break the bank.

Insulation

Finally, keep the insulation in mind when looking for a French camping press. Camping is frequently about unwinding and savoring the time. This usually doesn’t imply chugging cup after cup of coffee; rather, it entails kicking back and relishing a steaming cup while gazing out over the lake or forests.

The difficulty is that if you don’t drink your coffee quickly enough, it will become unpleasantly cold. You may feel pressured each time you brew a batch as a result of this. Insulation is crucial in this situation.

Double walls or insulating layers are used in some French presses. By keeping your leftovers warm for you, these designs allow you extra time to relish each sip.

Last words

You should have gathered from these evaluations that the GSI Outdoors JavaPress is our top-rated French press. It’s tiny, but it is the best.

Another excellent option is the compact but multifunctional AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker. At the end of the day, it depends on your preference. So, assess your needs and decide from there!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.