Coffee tastes better outside. Do you agree? Picture this: you’re sitting around a morning campfire, listening to the birds chirp and a gentle river beside you. The sunlight hits your face, and a little plume of steam rises from your coffee mug. You take that first sip, and everything is right in the world. That’s our kind of morning.
The problem is that some coffee-making methods are a total pain to make outside, or they sacrifice taste. We’ve tried them all. Glass French Press. Percolator. Pour over. Cowboy coffee. You name it. But none of them have provided us with the simplicity and taste that our go-to coffee-making method does, an AeroPress.
We’ve used our AeroPress for years camping, backpacking, and traveling in the van. We’re still convinced it’s one of the best coffee makers for this lifestyle, and here’s why.
Pssst… we also have a special discount code for you at the bottom of this post.
Compact and Designed for Travel
Space is one of the most valuable resources in any van or camper. Every item is carefully vetted to make sure that it’s not taking up unnecessary space.
The AeroPress Go Plus was clearly designed with travelers in mind. Everything packs neatly into its insulated travel mug, allowing it to fit easily in a cabinet or drawer.
There is no glass to be found, and the entire setup takes up very little space compared to many other coffee makers like a bulky percolator or a glass French press.
When you are constantly trying to maximize storage, that’s a huge win.
Makes Excellent Coffee
Let’s be honest. None of the portability features matter if the coffee isn’t good.
Thankfully, the AeroPress Go Plus delivers some of the best coffee we’ve made on the road. The brewing process creates a smooth, rich cup with very little bitterness. In fact, we still use it when we transition from our van to a house.
One of our favorite things is how versatile it is. Depending on your grind size, brew time, and coffee-to-water ratio, you can make anything from a strong knock-your-socks-off espresso to a lighter, more traditional cup of coffee.
Easy Cleanup Means More Time to Adventure (or Relax)
One of the biggest drawbacks of many camp coffee systems is the cleanup.
French presses leave wet coffee grounds everywhere. Pour-over setups often require extra equipment. Some methods generate a surprising amount of dishes for a simple cup of coffee.
The AeroPress Go Plus solves all of that.
When you’re finished brewing, you simply unscrew the cap and press the compact puck of coffee grounds directly into the trash. A quick rinse and you’re done.
The entire cleanup process takes less than 30-seconds.
When you’re trying to conserve water while living off-grid or don’t want to spend your morning washing dishes, that simplicity makes a huge difference.
Durable Enough for Life on the Road
Van life can be tough on gear, and we’ve definitely broken our fair share of kitchen items.
Things get bounced around on washboard roads, dropped at campsites, and fall out of crowded cabinets. The words “fragile” and “van life” don’t mesh well together.
The AeroPress Go Plus is built from durable materials that can handle the realities of life on the road. We don’t have to worry about shattered glass or delicate components. It feels rugged enough for everyday use while remaining lightweight, so we can throw it in our backpack and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee at the beach or on a mountaintop.
That’s the kind of reliability we look for in gear that travels thousands of miles with us each year.
Saves Water and Power
Living off-grid means paying attention to resources.
Many van lifers rely on limited water supplies and battery systems, so efficient appliances are always appreciated.
The AeroPress Go Plus requires only a small amount of hot water to brew coffee and almost no water for cleanup. Since you’re only heating the water you actually need, it’s also an energy-efficient option compared to larger coffee makers.
This is the electric hot water kettle we use on the road.
For anyone spending extended time off-grid, those small savings add up.
The Insulated Tumbler Is a Nice Bonus
One feature that sets the AeroPress Go Plus apart is the included insulated tumbler.
Not only does it serve as storage for the brewing system, but it also keeps coffee hot while you’re enjoying a slow morning around camp or heading out on an adventure.
Some mornings we’re eager to hit the trail, launch our paddleboards, or break camp early. Having a travel mug that’s already part of the system makes it easy to take our coffee with us.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of ways to make coffee while camping, but very few check all the boxes for van life.
The AeroPress Go Plus is compact, durable, easy to clean, efficient, and capable of making genuinely excellent coffee. It takes up minimal space, uses very little water, and delivers a consistently great cup no matter where we happen to wake up.
For us, that’s exactly what good van life gear should do: simplify daily life while helping us enjoy the adventure a little more.
If you’re looking for a coffee maker that can keep up with life on the road, the AeroPress Go Plus deserves a spot near the top of your list.
☕️ Grab your AeroPress Go Plus for 20% off with code ADVENTUREOUTTHERE20: https://aeropress.com/
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