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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

*From relaxing mud baths and natural attractions to action packed trails and fun obstacle courses, these are the top spots to muddy things up.*



### Mountain biking on Vancouver’s North Shore, Canada


Bring your bike to the North Shore in October or February and prepare to get dirty. The constant downpour muddies up every twist and turn, giving your ride an added challenge. With so much terrain to explore, you won’t want to let the soggy conditions stop you. Just wear your sludge like a badge of honour. That said, [layers](/en/ideal-for/cycling+mountain-biking/products/clothing/c/981?q=%3Asales-rank) are wise.



Forget clinical-feeling float therapy tanks – keep it natural with a trip to the Dead Sea. As the saltiest body of water in the world, a dip in these waters is said to relieve joint pain, heart complications and even skin problems. Smear on some mud before taking a dip to remove toxins and toss on your [packable robe](/en/product/5034-747/RobeTowl-Personal-Towel) on the way out.



Fitness buffs looking for a new challenge will love the [Rugged Maniac 5k](http://ruggedmaniac.com/). With Canadian stops in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver plus races across the United States, there’s plenty of opportunity to get in on the rugged fun. Expect playground-style challenges: slide, monkey bar rings and see-saw-like obstacles – and a bunch of mud. Before you hit the Shoe Catcher make sure you heel-lock those runners!



An archipelago of over 500 islands, Palau is home to more than a few mysteries. Adventurous [beach travellers](/en/products/clothing/swimwear/c/1036?q=%3Asales-rank) can swim with golden jellyfish in the Rock Islands (these isolated marine animals have lost their sting) before making your way to the Milky Way Lagoon to coat up with shining white limestone mud and rinsing off with a [snorkel](/en/products/gear/snorkel-gear/c/1417?q=%3Asales-rank) session.



Active travellers exploring the land of fire and ice will undoubtedly make a stop in Reykjavik, but few may take the short 35 minute car ride to Hveragerði. The small town is just 45km east of the capital and is located in an active volcanic zone, giving tourists a great display of the country’s geothermal activity – including its mud baths, which are said to offer natural pain-relief for hikers and wanderers looking to dip their tired feet.



Best places in the world to get muddy | MEC blog

Best places in the world to get muddy

Can we take a moment to discuss the genius of the camp s’more? Melty, crunchy and beautifully gooey – it’s probably the best camp snack ever. But here’s the thing: most folks have experienced only *one* variety of s’more. Sure, it’s a bonafide classic, but doesn’t a snack as universally lauded as the s’more deserve just a bit of experimentation?

Enter our craft s’more guide: a way to change how campers think about the humble yet much-loved s’more. We get that s’more traditionalists are apt to be a bit offended by the following experiments in s’moredom but, seriously, these are well worth a try. We’ve included some potential beverage pairings as well, for all the s’moreliers out there (sorry, we had to).

## S’mores kebabs
*Fresh local fruit + marshmallows + melted butter + toppings*



A Twist on Classic Camp S'mores



S’mores without chocolate? Oh yes, it’s possible (and delicious). Chefs Chuck Hughes and Danny Smiles show us their twist on classic camp s’mores with sweet local peaches and over-the-top toppings.

## S’moreos
*Black and white cookies + marshmallows*



Decadent in every way, this craft s’more combines two of the world’s finest desserts into one delicious, gooey mess. Recommended pairings include White Russians, reasonably hoppy IPAs or a cool glass of milk.



## Simian s’mores
*Graham crackers + marshmallows + bananas + peanut butter cups*



A subtle yet striking variation on the common s’more that pairs masterfully with root beer and dessert porters.



## S’more snaps
*Gingersnaps + marshmallows*



Pared back yet deceptively complex, s’more snaps blend the creamy texture of marshmallow with gingery spice for a truly well-rounded treat. Pairs well with chai tea or a [slightly spicy saison](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-travel-mugs/flasks-growlers-and-wine-storage).



## S’morittos
*Tortilla + chocolate spread + peanut butter + marshmallows*



Playful and well-balanced, this rich and messy treat perfectly concludes a night spent enjoying hand-blended camp margaritas.



## S’mores en blanc
*Vanilla cookies + marshmallows + white chocolate*



Surprisingly light on the palate, a carefully crafted s’mores en blanc elevates tones of vanilla and honeydew from a [nicely chilled](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-kitchen-and-hydration/coolers-and-food-storage/coolers) pinot grigio, chardonnay or can of coke.



## Breakfast s’mores
*Pancakes + marshmallows + strawberries + maple syrup*



If it’s brunch you’re after, this s’more delivers. Substitute chocolate spread for maple syrup for a more traditional approach. Beverage pairing? A deep, chocolately espresso extracted from your [AeroPress](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/espresso-makers?brand=Aeropress) or [hot chocolate](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/drinks/coffee-and-hot-chocolate/c/1581).

*Did we miss any good combinations? Let us know on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mec/) and tag us in your s’mores photos @mec on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/).*



## Related articles
- [9 easy meal hacks for family camping](/en/article/9-easy-meal-hacks-for-family-camping)
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)
- [A coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee)



Seriously, these are worth a try (and they have bonus pairing suggestions).

Craft s'mores: Boost your camp snack game | MEC Blog

Craft s'mores: Boost your camp snack game

*Sure, you can hit the gym and up your reps – or you can take your training closer to a real obstacle course and get inventive.*

What is it about an obstacle course that makes you feel like you’ve really accomplished something? Scaling walls, getting covered head-to-toe in mud and muck, bailing enough to use up a box of band-aids probably have a bit to do with it. But how do you train for one of these things, so you can maximize the experience? We dreamed up some accessible ideas to get you fired up for falls and fun.*

## 1. Monkey bars
Mastering the monkey bars as a kid was a big deal and you might be surprised how challenging they can be, even now. Get swinging, skip rungs or go backward to work your core, lats, deltoids and upper back.

## 2. Ice bath
So the water may or may not be freezing at your race, but it will definitely be cold. You might as well get used to some chill sessions so you know what you’re in for.

## 3. Take shortcuts
Beat your friends to the coffee shop by hopping a fence, climbing a low wall, or helping each other up over a barrier taller than you both (without trespassing, of course).

## 4. Piggyback friends
Next time you’re headed somewhere, offer to give your bud a lift. If you’re feeling ambitious try a light jog. Carrying to-go coffee is not recommended with this one.

## 5. Slide and ramp runs
Scout out a playground with a giant slide, find a high skate bowl or ramp and run up it. Doing a warped wall obstacle on a race is pretty much a guarantee.

## 6. Crawl around
Tunnels, tubes, small spaces – there is definitely some claustrophobic crawl space waiting for you. Get familiar with the underside of your dining table and the stash of seasonal gear under your bed.

## 7. Stadium sprint
Find a high school track or stay behind after the next football game. Run the risers in singles, then skip every first or second stair and repeat.

## 8. Mud fight
Exactly what it sounds like. Get used to getting dirty.

## 9. Balancing act
Grab a balancing board and use it any time you’re doing something inactive – at your stand-up desk, while you’re on the phone or even reading. Switch up your stance and try going one-legged too.

## 10. Provoke the cat
You may as well get used to a few scrapes and scratches, plus your cat will love you.

## 11. Water walkers
Head to your local pool and make like an aquasizer. Run, walk and tread your way from either end of the pool. Add some flotation devices to your ankles to turn up the intensity.

## 12. Gym class hero
Remember those brutal sit-up competitions you had to do in elementary school gym class? Challenge your friends, coworkers or siblings.

## 13. Pile high
You know that pile of dirt out back? Yeah, that one. Or the gravel one. Or the sand one beside it. Climb that thing and descend. Repeat until your legs burn.

## 14. Walk the line
A roll of masking tape and a flat surface are your new best friend. Walk that line, again and again and again. Tip toes, variable speeds and backwards mode encouraged.

## 15. Trampoline time
What better way to get comfortable with getting some air? Bonus: toss and catch a ball while you’re on it to dial up your coordination.

## 16. Long way down
Make friends with heights and head to a local pool with a diving tower. Start at one metre and work your way up to 10.

## 17. Mind the gap
Before parkour athletes could flip, they jumped. Couch to floor, deck to grass, bed to pile of pillows. Get used to taking a leap.

**Kid-like enthusiasm plus grown-up common sense are strongly encouraged.*



How do you get ready to climb a warped wall or dodge swinging heavy bags?

17 weird ways to train for an obstacle course

“You hear us talk about it all the time, but this is really about just making it count – and that’s going to mean something totally different to each of you.” Ally Pintucci, one fourth of Vancouver-based crew [Chasing Sunrise](https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/chasing-sunrise-adventures-vancouver) (CS) has the undivided attention of 50 strangers who, just two hours earlier, checked in at the parking lot of MEC headquarters in Vancouver and boarded a bus into the unknown.

A few weeks earlier Ally and CS co-founders Gordon Swenson, Julian DeSchutter and Taylor Smith had the difficult task of choosing 50 participants from over 2000 applicants to come on an all-expenses paid mystery weekend care of [MEC Outdoor Nation](https://outdoornation.mec.ca/en/), [BC Parks](http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/) and Chasing Sunrise (plus other fantastic sponsors). Now at an empty campsite in [E.C. Manning Park](http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/ecmanning/), BC – celebrating its 75th anniversary this year – the group still had no idea what was going on.

“There’s a lot more to life than being in your 9 to 5 routine,” Ally tells the crowd. “None of us play nearly as much as we should. That’s why we’re here this weekend – to live in the moment and remember how to be a kid again. Welcome to [ChaseCamp 2016](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyuJWCpP7hU)!”



While cheers and claps erupt, there are a few stunned and hesitant faces in the crowd. One camper displaying a mix of surprise and delight is Gurjeet Singh. A first generation Canadian, Gurjeet is now the general manager of his parent’s 23-year-old fabric business. While he’s an avid hiker, he’s never been camping before, but the CS crew made the weekend a first-timer’s dream. Fifteen MEC tents have been pitched and stocked with MEC sleeping bags and pads. At a neighbouring log shelter adorned with a “CHASECAMP” banner, fresh, healthy lunch from Whole Foods is already being prepared by Kyle Friesen and Laura Rosset of Paleo food delivery company Fuel Your Fire (vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian and gluten-free options, too). In the centre of the tent city, a MEC Outdoor Nation lounge is decked out with chairs, tables and lanterns. Between two perfectly gapped trees, four hammocks are slung in a bunk-like fashion. Parallel to a path that leads to the water’s edge, there’s a semi-taut slackline. Down at Lightning Lake a pile of floaty toys wait for a dip.

“I’ve never slept in a tent before in my life,” admits Gurjeet. “I didn’t know what that little inflatable thing underneath was, but the guys I was rooming with told me to blow into it and after a couple breaths it was done. I put it down, laid on it and was like ‘this is really comfortable.’”



The weekend starts to unfold with an epic rock-paper-scissors icebreaker game where each defeated camper has to cheer on the victor in their next battle. At the end, the motley crew of 21 to 43 year-olds are shouting through wide smiles. While they run the gamut from hyper-passionate outdoorsy types to those who have never camped before, like Gurjeet, they all have one thing in common: they agreed to go on a 36-hour adventure without a clue of what that adventure was – but Ally is keen to fill them in. An afternoon of Ultimate Frisbee, California kickball, dinner and s’mores around the fire will polish off their Saturday. Gurjeet is all over it. “You see it in the movies and you see it on TV and I’ve always wanted to go,” he says. “But being the son of an immigrant family, camping didn’t make sense to them. I haven’t had the chance to go due to school and work, but it’s what I hoped it would be – good times around the campfire, chilling by a body of water, some physical activities and having heart-to-hearts with people, in this case total strangers.”



Those total strangers have become fast friends within only a few short hours. They are travellers, plumbers, parents, resource ecologists, entrepreneurs, students, environmental scientists and self-described vagabonds, among others. They wanted in and they got it everything that came with it, including a 2:45am wake-up call from the CS crew.

Headlamps flicker through the trees on Sunday morning. Following a fresh juice and energy bar snack courtesy of Body Energy Club, everyone piles in for a short bus ride to start an 8km hike up to Cascade Lookout. Kyle and Laura are cooking bacon, eggs and hashbrowns at the top, plus brewing pots from Salt Spring Coffee – a sweet relief that no one seems to be able to put into words. As the sun crests over the mountains, lighting the sky up in shades of pink, orange and gold, the new friends hug, cuddle for warmth and pose for photos. This moment is not only the CS namesake, it’s their signature, and it’s that intangible thing that makes everyone in their community feel connected, even if it’s only over Instagram.

> “There’s something really special about catching a sunrise,” explains Ally. “It’s different from sunset because sunset is common for people; it’s easily accessible. Sunrise, however, is usually planned out and taken in alone, especially when you’re forcing yourself to peel your eyes open at the craziest of hours to catch it.”
>


The significance of the moment is not lost of Gurjeet. Later, as his buds are napping in the sun beside the lake, he reflects on the personal weight of the weekend. “My parents came from India in the 80s. We didn’t have any family here or grandparents to rely on so after school I’d go to the store. It’s a respect thing too,” he says. “Your parents did this for you – left a place where they were settled, came to a new country and started a business to give you a better life. When I saw the CS posting, I knew I had to apply. I feel like if I didn’t come out I’d be squandering the opportunity that they moved here to give me.”

For the class of [Chasecamp 2016](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyuJWCpP7hU), their opportunity and sunrise reflection came with rad extras that elevated the whole camp experience – using a [Lifestraw](/en/product/6018-750/personal-water-filter-straw?colour=dark+mountain+gray) bottle to drink right from the lake (something Gurjeet says his Mom has always told him specifically not to do), snacking on healthy bars from [Vega](https://myvega.com/) between kickball games, dancing around the campfire to Ultimate Ears Bluetooth speakers and not worrying about missing a moment because the entire weekend was being recorded for them by a bevy of talented photographers, videographers and staff from Hitcase.

“There are some things I didn’t know until now,” says Gurjeet. “I definitely burnt my first two marshmallows trying to make s’mores. There’s a technique to getting it right. I know now what to wear and not wear – long sleeves once the sun goes down and flip flops for comfort.”

As the group took down tents and packed their stuff to board the bus back, the gratitude for the experience was on the face of every camper. “I don’t know how any other camping experience is going to compare,” Gurjeet sighs.



The beauty of the Chasecamp weekend was that everyone who went was so willing to step outside their comfort zone. A lack of knowledge and community are big barriers for people wanting to trying something like camping, but groups across the country like Chasing Sunrise are making it happen – taking strangers into the wild and up mountains in the middle of the night so they can witness the beauty of nature one mystery weekend at a time.



For Gurjeet Singh, camping was just a cool thing he saw on TV. Then Chasing Sunrise and MEC Outdoor Nation took him on a 36-hour adventure into the woods.

36 hours in the unknown: one first-time camper's eye-opening experience

Chasing Sunrise: 36 hours in the unknown

Want your camp-chef repertoire to consist of more than hot dogs, chips, tang and warm beer? You just need the right tools (and access to these little known secrets) to rise in the ranks from camp cook to camp chef. From smoked brie to ice-cold margaritas, we’ve compiled our go-to kitchen essentials and prep techniques for elevating a camp kitchen.



## Craft camp snacks
Sure, chips are great, but there’s a lot to be said for classy camp snacks made the slow way. See how it’s done.



Camp Kitchen Secrets: Craft camping snack ideas



**The secret**: Camp Chef Popcorn Popper



## Camp hootenannies and recoveries
Our methods for lantern-lit kitchen parties and peachy mornings.



Camp Kitchen Secrets: Camp hootenannies and recoveries

## Kick your camp into gear
Easily the most delicious way to get your crew out of bed in less than 10 minutes. Get caffeinated below:



Camp Kitchen Secrets: How to make Aeropress coffee



**The secret**: [AeroPress Coffee Maker](/en/product/5046-862/coffee%26-espresso-maker-with-tote-bag)



## Pro-grill techniques
Technique transforms your packable, ultralight grill from handy appliance into camp-chef secret weapon.



Camp Kitchen Secrets: Be a campfire grill mark master



**The secret**: Light My Fire Grandpa’s FireGrill

Take your camp chef game to the next level. Explore our latest camp kitchen gear and toys.



## Related articles
- [A coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee)
- [How to choose a camp stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)



We reveal a few kitchen gadgets to step up your camp culinary game.

Camp kitchen secrets | MEC Blog

Camp kitchen secrets

With the rise of camping inspiration accounts on Instagram, we all want to get in on the action. Last year we launched a hashtag to showcase favourite places to wake up in the great outdoors. Every week we shared a photo using the hashtag #FromtheTentFriday. These are some of our all-time faves to get you into the camping spirit.



##### Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario


Location: [Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario](https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin)

Get the tent: [MSR Elixir 2 Tent](/en/product/5058-188/elixir-2-person-tent)



Location: [Mt. Robson, BC](https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_robson/)

Get the tent: [MEC TGV2 Tent](/en/product/5047-590/tgv-2-person-4-season-tent)



Location: [Crowsnest Pass, Alberta](https://travelalberta.com/ca/places-to-go/road-trips/crowsnest-highway/)

Similar tent: Big Agnes Flying Diamond 4 Tent



Location: [5040 Vancouver Island, BC](https://www.google.ca/maps/place/5040+Peak/@49.1918793,-125.767235,9.21z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x5489aa2ebdcfbbb1:0xce50cb94f0cf8cce)

Similar tent: [MEC Camper 2.0 2-Person Tent](/en/product/6022-097/camper-2.0-2-person-tent)



Location: [Brockton Point, Mount Seymour, BC](https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour/)

Similar tent: [Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent](/en/product/6008-648/copper-spur-hv-ul-2-person-tent?colour=Orange)



Location: [Whistler, BC](https://www.whistler.com/activities/camping/)

Get the tent: [MSR Hubba NX Tent](/en/product/6016-680/hubba-hubba-1-person-tent?colour=Sahara)



##### Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Ontario


Location: [Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Ontario](https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/rainbowfalls)

Get the tent: [MEC Volt LT 2 Tent](/en/product/6014-753/volt-2-person-tent)



Location: [Killbear Provincial Park, Ontario](https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killbear)

Get the tent: [MEC Cabin 4 Tent](/en/product/5060-365/cabin-2.0-4-person-tent)



Location: Somewhere in [Saskatchewan](https://www.saskparks.net/reserve-a-site)

Similar tent: Burton Blacktail Tent

*Show us your favourite places to camp. Tag us on Instagram using @mec and #FromtheTentFriday for a chance to be featured.*



Your favourite places to wake up camping | MEC Blog

Your favourite places to wake up camping

Fact: sun-soaked summer days were made for hammocking.

Set up your rig and sway away – the #hammocklife is the good life. To celebrate our favourite way to snooze through an uncomplicated afternoon, we cherry picked our top hammock shots from across the internets. Hammock away this summer, but remember to use wide nylon webbing systems, and make sure where you’re hanging approves hammocking, okay?

Looking for a hammock setup of your own? We’ve got you covered.



Editor’s note: be careful when hanging off deadfall! Looks like this setup was solid, but be super careful out there.



##### We’re collectively dying to see this forest canopy view.


##### Probably not taken during the heat of summer.


##### Quite possibly the best high-alpine hammock mate of all time.


##### Hemingway in a hammock. As classic as it gets.


*Show us your favourite hammock set up. Tag us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/) using @mec for a chance to be featured.*



## Related articles
- [Camp in comfort: ways to improve your next escape](/en/article/camp-in-comfort-ways-to-improve-your-next-escape)
- [The best camp gear for your small apartment](/en/article/the-best-camp-gear-for-your-small-apartment)
- [How to choose a sleeping bag](/en/explore/choose-your-sleeping-bag)



Fact: sun-soaked summer days were made for hammocking. Get inspired.

Next-level hammock set-ups | MEC Blog

Next-level hammock set-ups

Some say camping without beer is just sitting in the woods. Most MEC staff feel the same way about camping without coffee. As of this summer, we carry more than 100 different kinds of coffee-making products. So to help campers get their buzz on we created a guide to outdoor coffee creating to help you drag yourself out of your tent and get appropriately caffeinated for a day of camping shenanigans.

A warm cup of joe is like warm company in the morning while you wait for a fellow camper to start the fire and whip up a skillet of scrambled eggs, or while you scrounge through the cooler for a leftover hot dog wiener from last night’s dinner.

Some coffee addicts are more selective than others, so use this spectrum – ordered from most expedient to most refined – to help you narrow your options and match your coffee style.



*[Gel](/en/product/5034-182/espresso-love-gel)* — *Filter* — *[French press](/en/product/5040-518/personal-java-press?colour=Blue)* — *[Percolator](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/percolators/c/1782)* — *[AeroPress](/en/product/5046-862/coffee%26-espresso-maker-with-tote-bag)* — *[Pour-over](/en/product/5050-845/Collapsible-Java-Drip)* — *Handpresso*

For example, if you prefer a bolder, grittier coffee then opt for the French press or reusable filter. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a cleaner, brighter flavour, you might prefer the pour-over or AeroPress method as part of your camp coffee routine. Read on for more details, coffee lovers.



At first sight, the [espresso gel](/en/product/5034-182/espresso-love-gel) might be the least appealing; however the 5-star reviews tell us there’s more to this untraditional ‘spro than meets the eye. Reviewers describe the taste as “just awesome” and “more like a dessert.” Plus, you can get your caffeine boost in about 7 seconds, without ever boiling a cup of water. Give it a try and let us know if you’re feeling the espresso love.

**Method**: Tear open package. Squeeze in mouth. Swallow.

**Fussiness level**: Completely and utterly unfussy

**Flavour profile**: Gooey, chocolatey

**Bean grind**: None. It’s the easiest way to get caffeinated, even easier than chewing on a handful of beans.

**Pro tip**: These are gluten and dairy free. Can double as dessert.



A re-usable, submersible filter made of mesh is almost as simple as it gets. We like the MSR Mug Mate Coffee Filter version. You can brew your favourite cup o’ joe with minimal fuss and bother. Just put in a few scoops of your select roast, pour in boiling water, and voilà, fresh coffee.

**Method**: Dump grinds into filter. Pour boiling water over top

**Fussiness level**: Minimal fuss

**Flavour profile**: Bold, gritty, rich

**Bean grind**: Coarse

**Pro tip**: For slightly less gritty coffee, remove the filter from your cup after 1.5 minutes. Works for tea too.



Want to make a lot of coffee in a hurry? The [French Press](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/french-press-coffee-makers/c/1784) is your new camping companion. Make almost 1L of seriously good coffee. We carry several styles of the French Press and the [GSI Java Press](/en/product/5040-518/personal-java-press?colour=Blue) is one of best reviewed. The plunger has a silicone ring to eliminate stray grounds from getting in the brew. Plus, the insulated nylon cozy keep things hot in case you like sleep later than the early birds among your camping crew.

**Method**: Dump grinds into pot. Add boiling water. Cover. Wait a bit. Press.

**Fussiness level**: Not very fussy

**Flavour profile**: Thick, gritty, rich

**Bean grind**: Coarse


[Percolators](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/percolators/c/1782) were all the rage before electric drip machines became a staple in most households. This [stainless steel GSI percolator](/en/product/5058-514/glacier-stainless-steel-9-cup-percolator?colour=Stainless+Steel) is tough enough to withstand boiling over an open flame. Plus the ergonomic handle makes for easy pouring even for the sleepiest of campers.

**Method**: Fill chamber with grinds. Add boiling water. Wait and watch the knob as the water becomes coffee.

**Fussiness level**: Medium fuss, patience required

**Flavour profile**: Smooth, mild

**Bean grind**: Coarse

**Pro tip**: When you’re done making coffee, remove the ground chamber and use the base pot to boil hot water for oatmeal or to re-hydrate meals.

**Other great percolators**: [GSI Pioneer 12 Cup Percolator](/en/product/5046-068/pioneer-12-cup-percolator?colour=Blue) and [GSI Glacier 6-cup Percolator](/en/product/5018-691/Glacier-Stainless-Steel-6-Cup-Percolator).



At age 76, the inventor of the Aerobie flying ring decided he wanted a way to create a single perfect cup of coffee without turning on the electric coffee machine. After 40 iterations, the [AeroPress coffee maker](/en/product/5046-862/Coffee%26-Espresso-Maker) was born. The AeroPress is arguably one of the best ways to make coffee while camping or at home. It delivers a perfect cup with crema and all, and weighs less than the average hiking boot. Coffee snob approved.

**Method**: There are several different styles, but you could try this one: Dump one scoop of grounds into the chamber. Add splash of water to bloom. Wait 20 to 30 seconds. Add the rest of the water filling to the top. Stir. Wait 45 to 60 seconds. Place microfilter in the basket and twist onto plunger. Plunge.

**Fussiness level**: The multi-step AeroPress process is a welcome ritual and celebration for refined coffee addicts. If you were to make a fuss about one thing while you’re camping, let this be it.

**Flavour profile**: Smooth, clean, crisp

**Bean grind**: Fine

**Pro tip**: Rinse your AeroPress filter once it’s in the basket to get rid of any paper flavour. Pre-heat your mug by swishing it with hot water.



Drip coffee has become widely available and most local coffee shops and roasters. It’s one of the simplest ways to deliver a clean and bright cup of coffee without all the bells and whistles, especially this 5-star rated [GSI Collapsible Java Drip](/en/product/5050-845/Collapsible-Java-Drip) version. It’s a civilized compact drip setup that brews coffee for 1 to 2 groggy campers, and collapses into a flat portable circle.

**Method**: Place filter in cone. Add grounds. Add a splash of boiling water to bloom grounds. Wait 20 to 30 seconds. Add the rest of the water is a swirling motion.

**Fussiness level**: It’s not fuss; it’s a labour of love.

**Flavour profile**: Clean, crisp, delicate

**Bean grind**: Medium-coarse

**Pro tip**: Place the cone directly over your travel mug so the coffee stays hot for longer.

**More pour over style coffee makers**: [Sea To Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper](/en/product/6006-869/x-brew-coffee-dripper) and the [GSI Ultralight Java Drip](/en/product/5018-696/ultralight-java-drip).



For amateur or experienced baristas, the Handpresso will get you the perfect shot, and impress your fellow campers. It may look a bit like a bike pump, but it makes a fine shot of espresso topped with perfect crema.

**Method**: Pump the unit up to the green bar. Pour in boiling water. Fill the DomePod with ground coffee or ESE pods. Lock on the lid and press out the elixir of life (aka high quality espresso).

**Fussiness level**: Once you find the perfect grind, prepare your pod, heat your water to 92 degrees, and give it just enough pressure, this tool will work better than an expensive Italian espresso machine. Worth the fuss.

**Flavour profile**: Clean, crisp

**Bean grind**: Fine

**Pro tip**: Pick up a DomePod case which allows you to pre-load your grinds into individual pods for each espresso, reducing your prep time at camp.

**Another great espresso option**: [GSI Moka Espresso Pot](/en/product/5056-108/moka-espresso-pot?colour=Stainless+Steel)!

*If you found this post helpful, share it on social. And don’t forget to tag @mec in your camp coffee photos on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/).*



## Related articles
- [Gift ideas for people who really, really like coffee](/en/article/gift-ideas-for-people-who-really-really-like-coffee)
- [How to choose a camp stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)



Use this spectrum – from expedient to refined – to match your outdoor coffee style.

A coffee addict's guide to camp coffee

Order by December 18 at 11:59 PM PST to get them in time for the holidays. See details