Let’s get one thing straight—I am a coffee drinker. And not just in the casual, “I enjoy a cup now and then” way. No, coffee on the road is an essential part of my morning routine, a sacred ritual, and quite honestly, a public safety measure. No one needs me operating heavy machinery (or making life choices) without coffee in my system.

But here’s the deal—having a very specific way you like your coffee is great… until you hit the road. Then, all those little details, like refrigeration, storage, and availability, start to get a little tricky.

The Case for Keeping It Simple

If you’re thinking about traveling full-time, just starting out, or even if you’ve been at it for a while but haven’t quite figured out the coffee situation—consider simplifying. Specifically, consider drinking your coffee black.

I know, I know. If you love your creamers, sweeteners, or elaborate oat-milk-vanilla-whatever, the idea of plain black coffee might sound tragic. But hear me out.

On one of my first road trips, I realized (mid-drive) that I had forgotten my flavored creamer at home. I had three kids under five in the truck, was towing a trailer, and ended up squeezing into a ridiculously tight grocery store parking lot—all in the name of creamer. I stressed, I swore, I regretted every life decision that led me to that moment.

Years later, while working on better eating habits, I slowly weaned myself off the flavored goodness. Now I drink my coffee black, and honestly? It has made life (and travel) so much easier. No refrigeration, no extra grocery runs, no panic when I run out. Plus, I can sit, sip, and actually enjoy my coffee without having to dig through my fridge for my beloved half and half, like my favorite traveling companion Terry does, or go on an emergency store run.

How to Make Coffee on the Road (Without Losing Your Mind)

Now, let’s talk logistics. Making coffee while traveling comes down to three key factors:

1. How much do you need? A single cup or a whole pot?
2. How fast do you need it? Do you need coffee in your veins immediately, or can you afford to wait while it brews at a more civilized pace?
3. What’s your cleanup situation? Do you have running water, or are you rationing every drop?

Powering Up: Heat First, Coffee Second

Coffee requires hot water. That’s your starting point, whether you’re making a fancy pour-over, a no-fuss instant coffee, or something in between.

• Electric kettles: Great if you have the power, but they do suck up electricity fast.
• Propane/butane stoves: Ideal if you’re already set up for cooking.
• Tea kettles vs. pots: A tea kettle is more efficient, but if space is tight, make sure it’s pulling double duty in your setup.

Coffee Methods: Pick Your Battle

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a breakdown of your best options:

1. French Press – Fancy but Fussy

French presses make a rich, bold coffee, but they do require water for cleanup. If you don’t mind the occasional leftover grounds in your next cup (bonus texture?), it’s a solid option.

2. Pour-Over – Looks Cool, Requires Patience

Pour-overs are simple, with no extra equipment needed… but they demand a level of stillness and focus I simply do not possess. My van has drain holes (leftover from the seats I removed), and let’s just say they come in handy.

3. Good Ol’ Drip Coffee Maker – When You Have Power

If I’m heading to a meetup where I’ll have access to power, I sometimes grab a $6 coffee maker from Goodwill. I use it for the event, then donate it back. Genius, right? This trick also works for crockpots and toaster ovens.

Drip coffee makers are power-hungry, so if you’re relying on battery power, expect it to take a hit. If you have solar, you can recharge during the day. Keurigs use less power, but then you have to deal with K-cups—buying, storing, and disposing of them.

4. Instant Coffee – The Ultimate Backup Plan

I know most people turn their noses up at instant coffee, but it has saved me more times than I can count. No filters, no grinds, no cleanup. Just hot water and caffeine.  So I keep a small pack of it in my food supplies.

Coffee While Traveling

If I have a travel day ahead, I try to plan my morning coffee accordingly:

• If I’m near a gas station with decent coffee, I’ll fill up my oversized, well-insulated travel mug (that, crucially, fits in my cup holder). Bonus: Refills usually cost about $1.
• In summer, I switch to cold coffee. Unless you have fridge space, get used to drinking it at room temp. (As a mom of three, I went a full decade without drinking a hot cup of coffee anyway—so I’m already trained for this.)

Grinding Your Own Beans – Worth It?

If you’re a coffee purist, hand-crank grinders are a low-power option, but they do take up space. If you have an electric grinder, they use minimal power, but it’s still one more thing to pack.

The Generator Debate

Yes, some people run their generators just to make coffee. No, I am not one of those people. And if you camp near others, you might not want to be either.

The Bottom Line

Coffee on the road doesn’t have to be complicated. If you can simplify your setup—whether that means ditching the creamer, embracing instant coffee, or finding a brewing method that works with your travel style—you’ll save yourself time, stress, and possibly a few parking lot meltdowns.

Because at the end of the day (or rather, the beginning of it), all that matters is that you get your caffeine fix—without making life harder than it needs to be.