Article: How to make espresso while camping — The complete guide | PureBarista
How to make espresso while camping — The complete guide | PureBarista
Published: March 2025 · Updated: March 2025 · By Marc Hulsman, founder PureBarista
Making espresso while camping means having a self-heating portable espresso machine, water, and coffee in capsule or ground form. With a battery-powered machine, no camping gas, open fire, or power outlet is needed. This guide explains both methods, cold water and pre-heated water, with our own measured heating data and step-by-step instructions.
What you need
Good outdoor espresso comes down to three things: a machine that works without a power outlet, clean water, and your coffee of choice. That's it.
A portable espresso machine with a built-in battery and self-heating system does the heavy lifting. The PureBarista heats cold water automatically, builds 20 bar of pressure, and works with Nespresso® capsules, Dolce Gusto® capsules, or freshly ground coffee. No gas burner, kettle, or power outlet required.
Two ways to brew: Cold water or pre-heated water
This is the most practical choice you'll make when brewing outdoors.
Cold water straight into the machine
Fill the water tank with cold tap water or spring water, switch the machine on, and wait. The machine heats the water itself to the right extraction temperature. That takes 6 to 10 minutes — we measured 8.5 minutes starting from 15°C.
This is the easiest approach when you have a relaxed morning. Switch the machine on as you unzip the tent. By the time you've packed your gear, your espresso is ready.
With pre-heated water
If you bring a thermos flask filled with water at around 80°C — boiled the evening before and kept warm overnight — extraction is ready in about 2 minutes. Practical when you need to break camp quickly and can't wait 8 minutes.
Heating time comparison
| Water temperature | Heating time | Shots per charge | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15°C (cold tap water) | 8–10 min | Up to 5 | Solo use, day trips |
| 50°C (warm water) | ~4–5 min | ~30–50 | When partial heating is available |
| 80°C (near boiling) | ~2 min | 150+ | Multi-day trips, groups |
Source: own measurement, PureBarista, February 2025. Ambient temperature 17°C.
Step by step: Brewing espresso at the campsite
Step 1 — Choose your coffee
Capsules are the easiest option outdoors. They're pre-dosed, require no grinding, and leave no loose grounds behind. Nespresso® capsules produce a tight, consistent shot. Dolce Gusto® capsules give more volume. Freshly ground coffee delivers the most flavour control but takes slightly more preparation.
Step 2 — Fill the water tank
Use clean drinking water. Tap water from a campsite works fine. Spring water too. Avoid unfiltered water from lakes or rivers — it damages the machine over time.
Step 3 — Switch on and wait
Cold water: wait 6 to 10 minutes. Pre-heated water: around 2 minutes. The machine indicates when it's ready via the LCD screen.
Step 4 — Pull your shot
Insert your capsule or ground coffee adapter, press the extraction button, and wait. Your shot is ready in about 30 seconds.
Step 5 — Enjoy it
This is the step that's most different from home. Take your time. The surroundings are the best thing you can add to any cup of coffee.
The most common mistakes with outdoor espresso
Shaking the machine during transport
Capsules can shift around in your bag. Store them separately in a small pouch or container.
Forgetting water
The water tank holds 80 ml — enough for one shot. Always bring enough drinking water for both your coffee and yourself.
Not protecting the machine
A hard case protects the machine from knocks and moisture in your backpack. The PureBarista comes with a protective hard case designed exactly for this.
Extracting before the machine is ready
Let the machine complete its full heat-up cycle. Starting too early produces an under-extracted, sour shot.
How many shots per charge?
The PureBarista runs on a 7,500 mAh battery. Using cold water, that gives you 5 shots per charge — the machine uses significant energy to heat the water. Using pre-heated water, where the machine barely needs to heat at all, you can pull 150+ shots on a single battery charge. Bring a spare battery and it's unlimited.
The right kit for camping
A good outdoor espresso setup fits in a small bag and weighs almost nothing.
The PureBarista measures 253 × 76 mm and weighs 803 grams. With the hard case, everything — machine, adapters, cable, and capsules — fits in one compact package that slips into your backpack.
To complete the setup: bring the machine in its hard case, a thermos flask for pre-heated water, your capsules or ground coffee, and a small camping mug. That's all you need.
Ready for your next camping trip?
The PureBarista was built for exactly these moments. No power outlet, no hassle — just espresso, wherever you are.
20 bar pressure. Replaceable battery. 3-in-1 compatibility. Hard case included. 90-day risk-free trial.
Marc Hulsman — Founder, PureBarista
Marc tests every batch of portable espresso machines himself — measuring warm-up times, extraction pressure, and battery performance. Questions? support@pure-barista.com
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Written by Marc Hulsman
