I’d love to tell you this site runs on enthusiasm. But since our web host doesn’t accept high-fives as payment, we use affiliate links for products we love. So if you decide to go on a caffeine-fueled spending spree, we may earn a small commission. It keeps this site running and ensures our camping gear is more “adventure-ready” than “held together with duct tape.” Get the fine print here.
A slow morning at camp with fresh air and a hot cup of coffee. Perfection.
Except making coffee in the wild isn’t always that simple.
Ever tried cleaning out a French press with limited water? Annoying. Dealing with gritty coffee grounds floating in your mug? Gross. And forget about those flimsy plastic presses that crack the first time they get knocked off the camp table.
After a lot of trial and error (and more than a few disappointing cups of coffee), I finally found a French press built for camping: the Planetary Design Ovrlndr.
It’s insulated, easy to clean, and makes a killer cup of coffee without leaving a swampy mess at the bottom of your mug. After testing it in the backcountry, on road trips, and in my motorhome, it’s earned a permanent spot in my camp kitchen.
Why the Planetary Design Ovrlndr Is My Favorite French Press for Camping
The Ovrlndr isn’t just a travel French press. It’s a coffee brewing system and insulated mug in one.
This 24-ounce, double-wall vacuum insulated press keeps coffee hot for hours and filters out grounds better than most travel presses I’ve used. The built-in snap lid makes it spill-proof, and the removable bottom makes cleanup easier than any other press I’ve tested.
I originally bought it thinking it would just be “nice to have.” Now, it’s the only one I bring on trips.
Standout Features That Make a Big Difference
- Easy cleanup. The removable bottom unscrews, so dumping used coffee grounds is quick and hassle-free. (No awkward rinsing required.)
- No more gritty coffee. The fine stainless steel filter and brew plate actually keep grounds out of your mug. No sludge at the bottom. (No weird floaters.)
- Tough and portable. Built like a tank, but still light enough to carry in a backpack. Fits in the cupholder of my Jeep and doesn’t leak on bumpy roads.
- Keeps my coffee hot for hours. Double-wall vacuum insulation means no more lukewarm coffee 20 minutes after brewing.
- Easy to clean
- Little to no sediment
- Portable and tough
- Finicky bottom seal
- Plunger issues
- Leftover water in bottom
The Downsides of the Ovrlndr French Press
Okay, so if you made it this far you know I love this darn french press. But no coffee maker is perfect.
Here’s a couple of downsides of the Ovrlndr to consider before buying:
- The removable bottom holds some leftover water. It’s supposed to help rinse out coffee grounds, but in reality, it’s not enough to fully clean the press. I just dump it and rinse as usual.
- The bottom seal can be finicky. If it’s not screwed in perfectly, it may leak. Easy fix? Make sure it’s aligned before brewing.
- Plunger issues (but there’s a workaround). Occasionally, the plunger creates a vacuum seal that makes pressing it down a little tough. Lifting it slightly breaks the seal and solves the issue.
None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing upfront. If you can handle a little extra attention to cleaning and sealing the bottom piece properly, the Ovrlndr still beats out most other camping presses in durability, insulation, and ease of use.
Tips for Brewing the Best Coffee with the Ovrlndr
Getting the most out of any French press comes down to technique. The Ovrlndr is built for convenience, but using the right grind size, water temperature, and brew time makes all the difference between a perfect cup of coffee and a gritty, bitter disappointment.
Here’s what I’ve found works best:
- Use coarsely ground coffee. Fine grounds slip through any French press filter. A coarse grind prevents grit in your cup.
- Brew at 195°F for 5 minutes. I’ve found this is the sweet spot for a balanced, rich cup of coffee.
- Clean it regularly. The brew plate and filter come apart easily, so it’s simple to rinse out coffee oils and keep flavors fresh.
- Consider a manual coffee grinder for the best grind. I keep one in my camp kitchen for fresh, coarse-ground coffee without electricity.
If you’re new to using a French press for camping, don’t be afraid to experiment with brew times and coffee-to-water ratios to dial in the flavor to your liking. A few small tweaks can take your camp coffee from “just okay” to “holy crap, this is good.”
Well, is the Ovrlndr Really Worth It?
If you want a reliable, durable French press for camping, road trips, or van life, the Planetary Design Ovrlndr is worth packing.
It’s built tough, keeps coffee hot for hours, and makes cleanup way easier than traditional French presses. Whether you’re brewing at camp, in an RV, or on a bumpy trail, this thing just works.
It’s not perfect (no coffee maker is) but for something that can survive rough roads, brew a solid cup without leaving grit at the bottom, and pack away easily, I’ll take it.
As someone who always has approximately seven different ways to brew a cup of coffee, I know when something actually works. This one does.
- Easy to clean
- Little to no sediment
- Portable and tough
- Finicky bottom seal
- Plunger issues
- Leftover water in bottom
Still Here? You Must Be the Human Equivalent of Well-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan.
Most people tap out early like tourists who underestimate Arizona heat. But not you. You’re built different. So why not pull up a camping chair with us on Substack?
