5 Cowboy Coffee Hacks for Your Next Trail Ride

When you're out on the trail—dust in your boots, sun on your back, and your horse steady beneath you—there's nothing like a strong cup of cowboy coffee to keep you going. Whether you're horse camping overnight or heading out for a sunrise ride, the right brew can elevate the whole experience.

At Wrangler Coffee Company, we know that great coffee shouldn’t be limited to your kitchen. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite cowboy coffee hacks, perfect for trail rides, horse camping trips, and anywhere the road (or saddle) takes you.

1. Pre-Pack Your Cowboy Coffee Grounds for the Trail:

One of the best ways to enjoy coffee on the trail without the fuss is to pre-pack individual servings of your favorite blend. Use small, resealable bags or compostable paper filters to portion out the right amount for each brew. A good rule of thumb: about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 8-ounce cup.

If you’re heading out for a multi-day ride, label each bag with the day or intended brew time (e.g., "Sunrise Brew – Day 2"). This keeps things simple, saves space in your saddlebags, and ensures your brew is just the way you like it—strong, bold, and hassle-free.

Trail Ride Coffee Tip: Choose a coarse grind if you’re doing traditional cowboy coffee (no filter), and a medium grind if you’re using a travel press or portable drip cone.

2. Upgrade Your Campfire Brewing Method:

Traditional cowboy coffee is made by boiling water, throwing in the grounds, letting it steep, and then pouring slowly. It’s rustic—but it can be gritty if you’re not careful.

Here’s a cowboy-approved method to cut the grit:

1. 1. Boil water over your fire.
   2. Remove from heat and wait 30 seconds (to drop it just below boiling).
   3. Stir in the grounds.
   4. Let steep for 3–4 minutes.
   5. Add a splash of cold water to settle the grounds to the bottom.

No fancy equipment, no filter, just smooth, strong coffee that gets the job done.

Horse Camping Coffee Tip: If you mind the grounds or want a smoother cup, pack a reusable mesh filter or ultralight pour-over cone.

3. Choose the Right Cowboy Coffee Blend:

Not all coffee performs the same in the wild. For trail riding and cowboy coffee, you want a blend that stands up to rugged brewing conditions—bold, low-acidity beans with plenty of body.

Look for:

• • Medium-Dark to Dark roasts with chocolatey or smoky notes;
  • Low-acid beans, like those from Brazil, Colombia, or Sumatran origins;
  • Medium-grind for drip-style, or coarse-grind for direct-boil cowboy methods

Recommendations: Our Quarter Horse Cowboy Blend (medium-dark) and 6 Bean Espresso Homestead Roast (dark) were made for mornings on horseback—smooth, strong, and built to handle the trail.

4. Pack Lightweight, Trail-Friendly Coffee Gear:

Let’s face it: when you're packing for a horse camping trip, space and weight matter. Every ounce counts. That’s why we’ve tested and picked our favorite trail-ready coffee gear:

• • Enameled Steel Campfire Mug;
  • Titan Copper Insulated Container;
  • Reusable filter or paper filters;
    
  • Collapsible pour-over cone;
  • Titanium kettle or camp pot;

Horseback Rider Tip: Always store your gear in a dry bag or saddle pouch to keep dust and dew out of your coffee stash.

5. Make It a Ritual (And Share It):

One of the best parts of horseback camping is the ritual of the ride—waking up early, watching the fog lift, saddling your horse, and sipping a hot cup while the fire crackles. Coffee becomes part of that ritual, grounding you in the moment.

Make time for that trail brew, whether it’s a solo cup as the sun rises or a pot shared among friends and family at camp. It’s not just about caffeine—it’s about connection. With your horse. With your riding partners. With the land.

Pro Trail Rider Tip: Want to impress your trail buddies? Pack a small bag of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or dried orange peel (or lemon peel) to toss into the brew. Adds a boost flavor twist without adding bulk.

Wrapping Up the Ride:
Trail ride coffee doesn’t have to be second-rate. With a little prep and the right gear, you can brew cowboy coffee that’s just as bold and smooth as your ride.

At WCC, we serve nothing but small-batch roasted, specialty grade coffee designed for the trail. Whether you’re heading into the backcountry or riding the fence lines close to home, we’re here to keep your cup full and your spirits high. Wherever your trail takes you, good coffee should follow.