Coffee Cup. Lightweight but moderately durable [Archive] - WhiteBlaze

Skidsteer

01-15-2007, 22:44

I got to thinking about Fiddlehead's recommendation to carry a styrofoam cup for coffee and really couldn't come up with a good reason against it except durability concerns. So.....

Use a 'Go-Paks' snack container and a ten-ounce styrofoam cup (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14411&catid=favorites).

Pinch the lip of the cup all the way around to make for an easier fit, press it down by hand as far as it will go, turn it upside down on a flat surface and give it a good smack. Voila! Insulated coffee cup. (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14409&catid=favorites)

You can even get fancy with coffee filters (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14406&catid=favorites)or mugmates (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14405&catid=favorites) for 'Cowboy coffee'.

Finished project (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14407&catid=favorites)is .65 ounces/18 grams.

Alligator

01-15-2007, 22:55

That's a great idea. Have you tried anything hot in it yet? I was wondering about the plastic.

Skidsteer

01-15-2007, 23:01

That's a great idea. Have you tried anything hot in it yet? I was wondering about the plastic.

Yup. Tried the cowboy coffee with the four-cup coffee filter. You have to put more filter in the cup than is shown in the photo or the filter tends to blow upward because of the the hot air(if that makes sense), but the cup itself is cool to the touch and the lips.

Twolf

01-16-2007, 00:49

I work in a restaurant and I can get the 8oz cardboard soup to go containers. Two cups are less than an oz and are very durable and no plastic. I used one for 10 days and it was just starting to leak. I tried using a #4 coffee cone filter and let it steep in cup then drain but it takes a while to drain while you hold it. When I tried to hurry it by squeezing it, it burst. I carry 2 cups, one for instant oatmeal.

Pokey2006

01-16-2007, 04:32

Another idea: one of those single-serve microwavable Chef Boyardee things. Because it's microwavable, the plastic stands up to the heat. And it's small, so it packs easily. Haven't used it in the field, yet, though.

Jaybird

01-16-2007, 06:58

[QUOTE=Skidsteer;303784]I got to thinking about Fiddlehead's recommendation to carry a styrofoam cup for coffee and really couldn't come up with a good reason against it except durability concerns. So...etc.../QUOTE]

use your cook pot for your coffee mug!
like a SnowPeak Trek 700:

http://www.amazon.com/Trek-700-Titanium-Backpacking-Cook/dp/B000696CXO

only 4oz. sweeeeeet!

jasonklass

01-16-2007, 08:03

That's an excellent idea Skidsteer. I especially like the coffee filter using the lid to hold it in place.

Pokey2006

01-16-2007, 08:10

Skidsteer

01-16-2007, 08:13

That's an excellent idea Skidsteer. I especially like the coffee filter using the lid to hold it in place.

I'll probably try a Melitta cone in it next. I think it will work even better and will stay in place by itself. As I said, you have to be careful with the four-cup filter. The tight seal created by the lid won't let the hot vapor escape fast enough and will blow the filter upward if you don't start with it hung fairly low.

bigcranky

01-16-2007, 08:57

I'm with Jaybird, I have to carry a cooking pot anyway, so I just use it for my coffee, too. Snow Peak 700 with a homemade Reflectix cozy makes a great coffee mug. It's not ideal if you want to really cook, but it's fine for boiling water for freezer bag meals.

Skidsteer

01-16-2007, 09:08

use your cook pot for your coffee mug!
like a SnowPeak Trek 700:

http://www.amazon.com/Trek-700-Titan.../dp/B000696CXO (http://www.amazon.com/Trek-700-Titanium-Backpacking-Cook/dp/B000696CXO)

only 4oz. sweeeeeet!

I'm with Jaybird, I have to carry a cooking pot anyway, so I just use it for my coffee, too. Snow Peak 700 with a homemade Reflectix cozy makes a great coffee mug. It's not ideal if you want to really cook, but it's fine for boiling water for freezer bag meals.

Sheesh, guys. I use a SP Mini-Solo for a coffee cup (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17406) most of the time. 3.45 oz for a 3-cup pot after replacing the stock lid with an aluminum lid from an old egg poacher.

This cup is merely an alternative for those that want one. :)

Jaybird

01-16-2007, 09:21

But 30-plus bucks for a cooking pot/coffee mug?? Yikes! I mean, it does look totally cool, and I'll put it on my wish list. But it's fun to come up with cheaper stuff. And lighter stuff. An entire mess kit based on these ideas and the Heineken pot detailed in other threads weighs in at less than the titanium pot/mug! And only costs about $5 or so. Check out those Heiney pot threads. I wonder how it would work to use the pot as a coffee mug?

well, if you want an "entire mess kit"...its gonna weigh a load more than 4oz.

a titanium pot will last you a Looooooong time....IMHO...well worth the 30bucks.....i got mine on SALE for 20!:D

stay away from STYROFOAM...it disintegrates...& not very environmentally-friendly!

bigcranky

01-16-2007, 17:45

jlb2012

01-16-2007, 18:09

Skidsteer - by any chance does this coffee cup nest in a Heineken can?

Skidsteer

01-16-2007, 19:19

Hey, Skids, that wasn't an attack. Really. Homemade cheap gear is great, and your idea will work fine (and better than a plain styrofoam cup, I think). I was merely pointing out that if one is making coffee, one is probably carrying a pot to boil the water anyway, and one can use one's pot to drink the coffee. :)

Forget about it.:)

I'll likely carry it once or twice on overnighters to see how it works and then go back to drinking instant coffee from my pot(for longer hikes, anyway). The biggest reason I post this stuff is to see how other folks can build on the idea, concept, and/or materials to come up with cool stuff that meets a need.

Skidsteer - by any chance does this coffee cup nest in a Heineken can?

Maybe. Probably. In a chopped Heinie anyway. I'll give you a more definite answer tomorrow when I get home and actually give it a try. I'm stuck in LA for tonight.

If it's any help the O. D. of the uppermost rim( @ 1/16"-1/8" thick) is 3 9/16". It necks down to 3 1/4" for the next 1/2", then gradually tapers from 3 1/8"(5/8" down from very top of cup)to 2 3/8" at the very bottom.

jlb2012

01-16-2007, 20:15

Maybe. Probably. In a chopped Heinie anyway. I'll give you a more definite answer tomorrow when I get home and actually give it a try. I'm stuck in LA for tonight.

If it's any help the O. D. of the uppermost rim( @ 1/16"-1/8" thick) is 3 9/16". It necks down to 3 1/4" for the next 1/2", then gradually tapers from 3 1/8"(5/8" down from very top of cup)to 2 3/8" at the very bottom.

Doesn't sound promising - the max diameter of the Heinie is 3 1/4 inch - that would be chopping it right at the upper fat ring.

Say hi to the folks in Lower Alabama for me.:)

Dances with Mice

01-16-2007, 21:53

A couple of years ago I found 'Lipton's Soup on the Go' or whatever it's called, the plastic microwaveable disposable one-serving soup container with a plastic sippy lid. After eating the soup I cleaned the container and tried it as a coffee cup. It worked! Hallelujiah! A lightweight nearly insulated coffee cup with sippy lid, free, and one that wouldn't burn my lips like my metal cookpot.

A W-B member was just starting his thru-hike attempt and I PM'd him about my idea. He tried it out. It worked. He took the cup with him.

Later on a hike, without warning, my cup disintegrated. Bad luck? I hoped the guy I recommended the cup to had better luck. He didn't (http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=54023). When I read his TJ entry I felt so bad.

This weekend I was finally able to apologize to Mickey One-Sock for my bad gear idea. I am still so sorry, Mickey.

I think Skids has found the answer to the longevity problem. Kudos!

So what do I use these days? First off, screw lightweight because we're talking coffee now and 'cowboy coffee' sucks so don't even go there wih me. Some grocery stores here sell insulated French Press cups for about ten bucks. I have one at work. I have another that I leave in my business travel overnight suitcase. There's another at home that I can take when I have to drive. One more is in a duffle bag full of juggling props. Never leave home without it.

But some people are willing to accept lower standards of coffee for less weight. I understand that. HYOH and DYOC.

(Drink Your Own Coffee.)

buckowens

01-16-2007, 23:35

I bet a styrofoam cup would last a long time if it had a wrap of good ole duct tape around it! Duct tape good...

Frolicking Dinosaurs

01-17-2007, 08:35

::: sports evil grin as she takes this to next level :::

Have any of you guys ever tried using two of those really thin plastic cups and 'styrofoam in a can' (foam insulation) between them?

Skidsteer

01-17-2007, 08:54

::: sports evil grin as she takes this to next level :::

Have any of you guys ever tried using two of those really thin plastic cups and 'styrofoam in a can' (foam insulation) between them?

Heheh.

Uhhuh. (http://www.hill-kleerup.org/blog/heroes/images/stonegolemsuit.jpg)

dla

01-17-2007, 11:34

Try a 7-eleven styro cup. Strongest I've seen.

Skidsteer

01-17-2007, 19:54

Doesn't sound promising - the max diameter of the Heinie is 3 1/4 inch - that would be chopping it right at the upper fat ring.

Say hi to the folks in Lower Alabama for me.:)

Hmmm..It ain't half bad HOI. Only about 5/8" added to the total height. And various items could be stored in the cup with a nifty lid to keep them there.

dla

01-17-2007, 22:24

Try a 7-eleven styro cup. Strongest I've seen.
And you can double them up. By the way, the 20oz size makes a good cozy for soups. Swap them back and forth to keep the drinking separate from the eating.

dla

01-18-2007, 12:23

And you can double them up. By the way, the 20oz size makes a good cozy for soups. Swap them back and forth to keep the drinking separate from the eating.

More specifically, the 20oz 7-Eleven cup makes an excellent cozy for Nile Spice soups and Cup-O-Noodles.

jlb2012

01-18-2007, 13:38

Hmmm..It ain't half bad HOI. Only about 5/8" added to the total height. And various items could be stored in the cup with a nifty lid to keep them there.

Skidsteer - did the cup reach the bottom of the Heineken can or is it being supported by the tight fit at the top?

Skidsteer

01-19-2007, 08:56

Skidsteer - did the cup reach the bottom of the Heineken can or is it being supported by the tight fit at the top?

It's supported at the top and doesn't reach the bottom of the Heineken can.

GlazeDog

01-20-2007, 14:22

I'm happily using my Orikaso Mug (1.25 oz)--they also make a cup 1.0 oz. This stuff is durable and takes up NO space in the pack as it unfolds flat. Am concerned though if it could puncture my new G5 pack though if not packed well.

GlazeDog

Questtrek

06-28-2007, 01:30

Love the Idea for the styrfoam cup and the "go paks" .... I just purchased a Snow Peak 700 and was searching for something smaller to use for my coffee. That rocks! Thanks....:sun that will save me $20 ... instead of buying another Ti cup

fiddlehead

06-28-2007, 02:23

Thanks for using my idea. It looks good and the real beauty is that it is so easily replaceable in most any town.
As for those who use their cooking pot for their coffee. That's fine and i am one for simplifying. however, there's nothing like a cup of tea while i'm cooking after a long day of hiking. so, i usually boil up a cup of water 1st and then start dinner again.
The styrofoam usually lasts me about 2 towns out west or 4 or 5 on the AT (more town stops there) I keep it inside my cookit to protect it while hiking of course. I leave the plastic lid on it as it keeps it's shape that way and keeps it from breaking. I'll try one of those "chips a hoy" things next time. thanks.

Natchez

06-28-2007, 13:06

sweet cup I some times like my coffe with my meal

gearfreak

06-28-2007, 13:20

These little guys are excellent insulated containers for both meals and drinks. http://www.campbellsoup.com/microwavable.aspx :sun

Moon Monster

06-28-2007, 13:52

Yogurt containers.

Very very durable and can withstand much crushing force in a pack and boiling temperatures from steeping tea or coffee. Plus, you get to eat the yogurt first and get much needed calcium and fat. Buy a new one every town stop, and you need not really clean each. Cut a notch in the lid, if you want a cover to insulate hot beverages.

Tractor

06-28-2007, 14:38

I use my sisters old girl scout plastic cup. Packs just right inside my .9 liter cook pot.

By the way, I found it easier to fix & eat gooey breakfast stuff, like oatmeal, before coffee. Makes cleanup much easier but the coffee has floaties. Not a problem.

Dances with Mice

06-28-2007, 15:16

By the way, I found it easier to fix & eat gooey breakfast stuff, like oatmeal, before coffee. Makes cleanup much easier but the coffee has floaties. Not a problem.The road to Perdition!

It all starts with oatmeal floaties. Then you'll start adding a touch of cream. Next a spoonfull of sugar. Then you'll be trying hazelnut or french vanilla and end up drinking organic free trade double latte mochas or something that doesn't even look like coffee anymore. Then you might get hooked on the hard stuff: Chickory.

Nobody thinks it will happen to them. Please stop while you still can.

It's too late for me.

zelph

06-28-2007, 19:03

I use my sippy cupp!!!!!!!

I wait for it to cool off a little before I indulge in my hot chocolate.:banana

therumpus

08-10-2007, 20:10

Man - all of the ideas here are good ones.

I use the GI. Canteen cup/stove. It's a bit heavier than the above options but it doubles as my cup, small pot, and in a pinch I can put it ON the fire to boil questionable water. It compacts well with the stove/windscreen for an esbit fuel/alcohol stove. Oh, I also use it to pack fragile stuff. It's not going to break/crack.

Like I said, not the lightest option but cheap, durable, and mutli-use. Good luck.

Here is the alum. one (I use the stainless) http://www.campingsurvival.com/gstalcacup.html

And the stove... (Recommend this!)
http://www.shomer-tec.com/site/product.cfm?id=99884C97-A47E-A845-814693EF1834E953

dla

08-13-2007, 21:02

And you can double them up. By the way, the 20oz size makes a good cozy for soups. Swap them back and forth to keep the drinking separate from the eating.

Oh well, 7-Eleven stopped using the superior styro cups and now has only the inferior "save the planet I'm an idiot" paper cups.

Jack Tarlin

08-14-2007, 14:26

I've used one of these for many years.

http://www.rei.com/product/634314

It's great for hot drinks, as well as for amber colored adult beverages; also, when you unscrew it, the cup part is very useful as a "dipper" when you come to a spring or water source that your Nalgene or larger water bottle/bag won't fit in to. In places like this, a small "dipper" is invaluable.

Gray Blazer

08-14-2007, 14:37