Backpacking coffee maker for X-mas gift?

[Different Socks]

My girlfriend whom will be hiking with me over the next several summers likes to have coffee in the morning. Since I am not a drinker of that liquid, I have no idea what backpacking contraption would be best for overnights on the trail.
Suggestions please?

[Feral Bill]

My wife likes the Aeropress. May be heavy and bulky for your taste.
http://www.mountaingear.com/webstore/Gear/Camping-hiking/Cookware/Aerobie/AeroPress-Coffee-Maker/_/R-112644P.htm

[greentick]

If you use a jetboil the press attachment adds minimal weight and makes great field coffee.

[saltysack]

Used the jb press but got tired of the mess....via is hard to beat for convince and taste....lately have used cafe bustelo instant expresso along with a chocolate instant breakfast.....pretty good for a trail mocha...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[daddytwosticks]

Convince her to drink instant for your times on the trail. Much easier and less fussy IMHO. :)

[polechar]

I use the Aeropress as well, it's really easy to use and the clean up is way easier than a French press. The new ones weigh just over 6 ounces. Worth every ounce to have good coffee. :)

[Nooga]

I'm not a big Starbucks fan, but it is hard to beat Via on the trail.

[Tuckahoe]

With all of the instant coffee suggestions I had to check and make sure I was still in the backpacking coffee maker thread...

For real coffee, I would suggest a MSR Mugmate -- http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/cookware/cookware-accessories/mugmate-coffee/tea-filter/product

There are no filters, plungers or any other moving parts and its small, lightweight, inexpensive when compared to other makers.

[freightliner]

Used the jb press but got tired of the mess....via is hard to beat for convince and taste....lately have used cafe bustelo instant expresso along with a chocolate instant breakfast.....pretty good for a trail mocha... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I do the same thing and love it. At night I usually use chocolate flavored protein shake and via instant coffee. Even though it's really heavy I'll also use a packet of cocoa with the via instant coffee. Delicious

[Damn Yankee]

If she is anything like me and loves a great cup of coffee, this may be what she needs. Again, not ultralite but small enough. http://www.handpresso.com/en/espresso-machines/manual-espresso-machines/handpresso-wild-e-s-e/ 22 x 10 x 7cm and weighs 476g

[saltysack]

I do the same thing and love it. At night I usually use chocolate flavored protein shake and via instant coffee. Even though it's really heavy I'll also use a packet of cocoa with the via instant coffee. Delicious

If you like a stronger coffee try the cafe bustelo instant instead of via.....not as convent as have to repackage in ziplocks but good for change


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DeerPath]

I'm not a big Starbucks fan, but it is hard to beat Via on the trail.DITTO........ and it's a lot less weight to carry than a coffee press and ground coffee.

[perdidochas]

My girlfriend whom will be hiking with me over the next several summers likes to have coffee in the morning. Since I am not a drinker of that liquid, I have no idea what backpacking contraption would be best for overnights on the trail.
Suggestions please?

Unless she's a coffee snob, I would recommend Starbucks Via instant. Pricy but as good as normal coffee, IMHO.

[Hikes in Rain]

And there's always cowboy coffee, using the pot you're probably already carrying. No gadgets needed, although I now carry a tiny little strainer to filter out the occasional loose ground or two.

[Farr Away]

I've tried various coffee setups, but my husband and I now each carry one of these:
http://smile.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Commuter-Press-Mountain/dp/B00B49RJRI/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417716294&sr=1-2&keywords=gsi+outdoors+java+press

It's a coffee press AND an insulated cup, so the coffee stays hot even on frosty mornings.

-FA

[Just Bill]

http://www.yerbamate.com/Spring-Bombilla/p/ECO-SPR&c=EcoTeas@Accessories

I recently got one of these as a gift. I like drinking loose tea, but this works for cowboy coffee too.
Simple to clean and take care of. Use course ground beans. You can get more than one cup easily as well.

[vamelungeon]

Another vote for a GSI press. 10.8 ounces including the nesting cup. http://www.examiner.com/article/gourmet-backpacking-enjoy-fresh-brewed-coffee-on-the-trail-with-the-gsi-personal-java-press

[DrL]

I love my Aeropress, but not for backpacking.

My vote is for Starbucks Via.

[Damn Yankee]

I have the GSI press but the larger one, makes great coffee as long as you have good coffee to go in it.

[anachronist]

I subscribe to the pourover method, and as such use this: http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Collapsible-Java-Drip/dp/B00CHGML4S

I bring some ground coffee with me to save weight on my hario mini mill grinder. You can save further weight by not bringing the protective lid. It is robust enough on its own.

[twilight]

I used to use these for years to make coffee, easy, simple and cheap. http://www.campmor.com/Product___29570 , but now I've switched to hot chocolate for the calories.


Twilight

[CalebJ]

Cleanup is what keeps me from taking any form of a press out in the woods. Tried it, stopped bothering.
The MSR Mugmate is available from another manufacturer for less money. If I can dust off the cobwebs and remember the name, I'll post a link.
The Aeropress is very tempting. Great coffee, but as others have stated it's still a bit bulky.

I hate to admit it, but on the trail I usually resort to caffeinated gum. Gets me the jolt and it packs a LOT smaller with no cleanup.

[CalebJ]

The Mugmate alternative is the Finum Brewing Basket. Looks like they're both about $10 now though. Just grab whichever is easier to locate.

[Havana]

I use the jetboil coffee press attachment when I'm fishing or hunting. When backpacking I usually go the Via route as dealing with the grounds can be a real hassle both to clean the press and then store/pack out the grounds.

[Hikes in Rain]

Some years back, my brother got me one of these as a gag gift. He never expected me to use it, but the silly thing works, and makes good espresso! http://www.campmor.com/Product___15773

[CalebJ]

Some years back, my brother got me one of these as a gag gift. He never expected me to use it, but the silly thing works, and makes good espresso! http://www.campmor.com/Product___15773
I would love to try that out. The stovetop moka pots make excellent coffee.

[polechar]

Cleanup is what keeps me from taking any form of a press out in the woods. Tried it, stopped bothering.
The MSR Mugmate is available from another manufacturer for less money. If I can dust off the cobwebs and remember the name, I'll post a link.
The Aeropress is very tempting. Great coffee, but as others have stated it's still a bit bulky.

I hate to admit it, but on the trail I usually resort to caffeinated gum. Gets me the jolt and it packs a LOT smaller with no cleanup.
The directions say On the aeropress to only fill it to the 2 mark and not the 4 (basically half way) so I cut mine in half with a hacksaw and it still works perfectly and lost a lot of the bulk, it now fits upside down in my cup for pack storage. I used it on my thru and the nice thing about it is the clean up, their is no screen to clean you just push the rubber plunger all the way through then just wipe it with a small piece of TP or a leaf. I got the weight of mine down to 3.5 ounces.

[polechar]

29084 Here is a pic.

[Bronk]

Folgers sells coffee in teabags...quick, easy, disposable and no extra equipment needed.

[Treehugger]

How about a Cuban Coffee Strainer. Seen here: http://www.amazon.com/Cloth-coffee-strainer-handle-metal/dp/B00EBF80UW
They are light, simple to use, very cheap and durable.

[Connie]

How about the Cuban coffee strainer or French press for this recipe: http://www.patismexicantable.com/2014/01/spiced-sweet-mexican-coffee/

[Offshore]

I love my Aeropress, but not for backpacking.

My vote is for Starbucks Via.

+1 Keep it simple. Aeropress and French press are great methods, but who needs to carry all that single-purpose gear? I'm not a Starbucks fan, but VIA is actually very good - and you can't beat the weight and ease of preparation.

[polechar]

It all depends on how much you like good coffee. The teabag kinds are terrible and good luck finding VIA on a thru hike.

[Offshore]

VIA is like any other supply item - no big deal. If its important to have and hard to find, you simply plan ahead. Add them to a bounce box or just carry a good supply. They aren't all that heavy - a pack of 50 is shown with a shipping weight of 8 ounces - less if you toss the cardboard outer box. The 8 packets I have on hand didn't even register on my postal scale, so its under a half ounce. No weight penalty at all compared to systems such as Aeropress or French press mugs/attachments, especially considering you also need to add the weight of the coffee itself.

[RED-DOG]

I used the Jet boil press it's intended to be used with the flash model but I works with my Sol-TI it makes great cup of coffee.

My Fiance went out and purchased the Aerobie Aero press man that thing is awesome the coffee flavor is outstanding, she doesn't leave home without it, and it brews espresso complete with crema the cost is around $30.00.
if I was going to buy a coffee maker for a back packer the Aero Press would be it, I am going to buy one for my self this Christmas and include it in my PCT set up and retire the jet boil press.

[RED-DOG]

The directions say On the aeropress to only fill it to the 2 mark and not the 4 (basically half way) so I cut mine in half with a hacksaw and it still works perfectly and lost a lot of the bulk, it now fits upside down in my cup for pack storage. I used it on my thru and the nice thing about it is the clean up, their is no screen to clean you just push the rubber plunger all the way through then just wipe it with a small piece of TP or a leaf. I got the weight of mine down to 3.5 ounces.
Very COOL I will keep this I mind for when I use mine on my PCT thru.

[Dedicated Hanger]

My wife and I are only meanderers (five miles a day) and do not go backpacking for distance. We have been know to set up base camp in a very pretty spot and do day hikes with lunch, camera, and fluids in a day pack. So our packs do contain some creature comfort level things that distance backpackers may want to avoid. We take a mini espresso maker from GSI outdoors and Mini-Moos half and half. Have to say that we are somewhat spoiled when it comes to our coffee. To make that mini espresso maker work properly one has to have espresso grind coffee and practice it several times at home before hitting the trail. If you do purchase one, remember to keep the gasket clean of grounds when putting it together and screw it together tightly to keep the steam from leaking out the sides. It does make a passable shot of espresso if you are so inclined to carry it. Hope to see you on the trail. I will share a cup of espresso with you.

[McPick]

Folgers sells coffee in teabags...quick, easy, disposable and no extra equipment needed.

I'm with Bronk on this one. The Folgers' bags are easy, quick, light weight and certainly tasty enough for me. Quick cleanup too... I just slice open the bag when it's finished brewing and give it a little spin. The grounds fly out and vanish on the ground.

I drink milk in my coffee and for a while I packed powdered milk to add to my morning brew. Then I discovered the Carnation Breakfast Essentials (Instant Breakfast) are mostly nonfat powdered milk, with the additional benefit of all the vitamins, calories, etc in those little packets. I dump half a pack in my coffee and sip it while packing my kit. I dump the other half on my cereal.

One one of our canoe trips, my wife and I were caught in a heavy rain storm. I spotted an old tree that had been uprooted on a sandbar. I paddled over and we climbed out of the canoe. I asked my wife to hold open the large golf umbrella as we sat down on the log. Then I pulled out my stove and pot, poured in the water and fired it up. My wife hadn't seen those Folgers bags and asked me what I was doing. I said, "Wouldn't you just love to have a nice hot cup of coffee while we wait out the storm?" The look on her face at that moment was priceless... Then I teased her a bit when I told her I didn't have any half & half (dang) but wondered if she would prefer the French Vanilla or Rich Milk Chocolate powdered milk added to her cup? Whoa!

Out of all the canoe trips we've taken, I think if anyone asked about her favorite trip, (before grandchildren) she tell them about the time we sat on an old dead tree during a heavy downpour, cozy under an umbrella, drinking steaming hot cups of coffee that were ready in no time.

[double d]

Maybe I missed it, but I just use the old fashion coffee making system: boil water, pour into light weight mug, add instant coffee=all good!

[rocketsocks]

One one of our canoe trips, my wife and I were caught in a heavy rain storm. I spotted an old tree that had been uprooted on a sandbar. I paddled over and we climbed out of the canoe. I asked my wife to hold open the large golf umbrella as we sat down on the log. Then I pulled out my stove and pot, poured in the water and fired it up. My wife hadn't seen those Folgers bags and asked me what I was doing. I said, "Wouldn't you just love to have a nice hot cup of coffee while we wait out the storm?" The look on her face at that moment was priceless... Then I teased her a bit when I told her I didn't have any half & half (dang) but wondered if she would prefer the French Vanilla or Rich Milk Chocolate powdered milk added to her cup? Whoa!

Out of all the canoe trips we've taken, I think if anyone asked about her favorite trip, (before grandchildren) she tell them about the time we sat on an old dead tree during a heavy downpour, cozy under an umbrella, drinking steaming hot cups of coffee that were ready in no time.Very nice sentiment, enjoyed reading that...dam near commercialesque.

[Kickinrocks]

My vote is for Via

[Rangefinder]

I use the Aeropress at home and it's awesome. However, like many others, I choose Starbucks Via for the backpack.

[Mags]

Do it "cowboy style". Just use the pot and grounds.

http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/05/coffee-traditions-cowboy-coffee-how-to-make-coffee-while-camping.html

One way anyway....

[rocketsocks]

Now that we got three pages on which one to use...lets talk about color. :D


The lead author of the study (http://www.iflscience.com/brain/bitter-coffee-today-try-changing-colour-your-cup), which was published in the journalFlavour (http://www.flavourjournal.com/content/3/1/10) this month, picked up the idea from a barista who claimed that more customers complain about their coffee being bitter when drinking from a white mug or cup than a clear one.
The hypothesis was tested out on volunteers and indeed white was found to "enhanced the rated "intensity" of the coffee flavour relative to the transparent mug", with the researchers concluding that this was probably due to the contrast in colours.
Coffee "pops" in a white mug and is more likely to taste bitter to the drinker, but sees the opposite effect in a clear mug.









PRINT (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html#)
A (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html#) A (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html#) A (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html#)



[/COLOR]
There might be scientific reasoning behind your favourite mug, as new research has found that our perception of the bitterness of coffee changes dependent on the colour receptacle we drink it from.

The lead author of the study (http://www.iflscience.com/brain/bitter-coffee-today-try-changing-colour-your-cup), which was published in the journalFlavour (http://www.flavourjournal.com/content/3/1/10) this month, picked up the idea from a barista who claimed that more customers complain about their coffee being bitter when drinking from a white mug or cup than a clear one.
The hypothesis was tested out on volunteers and indeed white was found to "enhanced the rated "intensity" of the coffee flavour relative to the transparent mug", with the researchers concluding that this was probably due to the contrast in colours.
Coffee "pops" in a white mug and is more likely to taste bitter to the drinker, but sees the opposite effect in a clear mug.http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9897801.ece/alternates/w460/coffeeeeeeeeeeeeee.JPGClear cups might be optimal for taste
Blue mugs meanwhile were found to enhance everything meanwhile – both sweetness and bitterness – which is probably why I've stuck with a chipped old sky blue Lion King mug for years now.
"Both experiments demonstrate that the colour of the mug affects people’s ratings of a hot beverage," the study claims.
"These results support the view that the colour of the mug should be considered by those serving coffee as it can influence the consumer’s multisensory coffee drinking experience.
"These results add to a large and growing body of research highlighting the influence of product-extrinsic colour on the multisensory perception of food and drink."

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html

[Mags]

After waiting in a long line, I placed my order : drip coffee. No room for cream or sugar.

the rather lovely young lady at the counter said "you seem like the kind of guy who drinks his coffee black"

Damn skippy. :)

[rocketsocks]

sweet.....:D

[moytoy]

I wanna know what Ti-Pi Walter uses and I'll just camp next to him.

[Tuckahoe]

Now that we got three pages on which one to use...lets talk about color. :D


The lead author of the study (http://www.iflscience.com/brain/bitter-coffee-today-try-changing-colour-your-cup), which was published in the journalFlavour (http://www.flavourjournal.com/content/3/1/10) this month, picked up the idea from a barista who claimed that more customers complain about their coffee being bitter when drinking from a white mug or cup than a clear one.
The hypothesis was tested out on volunteers and indeed white was found to "enhanced the rated "intensity" of the coffee flavour relative to the transparent mug", with the researchers concluding that this was probably due to the contrast in colours.
Coffee "pops" in a white mug and is more likely to taste bitter to the drinker, but sees the opposite effect in a clear mug.









PRINT (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html#)
A (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html#) A (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html#) A (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html#)



[/COLOR]
There might be scientific reasoning behind your favourite mug, as new research has found that our perception of the bitterness of coffee changes dependent on the colour receptacle we drink it from.

The lead author of the study (http://www.iflscience.com/brain/bitter-coffee-today-try-changing-colour-your-cup), which was published in the journalFlavour (http://www.flavourjournal.com/content/3/1/10) this month, picked up the idea from a barista who claimed that more customers complain about their coffee being bitter when drinking from a white mug or cup than a clear one.
The hypothesis was tested out on volunteers and indeed white was found to "enhanced the rated "intensity" of the coffee flavour relative to the transparent mug", with the researchers concluding that this was probably due to the contrast in colours.
Coffee "pops" in a white mug and is more likely to taste bitter to the drinker, but sees the opposite effect in a clear mug.http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9897801.ece/alternates/w460/coffeeeeeeeeeeeeee.JPGClear cups might be optimal for taste
Blue mugs meanwhile were found to enhance everything meanwhile – both sweetness and bitterness – which is probably why I've stuck with a chipped old sky blue Lion King mug for years now.
"Both experiments demonstrate that the colour of the mug affects people’s ratings of a hot beverage," the study claims.
"These results support the view that the colour of the mug should be considered by those serving coffee as it can influence the consumer’s multisensory coffee drinking experience.
"These results add to a large and growing body of research highlighting the influence of product-extrinsic colour on the multisensory perception of food and drink."

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-colour-of-your-mug-changes-how-good-your-coffee-tastes-study-finds-9897794.html





Actually, my morning coffee tastes best Iin this mug...
29121

[rocketsocks]

Actually, my morning coffee tastes best Iin this mug...
29121Nice!...hey that could be a whole nother tread.


...show us your mug! :D