Coffee Preparations

[Scott Brady]

Like I have said to a few of you, "I like my coffee strong and black..."

So, how do you prepare your coffee while in the bush? I am researching beefy solutions to my caffeine addiction, and I know many of you are doing the same, so:

I am looking into this:

Frieling French Press (http://www.illyusa.com/AB1666000/showprod.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=216)
http://www.illyusa.com/AB1666000store/images/frieling-french-presses.jpg

I am a fan of the french press, with the exception of the acid problem. Though an espresso maker would be mighty fine too.

[Scott Brady]

Another cool one, and more "expeditiony"

Snow Peak French Press (http://www.snowpeak.com/gears/cs101.htm)

http://www.snowpeak.com/images/gearimg/cs111.jpg

They even have a milk frother
http://www.snowpeak.com/images/gearimg/cs112.jpg

[Suty]

Scott, I am with you on this....I like my coffee also , and not until recently did I discover the French Press. I like it stong and black, and like they say I know its done when I throw a horseshoe in the pot and it stands up. I noticed a neat little addition to the Jetboil. its a French Press System for the Stove. I have never used a JetBoil and until I noticed it mentioned in a thread around here I had'nt heard of it. I think I will be buying one and its coffe system also. Tu Compadre, Suty

[Brian McVickers]

I have had coffee made in a JetBoil french press and is is fantastic!

Personally I have always liked this little plastic filter holder that sits on top of your cup and makes drip coffee. I have one but have not been able to find if for a while so I may not have it anymore. Last time out camping I took along a stainless steel french press but for backpacking it would be much too heavy. I have seen plexiglass versions that I would like to get.

[Life_in_4Lo]

Personally I have always liked this little plastic filter holder that sits on top of your cup and makes drip coffee. I have one but have not been able to find if for a while so I may not have it anymore.

This is what I started using and like it alot- easy cleanup, minimal
I got it at Whole Foods- it was like $5

Also, it is more healthy if it is filtered thru paper to trap the bad oils in coffee. I'm a big coffee nut too, gotta have my morning brew!

[paulj]

Here's my camp coffee gear - a paper cone (#2) holder made from thin plastic cutting board. It's a bit more compact than the Melita filter holder.

While I have used a French press, and plain steep-and-strain in the past, the paper filter has the advantage of simple cleanup - just toss the filter with the grounds into the waste bag, with a minimal use of (usually) precious drinking water.

Asian groceries sell an interesting coffee filter - an inexpensive stainless steel one designed for use with Vietnamese style coffee (usually drunk with sweetened condensed milk):
http://www.ineedcoffee.com/05/caphephin/

[awalter]

Coffee is a definite must every morning. I use an old perc pot that makes about 3 cups. I also use a couple of different filters for easy clean-up.

Bailey's is also a requirement.

[gjackson]

Oh yeah, coffee is a must! :coffee:

I really like the nissan insulated coffee press. Keeps coffee warmer longer on cold mornings outdoors!

http://www.coffee-makers-espresso-machines.com/therniscofpr1.html

REI sells a small hand coffee grinder that works pretty well if you take whole beans.

http://www.rei.com/product/2042.htm

Also, the volcano (kelly) kettle works a treat for heating up water.

http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/volcanokettle/

The nissan insulated mug with the open handle hooks over the dash of a Defender, so you don't need cup holders. Works very well.

http://www.coffee-makers-espresso-machines.com/thernisjmdua.html

That's all the coffee kit I take! It's worked well so far.

cheers

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I use a very old/antique aluminum glass top perk coffee maker that I found in an antique store in Gardnerville, Nevada. It was used for years up in Lake Tahoe in an old family cabin. I brew it up on my antique Coleman stove. Somehow.........it just makes the coffee taste better!;)

[Brian McVickers]

Bailey's is also a requirement.

Al, I remember driving away from camp on Sunday morning of the Trophy weekend and seeing you walking over to the coffee table with you bottle of Bailey's. It took all my will to stick to my schedule and not go back for my second cup of coffee!:ylsmoke:

[Scott Brady]

During my research on kitchens, I came across this slick filter

MSR MugMate (http://www.msrcorp.com/cookware/mugmate.asp)
http://www.msrcorp.com/cookware/images/mugmate.jpg

[Jonathan Hanson]

Good coffee is a must in my side of camp (my wife, unfortunately, drinks gnat's piss, I mean tea).

I have two completely opposite approaches, low- and high-tech. (For when I'm not simply using a Coleman stove.)

I love volcano kettles:

http://www.jandrhanson.com/volcanokettles.jpg

A volcano kettle, for those not familiar with them (and I bet I know at least two here who are!), comprises a cylindrical, hollow water tank (the small one pictured holds a pint or so, the bigger one nearly a quart), inside of which you build a tiny fire out of twigs or whatever is handy. A vortex chimney effect results in blazing heat from just a bit of fuel, which you add by dropping it down the top hole. These things will boil water faster than any stove I've ever tested.

When weight and volume are factors, I use one of Snow Peak's little canister stoves, which are brilliant, along with one of their titanium pots.

In either case, I make the coffee with an Ortlieb single filter holder - just like the other single filter holders mentioned, except it folds flat - and put it over a Snow Peak double-walled titanium mug, which was worth every penny of its $30.

[BajaXplorer]

I just carry the single cup coffee bags (like tea bags). All I have to do is boil water. The shot of Kahlua I add makes it taste like coffee.
BX :coffee:

[BMAN]

All this coffee talk makes me glad I don't drink coffee. A shot of cold water in the morning and I'm good to go. And if it's cold out and I need a real kick start, then a shot of Chivas with a cold water chaser makes for a nice warming effect in the belly.

[asteffes]

During my research on kitchens, I came across this slick filter

MSR MugMate (http://www.msrcorp.com/cookware/mugmate.asp)
http://www.msrcorp.com/cookware/images/mugmate.jpg

Wow. This is what I've always wanted.

[Brian McVickers]

In the field coffee seems to be the big thing now. The Outdoor Retailer show this past weekend had innovative offerings from several companies. The french press seemed to be the leader with many sizes and forms.

One to mention is the Press-Bot www.press-bot.com

It turns an ordinary wide mouth Nalgen water bottle into a french press. It has very simple construction and only weighs 2.4 ounces so it would be great for backpacking. MSRP is $20.

[VikingVince]

After years of trying all the different approaches, I've finally arrived at my number one rule:
No cleaning of coffee grounds from anything! (this includes any type of fine wire mesh filter, coffee pots and their components, or other containers)
Cleaning coffee grounds is messy, takes time, and usually uses some additional water for rinsing...all a PTA...IMO. And god forbid you should spill your garbage and have coffee grounds all over!

My current solution is using the JetBoil (love it!) to boil water and the one-cup Melitta coffee filter. (requires carrying #2 paper filters) You can get more than one cup of coffee; I fill my 12 oz mug easily. Then just lift the paper filter out and throw it away. (I put the grounds into a ziplock bag so theres no chance of it spilling anywhere else). Presto...good, hot coffee without having to clean coffee grounds from anything.

I've tried the coffee bags (just like tea bags) like BX mentioned...I like them in a pinch or if I'm really in a hurry...too bad they're not available with a little better quality coffee...then I'd use them always

[GeoRoss]

I have several different sized stove top espresso dealies like thesehttp://www.1-800-espresso.com/bialetti-espresso-maker.html.

I often make an 'americano' by diluting it with hot water. Works for me.

Ross

[calamaridog]

Any good 12v coffee pots?

[awalter]

I have a little 4 cup combo (12V/110V) perc pot. Got it 10-15 years ago. It works fine on 110, but takes about 30 minutes on 12V, which is OK if that's all you have available. I'll check to see if I can find a name.

[Brian McVickers]

Regarding the disposal of used coffee grounds, what are the thoughts on burying, scattering or washing into a river?
I practice leave no trace and tread lightly as much as possible but just wondering since coffee grounds are usually 100% natural, good for plant fertilizer and are pretty much like dirt.

[VikingVince]

Brian...

that's a very poignant question re coffee grounds...what does the Tread Lightly organization say about that? We need our TL Master Trainer here:luxhello: (Oh...Mr Brady!!....) I've just been assuming that it was a big no-no to bury coffee grounds or dispose of in some other way in the wilderness. I've never done it in all my years of camping...are coffee grounds biodegradable?...beats me

just went to the Tread Lightly website...couldn't find any specific comments on coffee grounds...although they posit packing out all your garbage. Coffee grounds are considered garbage but are they biodegradable? Hmmm....even if they are biodegradable...just seems less than desirable

[Brian McVickers]

One thing to consider is that coffee and coffee grounds are not indigenous to the areas we often travel. So even if they are biodegradable they don't belong and could impact the localized environment in a undesirable way.

If I eat a mango while standing under a mango tree I can then drop the mango skin on the ground near all the other fallen mangos and I know that that environment will be ok and be able to absorb and benefit from that mango skin. If I were to drop that mango skin in the middle of the desert, well it just doesn't belong there even though it is biodegradable.

But I still wonder about coffee grounds. I guess my primary thought was about how easy clean up would be if you just dipped your French press into a running stream to wash it out --- but now this could go on to a whole new thread about washing dishes! Do you go to the extent of washing a pot, straining the dishwater to pack out the chunks with you and scatter the remaining water?

[paulj]

Because of all these issues in dealing with garbage and dishwater, I try to use cooking methods and foods that keep cleanup simple, and use the least amount of water. Even in estabilished campgrounds disposal of dishwater is a borderline activity. Some have dishwater disposal points, often small dry wells with a screen on top. Some require use of special sinks. Most have not provision for dishwater disposal. Since in most cases it easier to dispose of solid garbage, I lots of paper towels in clean up.

Under these circumstances I consider the paper filter cone to be the best - the grounds get put in the garbage bag along with the filter. The pan is just used for boiling water, and the coffee cup just needs rinsing.

paulj

[GeoRoss]

Regarding the disposal of used coffee grounds, what are the thoughts on burying, scattering or washing into a river?
I practice leave no trace and tread lightly as much as possible but just wondering since coffee grounds are usually 100% natural, good for plant fertilizer and are pretty much like dirt.

"When in doubt, pack it out"

Ross

[calamaridog]

I always leave with more trash than I came with.

With that being said, I wouldn't give it a second thought if you spread your coffee grounds out on the ground.


"When in doubt, pack it out" is good advice however:wavey:

[calamaridog]

I bought this one. I'll let you know how it works.


Stainless Steel Carafe with Ergonomic Handle
Translucent Reservoir - Brew Just the Right Amount of Coffee
Carafe Fits Securely to Prevent Spills
Drip-Stop Feature when Removing Carafe
Illuminated On-Off Switch
Automatic Shut-Off
Drip Stop Feature When Removing the Carafe
Uses Standard Cone Filters
Convenient Cord Storage in the Base
Ideal for Marine Use

[awalter]

Combo coffee pot is a "NESCO 12V/120V 4 cup Coffeemaker" not sure if they are still around.

[blupaddler]

I use the Bialetti 6 cup model. It made the entire Baja trip with no problem. Although, my wife does "americano" hers very often. And, Al's Baileys got to be too much to pass up towards the end of the trip.


I love the Bialetti. Good, dark, espresso. Something that puts a little zing into your morning.

I, however am looking into "other" options. I saw the snow peak one at REI a while ago, and it is very well constructed.



"coffee, is the world shaking or is it just me?"

:coffee:

[blupaddler]

Here is a link from a website that someone shared earlier. Talks about "Cowboy Coffee." So, basically forget all of our fancy-pancy coffee thingys, and make coffee out of a regular pot.



http://www.ineedcoffee.com/04/cowboycoffee/


:jump:

[blupaddler]

Oh, and a funny comic too.


Don't start asking me those questions...I haven't had any coffee since this morning. Now, sugar...:p

[Life_in_4Lo]

Boy that's a good point I never thought of. I usually toss the grinds out on the ground. I have heard coffee is good for plants b/c of the 'whatever' in coffee is good for them... dunno, I would like to know if I've been doing something wrong...


One thing to consider is that coffee and coffee grounds are not indigenous to the areas we often travel. So even if they are biodegradable they don't belong and could impact the localized environment in a undesirable way.

If I eat a mango while standing under a mango tree I can then drop the mango skin on the ground near all the other fallen mangos and I know that that environment will be ok and be able to absorb and benefit from that mango skin. If I were to drop that mango skin in the middle of the desert, well it just doesn't belong there even though it is biodegradable.

But I still wonder about coffee grounds. I guess my primary thought was about how easy clean up would be if you just dipped your French press into a running stream to wash it out --- but now this could go on to a whole new thread about washing dishes! Do you go to the extent of washing a pot, straining the dishwater to pack out the chunks with you and scatter the remaining water?

[Scott Brady]

I used these Wolfgang Puck coffees this last weekend during the no-stop marathon drive from Seattle to Prescott.

No stove required, just push in the tab and it self heats. Good tasting lattes and mochas.

http://www.wpgourmetlattes.com/images/flavor1c.gif

Self heating coffees (http://www.wpgourmetlattes.com/index.cfm?p=13&q=1)

[blupaddler]

WOW!!!

You know, funny thing is I walked by those the other day at Vons. For some reason I thought they were soups. :rolleyes:

Great find!!! My coffee fiend says THANKS!!!


So, which did you like the best?

[Scott Brady]

I have tried several of the Mocha and a few of the Caramel. I like the Caramel the best :)

[Scott Brady]

Camp Espresso Maker...

Available at REI

Preva (https://www.prevacafe.com/)

https://www.prevacafe.com/catalog/images/carbon1.jpg

I am so tempted to set one of these tomorrow for our camping trip :coffee:

[blupaddler]

I couldn't get the picture to load...That and when I switched browsers, I got some message about their security certificate not matching.


BUT, from what I could tell they seem pretty good. However, I think I will stick with my stove top espresso maker. That is until I get the "real" one mounted in the 80.






Gosh, things we do for coffee.

:D

[david despain]

interesting about the cowboy coffee, it reminds me of a story my dad used to tell and i never quite knew if it was embelished or not and now i think not.

my family had a ranch near prescott for many years and for a while they ran a fair amount of cattle. during roundup they hired extra cowboys to help with the cutting and branding and loading etc. and they always hired this one old guy to be camp chef. you can imagine how cowboys like to have coffee ready to drink all day and nite so he took a 55 gallon drum filled it with water to the proper level as determined by practice, and built a fire around the base of it. then just dumped in a big can of coffee. round up lasted about a week or two, give or take, and every morning he dumped in a fresh can of coffe and more water and after breakfast he tossed in the egg shells as apparently they make the grounds sink. all the cowboys had their own cups and just dipped them in to fill them. my dad always said by the end of round up you made sure to just skim the top of the barrel and not dip to deeply.
i always thought it was a funny story and now i think its probably pretty close to what really happend.

[Scott Brady]

Great story David :coffee:

[kai38]

I use this. Makes a great strong cup of coffee
http://i8.ebayimg.com/02/i/07/5d/ba/da_1.JPG

I like my coffee cold so I need to bring extra ice to keep clean for my coffee
You can find these in all sizes, run from $10.00 up, I found some at garage sales for real cheap

[ccrider]

It is all about the ratio !
2 Tbsp per cup of water.
Peet's Coffee is the preference.
Any French Press; prefer a stainless steel double wall for those cold mornings.
Chris

[shahram]

I wrote this post in another 4WD website, in a thread about 12v coffee makers, but I think it also applies here...please excuse me if you've heard this before.

If you have a stove, invest in an ibrik (a large metal mug or a small suacepan work in a pinch), some Najjar, and some sugar and have Turkish Coffee! Only takes a few minutes, but if you enjoy a strong brew and don't mind the time, it's a pretty damn good cup of joe.
Not to mention, the setup is compact and easy to clean. In your camp kitchen, you can keep the ibrik (pot) filled with the bags of coffee and sugar and a metal spoon, waiting to be used.

1)Take the ibrik
http://fantes.com/images/20487turkish.jpg

2) Fill to neck with water.

3) Pour in one or two teaspoons of sugar

4) Pour in four teaspoons of turkish coffee. Brands like Najjar (the Starbucks of Turkey), Elite (Israeli, good--and kosher, if that's your thing), and Loumidis (Greek, don't ever call it Turkish) are popular brands. If you have any Turkish, Middle Eastern, Greek, or even Eastern European, especially Balkan neighborhoods in your city, you can find these coffees. I think they may be available online, but the prices are heavy--try to buy local.

5) Where were we? Oh yeah. Pour the coffee on. Notice it floats. Don't worry, it's supposed to. Put the ibrik (pot) on the stove. Low or Medium heat works. When you're camping, use a little lower heat. Don't ever boil the water. Never walk away from coffee.

6) After about two minutes, the coffee should foam up. When the foam looks like it's gonna pour over the sides, take the pot off the stove. Stir in the coffee completely.

7) Put back on stove. Let it foam again to the top. Remove from stove. Stir again.

8) Put back on stove again. Let it foam up again. This time, just remove and turn off stove. Scoop foam and put it equally into mugs. Then pour coffee into mugs.

9) Enjoy. Once you get your technique down, Turkish coffee will be one of the best cups of java you'll ever have. You can experiment with the amounts to suit your taste, but very few people say they don't like it once they've tried it. Yes, there will be some grounds at the bottom of each cup, but just don't drink the whole cup. I happen to like the grounds mixed with the sugar. They taste good and carry a mean kick.

10) To clean, just pour in some cold water, swish it around, throw out the old coffee, wipe it down with a rag, repack and you're ready to go. No filters, no paper waste, no electric crap. Just fire, water, coffee and sugar, the way Allah intended!

[91xlt]

being a pretty simple kind of guy, i make and drink simple coffee.

i use the filter packs, they work well, and just about no mess.

remove filter pack from container, insert into top of perculator, apply heat:exclaim:

[big sky trapper]

xlt i think were on the same page there, keep it simple...mines just a plain jane old style blue camp fire percolator, with more black soot on it than blue left haha. one of my few peices of gear i will never "upgrade" for any of the froo froo coffee makers out there.

[rusty_tlc]

I use a very old/antique aluminum glass top perk coffee maker that I found in an antique store in Gardnerville, Nevada. It was used for years up in Lake Tahoe in an old family cabin. I brew it up on my antique Coleman stove. Somehow.........it just makes the coffee taste better!;)
X2, I use the aluminium/glass top percolator I bought new in 19mumblemumble and my Old Optimus stove. That set-up has brewed literaly hundreds of gallons of coffee over the years.

[Scott Brady]

http://fantes.com/images/20487turkish.jpg


Thanks for posting this. I am going to try this soon :coffee:

[riverfever]

I have struggled with good coffee while camping. I tried a Lexan French press from REI at the beginning of last year. I like to grind my beans so I bought the manual grinder that was shown back on page 1 I believe. I'm sure it was operator malfunction but that thing was worthless and I'm pretty sure it got pitched in the last move. The Lexan press was equally disappointing. I put the ground coffee in the bottom, inserted the press part and then put in boiling water and...pressed. I chewed all coffee poured from that thing. Is that how all French presses are? Is it a French thing? I'm probably just ignorant?

Now I have a perculator that I got from the Coleman store. That thing was just as bad. Horribly messy and loads of grounds in my coffee. I'm thinking that's how it's supposed to be. I'm looking for a good solution for this years camping.

[Tucson T4R]

I got tired of chewing my coffe as well. I tried percolator and cowboy coffee with no luck. I finaly bought this double wall stainless steel french Press and it makes great coffee with 99.99% of the grounds pefectly filtered out. Being a double wall design, it also holds the heat in when the temps outside dip.

It's a little pricey but after using it, I'm sold. It will always be in my camp.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=710&f=22811

[jeff@work]

Alright so it's not the typical camping coffee maker but I just started using the Black & Decker Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B00005MF9C

It's 800 watts and runs on 120 but if you have inverter that can handle 800 watts it only takes about 2-3 minutes to make the coffee. I think that works out to only like 3 or 4 amp hours....not too bad. :coffeedrink:

[paulj]

I have struggled with good coffee while camping. I tried a Lexan French press from REI at the beginning of last year. I like to grind my beans so I bought the manual grinder that was shown back on page 1 I believe.

I used that REI travelers coffee grinder quite a bit, even in a press. However I like the newer GSI grinder, that looks like a clear lexan flying saucer even better, though it took a bit of experimentation to find the right way to hold it.

One trick with using a French Press is in getting the right grind, coarser than for paper filter, about the same as for perc. It should be coarse (and uniform) enough so the mesh captures most of the grounds. Still you do get some find sludge. Some prefer press coffee over paper filters because it leaves more oils in the coffee. After I broke my press some years ago, I just used a small sauce pan to boil water in, and to steep the coffee, followed by a straining through a fine mesh strainer.

But as indicated on the first page, for camping I use paper filters in a homemade holder. Cleanup is so much easier this way. Cleaning water (and a good place to dispose of it) tends to be one of the scarcer commodities when I'm camping, so I use it sparingly.

paulj

[toyrunner95]

ive found that up here i dont need a coffee maker, even out in the woods, theres just a starbucks right over the next hill hahahaha jk

when i go camping, i pre grind the coffee and put it in a ziplock bag, then when i want some i use a piece of pantyhose, new of course, but its reusable, u just have to rinse it out, make some wicked strong coffee and no girinds in your cup.

just a thought.

[stevenmd]

Coffee? It's called a Rockstar!:victory:

[Tucson T4R]

ive found that up here i dont need a coffee maker, even out in the woods, theres just a starbucks right over the next hill hahahaha jk

when i go camping, i pre grind the coffee and put it in a ziplock bag, then when i want some i use a piece of pantyhose, new of course, but its reusable, u just have to rinse it out, make some wicked strong coffee and no girinds in your cup.

just a thought.

Panty hose sounds like a perfect filter. Look just like the strainer screens they put in my coffee press. :victory:

[toyrunner95]

it works great, ive never really had a problem, i use it like a tea bag actually. i can't believe you guys have never heard of that?

[tdesanto]

This has always been an unfinished journey for me as my tastes change over time and I'm always looking for the perfect setup.

I use this one on the trail: http://www.rei.com/product/725595 I find that it doesn't take up too much extra space and the filter works quite well. The only thing it doesn't do is keep the coffee hot. So, I brew what I plan to drink within 20 minutes. If I want more, just brew some more. Or, bring a double-wall thermos for keeping some hot during some morning runs on the trails.

I use this one in the office, and I can highly recommend it for keeping the coffee hot longer (2+ hours), but is a bit larger due to the dual-wall construction. Nissan/Thermos products are top notch and not too expensive. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=71725&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1 If you can fit this one into your storage solution, I'd recommend it over the first one as it works just as well and keeps the coffee hotter longer.

The trick to good french press coffee is not using pre-ground coffee in a french press. It's too fine. Good quality burr grinders work best, but I still haven't found the perfect one that will grind the coffee so consistently that there still isn't any silt or fine powder in the bottom of the pot or cup. The trick, just don't drink that last sip of coffee in the cup. The grounds will sink to the bottom. The taste is amazing though. Almost as strong as esspresso without the acid/bitter overhead. 1.5-2tbsps per 6oz. of water; let it steep for 5-6 minutes depending on your taste.

Finally, cowboy coffee has always intrigued me due to the fact that with a large pot I could brew as much as necessary for a large or small group. It should provide the same taste as french press coffee. The only downside is having to be more careful about keeping as much of the grounds out of the cup as possible. Every time I hear about it though, I hear that it's not that tough to do. The upside, you don't have to carry anything extra and it's very easy to clean up afterwards.

[Lost Canadian]

Ok all this talk about coffee prep but what about the coffee itself? What type of beans or grounds do you guys prefer? I think that makes a world of difference, more so then tools used to make it. We usually buy some dark roast blended beans from the Coffee Lodge (canadian joint) and it's usually pretty good. We just picked up a bag of 100% Sumatran beans the other day from another little coffee bistro though, and wow, fantasitc coffee. My wife likes the Coffee Lodge blend of beans better because it's milder but I really enjoyed the 100% Sumatran. How about you guys/gals?

For prep. we just grind up some beans in our Hamilton Beach grinder before we leave on our trips and and we use a french press while at camp. I have no idea as to the brand of the french press, we got it as a gift a while ago, but it works great. Very little, if any, floaties or sediment.

[slooowr6]

Ok all this talk about coffee prep but what about the coffee itself? What type of beans or grounds do you guys prefer? I think that makes a world of difference, more so then tools used to make it. We usually buy some dark roast blended beans from the Coffee Lodge (canadian joint) and it's usually pretty good. We just picked up a bag of 100% Sumatran beans the other day from another little coffee bistro though, and wow, fantasitc coffee. My wife likes the Coffee Lodge blend of beans better because it's milder but I really enjoyed the 100% Sumatran. How about you guys/gals?

For prep. we just grind up some beans in our Hamilton Beach grinder before we leave on our trips and and we use a french press while at camp. I have no idea as to the brand of the french press, we got it as a gift a while ago, but it works great. Very little, if any, floaties or sediment.

I bring my own roasted coffee (roast at home) and use this grinder. http://www.sweetmarias.com/zassenhaus/zass.156.kneemills.jpg
The coffee bean is nothing special just more fresh then store bought.

[Lost Canadian]

^ Very cool. Where do you get your beans from? Do you have any preference as to their origin?

[slooowr6]

^ Very cool. Where do you get your beans from? Do you have any preference as to their origin?

I mostly get my green from http://www.greencoffeebuyingclub.com/index.php?board=11.0 It's cheaper this way. Sumatra is one of my favoriates, bold and strong flavor with very little acidity. I also like Harra and Yirgacheffe from it's from Africa I think. I'm still learning it's very interesting.

[blupaddler]

We drink Illy coffee. Usually an espresso blend or dark roast.
Normally ground fine, but now that we have a press, we need to change.

www.illyusa.com

[calamaridog]

I bring my own roasted coffee (roast at home) and use this grinder. http://www.sweetmarias.com/zassenhaus/zass.156.kneemills.jpg
The coffee bean is nothing special just more fresh then store bought.

I think you need to start a coffee roasting thread and share what you know:coffee:

No fair holding out:)

[slooowr6]

I think you need to start a coffee roasting thread and share what you know:coffee:

No fair holding out:)

I know too little to share. :camping: :oops:
One of the most important thing about coffee is freshness. After initial resting period (1-4 days depends on type of coffee) coffee starts to go stale. Try this next time when you open a fresh can of coffee or new bag of coffee. The coffee smells so nice when you first open it remember this smell and smell the same coffee 2 weeks later, if you still have any left, the smell changed. Roasted coffee is a "living" thing it continues to change after roast. Green coffee is different, it can be store for years before it goes bad. I'm such a geek................ :coffeedrink:

[dieselcruiserhead]

Can someone talk about the acid problem in relation to French presses?

[slooowr6]

Can someone talk about the acid problem in relation to French presses?
It has to do with the time coffee ground spends in the water and the origin of the coffee. French press soaks all the coffee ground in the water for the same amount of time (3-5 mins depends on you preference) so the extraction is deeper. Take espresso for example the total time coffee comes in contact with water is ~25-27 seconds. Even with high pressure the caffeine and acidity are lower then brew coffee. Drip coffee will have lower acidity cause the water does not come in contact with coffee as long as French press. I've French press but I don't like it that much. Another factor is the origin of the coffee for example Sumatra has very low acidity, Columbia has higher acidity.

[FortyMileDesert]

Plain old $4 perk coffee pot....Don't ever scrub it TOO clean...
Mr Coffee filter...
Whatever water you find handy..
Cheapest can of Folgers, Maxwell House, whatever.....4 heaping teaspoons for a 10 cup pot......:coffeedrink:

[calamaridog]

Plain old $4 perk coffee pot....Don't ever scrub it TOO clean...
Mr Coffee filter...
Whatever water you find handy..
Cheapest can of Folgers, Maxwell House, whatever.....4 heaping teaspoons for a 10 cup pot......:coffeedrink:


This isn't the tea thread:D

[PhulesAU]

:punk03: I thought it was 1-2 heaps per cup when perking it. I "could" be mistaken.

[david despain]

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/gsi/

scott, have you seen the new french press that EE is selling now?

[DaveInDenver]

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/gsi/

scott, have you seen the new french press that EE is selling now?
I've got the 33 oz GSI Lexan press. Works OK, although the seal on the press isn't great, so you have to be sure not to use too fine of a grind on your coffee lest you get cowboy coffee. Hasn't broken in the few years we've had it. It's not a particularly good way to save space, but it won't break. I still prefer my colador for space savings. Plus the press leaves you with a lot of mess to clean up.

[blupaddler]

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/gsi/

scott, have you seen the new french press that EE is selling now?


I broke that one on my last Baja trip! :oops:

[Tucson T4R]

I broke that one on my last Baja trip! :oops:


I've been using this one for the last few trips and it works great....built like a tank so you won't be breaking this one. I also like it because of the double wall design. It keeps your brew hot for over an hour even in cold weather. I think Thermos also makes a double wall SS Press.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=710&f=22811

[SuperSoniC_110]

I had one of these in my camping kit for years.

http://www.coffee-anyone.com/pic-prod/am0239.jpg

tough as a dog and makes wonderfull Italian coffee.
Lavazza is my favourite brand I always take on trips and travels

[Scott Brady]

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/gsi/

scott, have you seen the new french press that EE is selling now?

The Lexan Pilsner glasses are nice too. EE always carries very cool products.

[tdesanto]

...I think Thermos also makes a double wall SS Press.

They do. You can find it here. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=71725&memberId=12500226&s toreId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

I use this every day at work and sometimes on the trail (I have a single wall too that's a little smaller for packing). It keeps the coffee hot for a couple hours in moderate weather and about 1 hour in cold, cold weather.

[craig]

One solution that hasn't been mentioned is coffee pods. The difference between these and the pouches others have mentioned is that you can buy them from decent coffee roasters like Green Mountain and Gevalia. Alternatively, there are kits to make your own with your own coffee. I'm lazy and just buy them.

Boil water in a Jetboil
Add 2 pods, stir/press to get *all* the caffeine out
Extract the pods and put them in the trash
Drink your coffee

No dishes, no grounds, great coffee.

Everyone is a skeptic of these, but *everyone* who has tried them in our group has secretly, yes secretly, told me how much they like the coffee and the convenience.

You can buy Millstone pods at Safeway, or get other brands at http://www.singleservecoffee.com/ or http://www.coffeewhiz.com/podcoffee.htm. Ironically, the Seattle Times did a taste test between all the major coffees in Seattle and 2 small roasters and Millstone won. I prefer a local roaster, but 9/10 Seattleites do prefer Millstone over Starbucks, SBC, Folgers, etc. So, if you are going for the Safeway pods get the Millstone and NOT the Sensao pods.

Let me know if you find any independant roasters that are making a super strong and smoky flavored coffee pod.

Craig

[ZooJunkie]

OMgoodness.


Discovered a new way of brewing coffee. Cold brewed coffee! Less acid, less caffeine, less fatty acids, and SMOOTH taste!!!


I just got the brewer, I surmise that a simple French Press coffee maker can probably do the same. Anyways...mix 1/2 cup of this strong coffee w/ 1/2 water and enjoy!!


WOW! Best tasting coffee I have tasted. Make a big jar of it and put it in the fridge, and it'll last you 12-14 days.

Linkie:
http://www.toddycafe.com/

[blupaddler]

less caffeine

Why would you want that?
:coffeedrink: :coffeedrink: :coffeedrink: :coffeedrink: :coffeedrink:



Everything else sounds good though.

[ZooJunkie]

I like drinking coffee at all sorts of hours. The less caffeine I get the easier it is for me to sleep.

[ntsqd]

I've not read all the way thru this thread, but what my mother used to do was to brew really strong coffee, and then freeze it in an ice cube tray. She had the ratio worked out such that one coffee ice cube plus the rest of a normal mug filled w/ hot water made normal strength coffee. That way she could take her favorite whole bean coffee with her just about anywhere.

[bovw]

I had one of these in my camping kit for years.

http://www.coffee-anyone.com/pic-prod/am0239.jpg

tough as a dog and makes wonderfull Italian coffee.
Lavazza is my favourite brand I always take on trips and travels
I've been thinking of getting one of these for the house. I bet it would make a great cup of coffee in the camp too.

[spressomon]

I've been thinking of getting one of these for the house. I bet it would make a great cup of coffee in the camp too.


I have a stainless steel version...sorry can't remember the brand right now...but it makes GREAT espresso...I even get crema! With my little AAA powered frother/whipper it makes the perfect cappaccino!

[mountainpete]

I've been thinking of getting one of these for the house. I bet it would make a great cup of coffee in the camp too.

They are excellent as long as you like your coffee strong and you have the right grind for it.

My wife is Italian - I think we have 4 of them :)

Best place to pick them up cheap is a local Italian Supermarket.

[bovw]

They are excellent as long as you like your coffee strong and you have the right grind for it.

My wife is Italian - I think we have 4 of them :)

Best place to pick them up cheap is a local Italian Supermarket.
The stronger the better. I have at least one double espresso a day. The only place I've seen them one the shelf is Williams and Sonoma, so I'll get one online at some point soon. I got a cheapie espresso maker taht doesn't work worth a hoot, and where I live the coffee shop closes at 4pm and is closed on Sunday.

[dieselcruiserhead]

I can't remember if I previously mentioned. But we use French presses. We have also had a lot of luck with a cup strainer that is metal that you use cup by cup. But, recently, I have been bringing the plastic French press we have and it has been working excellently. It is bulky though but has been worth it for us.

[calamaridog]

I can't remember if I previously mentioned. But we use French presses. We have also had a lot of luck with a cup strainer that is metal that you use cup by cup. But, recently, I have been bringing the plastic French press we have and it has been working excellently. It is bulky thought but has been worth it for us.

I just got a GSI Lexan one. It will do up to 32oz. I made several pots at work tonight for practice. It worked great.

[xcmountain80]

One solution that hasn't been mentioned is coffee pods. The difference between these and the pouches others have mentioned is that you can buy them from decent coffee roasters like Green Mountain and Gevalia. Alternatively, there are kits to make your own with your own coffee. I'm lazy and just buy them.

Boil water in a Jetboil
Add 2 pods, stir/press to get *all* the caffeine out
Extract the pods and put them in the trash
Drink your coffee

No dishes, no grounds, great coffee.

Everyone is a skeptic of these, but *everyone* who has tried them in our group has secretly, yes secretly, told me how much they like the coffee and the convenience.

You can buy Millstone pods at Safeway, or get other brands at http://www.singleservecoffee.com/ or http://www.coffeewhiz.com/podcoffee.htm. Ironically, the Seattle Times did a taste test between all the major coffees in Seattle and 2 small roasters and Millstone won. I prefer a local roaster, but 9/10 Seattleites do prefer Millstone over Starbucks, SBC, Folgers, etc. So, if you are going for the Safeway pods get the Millstone and NOT the Sensao pods.

Let me know if you find any independant roasters that are making a super strong and smoky flavored coffee pod.

Craig
Well I guess if one could do this one could also pick his/her fav. coffee and add it to the DIY tea bags and go from there. I love my jet boil but the press usually ends up with grounds in my coffee, I don't mind grounds it's kinds like pulpy orange juice to me. Yum
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/SE4RJ2007/P6082511.jpg
this was at SE4RJ 07 I forgot my coffee cup not sure how because we are joined at the hip. Had to improvise and the jetboil is little hot to drink out of.

Aaron

[dieselcruiserhead]

I just got a GSI Lexan one. It will do up to 32oz. I made several pots at work tonight for practice. It worked great.
exact same as ours... :)

[dieselcruiserhead]

grounds in coffee... Totally turkish :)


Well I guess if one could do this one could also pick his/her fav. coffee and add it to the DIY tea bags and go from there. I love my jet boil but the press usually ends up with grounds in my coffee, I don't mind grounds it's kinds like pulpy orange juice to me. Yum
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/SE4RJ2007/P6082511.jpg
this was at SE4RJ 07 I forgot my coffee cup not sure how because we are joined at the hip. Had to improvise and the jetboil is little hot to drink out of.

Aaron

[Shovel]

Man... you guys sure like doing things the hard way.

http://www.tulumba.com/mmTULUMBA/Images/FB847554YT654_250.jpg

I like the taste of brewed coffee more than I like the taste of instant.... the same way I like high speed internet, cozy couches, huge beds, endless hot showers, and the other comforts of home. We make some compromises out in the real world ;)

Coffee's not a religion for me, I drink maybe 10 cups a month, if that.

www.mariposacoffeeco.com is by far the most delicious coffee I've ever had... his un-advertised "Euro Blend" brewed to a very light amber with no cream or sweetener is closer to juice than "joe". If you happen to find yourself near there, stop in. Gerry's a great host & roasts a mean bean.

[ZooJunkie]

Drinking coffee is often times associated to the art of making your brew. I enjoy making coffee as much as drinking it. :chowtime:

[xcmountain80]

Drinking coffee is often times associated to the art of making your brew. I enjoy making coffee as much as drinking it. :chowtime:
Yeeeeesiiiiir this is true.

Aaron

[spressomon]

I just found this...pretty cool way to take your espresso...er spresso...with ya on the trail :sport_box

http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/15/how-to-make-a-cheap-portable-espresso-machine/

[calamaridog]

exact same as ours... :)

Couple pics for the others. Real simple: Add grounds, hot water, let sit for few minutes, push down plunger, enjoy.

Andre, it seems like it would require a decent amount of clean-up while camping. I'm assuming you would wipe it out with paper towels first or how do you do it?

[calamaridog]

Regarding the 12 volt pot I bought, this thing is not camp friendly. I suppose you could brew a pot in the vehicle while driving on the hwy but in camp it is too slow. Like an hour slow.

The press worked great however.

[windy]

We are staunch coffee snobs. The french press is the only way to go in the back country. Just boil water in a pot, pour it over the grounds, stir it around, let is set for only a moment, then press. Viola. Excellent coffee. Easy preparation, and light packing.
Before leaving the house, ground your beans so it will be as fresh as possible. Be sure to ground them for a press and not for a percolator though! If the grounds are too fine, it will make your coffee sooty.

[dieselcruiserhead]

Andre, it seems like it would require a decent amount of clean-up while camping. I'm assuming you would wipe it out with paper towels first or how do you do it?

Sorry I missed this. Yes usually wiping things down but the combo of that and a little water sacrificed here and there. I was at World Market yesterday and saw this Lexan unit from Bodium (high quality products IMO), super bomber possibly the unit that will live in my rig! Only $20 too...
http://www.bodumusa.com/shop/line.asp?MD=1&GID=3&LID=531&CHK=&SLT=&mscssid=HV7Q1MWKFRBR9LK8JKG9TAPP3MBJFFME

[overlander]

After much experimentation, I have final settled on my coffee solution. REI has a coffee press mug that is so excellent, that I am using it daily now. I have eliminated Starbucks and other complicated morning home brew solutions, and have an outstanding cup of gourmet coffee on the way to work. It has a second shot in the bottom as well, so all I need is hot water. Perfect for camping too. Just take this mug, a tin of coffee, and focus on hot water. My wife is a tea drinker, so that further simplifies our needs to just the water.

http://www.rei.com/product/743758

[calamaridog]

Yea, I used it camping this weekend. Couple paper towels and a small amount of water cleaned it right up.

[pinktc]

I just found this...pretty cool way to take your espresso...er spresso...with ya on the trail :sport_box

http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/15/how-to-make-a-cheap-portable-espresso-machine/

LOL. This looks a little big for the trail. You can buy a smaller non-homemade version. [I haven't tried this, but I'm dying to.]

Aeropress (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GXZ2GS/)

--TC

[HMR]

I use my JetBoil when on the motorcycle. Works great for 1 cup.

When camping with my wife in the truck I need more capacity. We've been real happy with this little Mr. Coffee:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/233137748-L.jpg

You can get these dirt cheap at WalMart. Very easy to pack. I also noticed a version at Lowes with a stainless steel pot. This thing brews fast and works great. I can plug it into the outlet on my Tacoma or my Honda generator.

[burl40]

French press hands down I think is the way to go.I got mine through campmor and I like it alot.Only it is not quite big enough for my addiction and some one elses......:wings:

[Green Ganesha]

I'm also a fan of the Bialetti stovetop espresso makers. I picked mine up at Cost Plus, and it's proven to be a real workhorse.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2230/2120297410_dd86e709b2.jpg

I started with the plastic Traveler II (http://www.rei.com/product/600987) grinder from REI, but found it frustrating. Unless you hold the grinder with one finger poised under the collection cup (an awkward position), the cup has a tendency to slip out, spilling all your efforts. Having to start over is especially annoying because the grinder does its work so maddeningly slowly.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/2119517071_a1910a35d6.jpg

I've had a much better experience with a Zassenhaus Turkish mill. This beauty's hardened tool steel conical burrs produce a very consistent grind, and with a wider range of adjustment than the Traveler II.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/2120297426_6777ce1809.jpg http://baldmountaincoffee.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/sized/225x225/00002485.jpg

[AndrewP]

Just read this whole thread, and since stories are being told, I'll tell mine. It involves coffee, Land Cruisers and an Expedition!

About 5 years ago, we were planning a big family trip in my 80 series. 3 weeks in and out of the back country of Southern Utah. About a week into the trip, we are camped out on the White Rim in Canyonlands. I get out the hot water, the coffee and the Lexan french press (from REI). After steeping, I go and sit on the tailgate and apply the presure that will strain the grounds out of the coffee. The handle refuses to press down. I press down harder, no dice. At this point I lean into it, full pre-coffee anger power. The coffee explodes out of the top of the press-all over me, and all over the headliner. From then on, the kids called that press the "volcano". The 80 smelled like coffee the rest of the trip.

At that point I switched to the little Melita cone filters, which I noticed Life_in_4_Lo adopted after our first trip together. That is the simple, low tech, 100% effective solution. For the record, I pack out my grounds and think everyone should too.

[paulj]

I started with the plastic Traveler II (http://www.rei.com/product/600987) grinder from REI, but found it frustrating. Unless you hold the grinder with one finger poised under the collection cup (an awkward position), the cup has a tendency to slip out, spilling all your efforts. Having to start over is especially annoying because the grinder does its work so maddeningly slowly.
...

I've had a much better experience with a Zassenhaus Turkish mill. This beauty's hardened tool steel conical burrs produce a very consistent grind, and with a wider range of adjustment than the Traveler II.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/2120297426_6777ce1809.jpg

I've used a Traveler II for years without problems with the collection cup. I don't recall that it was ever loose, though by now, the accumulated coffee dust has added to the friction. I would agree, though, that the Turkish type of grinder is better for a fine grind. I leave the Traveler at a setting that is better for a press or strainer. The GSI grinder, the one looks a bit like a clear plastic UFO, is also pretty good. It's a little awkward to hold while grinding, though having a well fitting catch cup under it helps.

Speaking of GSI I see you have one of their woks. I use one with my Trangia cookset. I like it especially for things like scrambled eggs and grits. The smooth sloping sides coupled with the nonstick coating make it a breeze to clean in the camp setting.

paulj

[Green Ganesha]

Speaking of GSI I see you have one of their woks. I use one with my Trangia cookset. I like it especially for things like scrambled eggs and grits. The smooth sloping sides coupled with the nonstick coating make it a breeze to clean in the camp setting.

paulj

Wow, good eye! Yep, that's a GSI wok hanging right there above my Turkish mill. I also swear by GSI's hard anodized Extreme cookset, pressure cooker, and frypan.

http://gsioutdoors.com/images/products/zoom/50119_h1_g.jpg http://gsioutdoors.com/images/products/zoom/50207_h1_g.jpg http://media.rei.com/media/e/1143869.jpg http://shop.com.edgesuite.net/ccimg.shop.com/230000/230300/230317/products/44642817.jpg

[paulj]

I considered getting the GSI pressure cooker, but decided to get the smaller Hawkins one that REI also carries (1.5L). I'm glad I did since it has just the right base diameter to work with my Trangia cookset. Now I can cook chicken gizzards with just a couple of ounces of alcohol.
paulj

[BigAl]

Coffee? It's called a Rockstar!:victory:

Gotta agree:) I like diet Rockstar 16oz, nice sour taste, good kick, not syrappy sweet. I think it has the same mg of caffiene as medium coffee.

[jeeperaz]

Macchinetta all the way... aka Moka Pot.

Cheap, lightweight, fast and no real cleaning needed... in fact soap is a no-no.

Recently I started using the Bialetti Brikka which builds up more pressure than a typical Moka Pot and therefore produces a delicious 'crema'.

[LC/LR4Life]

Any good 12v coffee pots?

No kidding. With all the outlets in the modern Land Cruisers, Land Rovers etc, you can just take along an expresso machine.... No need for all the stove top crap!
:ylsmoke:

[calamaridog]

No kidding. With all the outlets in the modern Land Cruisers, Land Rovers etc, you can just take along an expresso machine.... No need for all the stove top crap!
:ylsmoke:

What I discovered is there is no good 12volt coffee pots. They are just too slow. I bought a very nice one, but it is way too slow for a campsite. It would work well in an RV on the road if you had plenty of time.

The press makes such good coffee I will just boil water in camp to get my fix.

[paulj]

It comes down the amp rating of the typical 12v outlet. At 10 or 15 amps the 12v pot is limited to 120-225 w. I have a small 120v hot pot that is rated at 400w, and many home heating appliances are in the 1000w or more range. If you are willing to open the hood and use battery clamps you could use a faster 12v pot.

paulj

[Lynn]

I had one of these Big Sky Bistro (http://www.outmore.com/bigskybiscof.html) mugs until I left it in the office over a long weekend and couldn't get the mold cleaned out of the strainer :(

A purist will tell you that if you leave the coffee in the press it gets more and more acidic, so you should immediately poor it into a mug or carafe.

I liked it, though. I think I probably drank it fast enough it didn't have time to get bad!

[lowenbrau]

I had one of these Big Sky Bistro (http://www.outmore.com/bigskybiscof.html) mugs until I left it in the office over a long weekend and couldn't get the mold cleaned out of the strainer :(

A purist will tell you that if you leave the coffee in the press it gets more and more acidic, so you should immediately poor it into a mug or carafe.

I liked it, though. I think I probably drank it fast enough it didn't have time to get bad!


That's probably true but I think there is so little transfer of fluid through the grounds once the press is down that there is no opportunity to foul the brew. I have a lexan press for the trail and a glass one for home. I simply prefer pressed coffee.

[Connie]

This reminds me of that little cafe in Venice..... just kidding :jump: Okay if you don't get that, then I'm showing my age.


I take milk and sugar in my coffee and a South African friend of ours had an interesting solution for this. He uses sweetened condensed milk which doesn't need to be refrigerated if used within a week and a plastic lid he salvaged from something else to keep the dust out of it. I prefer real cream and sugar, but it'll do if you run out.

[paulj]

Sweeten condensed milk is a standard addition to Vietnamese style coffee. I've been drinking Cafe du Monde this way. Straight this brand is too bitter, but when tempered with the SCM it is just right. SCM is now sold in squeeze bottles that work great for uses like this - though I refill my bottle from cans several times..
http://www.ineedcoffee.com/04/vietnamese/
http://www.ineedcoffee.com/04/vietnamese/images/300pouring.jpg

[cnskate]

Toddy coffee is nice for a week or two trip depending on the level of your addiction and the amount of cooler space you have- http://www.toddycafe.com/. It's has a nice taste with less acid.

A pound of coffee makes about 2l of concetrate I think. Make the concentrate before you leave home. Mix it 1:2 or so with hot water or cold milk depending on the time of day and the heat.

[007]

Getting back to 12-volt coffee :coffeedrink:

I think this http://www.totalvac.com/parts/B30.html?zmam=6843742&zmas=1&zmac=6&zmap=B30
is a perfect coffee maker to mount in cab so that I could make varies coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or just plain hot water while camped and when driving:coffeedrink::smiley_drive:

The K-cups are very fresh, you can pack many flavors, plus you can use a filter cup in case you run out of packaged coffee and want to use loose grounds.

I know its not very traditional but I like the idea of fresh coffee without the process of stopping and setting up a flame for brewing while on the road.

My question is this, If it is rated at 120v and 700 watts what will it take to power it up on a 12 volt system?

It takes about 2 minutes to brew when plugged into 120v but will it be that fast if I plug it into an inverter rated at 1000w?

[bj70_guy]

Another happy Bialetti Moka Express user here. I picked up a 2 cupper last year and used it on a few trips. It rocks.
The coffee from the Bialetti was a big enough hit with the others I was out with that I bought a 6 cup version for sharing. :coffeedrink:

[earthmuffin]

http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress_story.htm

I still say an aeropress is the way to go. Yes, its made by a frisbee manufacturer......but it is hands down the best cup of coffee consistently no matter where you are.

A bunch of guys over on www.advrider.com were singing their praises last year so I bought one before a trip and decided to give it a try.

It has now replaced both the coffee pot and the espresso machine in my house. I bought one for my Dad and it replaced his faithfull espresso machine as well.

It is lightweight, compact, comes with a year supply of filters, and is easy to clean. Oh and did i mention it makes a MEAN americano. Once the water is added, total brew time is less that 45 seconds so the acid level in the coffe is very low, I think that has something to do with its smooooth yuummmy coffee.

Try it. They are less than $30 shipped off of amazon.

http://earthmuffin.smugmug.com/Other/oregon-day-2/P1000344/685519192_siGZV-XL.jpg