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Coffee. Tea.
Hot, caffeinated beverages keep some of us sane when in the backcountry. Some might argue that such beverages can even keep you alive. Here, a few Backpacking Light staffers share their favorite methods for staying warm, hydrated, and caffeinated while out and about. Whether you prefer tea (filtered or not), coffee extract, or cowboy coffee, there's a little something for everyone... except the one editor who shall remain unnamed. He just takes two NoDoz and hits the trail.
Which could be why I might never backpack with him. -Addie
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Roger, again your MYOG continues to impress ! Did you source that locally in Oz, and can I ask what the mesh sizing is (I assume it has a sizing like thread has a denier and paper a gsm and the like), and did you 'press' it yourself ?
Overall nice thread and topic – I have been considering giving away the mini-espresso machine that I have been wedded to when walking for 15 years…. and was recently thinking 'I wonder how folks make cowboy coffee ?' And now I know !
I’ve been using the Mini-Minit coffee filters for backpacking for years:
They work great! They’re practically weightless and you can leave the plastic stick at home unless wooden sticks can’t be found where you’re going. Perfect for loose leaf tea as well. You can get them at Amazon also.
G
I got an eMail from SBUX offering free samples (get 'em whilst they last…!) of a new (shudder) instant (shudder) coffee…. I'm going to try it (under controlled circumstances…), but I'm not expecting much. It would be nice not to have to deal with the grounds, I suppose.
http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/c17-instant-coffee.aspx
I still don't see the problem with Folger's singles.
Hi Julian
Sorry – missed your query. Probably away at the time.
I made it myself using a fine SS mesh, SS Mig welding wire and a small spot welder. Circle base and rectangle wall.
Mesh size … Um … I don't know. Certainly a fine filter mesh, but the fabric was actually scavenged.
But there are plenty of alternatives around, including one from GSI: "Ultralight Java Drip 79460"
cheers
I basically do cowboy style coffee but then I filter the finished product through my MSR mugmate. This works a lot better than putting the grinds directly in the mugmate and either pouring water off it (which just runs out the sides) or submerging it in a mug (which takes forever and makes weak coffee).
I supposed I could just use a regular paper coffee filter instead of the Mug Mate, but I don't really need that fine of filtration and that's slower (although lighter unless you're going for weeks).
The problem with Folger's singles is: Flavor. Yes, it's an individual preference, and yes, I am a self-proclaimed "coffee snob".
In September I bought some instant coffee that was recently introduced at Starbucks. They claimed it would taste as good as their fresh brewed and I found this, to my surprise, to be true. No extra equipment needed, just boil,pour and drink with your usual additives.
Snowguy is absolutely right. This stuff is really good, and I HATE instant coffee… It's called VIA. I just wish they sold it in other than individual packets.
My morning cup of "Joe" is one of my favorite rituals, instead of brewing I'm sipping the Starbucks Columbian instant and by choice. Its awesome ;0)
Something to watch while having a cup. BPL in a fine moment in time.
But can it be done in a "group coffee cooking situation"? We need an updated ad…uh…podcast.
Matt
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