Coffee Outside
If you are like me, coffee is simply an absolute essential part of my day to day life. Funny enough, there was a time where I did not suffer from this addiction, but alas, no more. Of late, I have even digressed into the famed ‘Bullet Proof Coffee’, but I will save that for a discussion about health and well being. This post is about Gear.
So, after more than 12 years of traveling, I feel like I have a vey good handle on the whole ‘making coffee outside’ thing. I have legit tried just about every technique, short of the Aeropress. I am not sure why, but that device has never set well with me, but I have many friends that swear buy it.
So, where does that leave me? Well, I love a good pour over. I love the process of hand grinding my beans while my water boils. I love pouring those ground beans into a pristine white filter as the steam rises from my stove. I love the way, no matter what the weather, from -30 to 85, the grounds as they swell from the pour, just delight my senses, the aroma of coffee floating through the air. Yes, I am a tried and true pour over guy, with high end instant being a very long distant second.
Having tried just about ever mechanism for said pour-over I have finally settled in on what I believe is the best combination of technique, durability, and taste. As of now, my favorite products for making this all work are the are the Porlex Grinder (latest version), the MSR Windburner Stove, the Snow Peak Ti Double Wall mug and/or the MIR Coffee mug, the Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Drip and lastly, V60 filters. For lighting my stove, I have fallen in love with the little rechargeable UST TekFire lighters. Not good for starting fire, but great for lighting gas stoves, and the charge lasts forever.
This combination has served me extremely well in absolutely all conditions. The stove, well, it just works. Yes their are smaller kits, but the reliability and functionality of this stove for boiling water is in my opinion, just fantastic. The Porlex grinder is amazing. It is adjustable, just works, and is a work of art in and of itself. Important to get the latest version because they made a slight modification to the way the handle attaches to the body of the grinder so that it does not consistently pop off. It just works, I own two of them and use them in the field and at home.
Lastly, the actual pour over device. I have tried all kinds of devices and when I stumbled upon the Snow Peak Barista, I was sold. Stupid expensive, but it mates beautifully with the V60 filters, breaks down into a very compact kit, and produces an outstanding cup of coffee. I have to say, in the spirit of honesty, I am intrigued by the new MIR filter system, and I actually bought one, but cant seem to find it right now, so I will have to update you on that later.
Lastly, the issue of filters often comes up. Yes, with this technique you do need to carry filters. However, I would argue that carrying filters is a very good thing to do. You see, not only do they serve as a coffee making device, but they also have a multitude of other uses in the field, some of which I will leave to your imagination.
They can be used to help filter sedimented water before being treated or boiled. I have folded them up and used them to handle hot pieces of kitchenware. And then there are the things they can do from a hygiene perspective, in an emergency, that should not be undervalued. They are compostable, or easily packed out. They weigh next to nothing and can be stashed just about anywhere on your bike or your pack. In the end, other than cost and having to carry something extra, I don’t really view them as a negative.
So, there you have it, my current recommendation for Coffee Outside. It goes without saying to carry good fresh beans and use some good device to keep them sealed while traveling. When car camping I use Glass Mason jars and in the field I use zip lock bags, which once empty can be used to safely pack out any waste.
A special nod to my friends over at Defy in Chicago. Man, they make some of the best gear around!!
I hope you enjoy your next cup of coffee outside. Have tips or tricks of your own, hit me up in the comments below. Like this article, then feel free to buy me a cup of coffee via the link below or better yet, buy a custom print from my gallery.
Cheers,
G-
P.S., the links above are Amazon affiliate links. The small amount of revenue that I get from these helps me to pay for this site. If you can make any Amazon purchases through these links, even if that is a different product than linked, it costs you nothing and I get the benefit. Thanks 🙏
