A good cup of coffee

[IanF.]

I do love a good cup of coffee, easy to make at home, easier to buy here on the wet coast.

In terms of on the mountain Starbucks via has been my go too, much better then Nescafé etc, but still not "good"

So at Christmas I was given a GSI Ultralight Java Drip, I thought I'd found the answer.....

Well.... The problem is the water flows through the mesh too quickly not extracting enough of the goodness from the coffee itself, so quite lack lustre. Tried differ techniques without success

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My minor moment of brilliance came with the addition of a #2 cone filter!

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It slows the brew time down and you end up with a damn good cup of coffee!

Probably not for everyone, however if you're like me and willing to carry the enormous burden of 4-8oz of good ground coffee, then this $11 gadget I'd highly recommend.

http://www.gsioutdoors.com/ultralight-java-drip.html

Very best,

Ian

 

[JPC]

I have tried quite a few different backcountry coffee technologies out there and a few years ago found my favorite method: the MSR Mugmate coffee filter. It works extremely well for single cups as well as mass producing coffee for large groups. You can make a large pot of cowboy coffee and the use the filter when pouring into cups. It's small and lightweight which is a plus. I have used this on extended backpacking trips as well as a 20 day rafting trip down the Grand Canyon with 15 people.

Here's a short video clip of the single cup method:

http://youtu.be/XRDUotFe2a0

 

[LitenFast]

I have the MSR mugmate also, I had never thought of using it to filter a large batch of cowboy coffee! Thanks for the tip!

 

[BRobertson]

I also use the Mugmate, however if you are going buy one, get it on Amazon , under the name of Finum brewing basket . It is less than
1/2 price!!

Bob

 

[5MilesBack]

Heck, I'm sitting at home and enjoying an Italian Roast VIA. It's not just for the mountains anymore.

 

[JPC]

Heck, I'm sitting at home and enjoying an Italian Roast VIA. It's not just for the mountains anymore.

I'm a big fan of a good Italian Roast! Might have to brew a cup... Or a pot!

 

[5MilesBack]

I'm a big fan of a good Italian Roast! Might have to brew a cup... Or a pot!

I lived in Naples for three years, and brought back several cases of Cafe' Kimbo espresso coffee out of Naples. Good stuff, especially in the Bialetti. But the VIA's are soooooo much easier, especially in the back country. And quite good IMO.

 

[JPC]

I was never a fan of "instant" coffee, but I haven't tried any in well over 15 years. Seems like some of the "newer" stuff might be good. I'll have to try some out. I once ran out of coffee on a 35 day backcountry trip I was guiding. Pulled out the sat phone and had a friend fly over and drop me a re supply from his plane! I only had 2 days left on the trip, but coffee is absolutely necessary in the backcountry!

 

[rodney482]

Foldgers singles

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

I've switched from instant to a press this year. Huge improvement for me, my press is titanium and I use the cup for all water boiling now as well. I even picked one up for the house for when only one cup of fresh coffe is needed.

 

[JPC]

...for when only one cup of fresh coffe is needed.

That time has never come for me. One cup just holds you over until the next cup! I usually have a minimum of 3... even when backpacking.

A quote I heard the other day:
"Decaf coffee is like a hooker that just wants to cuddle"

 

[5MilesBack]

I was never a fan of "instant" coffee, but I haven't tried any in well over 15 years.

Neither was I. Not really a fan of Starbucks and don't like supporting them, but the VIA's aren't bad at all. I figure if I buy them expired on deep discount then the company isn't getting squat from me.

 

[mtswampfox]

Like the vias but one pack makes two cups for me and i do like it strong

 

[LostArra]

Ian: I'm a coffee fan too, in fact I roast my own coffee at home. (roast, not burn like Charbucks)
I have been through all the back country coffee gadgets but Via is just too simple.
I guess drinking Via is "roughing it" for me.

 

[Poser]

Ian: I'm a coffee fan too, in fact I roast my own coffee at home. (roast, not burn like Charbucks)
I have been through all the back country coffee gadgets but Via is just too simple.
I guess drinking Via is "roughing it" for me.

Pretty much same boat here. While I wouldn't drink a Via at home, they taste decent enough in the backcountry. I don't eat dehydrated meals at home either, in fact I am basically spoiled with gourmet cooking at home, but they (dehydrated meals) can be quite tasty when I am hungry and sitting in the dirt.

 

[The John]

I have the same coffee apparatus as the poster, and like him, I do the exact same thing with a coffee filter (plus it means less stuff to bring/carry). You could also use a handkerchief or some other cloth for a re-usable filter if your worried about it.