Keurig k-cups for backcountry coffee

[darcytribe]

Hey All,

I was wondering if anyone has tried to use the keurig individual k-cups that you put in their machines for making a cup of joe in the back 40? Specifically, I was wondering if you could just pour boiling water in the top of it and if the cup just works like a filter and coffee comes out the bottom. I don't know if there's more to it with how those packets are designed. Anyone try this? I'm thinking they would be easy to transport. Also I saw a small filter in walmart the other day that you can put in the keurig machine and use your own coffee. I might try that out too. Appreciate hearing from anyone who has tried this...

 

[5MilesBack]

I don't even like the K-cups at home, wouldn't even think about using them in the backcountry. If they tripled the size of them, they might actually make a decent cup of coffee, but that becomes uneconomical and for backcountry use.....defeats the purpose altogether. As much as I hate supporting Starbucks, Via's are the best thing I've found for backcountry coffee. But at least when I buy them at deep discount after they expire, I feel like SB's isn't getting anything from me.

 

[Poser]

Seems to me that the K-Cup packaging would be excessively heavy when compared to SB Vias.
The filter could work, though, You would need to be careful not to burn your fingers while manually pouring hot water through the filer. Plus, you would have to clean the wet grinds out of the filter out after use. I'm picky about coffee and not really a fan of the K-cups in general (use a french press at home: K-cups are comparatively very dry and devoid of any oils). That being said, the Starbucks Vias are the all around best compromise for taste, weight and packaging. They are drinkable, the grinds dissolve (no wet grinds to deal with) and the packaging is light enough that it is a non factor.

 

[jmez]

It won't work. No way to pour the water through them. The machine forces the water in with air, doesn't just run through. You could use one of the filter baskets. Boil the water and put it in cup and then just drop the filter basket in the water.

 

[GibsonKuenzi]

They make a small k-cup French press. Not sure how good it works though and would kind of defeat the purpose IMO

 

[unm1136]

Something I have used with success in the past is muslin bags, like you get at the hippy shops for home blended teas. They are large enough to hold several table spoons of coffee (I use 2-3T for a 6-8oz cup. If that seems like too much, ask me about extraction efficiency...My coffee maker at home gets 12-14T for what my coffee pot calls 12 cups, and my coffee cup calls 6 cups or so...) and I use it like a giant tea bag. Coffee grounds are very biodegradable, and earthworms love them.

pat

 

[darcytribe]

Thanks for the info and ideas guys!

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Starbucks Via for me, weighs nothing and tastes great.

 

[Shrek]

Another SB Via fan. Tastes ok and very convenient.

 

[Vance in AK]

As much as I hate supporting Starbucks, Via's are the best thing I've found for backcountry coffee. But at least when I buy them at deep discount after they expire, I feel like SB's isn't getting anything from me.

Is there someplace you can buy the out of date ones on line regularly or do you have to have an inside source?

 

[Becca]

Is there someplace you can buy the out of date ones on line regularly or do you have to have an inside source?

I have had good luck ordering the 50 pack of nearly expired vias off amazon...I want to say I usually pay around $25. They typically come with an expiration date within 2 months of the purchase date. Have certainly used them long after they expired with no ill effects

We also drink some of the Nescafé instant coffee packets as well, although I am told they contain less caffeine per serving than SB. If you like flavored coffee the hazelnut is tasty...

 

[Ray]

We also drink some of the Nescafé instant coffee packets as well, although I am told they contain less caffeine per serving than SB. If you like flavored coffee the hazelnut is tasty...

When I travel remote for work I take the Nescafé as well. I found that two packs is similar to one cup of my home brew. I learned to double up my supplies.

I have also experimented with Trader Joes instant coffee. It comes with creamer and sugar. It tastes ok, but is just a touch weak compared to other brands. Can be found on amazon really cheap though.

 

[Vance in AK]

Thanks Becca. Ill check them out.