Travel Coffee

[93legendti]

I have an Aeropress. I don't love it for our 3 week, summer trip. Besides Moka pots and single cup pour over filters, is there anything else out there?

[EricEstlund]

What sort of trip, and how much space are you dedicating. Pretty hard to beat a French press.

[AngryScientist]

french press.

pour over is easily the simplest solution for good coffee away from home though. that's what i do camping....

[93legendti]

We go to Israel every summer. We have room in our bags, the issue would be getting it there safely-avoiding damage while bags are transported.

Our lodging choices have kitchenettes. French Press is a very good suggestion for ease...

[ColonelJLloyd]

French press (Bodum makes an unbreakable one) or Clever (https://www.espressoparts.com/clever-coffee-dripper-large-full-immersion-brewing-method). Both are going to make essentially the same coffee; the latter will filter all sediment. It's a preference thing.

[stephenmarklay]

What sort of trip, and how much space are you dedicating. Pretty hard to beat a French press.


I use my French press daily. I bought a stainless steel one since glass types are more fragile. Its heavy for bike packing.

When I camp I use and Organic instant. I survive.

[AngryScientist]

the issue would be getting it there safely-avoiding damage while bags are transported.



they make steel ones too!

http://cdn.espressoplanet.com/images/P/french-press-mirror-single.jpg

[93legendti]

they make steel ones too!

http://cdn.espressoplanet.com/images/P/french-press-mirror-single.jpg

I see the handle getting damaged in my luggage...at least that's the picture in my kind when I look at my favorite Moka Pot

[93legendti]

This looks promising:

http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Commuter-Javapress-Coffee/dp/B00T3WHAT0/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1459903864&sr=8-9&keywords=Clever+French+press

[ColonelJLloyd]

Surely you could pack this (http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Brazil-Shatterproof-French-Coffee/dp/B002UG46DO) so it would survive.

[Louis]

One would think that this topic is just as important to heroin addicts as it is to caffeine / coffee heads. I think the best thing to do is to check out the druggie forums and see what they say about traveling while addicted. ;)

http://s1.favim.com/orig/26/black-and-white-blonde-cigarette-coffee-kate-moss-Favim.com-228244.jpg

[93legendti]

Surely you could pack this (http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Brazil-Shatterproof-French-Coffee/dp/B002UG46DO) so it would survive.

I like "shatterproof"!

[grawk]

grinder makes all the difference. I have a pourlex and love the coffee my aeropress makes.

[geeter]

We go to Israel every summer. We have room in our bags, the issue would be getting it there safely-avoiding damage while bags are transported.

Our lodging choices have kitchenettes. French Press is a very good suggestion for ease...
If going to Israel do like everyone else and get some Elite instant. I love that stuff.

I always travel with a jet boil and pour over. I can make coffee in any location. I have plastic french press too but prefer the pour over.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[93legendti]

If going to Israel do like everyone else and get some Elite instant. I love that stuff.

I always travel with a jet boil and pour over. I can make coffee in any location. I have plastic french press too but prefer the pour over.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

I like Elite too, and our hosts provide it free. I do get tired of it after 3 weeks and my wife isn't a huge fan...

[ElHardeen]

Been working on a solution for bike camping myself and drip brew has been about the only thing I can justify with the added weight and bulk.

However if you have some extra room what about a good old percolater?

http://www.amazon.com/Farberware-Classic-Stainless-Yosemite-Percolator/dp/B00005NCWQ/ref=lp_289746_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1459907233&sr=1-2

Use one at home every day and have considered strapping one outside of a bag for some group camping.

[93legendti]

Been working on a solution for bike camping myself and drip brew has been about the only thing I can justify with the added weight and bulk.

However if you have some extra room what about a good old percolater?

http://www.amazon.com/Farberware-Classic-Stainless-Yosemite-Percolator/dp/B00005NCWQ/ref=lp_289746_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1459907233&sr=1-2

Use one at home every day and have considered strapping one outside of a bag for some group camping.

It's not espresso, but it has its advantages...


Anyone try one of these (GSI or Bialetti) stove top espresso makers?

http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Stainless-Mini-Expresso/dp/B000PGHD36?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_101&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NJHN30/ref=pd_luc_rh_sbs_02_01_t_img_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[charliedid]

I keep meaning to buy one of these: http://www.wacaco.com/

I friend swears by it but says you have to master it to yield a good shot.

I'm still curious.

I can't think of anything else besides what is mentioned.

Snow Peak pour over sure packs easy: http://snowpeak.com/collections/cookware/products/collapsible_pour_over-cs-113?variant=671115025

[jh_on_the_cape]

Moka.
http://antirez.com/blogdata/246/Moka.jpg

[Kirk007]

It's not espresso, but it has its advantages...


Anyone try one of these (GSI or Bialetti) stove top espresso makers?

http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Stainless-Mini-Expresso/dp/B000PGHD36?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_101&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NJHN30/ref=pd_luc_rh_sbs_02_01_t_img_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't think these are improvements over the aeropress; not bad at all just nor marginally if any better. Do you take a grinder? I've been eyeing a hand grinder to add to my travel kit.

[93legendti]

I keep meaning to buy one of these: http://www.wacaco.com/

I friend swears by it but says you have to master it to yield a good shot.

I'm still curious.

I can't think of anything else besides what is mentioned.

Snow Peak pour over sure packs easy: http://snowpeak.com/collections/cookware/products/collapsible_pour_over-cs-113?variant=671115025

Those are two very intriguing choices. I am going to look at them.

[93legendti]

I don't think these are improvements over the aeropress; not bad at all just nor marginally if any better. Do you take a grinder? I've been eyeing a hand grinder to add to my travel kit.

No, no grinder.

I probably need to pull out my aero press and give it another whirl.

[93legendti]

Moka.
http://antirez.com/blogdata/246/Moka.jpg

Hard to go wrong there.
Plan right now is to take 2-3 of these: one of my cheaper Moka pots, a travel French press, a pour over and an aeropress

I like variety, my wife prefers espresso, so the choices cover a lot of bases.

[stephenmarklay]

they make steel ones too!

http://cdn.espressoplanet.com/images/P/french-press-mirror-single.jpg

This looks like mine. I have had it about 5 years and it still works great.

[stephenmarklay]

I see the handle getting damaged in my luggage...at least that's the picture in my kind when I look at my favorite Moka Pot

If it is as sturdy as mine you are not damaging it. It is very thick metal.

[giordana93]

I vote for finding the most palatable instant coffe you can take without paraphenalia, so instead of schlepping a pound of coffee and two pounds of brewing equipment you save space for souvenirs and you find a good local joint and enjoy coffee brewed the local way. Yes, you'll be craving your own home brew, but that will make that "it's good to be home" feeling better and you will not have lived holed up in your hotel room getting your fix. You may even discover some cool exotic way to quaff joe (Turkish anyone?) and bring home a new brewing pot. What a souvenir that would be. Just an alternative view.

By the way, one of my favorite (if bitter and strong) instants is Louisiana chicory if you can get it, Community Coffee, for example.

[93legendti]

I vote for finding the most palatable instant coffe you can take without paraphenalia, so instead of schlepping a pound of coffee and two pounds of brewing equipment you save space for souvenirs and you find a good local joint and enjoy coffee brewed the local way. Yes, you'll be craving your own home brew, but that will make that "it's good to be home" feeling better and you will not have lived holed up in your hotel room getting your fix. You may even discover some cool exotic way to quaff joe (Turkish anyone?) and bring home a new brewing pot. What a souvenir that would be. Just an alternative view.

By the way, one of my favorite (if bitter and strong) instants is Louisiana chicory if you can get it, Community Coffee, for example.

This has been a default position the last few years. A mix of Starbucks Via, Elite/Nescafé and my wife going to the 1 of the 2 local cafes which are 30 seconds walking distance from the apartment we stay in 2 out of the 3 weeks, gets us thru.

I can get coffee grounds in Israel rather easily...

[giordana93]

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Cone-Filter-Coffeemaker-1-Count/dp/B000MIT2OK

.....got to thinking that the plastic Melitta cone alone will brew 4-8 cups with paper cone or gold reusable (leaves sediment like french press) filters. You could have a pot to boil water and a tea pot to fit cone on that you use only on site and not carry in bags. The plastic is very tough and honestly brews a fantastic cup that will reveal all the flavor and faults of any bean you throw at it. (My inner coffee snob got the better of my meet the culture side)

[giordana93]

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Cone-Filter-Coffeemaker-1-Count/dp/B000MIT2OK

.....got to thinking that the plastic Melitta cone alone will brew 4-8 cups with paper cone or gold reusable (leaves sediment like french press) filters. You could have a pot to boil water and a tea pot to fit cone on that you use only on site and not carry in bags. The plastic is very tough and honestly brews a fantastic cup that will reveal all the flavor and faults of any bean you throw at it. (My inner coffee snob got the better of my meet the culture side)

For posterity, my insider tip on using the above: find the #6 filters. Brewing goes twice as fast and no grounds sneak over the filter into the cone. Original design was #6 but no one uses them and many machines take no.4, so they are ubiquitous. But six rules.

[Louis]

and you find a good local joint and enjoy coffee brewed the local way. Yes, you'll be craving your own home brew, but that will make that "it's good to be home" feeling better and you will not have lived holed up in your hotel room getting your fix

I was thinking this very thing. It's like going to Paris only to dine at McDonald's, Burger King, and Subway. (don't even know how common they are there, but you get the point)

[93legendti]

For posterity, my insider tip on using the above: find the #6 filters. Brewing goes twice as fast and no grounds sneak over the filter into the cone. Original design was #6 but no one uses them and many machines take no.4, so they are ubiquitous. But six rules.

Is there a #6 gold filter?

[giordana93]

Is there a #6 gold filter?

not to my knowledge

[93legendti]

not to my knowledge

Ok. Thanks again.

[jasonification]

I bring this (http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-79480-Collapsible-Coffee/dp/B002YT2CII/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1459919970&sr=8-5&keywords=silicone+pour+over)when traveling. It's been super helpful so far!

[oldpotatoe]

I have an Aeropress. I don't love it for our 3 week, summer trip. Besides Moka pots and single cup pour over filters, is there anything else out there?

Part of the fun, yes?

[93legendti]

Part of the fun, yes?

Is that the cafe I was at when in Sienna?

[oldpotatoe]

Is that the cafe I was at when in Sienna?

Not sure what city..but si, Italia..

[Formulasaab]

My mind immediately jumped to these folks out of Frederick, MD. I met them at a bike swap outside of Baltimore a couple years ago. Nice folks.
http://gravelandgrind.com

I was thinking about the Thai/Vietnamese coffee maker that I bought from them, but they don't show it on their page anymore. They come in single cup or pot sizes, though single cup is by far the most common:
http://heavytable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/VN-coffee1.jpg

However, they do have this mini "espresso" maker, which is something new that I've never seen before. It's like a moka pot for the finger-and-thumb cup size.

http://gravelandgrind.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/gsi-570x570.jpg
http://gravelandgrind.com/products/micro-espresso-maker/

[93legendti]

Not sure what city..but si, Italia..

That cafe me of my bike trips in Tuscany and Umbria.

[93legendti]

My mind immediately jumped to these folks out of Frederick, MD. I met them at a bike swap outside of Baltimore a couple years ago. Nice folks.
http://gravelandgrind.com

I was thinking about the Thai/Vietnamese coffee maker that I bought from them, but they don't show it on their page anymore. They come in single cup or pot sizes, though single cup is by far the most common:
http://heavytable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/VN-coffee1.jpg

However, they do have this mini "espresso" maker, which is something new that I've never seen before. It's like a moka pot for the finger-and-thumb cup size.

http://gravelandgrind.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/gsi-570x570.jpg
http://gravelandgrind.com/products/micro-espresso-maker/

What a cute setup!

[93legendti]

I bring this (http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-79480-Collapsible-Coffee/dp/B002YT2CII/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1459919970&sr=8-5&keywords=silicone+pour+over)when traveling. It's been super helpful so far!

Great suggestion

[paredown]

Funny--you never think of stuff going out of fashion, but my original good drip coffee maker (a Braun) used a #6 filter--and I used to have a gold filter for it--but I can't find one on Amazon.:confused:

I just looked on Amazon--there are a few different styles of those single cup pour-overs that use #4 or permanent filters--stainless, with/w/o stands and cups.

I used to have one in my carrel in grad school...

[93legendti]

Funny--you never think of stuff going out of fashion, but my original good drip coffee maker (a Braun) used a #6 filter--and I used to have a gold filter for it--but I can't find one on Amazon.:confused:

I just looked on Amazon--there are a few different styles of those single cup pour-overs that use #4 or permanent filters--stainless, with/w/o stands and cups.

I used to have one in my carrel in grad school...

I am going to look on eBay for a gold #6 filter. The stainless is a compelling travel option...

[93legendti]

I looked for my aeropress this am and for the life of me couldn't find it. SoI ordered another from Amazon.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

[giordana93]

re: cone filter size and material

it really depends on whether you are routinely brewing 1-2 cups at a time or 8-12. We blow through our brew at the house and like a good 8 cups. It is easy to brew 2 4-cup pots using only #4 filters quickly and sometimes the speed of heating up half the amount of water (2x4 vs one big pot) makes filter size a non issue (in fact it encourages better technique because one can easily float the dry grounds of a big pot and ruin the brew without the critical "pour and let bloom/saturate" small first splash from boiling kettle, which also helps rest of water boil faster). The smaller paper filters will definitely clog and slow to a drip if you push them for a 8 cup pot and use a fine grind, which works great in paper to maximize bean extraction. That's why we like # 6 to a get a good 6-8 cupper you don't have to wait on the slow final drip. Gold filters eliminate that wait, much higher flow rate, along with a little sediment à la French press in the bottom of the pot. I don't care to have my lost drop a surprise sediment slug and just go with the ease of disposal (and handling hot coffee grounds) of a paper filter whisked away to make room for another pot since the time to boil pot #2 water=time for good drip of pot #1, without the hassle of hot messy coffee grinds trying to get next pot started. If you guys only drink a small pot, the #4 is the ticket. And if you've never had a nice Melitta (like Chemex) pour over, you are in for a real treat. My original coffee maker, 25 year old brown plastic Melitta cone still goes over a big cup, bol de café, hand held for a single shot, or a big carafe to make better coffee than 90% of the makers on the market. Used it last week. The only downfall, mitigated by use of a good thermal carafe, is temperature of brew drops as fast as the heat capacity of your cup. Not a bad thing when you need that first sip mind you.

Oh insider tip #2: electric kettles rock. Just the plain-jane boils a liter in under 5 minutes model. Faster than either microwave or stovetop. Minimize time to boil with exact measure of water for your French press, cone, or tea pot, and you'll never not know what a perfect dosing is to your taste. Especially if you have a grinder on a timer.

Tip #3: don't buy it for this trip, but the luxury white porcelain version by Melitta is still a bargain, beautiful on your counter, takes a big filter like #6 perfectly, and fits in a corner with your new white 1 liter kettle you'll don't know how you lived without. Simple perfection.

My old Melitta actually has a pin hole at the pouring spout so you can monitor the last drop which slips back into the pot instead of down its spout, plus you can skip the dregs easily spotted against the white pot if you use metal filters.

Last use for the noble cone: iced coffee. Fill a pot/jar with cold water and coffee, give a stir and cover with a plate. Filter next day and pour over ice (1 drop of Mexican vanilla optional, original PJ's coffee recipe + Viennese roast)

http://www.melitta.com/en/Porcelain-6-Cup-Pour-Over-Coffeemaker-1727.html
http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Coffee-Maker-Porcelain-Brewer/dp/B000QY9YDY
http://www.amazon.com/Presto-02703-Electric-Tea-Kettle/dp/B0000Z6JJ6/ref=sr_1_20?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1459950531&sr=1-20&keywords=white+electric+kettle

they don't list capacity of the kettle in last link, but this style. my porcelain like this one is also 25:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTHrwEPEAFx265wkE5-BzK4NTosRd2KTyrU_Cex0Fg2vluMUgQemw


omg that price on Amz is less than half what these went for 2 decades ago. If legit someone should jump on that.

[EPIC! Stratton]

One would think that this topic is just as important to heroin addicts as it is to caffeine / coffee heads. I think the best thing to do is to check out the druggie forums and see what they say about traveling while addicted. ;)

http://s1.favim.com/orig/26/black-and-white-blonde-cigarette-coffee-kate-moss-Favim.com-228244.jpg

Gotta get our fix of caffeine. :p

[sparky33]

a simple plastic pour over cone + no. 2 paper is it for my morning brew.

been thinking of trying this helix cone (http://store.oceanaircycles.com/products/helix-coffee-dripper) for travel...

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0159/4790/products/11.5_sotohelix_Beach_L-1_1024x1024.jpg?v=1415253517

[benb]

I vote for finding the most palatable instant coffe you can take without paraphenalia, so instead of schlepping a pound of coffee and two pounds of brewing equipment you save space for souvenirs and you find a good local joint and enjoy coffee brewed the local way. Yes, you'll be craving your own home brew, but that will make that "it's good to be home" feeling better and you will not have lived holed up in your hotel room getting your fix. You may even discover some cool exotic way to quaff joe (Turkish anyone?) and bring home a new brewing pot. What a souvenir that would be. Just an alternative view.

By the way, one of my favorite (if bitter and strong) instants is Louisiana chicory if you can get it, Community Coffee, for example.

Just wanted to add to this.. my previous job I worked with lots of engineers from Israel, I didn't go to Israel personally but there was lots of traveling back and forth. Near everyone from Israel or the folks in the US office who travelled to Israel claimed the coffee in Israel is much better than the US... so it would seem if you're that addicted the solution is to try the local stuff since it is highly regarded.

[93legendti]

Just wanted to add to this.. my previous job I worked with lots of engineers from Israel, I didn't go to Israel personally but there was lots of traveling back and forth. Near everyone from Israel or the folks in the US office who travelled to Israel claimed the coffee in Israel is much better than the US... so it would seem if you're that addicted the solution is to try the local stuff since it is highly regarded.

No question.

Ironically, many Israelis are addicted to Nescafé. I gave an Israeli friend who lives here a Moka Pot and he hated the coffee. (!)

My wife's cousin stayed with us on the Golan one summer and drove an hour round trip 2x a day for Aroma Coffee, "becasue it's not just coffee". Otoh, she's not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

This will be my 23rd trip.
We go every summer. This will be my kids' 10th trip and last summer I started doing with them what my Dad and I did, going to a cafe at night and drinking coffee and hot chocolate, respectively and smelling the sea air.

Morning doesn't always allow for a leisurely cafe stroll, with 13 and 10 yr old kids, family on both sides to visit, many friends to visit and many places to see.

Morning coffee on our trip is sometimes about convenience. Not always, but sometimes. When that happens...aeropress et al...

[93legendti]

I've been using the aeropress the last few days. I've tried a few different grinds. To me, it tastes like coffee...I've ordered the stainless filter...maybe I am pressing the plunger too slowly?

[crownjewelwl]

I've been using the aeropress the last few days. I've tried a few different grinds. To me, it tastes like coffee...I've ordered the stainless filter...maybe I am pressing the plunger too slowly?

Watch the instructional video on the blue bottle or stumptown sites

Aeropress makes the perfect brew for me

[trener1]

How about a titanium travel press, that should appeal to a cyclist :)
https://www.rei.com/product/708069/snow-peak-titanium-french-press-3-cup

And here is one without a handle that should be easier for packing
https://www.rei.com/product/884332/gsi-outdoors-glacier-commuter-java-press

[jh_on_the_cape]

Laterally stiff and vertically compliant!!

How about a titanium travel press, that should appeal to a cyclist :)
https://www.rei.com/product/708069/snow-peak-titanium-french-press-3-cup

And here is one without a handle that should be easier for packing
https://www.rei.com/product/884332/gsi-outdoors-glacier-commuter-java-press