Coffee Preparations

[spressomon]

I just found this...pretty cool way to take your espresso...er spresso...with ya on the trail :sport_box

http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/15/how-to-make-a-cheap-portable-espresso-machine/

 

[calamaridog]

exact same as ours...

Couple pics for the others. Real simple: Add grounds, hot water, let sit for few minutes, push down plunger, enjoy.

Andre, it seems like it would require a decent amount of clean-up while camping. I'm assuming you would wipe it out with paper towels first or how do you do it?

 

[calamaridog]

Regarding the 12 volt pot I bought, this thing is not camp friendly. I suppose you could brew a pot in the vehicle while driving on the hwy but in camp it is too slow. Like an hour slow.

The press worked great however.

 

[windy]

We are staunch coffee snobs. The french press is the only way to go in the back country. Just boil water in a pot, pour it over the grounds, stir it around, let is set for only a moment, then press. Viola. Excellent coffee. Easy preparation, and light packing.
Before leaving the house, ground your beans so it will be as fresh as possible. Be sure to ground them for a press and not for a percolator though! If the grounds are too fine, it will make your coffee sooty.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Andre, it seems like it would require a decent amount of clean-up while camping. I'm assuming you would wipe it out with paper towels first or how do you do it?

Sorry I missed this. Yes usually wiping things down but the combo of that and a little water sacrificed here and there. I was at World Market yesterday and saw this Lexan unit from Bodium (high quality products IMO), super bomber possibly the unit that will live in my rig! Only $20 too...
http://www.bodumusa.com/shop/line.a...SLT=&mscssid=HV7Q1MWKFRBR9LK8JKG9TAPP3MBJFFME

 

[overlander]

After much experimentation, I have final settled on my coffee solution. REI has a coffee press mug that is so excellent, that I am using it daily now. I have eliminated Starbucks and other complicated morning home brew solutions, and have an outstanding cup of gourmet coffee on the way to work. It has a second shot in the bottom as well, so all I need is hot water. Perfect for camping too. Just take this mug, a tin of coffee, and focus on hot water. My wife is a tea drinker, so that further simplifies our needs to just the water.

http://www.rei.com/product/743758

 

[calamaridog]

Yea, I used it camping this weekend. Couple paper towels and a small amount of water cleaned it right up.

 

[pinktc]

I just found this...pretty cool way to take your espresso...er spresso...with ya on the trail :sport_box

http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/15/how-to-make-a-cheap-portable-espresso-machine/

LOL. This looks a little big for the trail. You can buy a smaller non-homemade version. [I haven't tried this, but I'm dying to.]

Aeropress

--TC

 

[HMR]

I use my JetBoil when on the motorcycle. Works great for 1 cup.

When camping with my wife in the truck I need more capacity. We've been real happy with this little Mr. Coffee:

You can get these dirt cheap at WalMart. Very easy to pack. I also noticed a version at Lowes with a stainless steel pot. This thing brews fast and works great. I can plug it into the outlet on my Tacoma or my Honda generator.

 

[burl40]

French press hands down I think is the way to go.I got mine through campmor and I like it alot.Only it is not quite big enough for my addiction and some one elses......:wings:

 

[Green Ganesha]

I'm also a fan of the Bialetti stovetop espresso makers. I picked mine up at Cost Plus, and it's proven to be a real workhorse.

I started with the plastic Traveler II grinder from REI, but found it frustrating. Unless you hold the grinder with one finger poised under the collection cup (an awkward position), the cup has a tendency to slip out, spilling all your efforts. Having to start over is especially annoying because the grinder does its work so maddeningly slowly.

I've had a much better experience with a Zassenhaus Turkish mill. This beauty's hardened tool steel conical burrs produce a very consistent grind, and with a wider range of adjustment than the Traveler II.

 

[AndrewP]

Just read this whole thread, and since stories are being told, I'll tell mine. It involves coffee, Land Cruisers and an Expedition!

About 5 years ago, we were planning a big family trip in my 80 series. 3 weeks in and out of the back country of Southern Utah. About a week into the trip, we are camped out on the White Rim in Canyonlands. I get out the hot water, the coffee and the Lexan french press (from REI). After steeping, I go and sit on the tailgate and apply the presure that will strain the grounds out of the coffee. The handle refuses to press down. I press down harder, no dice. At this point I lean into it, full pre-coffee anger power. The coffee explodes out of the top of the press-all over me, and all over the headliner. From then on, the kids called that press the "volcano". The 80 smelled like coffee the rest of the trip.

At that point I switched to the little Melita cone filters, which I noticed Life_in_4_Lo adopted after our first trip together. That is the simple, low tech, 100% effective solution. For the record, I pack out my grounds and think everyone should too.

 

[paulj]

I started with the plastic Traveler II grinder from REI, but found it frustrating. Unless you hold the grinder with one finger poised under the collection cup (an awkward position), the cup has a tendency to slip out, spilling all your efforts. Having to start over is especially annoying because the grinder does its work so maddeningly slowly.
...

I've had a much better experience with a Zassenhaus Turkish mill. This beauty's hardened tool steel conical burrs produce a very consistent grind, and with a wider range of adjustment than the Traveler II.

I've used a Traveler II for years without problems with the collection cup. I don't recall that it was ever loose, though by now, the accumulated coffee dust has added to the friction. I would agree, though, that the Turkish type of grinder is better for a fine grind. I leave the Traveler at a setting that is better for a press or strainer. The GSI grinder, the one looks a bit like a clear plastic UFO, is also pretty good. It's a little awkward to hold while grinding, though having a well fitting catch cup under it helps.

Speaking of GSI I see you have one of their woks. I use one with my Trangia cookset. I like it especially for things like scrambled eggs and grits. The smooth sloping sides coupled with the nonstick coating make it a breeze to clean in the camp setting.

paulj

 

[Green Ganesha]

Speaking of GSI I see you have one of their woks. I use one with my Trangia cookset. I like it especially for things like scrambled eggs and grits. The smooth sloping sides coupled with the nonstick coating make it a breeze to clean in the camp setting.

paulj

Wow, good eye! Yep, that's a GSI wok hanging right there above my Turkish mill. I also swear by GSI's hard anodized Extreme cookset, pressure cooker, and frypan.

 

[paulj]

I considered getting the GSI pressure cooker, but decided to get the smaller Hawkins one that REI also carries (1.5L). I'm glad I did since it has just the right base diameter to work with my Trangia cookset. Now I can cook chicken gizzards with just a couple of ounces of alcohol.
paulj