Making A Cup Of Joe On The Trails
If you drink coffee regularly and also camp or backpack, having a cup first thing in the morning is a must. Not only is a cup required, that cup must be quality. There are several ways you can utilize to brewing coffee you can enjoy away from home. From instant coffees, presses, traditional methods and gravity drips, where there is a will there is a way.
Traditional Methods
Cowboy coffee is about as old school as it gets. If you have water, ground coffee, a pot, bandana and a cup, you can brew. It doesn’t get any more basic than this. Boil water in the pot then add coffee grounds and let it steep for 5 minutes. From there place the bandana over the cup and pour through it. The bandana will catch the ground up coffee and let the water pass through. There you have it, a cup of cowboy coffee. Another variation on this is to use an egg to cook and catch the grounds as it solidifies. I don’t like this method as you will waste an egg to do what a bandana can do and be reused after cleaning.
Instant Coffee
The instant coffee varieties are no question the easiest and require the lowest effort to brewing coffee. Materials needed for instant are a cup, pot, water and instant coffee. You boil the water in the pot (or boil in cup), add the instant coffee and let it dissolve. After that you are good to go. Instant coffee’s don’t carry the same deep flavor or quality. They can get you by and there are some decent ones available today that aren’t too bad. For low weight solutions, this is as good as it gets.
Presses & Gravity Drips
Using a press for brewing coffee is a great way to make a good cup. This method will allow for proper flavor and depth to the cup. Plus you have more choices when it comes to what you brew. For presses and gravity drips you will need the press of choice, ground coffee, pot, cup and water. Place the ground coffee in the press, boil the water in the pot and then pour over the grinds. Use the press or gravity drip as designed, allow 5 minutes to let the grounds steep or drip. Pour the coffee you have brewed into the cup and enjoy.
Creams & Sugars
Personally, I never add anything to my coffee. For those who like cream or sugar added, there are powdered forms that are great for backpacking. You can use liquid cream or milk but they need to be used quickly or kept cold. Grabbing or buying single serving packets are a very easy way to keep them with you while you are on the trails.
The Final Drop
Today there are many ways to enjoy a great cup on the trails. You can take brewing coffee to different levels depending on your trail style and how you pack. Don’t think that you cannot have a cup when you are away from home. By using traditional methods, instant coffees, presses & gravity drips, you are covered. Add creams and sugars as needed to make a cup that isn’t much different from your usual. Have a quality cup when backpacking and camping is an important part of my experience in the backcountry. My hope is that this allows you to do the same.
