12V coffee maker

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This.

Though, I go the VIA route typically. Now that I've got a good grinder, I'll probably bring grounds with me now.

I've used the Jetboil in all kinds of conditions from -30F to 80F, and it's simple, fast, and cleans up easy. It's purpose-built to do one thing well - boil water, and it does so, quickly.

Ben
http://benchasephoto.com

IMO the simplest, quickest, easiest cleanup and best combo for portable very good tasting coffee is:

* Jetboil for heating water (super fast, very efficient, compact and relatively affordable)
+
* Melitta coffee funnel with paper filter (cheap, small form factor for easy storage and clean/quick clean-up not using much if any water)
+
* Your favorite pre-ground coffee kept in a small sealed stainless steel container (here: http://www.noplastic.ca/stainless_steel_airtight_containers.shtml.)

Yes you could take a few more steps down and rely on concentrated coffee extract or Starbucks VIA...but the above isn't much more of a sacrifice in $ and inconvenience but the flavor difference in the cup is HUGE.

French press is great too but will require quite a bit more water for clean-up...
 
^ Just to add: Like you I'm a huge Jetboil fan (I've owned, since my first backpack trip in 1974 no less than a dozen different backpacking type stoves over the years). I've fried freshly caught trout atop my Jetboil apart of backpack/day fishing trips, cooked rice/couscous/veggies, etc., in addition to all things hot water related. And until Jetboil came all the other backpacking style stove companies were OK just sitting in the backseat as they say. Lots of imitators...only one original.

I especially like the system's overall efficiency...especially given its "only" a 5kbtu burner. I only wish our big 6-burner gas range at home was as efficient :D
 
I second (or 3rd) the JetBoil. I have an old BackCountry Coffee french press that appears to no longer be available. It was cheap, like $8 or something. Nothing more than a double wall plastic mug with a french press lid. The idea was to drink directly from it, but mine has worn out with age and the seal around the top leaks coffee onto your chin. So I just use if for brewing my favorite Batdorf & Bronson grounds, then pour it into my travel mug. If I get around to replacing it, it will probably be with this one.

http://www.gsioutdoors.com/products/pdp/30_oz_java_press/
79430_h1_g.jpg


Thanks spressomon for the SS food container link. Those look great for the price.
 
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So just to add another option that I use everyday at home and actually just did about 10 minutes ago (9:00 pm). Im in the Army and up before 5 everyday and I love my coffee but despise having to wait for everything in the morning before its ready.

I make my coffee the night before using a bodum french press. I boil twice the water necessary. I take half that water and pour it directly into a vauum sealed Thermos brand container to bring the inside of the Thermos up to 200 degrees or so.

Then I take the other half of the water and transfer to the french press and let steep for 4-5 minutes. After that 4-5 minutes I then empty the hot plain water out of the now pre-heated Thermos and I pour my coffee from the french press into the thermos and immediately seal.

My coffee is ready to go in the morning and it is still absolutely piping in the morning. I couldn't beleive how hot it was in the morning as I was very skeptical.....so skeptical my first sip was too aggressive and I burned my mouth. I am still surprised every morning at how hot it is.

I know that method is not for everyone but I simply won't do it any other way. Several of my buddies now to this and bring it to work as well.

Just another option....albeit a long-winded explanation.
 
^I carried a Thermos every where for years. First in construction, then when I was in college, and later for my commute. If you pre-heat as described coffee will stay hot and fresh all day. For some reason it never develops that acrid stale coffee taste.
 
I also have a jet boil and loved it but have switched to the MSR reactor. Hard to believe but it boils water faster than the jet boil plus a larger amount. We always use french press. Thermos makes a nice stainless press in their nissan line. Set up a regular kitchen line camping with boiling and pouring into the presses. I would probably still use the jet boil if it was just me but if it two people or more the MSR is the best.

http://www.rei.com/product/736977/msr-reactor-stove-system

http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Nissan-34-Ounce-Insulated-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00004S1DB?tag=ihco-20

Finally the nissan commuter is the best coffee cup ever. Will hold heat for hours. locks so you can drop in coat or bag. Holds heat so well that i have to leave the top open for the first hour or it burns.

http://www.thermos.com/products/vacuum-insulated-16-oz-gray-commuter-bottle.aspx
 
I've got a older french press that is just great! It's simple and not bulky. I think that's important when you are loading up for a long trip. I hate having tons of gear. I like to travel light.
 
For camping I've got an Aeropress and a hand grinder. The Aeropress makes great coffee and is super easy to clean because all the used grounds get pressed into a dry-ish puck, so you don't need to use much extra water to rinse the thing out like you do with a french press. For boiling water, I use the Kelly Kettle but it is pretty big considering how little water it actually holds; Jet Boil or one of those homemade bush buddy stoves would be more practical.
 
i forgot to add to my post that i just grind the beans before i leave, put them in a small container and dont have to worry about grinding anything.....

Or, now the last few trips i haven't even taken out the press, just purchased a few starbucks via things and boiled some water.
 
Old 35mm film canisters work great for putting coffee grounds in. One canister full is enough for a small press.
 
I believe what the OP is looking for is the next best thing to waking up, flipping a switch, and having hot coffee flowing into his cup....Without setting up a kitchen.

That being said, I think the Jetboil/Via route is the fastest, and it also happens to be the most compact and cleanest, if not the best coffee.

True, the Jetboil is a single-tasker. It's made for backpacking where the hot water is the multi-tasker: Coffee/tea, instant oatmeal, freeze-dried food, personal hygene, in a bottle for a sleeping bag warmer, etc.
 
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I like everything about the Jetboil except for the fact it uses canisters. I'll stick with my Optimus Nova (that can burn diesel from my truck if I need it to) and a french press.
 
Old 35mm film canisters work great for putting coffee grounds in. One canister full is enough for a small press.

What is this film of which you speak???:lol::lol:

I ran out of 35mm film canisters years ago.:grinpimp:

Go to your pharmacy and ask for a new pill bottle, the child proof ones prevent spills. They will usually give you as many as you need. I keep all my spices etc. in them.

The cough syrup / suspension bottles work great for oil and other liquids, never had a leak yet. Also free for the asking.
 
<snip> Go to your pharmacy and ask for a new pill bottle, the child proof ones prevent spills. They will usually give you as many as you need. I keep all my spices etc. in them.

The cough syrup / suspension bottles work great for oil and other liquids, never had a leak yet. Also free for the asking.

Great idea! I'm on it!

:beer:
 
That MSR heat exchanger really works well. My SIL has one, and we found it worked best if you mounted it with it's bottom blow the bottom of the pot by and inch or so. That really helps channel the combustion gasses up the sides of the pot.
 
If the issue is convenience in the morning while camping on the trail, 2MinutesTurkish's Thermos bottle technique is the winner. Use whatever brew technique you love before you go to bed, wake up, drink coffee.

Second most convenient, instant coffee (eg Via) great for emergencies or backpacking, but otherwise forget it. Sorry if this offends.

Third, and by far the best tasting IMHO is the Aeropress. Fast to make, fast to clean, and makes a wicked good cup of coffee.

Trailing behind is the drip cone. I have used a collapsing silicone drip cone for a few years and it is not bad. I do hate waiting for it to drip through though. Supplies are universally available, and the system is indestructable.

Also ran... French press: my first love and PITA to clean. Most coffee machines: taste awful, are not a good option for camping, but being able to set it and forget it is sweet.

I travel a fair bit for work and absolutely must have control of my coffee situation. I'm packing the Aeropress all the way.

Caveat emptor - I came of age in Seattle, so I'm kinda special needs...
 
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