“He who would travel happily must travel light.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, French poet and aviator

So, you’re going on a trip? Regardless of if the trip is an early morning drive or late-night arrival, no adventure is complete without your favorite coffee. For this reason, we wanted to provide some tips for packing light while keeping the full flavor of life.

PACKING YOUR BREWING KIT

With so many brewing devices on the market. If your travels have you staying in a hotel or Airbnb, you will have different needs than if you are camping.

First, ask yourself some questions:

  • Will you have access to electrical outlets for a small water kettle heater? Will you be able to heat up water at a campsite?
  • Do you plan on taking a small grinder or pre-ground coffee on your trip?
  • Do you prefer an espresso-like shot of coffee or do you need to brew for multiple cups?
  • Do you prefer brewing with or without a paper filter?

You will want to assure your equipment arrives at your destination in one piece. If you are flying, you’ll need something a bit sturdier than if you are driving to your destination.

TRAVEL LIGHT

Now is not the time to get bogged down by heavy and fragile equipment.

Manual brewers, like the AeroPress are small and packable which make them a backpacker’s favorite.  If you use a French press, you do not have to worry about bringing paper filters and you can brew enough coffee to share.

Give some thought on if you want to take a coffee grinder with you or if you prefer the convenience of pre ground coffee.

DURABILITY

Err on the side of caution. Select coffee gear that will stand up to the rigors of life on the road. Stainless steel can get dinged, but you should still be able to brew your coffee just fine.

TRAVEL FRIENDLY GEAR INCLUDE:

The AeroPress

  • Small, compact, and easy to stash in a day pack or luggage
  • It’s easy to clean and you have the flexibility of brewing a single espresso-like shot or add hot water to craft an Americano-style coffee.

Stainless Steel French Press

  • The Planetary Design French press allows you to brew your coffee and drink out of the French press because of their bru-stop. This press features a plate that separates the coffee from the coffee grounds.
  • The double wall stainless steel is durable and will keep your coffee hot. There is even a model that you brew your coffee and can drink from the press, too!

Hario Skerton Plus

  • This grinder is perfect for small luggage and does not require electricity. This is a great option for those who want to continue grinding their coffee beans before brewing.
  • The grinder base doubles as a storage container for ground coffee.

Electric kettle

  • Available in a variety of sizes and materials. A great option for those who do not have access to a stove or campfire.

HAVE FUN!

Now that you have your coffee kit assembled, it is time to test it out on your first trip.

Remember, adventure is the flavor of life. As your trip needs evolve, we are here to help enhance the flavor of your adventure!

The French press brews a full-bodied cup of coffee. If you’re looking to pick up more of the characteristics that make your coffee unique, this is your brew method!

The French press is an immersion brewing method, meaning that the coffee grounds are steeped in hot water before being pressed to the bottom by a metal filter.

You will want to use a coarse grind for brewing your French press coffee. Pour the amount of coffee you’d like into the press then add hot water. Place the lid on top of the French press with the metal filter up. Wait 4-6 minutes and press the metal filter down. Pour and enjoy!

Why we like the French Press

It’s a great brewing method to relax and enjoy your coffee.

What you will need

  • Freshly roasted coffee from Red Cedar Coffee Co.
  • Grinder
  • French Press
  • Water Kettle
  • Digital Scale (to help replicate your favorite recipe)

Pro-tip

We find that steeping your coffee for 4-6 minutes is the sweet spot.

Pictured above

Our retail store carries double-walled stainless-steel French presses. The French presses have new technologies that create a barrier between the coffee and coffee grounds meaning you won’t have to worry about bitter coffee. Also pictured is a handmade stoneware mug.