Camp Coffee

[Ralph]

I finally got around to picking up a package of Starbuck's VIA instant coffee. At $8 for 8 packs it's expensive, but I have to say it is the best instant coffee I have ever tasted. 8 ounces of hot water and you are GTG, no mess, no fuss. Even though it includes ground coffee it dissolves completely and leaves no residue.

I tried the Italian Roast and it is strong. Next time I'll try the Columbian. I like coffee and am a bit fussy about it. At home I use the Senseo pods.

I've made cowboy coffee, boiled it, dripped it, perced it, French pressed it, bagged it, used all sorts of instant and freeze-dried - in short, I've tried every method but despite the cost I think this will be my camp coffee for as long as I can get it. It's light, simple and needs no extra gear to use and cleanup involves rinsing the cup.

[Lost Arra]

+1 on the Via

Like Ralph, I'm sort of fussy about coffee too. I roast my own for home and I've tried to come up with a camp method to use my coffee but they all take too much time/gear. I'm sticking with Via in the pack.

Ralph: I've heard that Costco has Via in bulk packages (24) for less $. Unfortunately we don't have Costco.

[David in OR]

Another benefit: it dissolves quickly and completely in cold water (shaken not stirred) if you need a quick hit on a hot day.

[rambler_wannabe]

Costco's discount price works out to sixty something cents per pack. They only carry Columbian (at least here). The amazing thing is how good the DECAF tastes.

I also have tried EVERYTHING for coffee in camp. I had settled on the Aeropress, but VIA replaced it and it now does office duty.

I have few packs in my EDC, it has been a lifesaver (Caffeine helps me stave off migraines if I can catch it early).

[Ed C]

I am on my second cup of Italian Roast. I have wanted to try it since reading the first post about it. Evan tried it a while back. So when this one came up I went to the store to pick some up.


Like Ralph, I'm sort of fussy about coffee too. I roast my own for home and I've tried to come up with a camp method to use my coffee.

This is what I was using mug mate
http://www.rei.com/product/726094

I am super fussy.
We own a drive through esspresso stand CAROL'S COFFEE BARN
So if you are ever on Whidbey Island stop by for a cup on me you have to tip the barista.

So I knew this wasn't going to work. What a very pleasant suprise. You guys have found a winner. I will be packing it. If you like coffee and are fussy give this a try.

[Jason]

Another vote for the Mug Mate. It's simple to brew, simple to clean up, and weighs almost nothing. I usually prefer a coffee press when brewing at home, but I've used my Mug Mate hundreds of times also. It's over priced, no question. But still worth every penny.

[mgutman]

+1 on the Starbucks. I just went out this weekend and tried the Starbucks instant. I'm a fan. I too am fussy about coffee but I can never seem to get the right amount down when packing in and using the press. I have premeasured before but that's just one more thing on the list. These Starbucks packs are small, light and it take no time at all to boil water, dump in and start sipping. It sure isn't as fun as pressing your own but the convenience and quality for instant are hard to beat.

[Eagle6]

I'm a fan of the Starbucks VIA--especially the Columbian. Like all the rest of you, I'm particular about the brew. A pleasant surprise

[ExtremeBison]

I'll have to give it a try, sounds like a solution to a problem I didn't even realize I had or could be fixed. Thats the bad tasting instant coffee problem, I just lived with it assuming such was life and didn't worry about it. Lookin forward to taste testing a brew.

[ExtremeBison]

On the note of cowboy coffee I love brewing up a big pot for my clients, and to see there expressions when I make it, is priceless. Then I give them a grin under my seasons worth of facial growth and say, "Thats why guides grow beards, it's to strain the grounds out of the coffee in the morning" They usually don't say much put always scoop a cup out of the pot and choke back a cup with there granola and blue berries. As for myself that leaves me the rest of the pot, so I have had it until the caffeine starts to kick in then it's go time, lets go kill a ram.

[Kevin Dill]

You guide types.....sheesh.

I've done the cowboy coffee. The secret is to watch the other guy. When he tilts his cup back for the final slurp, make your move and get to the coffee pot first. The grounds will have settled and so you can slowly pour yourself a nice smooth cup of joe. Then say "This is some damned fine coffee, son!"....as you vigorously swirl the pot and get those grounds stirred up. "Here...refill?"

}:^)

[Ed C]

This is some damned fine coffee, son!"....as you vigorously swirl the pot and get those grounds stirred up. "Here...refill?"
:D:D:DGood one:D

[summitteer]

Starbucks Via from this corner as well. I have tried many instants, and while I like the taste from boiling coffee, it requires more equipment and time.

I carry Via packs on my work truck along with water. If I know I am going to be in a remote location I bring the Jetboil too. Boil up the water, add the Via, and enjoy a 'quality' cup of instant coffee.

I also have put it into chocolate milk too. I thought it sounded nasty at first, and way to Foo-Foo, but I tried it and actually it is very tasty. I have thought about trying it in a sports type shake, but haven't made it that far yet. Kind of nice quick pick me up when I can't grab breakfast or am working in the wee hours of the morning.

[panzertroop]

Picked this up at a garage sale this weekend. Perfect for cowboy campfire coffee.

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL856/988928/10120387/389135309.jpg

[ExtremeBison]

Picked this up at a garage sale this weekend. Perfect for cowboy campfire coffee.

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL856/988928/10120387/389135309.jpg

Good Score, Likes like that would be a lifer in your kit. Nice looking kettle.

[trapperJ]

I recently tried Via coffee and it will be my backpacking coffee.Good stuff.
But for other hunting trips I have a kettle like panzers that will continue to go with.