There’s nothing like a quality cup of coffee while you’re camping. With the right tools, you can craft high-quality java no matter where you are. This outdoors-ready French press(Opens in a new window) is a durable coffee maker that’s easy to pack and use. Better yet, the shatter-resistant carafe is made from Tritan Renew. In case you’re not familiar with the material, Tritan Renew is a next-generation recycled resin product that takes plastic destined for landfills and turns it into a high-performance material that is BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free.
Why the French Press Makes Great Coffee
One of the key reasons the French press makes such intense, flavor-packed cups of coffee has to do with the stainless steel mesh used to filter it. While traditional coffee filters tend to remove natural oils and fine particles, the stainless steel mesh filter allows the oils and fine particles to pass through, enhancing the coffee flavor.
Another advantage of a French press is that it doesn’t require paper coffee filters, so there’s one less thing to carry and less waste when you’re camping. And with a brewing capacity of up to 8 cups of coffee, the French press is ideal if you’re camping with a larger group.
To brew the perfect cup of coffee on your next camping trip, start with these six easy steps:
1. Measure out your coffee grounds. For optimal results, use coarsely ground coffee. You can buy pre-ground coffee or you can purchase the whole beans yourself, then use a grinder to achieve the desired coarseness. Typically, you should store coffee beans in an airtight container until just before using, but since you’re camping, you’ll want to grind your beans before heading out, then transport them in a sealed container.
2. Pour coffee grounds in the carafe.
3. Add hot water to the carafe. Usually, the ratio of coffee to water is one to 15. That translates to roughly 3 tablespoons of coffee for 1 cup of water. Once in the carafe, give the water and coffee grounds mixture a good stir.
4. Let the coffee brew. Put the lid back on and let your coffee brew for about four minutes. It’s better to brew longer than shorter: If you let it brew for less than four minutes, the coffee might taste watery. A little longer brew time yields a stronger, bolder taste. The stainless steel filter with silicone edges will filter out the coffee grounds and easily disassembles for thorough cleaning.
5. Press the plunger. When your coffee has brewed for long enough, press the plunger all the way down. The soft non-slip handle and knob on this French press make it easy to use, even when you’re roughing it in the woods.
6. Pour your coffee. A slotted spout provides extra filtration and removes any pesky grits that might end up in your cup. Add a sweetener to get the taste just right.
7. Dispose of coffee grounds. First, remove coffee grounds and dispose of them in a trash can located in your campground. No can? Pack the used grounds back into the sealed container you brought them in, until you can toss them at home. (Don’t toss coffee grounds into the bushes because they’re acidic and could harm plants or animals.)
8. Clean your French press. After you’ve removed the coffee grounds, add water and a few drops of dish soap to your French press. Press the pump up and down to create soapy water. Next, give it a rinse, using the pump again to ensure all the soapy water is out of the carafe. Repeat until the water is completely clear to ensure the soap is gone. Dry with a soft towel.
Searching for more ways to make your next cup of coffee truly great? Check out these coffee and tea products.
