Isle Royale Forums

This may sound really weird, but my husband and I use dark chocolate covered espresso beans in a pinch when we need a "pick me up" in the morning before getting started. I know it's not the usual coffee fix, but it does pack a punch!! Trader Joes has some great ones at a good price. Gotta eat a handful, though!!!

I'll second those expresso beans! Gotta say, I really love the mornings on IR and try to take advantage of the serenity and a nice cup of coffee! Unless we have a 20+ mile paddling day scheduled, then its pack and go....

I leave for ISRO on Thursday. My setup is as follows - a bit heavy I know. However, to call me a coffee snob would be an understatement.

Hario hand grinder
Kalita Wave + filters
Portioned out 18g baggies of coffee (This trip is a farmer direct Jenaro Burbank from Columbia.

Morning ritual will be grind the 18 grams which makes one decent sized mug, boil water, let cool to ~207 and allow to brew. Basically a pour over. Although the Kalita Wave has a different bottom so the result is slightly better (IMO) cup over a other methods.

Total weight of everything including coffee - 19 ounces. Yeah - way more than 10 VIA packets.

I'm leaving the press at home next week and taking Via packets for the first time. After reading Childe18's post, I hope I don't regret it.

The next best thing after the real bean system is the VIA. I prefer the fresh brew, but if weight
and space is a factor, ViA is the a sound choice. I will be leaving Thursday for a 17 night Boundary
Waters canoe trip and VIA is a huge space saving tool (17 days worth of food burns a lot of pack volume).

Ahh heck.....just do a pinch of coffee grounds in the bottom lip like a chew and get down the trail.. .

Bumping this thread to say that I've finally found my solution for coffee in the back-country...using the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip. My review is here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2765