Bottom Line

Swedish brand Thule made its name as a trustworthy manufacturer of rooftop cargo boxes and hitch-mounted bike racks. Over the last few years, the brand has been making a name for itself in the bag space, which includes duffels. And the Thule Chasm 40 L is surprisingly functional and comfortable to carry, considering Thule has only been crafting hard-wearing bags for a couple of years.

But functional and hard-wearing this bag is, and during close-to-home camping trips, road trips around Utah, and hauling bike gear from home to trailhead, it more than held its own. The backpack straps were more comfortable than many of the dozens of other duffels we’ve tested over the years, and the wide butterfly opening made packing and procuring clothing and gear easy.

Durable materials and attention to detail, like grab handle wrangling straps, meant there were never extraneous bits of fabric hanging in the way. It stood up to plenty of use and abuse in the hot Utah summer. We found it a solid option for all manner of adventure travel. Thule isn’t the only name in the game. Check out our other top contenders in our guide to the best duffel bags.

How We Tested

We tested the Thule Chasm 40L over several weeks. We loaded it full of clothing for camping trips, chucked it in the back of the car on road trips, and loaded it full of bike gear we needed to haul to local trailheads. We let it get soaked, dragged it around dirt parking lots, and tossed it in and out of vehicles to see how it performed.

Carry Comfort

The first time we loaded up the Thule Chasm duffel with camping gear and threw it on our backs, we were honestly surprised at how comfortable it was to carry. Though none of the straps seemed much different from many of the other duffels we’ve carted around during testing, the shoulder straps in particular were impressively comfortable considering how simple they appear. 

They’re also easy to attach via a T-bar and webbing loop at the top and a buckle clip on the bottom. They don’t stash in a dedicated pocket when not in use, but they’re slim enough to store inside the main compartment.

There are also sturdy grab handles on each end, which make the bag easy to yank in and out of vehicles or load into overhead compartments. The duffel handles on the top of the bag don’t dig into our palms, thanks to a durable hand wrap. When not in use, we like that we can snap them down to the sides so they don’t get in the way or flop around during backpack carry. It also means they’re less likely to get caught in machinery when checking the duffel at the airport. When we carry the bag with those top handles, the duffel’s smooth sides keep any zippers, webbing, or buttons from digging into our legs as we walk.

If you like to sling duffels over your shoulder, this isn’t your bag. The pack straps work in a pinch, though when loosened sufficiently, the webbing isn’t very comfortable.

Compressibility & Packability

The Thule Chasm features one of the more unique openings of all the duffels we’ve tested over the years. Sadly, it doesn’t add as much functionality as we hoped, but enough to make it interesting. It has a butterfly-style opening (hinged along one long side). The zipper opening drops down in a U-shape on one end to create a more spacious opening. This allows us to unzip just that end and reach inside the bag to grab strategically packed necessities quickly and easily instead of having to unzip the whole lid.

That dropped opening also offers quick access to one of the two internal mesh zipper pockets. We like to stash quick grab items like snacks, books, or handheld bike pumps. Both pockets offer adequate room for accessories or separating a few dirty items.

The top of the bag slants downward at both ends, which we think only adds to the cool look. Aside from that, the shape doesn’t lend itself as well to stable stacking in the back of a vehicle compared to more rectangular bags.

There are compression straps on the outside of the bag if you don’t have it packed full. But because the outer material of the duffel is so thick and robust, they don’t cinch easily. It’s not impossible, it just takes a little oompf.

Durability

We dragged the Thule Chasm around a dry campground and across a section of parking lot to see how the material fared. The bag was a bit scuffed from contact with cement and rock, but ultimately in good shape. Dirt and mud brush or wipe off easily thanks to the smooth, durable coating. Even on the padded canvas bottom, most dirt brushes off with ease.

In fact, we aren’t worried about the lifespan of the bag in the least when tossing it on the ground to load up bike gear or pulling it in and out of vehicles. We yanked hard on the handles several times when the duffel was wedged between other tightly packed gear, and we were never worried that the webbing was going to give way.

Zippers, too, are burly, lockable, and never gave us grief when trying to get in and out of the duffel.

Weather Resistance

The Chasm duffel is made out of recycled, water-resistant fabrics. However, it wasn’t the most waterproof bag we tested. When exposed to heavy rain, it managed to keep most of our clothing dry, but some water puddled in the bottom of the bag. That’s likely due to how the zipper is shaped: because it curves downward on one end, it seemed to let more water seep in through the non-waterproof zippers at that point.

The zipper on the exterior pocket is waterproof, though, so gear in that pocket stayed dry in a brief downpour. Overall, we are comfortable leaving the bag outside in brief drizzles, but try to stash it under cover in more extreme weather.

Organization

The Thule Chasm has three organizational pockets in addition to the main compartment. There is a quick-access pocket outside and two inside (one of which is accessible via a side zipper when entering the bag through the drop-zipper end). Both interior pockets are mesh. 

There’s no separate compartment for dirty gear, or one that can be used to separate clothing from gear. But one of the pockets on the underside of the lid is large enough for a few dirty socks or a pair of trail runners or sandals. We appreciate an under-lid pocket for lightweight items like hats, socks, or small camping necessities. However, if we load them down with heavier items, they make the lid a bit unwieldy (and uncomfortable to carry as a backpack).

When searching for items, it landed right in the middle of the ranking scale, meaning it is solidly average when it comes to organization. If you are into packing pods, then this isn’t a deal breaker.

Should You Buy the Thule Chasm 40 L Duffel?

The Thule Chasm duffel bag is a sleek, hard-wearing option for rough and tumble adventures. Thanks to the range of sizes available (from 30L to 130L), there’s an option available for every adventure.

Its cleverly designed with a wide-mouth opening, easy access on the end, a few strategically placed organizational pockets, and comfortable straps. It’s an excellent option for those who want a little structure, convenience, and compressibility but don’t require excessive organizational options. It’s durable, water-resistant, and ideal for clothing or gear.

Those who desire extra organizational tools, larger pockets to keep gear separate, or who find the lack of an over-the-shoulder strap a deal breaker may consider one of the other options we tested and ranked.

What Other Duffels Should You Consider?

While we love our Thule Chasm, it isn’t the only burly game in “Duffel Town.” Check out some of the other stand-out duffels we’ve tested to see what works best for your travel needs.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Review: Made of highly durable materials and with more large pockets for bulky gear like boots or helmets, this bag is still easy to pack, plenty spacious, and comfortable to carry.

Cotopaxi Allpa Duo Review: One large main compartment and removable shoulder straps make it similar to the Thule Chasm, but with the addition of a bottom zippered compartment for dirty clothing.

Patagonia Black Hole Review:  For a more traditional duffel, consider the classic Patagonia Black Hole. The large single opening, limited pockets, several carry options, and higher waterproof rating make it a solid choice for many travelers.

Bottom Line

DuskHiker presents the Matador Freefly Duffel! Chronic overpackers, souvenir lovers, gym rats, campsite hoppers, and anyone who likes to be prepared for any travel eventuality, rejoice! This lightweight, packable, simple, and streamlined duffel is the perfect companion for your bits ‘n bobs, no matter where you’re headed.

It packs up to the size of your hand, 8.5 oz, and is ready in seconds, so you can pack dirty hiking boots, smelly clothing, that extra layer you had to buy when temps dropped, or souvenirs. 

We bring it in our backpacks when traveling to trade shows in anticipation of coming home with a slew of sample gear and snacks. It also gets used after dusty and muddy hiking trails to keep dirty gear quarantined. It also comes with us in our luggage when we go to visit family, knowing we undoubtedly will be sent home with baked goods.

It’s a handy, durable piece of luggage that’s easy to bring on any adventure, including camping, road trips, and air travel, as the small size can be used as a personal item when not packed full.

How We Tested

We tested the Matador Freefly by loading it full of bike gear for local rides, in the back of the car to stash dirty shoes on road trips, and for lugging food and gear to walk-in campsites. We got it soaked, dragged it around dirt parking lots, and tossed it in and out of vehicles to see how it performed.

Carry Comfort

For a bag this small, we were surprised to find there are three ways to carry the Matador Freefly duffel, more than many other duffels that made it onto our favorite duffels list. It has a shoulder strap, duffel handles, and makeshift backpack straps. Not surprisingly for a bag this small and light, most of them aren’t that comfortable for extended carry. 

Top grab handles are outfitted with a hard sheath to keep floppy webbing from creating uneven pressure across your palms. However, the handles are thin, so weight isn’t distributed well, which makes them uncomfortable when the bag is full of heavy items. Granted, you need to be packing bricks to load it down, given its 30-liter capacity.

The shoulder strap is webbing, which also dug into our shoulders during long carries through airports when the bag was overstuffed. Still, it is adjustable, so we could choose from over-the-shoulder or cross-body carry to mix it up and relieve some pressure. There are also thin webbing grab handles on either end of the bag for easy loading and unloading into cars or overhead bins. 

And though you technically can rearrange the compression straps to act as backpack straps in a pinch, they’re just webbing, so they weren’t comfortable for more than a few minutes.

That said, the bag is designed for lightweight carry, including short jaunts to the car, gym runs, and carting extras to the campsite, not lugging heavy equipment, so comfort may not be as important a factor as with other duffels we’ve tested.

Compressibility & Packability

When it comes to packing the Matador Freefly duffel, it’s not the easiest bag to fill, but that’s the price you pay for a duffel as packable and lightweight as this: there are going to be trade-offs. The bag itself has no structure, so it collapses flat when empty, which makes it more difficult to toss shoes or gear into quickly and easily: packing requires deliberate effort.

The top zipper is just a slit opening, but since it’s nice and long, it still offers full access to the interior. When it’s full, it holds its shape nicely and is easy enough to search through. If it’s not full, however, it becomes a shapeless blob, and it’s difficult to locate items inside, especially because the interior is black.

As for compressibility, that’s where this duffel shines. It packs into an included pouch that fits in the palm of your hand when not in use. It is an excellent piece of gear to bring along in another backpack or duffel if you think you may be traveling home with more than you arrived with. 

Exterior compression straps cinch the bag down when the bag isn’t full, so contents don’t shift around as much.

Durability

When we took the Matador Freefly Packable Duffle out for testing, we weren’t easy on it. We dragged it through dirt parking lots, swung it around by the handles, and tossed it in and out of vehicles. Through it all, it picked up some dirt, but there were no scuffs or signs of permanent damage. That’s likely due in part to the robust UHMWPE-reinforced fabric on the bottom of the bag and a lightweight ripstop nylon on the body. 

The webbing and handles, too, seem durable, though not to the same level as many of the other duffels we’ve tested. They’re thinner and lighter for better packability, but we think they’re going to wear faster with regular use than some bigger brands’ duffels.

The zippers are all waterproof, which are notoriously more delicate and prone to breakage and malfunction than non-waterproof varieties. So they will require more cleaning and attention after especially dusty or sandy outings.

Weather Resistance

Though the Matador Freefly Packable Duffle is PU-coated and advertised as weatherproof, we found it doesn’t quite meet that criteria. After a brief but heavy rainshower, clothing towards the top inside the bag was wet despite the waterproof zippers.

The solid exterior pocket did manage to keep contents dry during the same rain shower, though. Even so, we wouldn’t trust it to keep gear and clothing dry in wet environments that exceed a light drizzle.

Organization

The Matador Freefly packable duffel bag is designed to be packable and simple. As a result, there’s very little organization built in. In addition to the main compartment, there are only two accessory pockets. Both are on the outside (one is a durable stretch mesh, the other a solid, opaque pocket). Both feature waterproof zippers.

They are a good place to store small items we want easy access to, including bike gloves, a hat, snacks, or gear like headlamps and cathole shovels. The mesh pocket especially proved valuable when we forgot to unpack the bag after a damp hike: the soggy socks we stuck in there were able to dry instead of getting mildewy.

Should You Buy the Matador Freefly Packable Duffel?

This duffel is designed primarily for portability, not comfort or organization. It will appeal to travelers and outdoorists who need something like a reusable grocery bag, but a level up. It weighs little, packs down as small as a pair of tall hiking socks, and can be deployed in an instant. We love it for grabbing groceries on a road trip, running gear from the campsite to the car, separating dirty gear, or bringing home gifts from our travels.

It’s the perfect bag for “just in case” and is so light and small that there’s little reason not to stash it in your luggage or backseat.

That said, if you’re looking for a regular-use duffel for travel or one that can hold more than a few pairs of shoes, will stand up to baggage claim abuse, and will be more comfortable to carry on long walks when packed full of heavy items, a more traditional duffel would probably suit you better.

What Other Duffels Should You Consider?

If you’re not sure the Matador Freefly is right for you, you may want to consider one of the other stand-out duffels we’ve tested.

REI Roadtripper Review: Portable, packable, and available in a wide range of sizes, the Roadtripper packs down small, but is a more affordable option.

The North Face Base Camp Review: Still small, but packs a punch. The North Face Base Camp isn’t as packable, but it’s more functional for frequent use and features more organizational options.

Patagonia Black Hole Review:  For a more traditional duffel, consider the classic Patagonia Black Hole. The large single opening, several carry options and higher waterproof rating make it a solid choice for many travelers.

Bottom Line

When you need to make coffee for more than one or two people, preparing one large batch instead of individual cups is where the GSI Outdoors Java Press shines. This French press brews two to three cups at once with no waiting in between. Simply add coffee and hot water to the pitcher, set a timer, then press and pour.

The Java Press is durable, thanks to its Lexan vessel paired with an insulating sleeve. This design meant we were never worried about it breaking or scratching during our camping trips in Utah. Additionally, the sleeve features a soft handle, making the whole contraption easy to pour, and it’s light enough that we didn’t mind taking it on small group backpacking trips.

Ultimately, it’s a user-friendly coffee maker that performs equally well at the campground and the kitchen. If you’d like to explore other options, consider our comprehensive guide to the best camping and backpacking coffee makers.

How We Tested

We tested the Java Press at home, in our backyards, and while camping throughout Utah. We brewed coffee for one, two, and three people using differently sized coffee grinds to evaluate the Java Press’s performance.

Portability

While we may appreciate the GSI Java Press for many other reasons, it ranks low for portability compared to other coffee makers designed for camping. After all, it’s not the easiest to pack. The vessel is large, and due to the plunger and filter, you can’t easily store other gear inside to save space. We found that we could stash a small bag of pre-ground coffee and a box of matches, but not much more.

The height and diameter also meant it occupied more space in our camp kitchen box or backpack. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth considering if you’re short on space. Thanks to the soft fabric handle, it can be clipped to the outside of a pack; however, that wasn’t an ideal situation since we found it bounced and swung around while hiking. Still, it’s an option.

The Lexan body is durable, so we were never concerned about breakage when we knocked it off a picnic table or bumped it against a tree trunk.

Ease of Use

The Java Press is as easy to use as any French press. Simply add coffee, hot water, steep, press, and pour. We found it even produced decent coffee when brewing without following strict ratios, although results were more consistent when we weighed our water and beans.

The pressing action was smooth and didn’t leave any grounds in our cup.

During testing in cold weather, the insulating sleeve helped maintain the liquid’s temperature but didn’t keep the coffee hot for long. Once brewing was complete, we preferred to transfer the contents to insulated mugs rather than leaving it in the press. For that, we were glad the Java Press has a handle. While it was soft and not usable on its own, when we grabbed the vessel by the body and slid our hand through the handle, it made pouring feel more secure.

Time to Brew

The customary brew time for a French press typically ranges from three to four minutes, and the Java Press was no exception. From the moment we added the coffee and hot water to when we poured a serving, it took four minutes and 20 seconds, which included a four-minute steep. Steeping time can vary based on your preferences.

That doesn’t include the time it takes to boil water, which is necessary. Brew time is inactive, meaning you don’t need to do anything while the coffee steeps. You can prepare for your day or finish packing your bag while your coffee brews.

Ease of Cleanup

While the Java Press may not have taken the longest to clean among the camp coffee makers we tested, it wasn’t far off. It took 35 seconds of nearly constant running water to remove the damp coffee grounds from the filter and its components. Submerging it in water sped up the process, but since drinkable tubs of water aren’t always available when camping or backpacking, that was a small comfort.

Grounds rinsed out of the pitcher easily. The smooth sides and wide opening were also easy to clean and large enough for us to reach in with a sponge or dishcloth.

Coffee Strength

During testing, we found that the Java Press brewed average-strength coffee. Although we generally prefer our coffee strong, we weren’t disappointed with the results. You can customize the strength of your cup by adjusting the size of your grounds: a smaller grind produces stronger coffee, while larger grounds yield milder coffee. However, if our grounds were too fine, we found grit at the bottom of our cups. 

As long as we kept a medium to medium-coarse grind, the grit was minimized thanks to the fine metal mesh filter, and the coffee remained strong enough to prevent complaints, especially when paired with a longer steep time.

Should You Buy The GSI Outdoors Java Press?

If you’re making coffee for more than two people at the campground or in the backcountry, or brewing multiple cups for yourself, a French press is the fastest and easiest way to do so. The Java Press, in particular, is a great option as it prepares multiple cups at once with no cleanup required in between, and is lightweight and easy to use.

People who appreciate those features will find it well-priced; it offers great value for those who want to make a lot of coffee quickly with minimal fuss. Even most backpackers won’t mind the light weight, especially if they’re sharing the load of coffee, the stove, and so on. 

That said, those who tend to brew just enough coffee for one might find the size of the Java Press excessive. It is, after all, bulky to pack. Similarly, those who prefer strong espresso-style coffee may also want to consider other options since it’s easier to make French press style coffee weaker but more challenging to strengthen it without getting grit in your mug.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

If you like the idea of the GSI Java Press but think there might be another camp coffee maker that suits you better, check out these options, all of which we reviewed in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Bottle Review: For a single-serve French press to go, consider the ESPRO. Brewing occurs directly in the insulated travel mug with a French press style filter, allowing you to enjoy a single cup of similarly strong coffee in about the same amount of time.

Aeropress Go Review: If you frequently brew just one or two cups at a time and prefer a device that’s easier to clean between uses, the Aeropress Go is a great option. It also enables you to customize the brew strength while remaining compact and portable.

Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press Review: This option is ideal for Jetboil users seeking a lightweight, portable French press accessory that transforms their pot into a multi-functional coffee-making powerhouse. It can brew several cups at once.

Bottom Line

If you have a Jetboil cooking system for camping or backpacking, there’s no need to pack an extra coffee maker when you have the Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press. With this lightweight, portable add-on, you can brew French press coffee using gear you already have.

The affordable accessory is designed exclusively for use with Jetboil pots. During testing, we used it to make coffee in our backyards and on camping trips in the Wasatch Mountains. It produces one to three servings of coffee in a flash and disassembles easily for storage and transport.

The only downside is that you can’t make coffee and boil water for breakfast simultaneously. However, we can overlook that when a coffee-making device is this lightweight and easy to use. If you’d like to explore other options, consider our comprehensive guide to the best camping and backpacking coffee makers.

How We Tested

We used the Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press to make coffee at home, outdoors, and on camping trips throughout Utah. We tested it with various sizes of coffee grinds and timed everything from brew time to cleanup to compare it with other coffee makers.

Portability

In comparison to other camp coffee makers we tested, the Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press ranked impressively high for portability. Weighing just 2 ounces, it can be disassembled to take up almost no space in your backpack. Furthermore, it adds a negligible amount to the overall weight of a Jetboil system.

You should disassemble it to maximize space savings. If left assembled and in place, you’ll lose the ability to stack items like fuel and your camp stove inside your Jetboil. To make the most of the vessel’s interior space, unscrew the two parts of the press’s metal shaft and store them in the plastic cap on the bottom of your Jetboil. Then, stash the filter disc inside. It disassembles and reassembles in seconds.

While the system as a whole isn’t as compact or lightweight as some ultralight stoves and pots, its ability to nest necessities is a bonus.

Ease of Use

The Silicone Coffee Press received high marks for ease of use. To prepare coffee, simply boil water in the Jetboil, add the coffee once boiling is complete, place the lid on top, and press when the brew time is finished. Once the coffee is ready, pour it into a camp mug and enjoy. You can also drink from the pour spout if you prefer (be cautious, as both the vessel and coffee will be hot).

During testing, we found that the filter was a bit sticky during the first couple of presses, but it functioned properly afterward. To ensure the filter is pressed down evenly, make sure the lid is secured on to help guide the press in a smooth motion.   

A few parts and pieces, along with no extra devices, streamlined the process, making it easy to brew a cup or three.

Time to Brew

The Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press performed admirably when it came to brew time. Whether we prepared our coffee at a park picnic table or at the campground, it typically took about 3.5 to 4.5 minutes on average. This duration does not include the time required to boil water, but the Jetboil system handles that quickly.

Why is there such a long variable span of time? It’s recommended that French press coffee steep for three to four minutes, depending on how strong you like your coffee. That recommended time, plus the 30 extra seconds it takes to add coffee to the already boiled water, stir, and pour when finished, results in the full timing window.

Brew time is inactive, meaning that once you add the coffee, there’s no work to be done until your timer goes off and you’re ready to press.

Ease of Cleanup

While the Jetboil wasn’t as easy to clean as some other coffee makers we tested, it wasn’t the hardest either. Since the filter can be completely removed from the lid, you can easily disassemble it for cleaning. However, we still found it needed to be rinsed for about 30 seconds to remove all the spent coffee grounds.

Dunking the pot in a tub of water made washing quicker, but that option wasn’t always available during testing. The Jetboil pot was easy to rinse clean, but we had to ensure all the grounds were removed before boiling water for our next meal; otherwise, we’d end up with grounds in our freeze-dried dinner.

Coffee Strength

The Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press produces medium-strength coffee, but that can be adjusted within narrow limits. Use a finer grind or steep it longer for a stronger brew, or opt for a coarser grind and shorter steep time for a milder cup.

That said, we found that using too fine a grind resulted in excess grit at the bottom of our cups because the metal mesh filter didn’t catch the smallest particles. Additionally, steeping for too long can lead to more bitter coffee.

Should You Buy The Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press?

There’s only one group of people for whom the Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press is designed: Jetboil owners. If you don’t already use a Jetboil system and aren’t interested in acquiring one, this accessory isn’t for you, even though it is affordable and offers excellent value.

If you have a Jetboil, there’s little reason to consider a separate coffee-making device. After all, this press is small, lightweight, packs easily into a Jetboil pot, and ensures you don’t have to sacrifice valuable space in your pack or vehicle for extra gear. It even allows you to nest your backpacking stove and fuel inside your pot.

That doesn’t mean it’s automatically suitable for every Jetboil user, of course. If you’re making coffee and boiling water to rehydrate meals for a whole group, one of those tasks will have to wait. Additionally, since Jetboil pots can only be used with IsoPro fuel, traditional propane-powered camp stoves aren’t an option. Lastly, if you prefer a stronger cup or don’t enjoy French press-style coffee, it may be worth packing a different device.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

If you want to explore other options, we’ve reviewed several alternatives in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Bottle Review: For a single-serve French press to go, consider the ESPRO. You brew directly in the insulated bottle using a French press-style filter, allowing you to enjoy a single cup of similarly strong coffee in about the same time, but in a convenient, ready-to-go vessel.

GSI Outdoors Java Press Review: For the same French press functionality in a larger package that’s better suited for making multiple cups for a group using any stovetop system, consider this coffee maker.

Aeropress Go Review: If you want a device that’s easier to clean between uses and more versatile with various types of stoves, the Aeropress Go is a great choice. It also lets you customize brew strength while remaining compact and portable.

Bottom Line

When we’re looking for a good cup of coffee without waiting to hit the trail, or when we want a second cup for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, the ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press is the perfect tool for making coffee. It’s lightweight, easy to use, brews great coffee, and since the entire device is designed for on-the-go brewing, it’s ready to pack up whenever you are.

It’s perfect for early morning trail dates when we prefer to hit snooze one more time instead of waiting for coffee to brew. All we had to do was boil water, add grounds, and let the coffee steep while we got moving. When three to four minutes are up, simply press, screw on the lid, and enjoy a leak-proof cup of coffee wherever you go. 

During testing, the mug kept our coffee hot for hours, even on chilly days, and a double-filter basket prevented grounds from entering the final product. We took our time finishing the cup, and the last sips weren’t any more bitter than the first. Another bonus: the ESPRO also makes tea. If you’d like to explore other options, consider our comprehensive guide to the best camping and backpacking coffee makers.

How We Tested

We tested the ESPRO Travel Press for several weeks at home and on the trail. We brought it to the climbing gym for early morning sessions and on dark start hikes around Utah when we wanted our coffee to go and sippable as we moved.

Portability

What makes the ESPRO stand out among most other coffee makers we tested, including various French presses, is its design for portability. It serves not only as a coffee-making device but also as a practical vessel: it combines a coffee brewer and travel mug in one.

The travel-style mug was compact and fit into every standard backpack water bottle pocket we placed it in, as well as in vehicle cup holders. Although it isn’t the lightest coffee maker we tested, it is lightweight for an insulated bottle at 7.4 ounces. Furthermore, since it serves as both a brewer and a mug, it eliminates the need to pack both, potentially saving weight overall.

Since it’s slim and cylindrical, we had no trouble fitting it into travel bags, camp kitchen tubs, and backpacks. Plus, thanks to a leakproof screw-on lid, we weren’t worried it would spill when we inevitably kicked it over during a hike break. The lid design also makes it easy to clip or secure the bottle to the outside of a pack if needed, and the insulated vessel kept our coffee hot for hours. Furthermore, when you’re done with your coffee, you can remove the filter and use the mug as a travel water bottle.

Ease of Use

When it comes to brewing a cup of coffee, few devices we tested were easier to use than the ESPRO Travel Press. There are only two steps to brew: add coffee and water, then wait and press.

While weighing your beans and water is often recommended for achieving a reliable cup every time, the size limitations of the vessel itself make it easy to simply scoop coffee and fill it with water if you’re not too particular. After you press, you can even add milk or sweeteners through the holes in the drinking lid if you wish. There are several around the plunger top that help keep coffee from sloshing while also allowing you to sip from anywhere around the rim, which we appreciated.

The ESPRO can also be used to prepare tea in a similar way. Just remove the outer basket to enhance the flavor.

We appreciated how easy it was to use when we wanted to maximize our sleep time and brew coffee on the way to the trailhead instead of at home. We also enjoyed preparing the device in the morning, pressing it, and then having access to a second cup later in the day.

Time to Brew

During testing, the ESPRO took exactly as long to brew as any other French press method: four to five minutes, not including the time it took to boil water. The typical steep time for this coffee method is four minutes (three for a milder cup), but you can steep for longer or shorter depending on your preferences. Most of that time is inactive, meaning you can finish packing your bag or tying your boots while your coffee brews.

One downside is that if you’re brewing on the go, you need to leave the leakproof lid off until you’re ready to press. The plunger arm doesn’t allow the lid to be attached while it’s in the brewing position.

Ease of Cleanup

While the ESPRO may excel in many other categories, it ranked low among other camp coffee makers regarding cleanup. It required the longest time to get fully clean: about 45 seconds of constant rinsing and re-rinsing as we washed out the spent grounds. This is due to the small parts and irregularities on the filter baskets, which provided perfect spots for tiny grounds to cling and become stuck.

The vessel itself is narrow, making it difficult to get our hands in when we wanted to scrub out the inside after a trip. A bottle brush was handy for completing the task.

Coffee Strength

The ESPRO produced a cup of coffee that was slightly stronger than medium when prepared with a medium coffee grind and a typical four-minute steep time. Naturally, we could make a weaker cup by increasing the grind size and shortening the steep time, or a slightly stronger cup by reducing the grind size and extending the steep time. 

We even found that we could use a finer grind than with most other Fresh presses because the filter basket is double-walled and made of very fine metal mesh. It kept smaller-than-average grounds out of the last few swigs of our coffee, which means we could brew a stronger cup than when using more traditional devices.

Should You Buy The ESPRO Travel Press?

The ESPRO will certainly appeal to a wide range of people, but those most likely to be drawn to it are solo hikers and coffee lovers who enjoy sipping their favorite caffeinated beverage throughout the day. After all, it makes preparing a cup for later quick, easy, and painless.

Anyone who prefers to get up and get moving right away will also appreciate the device’s easy convenience. All it requires is a quick boil of water, and you’re off—no need for strategic pouring or waiting for devices to percolate. This makes it ideal not only for coffee on the trail but also for your commute or running errands. You don’t even have to decant it into another vessel when it’s finished brewing. 

Although it falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, its multifunctionality still provides good value for the right individuals.

Those who typically brew coffee for more than one person may not find it as useful. With the single-cup preparation and the lengthy cleanup, it’s not meant for a quick and easy rinse-and-repeat.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

If you like the idea of the ESPRO Travel Press but are wondering if there’s another camp coffee maker out there that would suit you better, check out these options, all of which we reviewed in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

GSI Outdoors Java Press Review: For the same French press functionality in a larger design that’s better suited for brewing multiple cups for a group, consider this coffee maker.

Aeropress Go Review: If you usually make just one or two cups at a time but prefer a device that’s easier to clean between uses, the Aeropress Go is a great choice. It also lets you customize brew strength while remaining compact and portable.

Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press Review: This option is ideal for Jetboil users seeking a lightweight, portable accessory that transforms their pot into a versatile coffee-making powerhouse. It can brew multiple cups at once.

Bottom Line

If you want cafe-level espresso, there’s no quicker way to make it than with the Wacaco Minipresso. Not only does it produce a strong shot quickly, but no other espresso maker we tested yielded a cup with crema, a barista-level accomplishment. However, you do have to put in some effort for your caffeine. Some pumping is necessary to build pressure and create one shot. That said, the device still made one of the fastest cups among the group.

What’s more, during testing on road trips and campouts on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, we were pleased to discover that it made hot or cold espresso, which was a blessing when we didn’t have the time or equipment to boil water, such as during quick road-trip pit stops. 

It only brews one serving at a time, so if you’re not traveling solo, keep that in mind. It is on the pricier side among the coffee makers we tested, but we found that the quality of the coffee it produced made the price a worthwhile splurge. If you’d like to explore other options, consider our comprehensive guide to the best camping and backpacking coffee makers.

How We Tested

We’ve tested our fair share of espresso makers from Wacaco over the years, and the Minipresso is no exception. During backyard campouts, overnight trips in national parks, and solo adventures in the mountains of Utah, we were more than happy to put the Minipresso to the test.

Portability

The Wacaco Minipresso wasn’t the lightest coffee maker we tested, so backpackers who tend to count grams may not prefer this device. However, for everyone else, the self-contained portable package is likely to be a delight. It even includes a fabric storage case to help protect it and keep small parts organized.

That said, the device itself does a good job of keeping accessories contained: items like the coffee scoop, cleaning brush, and drip tray all fit inside the Minipresso. However, during a camping trip in Washington, we found that it was a lot of pieces to spread out on the ground or a dirty picnic table when not in use.

However, the Minipresso fit neatly inside larger pots during camping trips, and we could easily tuck it into the corners of a packed backpack.

Ease of Use

The Wacaco Minipresso was the most complex coffee-making device we tested. It consists of nine pieces, some of which are accessories, while several are essential for use. This means there was a bit of a learning curve. Additionally, this was the only coffee maker we didn’t consider using without first reading the instructions.

At a minimum, we had to boil water, choose a basket size (8 or 12 grams), fill it with coffee that we ideally weighed using a digital scale, add hot (or cold) water, and screw everything together. Once that was done, we needed to use the hand pump to build pressure by squeezing it toward the body of the device about once every second or two. After a few seconds, coffee starts flowing into either the included demitasse or a cup of your choice.

Once we used it a time or two, we got the hang of it, and the process seemed less complicated. However, it is designed more for coffee connoisseurs than for those who will take their coffee any which way. It’s also worth noting that there may be some trial and error in dialing in the perfect grind size for those who are less familiar with grinding their own coffee, as a fine espresso grind is required.

Time to Brew

Despite all its parts and pieces, the Minipresso produced a shot of espresso in record time: 1 minute and 20 seconds, not including the time it took to boil water. This makes it the fastest machine of the bunch.

Yes, that brew time is completely active. This means there’s not a moment during which you’re not scooping, tamping, or pumping for your quaff. It may take a bit longer to set up than other devices, as measuring and weighing grounds and getting them into the small portafilter basket requires patience and attention to detail.

Ease of Cleanup

Perhaps it’s not surprising, given the number of parts involved, that cleanup took longer than most of the other coffee-making methods we tested—about 40 seconds. This is due to the number of sections that need to be unscrewed, removed, and rinsed off after use.

It wasn’t hard to rinse the used grounds out of the basket, which is good because it means the device can be reset to make a second cup without any hassle.

Coffee Strength

When it comes to strength and quality, the Minipresso excelled compared to other coffee makers we evaluated. It was the only one that produced a shot of espresso topped with a layer of foamy crema, and the brew itself was as strong and smooth as you’d expect to find in any coffee shop.

It makes only one strong, small shot at a time, but you can enjoy it as is, add hot water for a larger, medium-strength cup, or combine it with milk to create an espresso-based beverage. 

When we tested it with cold water, the brew wasn’t quite as strong but still had more punch than a regular cup of drip coffee.

Should You Buy The Wacaco Minipresso?

The Wacaco Minipresso is crafted for coffee connoisseurs, including those who may have been baristas in the past or present, who understand coffee, are familiar with the intricacies of grind size, desire quality coffee no matter where they are, and likely have their home coffee routine perfected. We know this because that’s us. These individuals will likely find this portable espresso machine to be an excellent value. It certainly produced our favorite espresso of the bunch, and we’re particular.

On the other hand, coffee drinkers who are satisfied with almost any cup and don’t feel the need to fuss over high-tech gadgets will be less than impressed. The same applies to those who need to brew several cups for a group. There are more efficient methods to do so than with the Minipresso.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

Looking for a different camp coffee maker that’s similar to the Wacaco Minipresso? Consider these alternatives, all featured in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

Bialetti Moka Express Review: If you want a strong cup of coffee but with less effort, check out this coffee maker. The all-in-one system means you don’t have to boil water separately before brewing. It also brews a strong, small cup or two of espresso and has a smaller learning curve.

GSI Mini Espresso Set Review: This device operates similarly to the Moka Express—through heat and pressure–but makes only one cup at a time. It also includes a cup, so everything you need comes with it, and it doesn’t require any pumping.

Aeropress Go Review: If you enjoy the idea of strong coffee at times but prefer having options, the Aeropress Go enables you to customize the brew strength while remaining easy to use, compact, portable, and simple to clean between uses.

Bottom Line

When we want to impress our friends and family with our coffee game on camping trips, we pull out the GSI Mini Espresso Set. Unlike other camp coffee makers that require boiling in a separate kettle and transferring the finished product to a camp mug, this one uses heat to create pressure and deposit a strong cup of espresso right into a waiting cup. Just fill it with coffee and water, set the entire device on a burner, and relax while your stove does all the work.

The coffee maker comes in a sturdy, protective case that facilitates easy transportation while keeping the espresso maker in pristine condition, even when we haphazardly tossed it into a camp kitchen box in the back of the car for long road trips.

During testing, we loved that we didn’t have to pre-boil water to brew. The one-pot wonder made coffee prep a breeze. However, the whole device gets hot, making it hard to clean or reset for another cup before it cools down. We found that having a camp towel handy made it doable, though.

The device only makes one strong shot at a time, so it’s best for solo campers, but a 4-cup version is also available, both offering excellent value for those who crave quality espresso when camping. If you’d like to explore other options, consider our comprehensive guide to the best camping and backpacking coffee makers.

How We Tested

We have used the GSI Mini Espresso Set for years, so we can attest to its durability and longevity. We’ve taken it on cross-country road trips, camping trips in Death Valley and Big Bend, and even when flying to visit friends and family who aren’t as particular about coffee as we are.

Portability

When it comes to portability, the GSI Mini Espresso Set ranked near the middle compared to other camp coffee makers we tested. This is largely because, while it isn’t the smallest or lightest device (11 ounces), it includes a handy protective carrying case designed with travel in mind.

The case is bulky and boxy, which means it may occupy more space in your backpack or camp kitchen box than other devices. Additionally, it doesn’t nestle or stack with other cookware. The size you see is the size you get.

The case has long protected the set from scratches, dings, and stains through years of use. A convenient carry handle on the side makes it easy to transport or clip to the outside of your pack or cooler. Essentially, where this set falls short in weight and size, it makes up for in durability.

Ease of Use

The Mini Espresso Set is easy to use: just add water to the base and coffee grounds to the basket, then place it on a hot stove burner and wait. There’s no need for measuring or weighing water or beans, as you only need to fill to a pre-designated point. It consists of four simple pieces: the base, coffee basket, top, and small mug.

The ease of use does come with a small caveat: the base of the single-cup espresso maker (there’s also a larger four-cup version available) is small. During testing, we found that it fit on most backpacking and camping stoves, though occasionally with some difficulty. Wide-set stove arms or supports sometimes required us to take special care in placing the device to avoid tipping. It worked best with backpacking stoves that featured adjustable pot rests, allowing us to create a smaller surface on which to brew.

Time to Brew

If you want a quick shot of espresso, it doesn’t get much quicker than this. During testing at a chilly campground in Utah, the GSI mini espresso maker produced a serving in two minutes and 45 seconds, placing it near the top of the timed rankings.

What’s more, the entire brew time is inactive. This means that once you’ve added cool water and coffee grounds and set the device on your stove, you can kick back and relax because nothing more is required on your part. You don’t even have to transfer the black gold to another vessel, as the set comes with a double-walled demitasse.

Ease of Cleanup

Cleanup time was better than average with the Mini Espresso Set, taking around 30 seconds. Simply unscrew the top from the base, remove the coffee basket, discard the spent grounds, and rinse all three parts.

That said, since you’re brewing by placing the entire device directly on a hot surface, it takes time for it to cool down. If you wish to clean it and pack it up or refill it to make another cup, care must be taken to disassemble the hot device. We found that a camp towel or thick gloves were adequate to protect our fingers from the hot metal, but it was a bit unwieldy. Not a dealbreaker, but we were glad we had protective equipment.

Coffee Strength

Similar to other espresso makers we tested, the Mini Espresso Set produced a strong and robust cup of coffee. Yes, it’s a small cup, but it packs a punch. That’s thanks to the high ratio of coffee to water and the application of not just heat, but also enough pressure to send freshly made coffee upward through the spout.

If you enjoy espresso, you can drink the resulting shot as it is. If you prefer a milder, larger cup, simply add water to lengthen the shot into an Americano. Our favorite way to drink it was to add warm non-dairy milk to create a latte-style beverage to start our day.

Should You Buy The GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso?

This camp espresso maker is perfect for those who want a strong cup of coffee and an easy, no-fuss way to prepare it. For example, it appeals to those who don’t want to deal with weighing their water or beans. Likewise, anyone who has ever sat and poured hot water through a filter for three minutes while thinking of all the things they’d rather be doing will appreciate the largely hands-off brew process.

The device is better suited for single campers rather than a group, as resetting it for multiple uses is a time-consuming task that involves handling hot metal. However, if you enjoy the resulting espresso and the other features but often make coffee for several people, consider the four-cup version.

On the other hand, backpackers and those who prefer to carry less weight or seek a more compact device may want to consider alternatives. For those attracted to it, the price tag is aligned with similar competing devices, and due to the espresso maker’s durability and usability, it provides good value for the investment.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

Maybe the GSI Mini Espresso Maker Set isn’t the best fit for you, but you’re still looking for a camp coffee maker. We’ve got you covered – check out these alternatives, all featured in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

Wacaco Minipresso GR Review: If you want espresso in a more portable package, the Wacaco Minipresso is worth considering. You can brew it hot or cold, although you will have to work for it using a hand pump to build the pressure needed for flavorful extraction.

Bialetti Moka Express Review: For a strong cup of coffee in a larger serving, check out this coffee maker. The all-in-one system means you don’t have to boil water separately before brewing. It produces at least twice the amount in the same time.

Aeropress Go Review: Want strong coffee sometimes but not always? The Aeropress Go lets you customize brew strength while remaining easy to use, compact and portable, and simple to clean between uses.

Bottom Line

Campers and backpackers who don’t want to deal with coffee makers but also prefer something more appetizing than a typical packet of instant coffee should consider Kuju Coffee. These single-serve pour-over packets are small, lightweight, and offer an easy way to brew coffee and clean up afterwards when outdoors.

Each packet contains a single serving of coffee, which we loved when packing for our multi-day backpacking trip in Utah. We could bring exactly the amount of coffee we needed. Brewing is easy, there’s practically no cleanup involved, and multiple flavor profiles are available, ranging from light to dark roasts. 

The individual packages are portable and ultralight, making them perfect for backpackers who prefer something more flavorful than standard instant offerings and don’t mind paying a little extra for the pleasure and simplicity. On the upside, they offer value similar to higher-quality instant mixes. If you’d like to see other options, check out our best camping and backpacking coffee maker gear guide.

How We Tested

We tested the Kuju Coffee Single-Serve Pour-Over packets alongside various other camp coffee makers to evaluate their ease of use, flavor, brew time, and more. We utilized them in our backyards and on nearby camping trips.

Portability

Of all the camp coffee makers we tested, the Kuju Coffee Single-Serve Pour-Over was one of the most portable. After all, there’s no bulky coffee-making device to pack, no extra coffee grounds to bring along, and each packet is so light and takes up minimal space in your bag that you won’t even notice they’re there.

During testing, we found them easy to stash in a carry-on for air travel and when camping. The individual packets allowed us to pack exactly as much coffee as we needed. As ultralight backpackers, we didn’t even think twice about tossing them into our camp kitchen kit. Each packet is only slightly larger than a packet of instant coffee.

Ease of Use

When it was time to brew, the Kuju pour-over was among the easiest to use of all the coffee makers we tested. After all, you just need to boil water, open the outer packet and remove the filter, pull out the paper arms that support it over your camp mug, tear open the top of the pour-over pouch, hang it on the rim of your camp mug, and pour hot water over it.

You won’t need to measure or weigh beans, nor do any complicated math to determine how many beans to bring. The coffee comes pre-ground and is already in a filter. We found it easier to pour water from a kettle rather than from a pot with a spout, as the kettle allowed for more precise aiming and pouring.

Time to Brew

While making a cup of coffee is no fuss with a Kuju Pour-Over, it’s still a pour-over, which means you should anticipate a similar brew time as any other pour-over method. We found it took precisely the same amount of time to prepare a cup: about 4 minutes for 8-10 ounces of coffee.

That doesn’t account for the time it takes to boil water. Brew time is active, which means you’ll need to continuously pour water through the filter and grounds for the entire four minutes.

Ease of Cleanup

Cleaning up after making a cup of coffee with a Kuju pour-over was just as easy as it was with instant coffee: simply toss the entire pop-up filter and packaging in the trash. No washing, rinsing, or cleaning up grounds is necessary. It took just five seconds. 

The filter itself is recyclable, but we’re doubtful that most outdoor enthusiasts will take the time to empty and wash out the disposable filter before taking it home to add to their recycling bin. It’s an option, though.

Coffee Strength

We tried the Kuju Base Camp medium roast, which offered a smooth flavor and balanced strength. It’s not the strongest we tested among different coffee makers, but it’s also not the weakest. This coffee will likely attract those who enjoy their brew with moderate strength. 

One limitation of these single-use pour-overs is that you can’t adjust the strength of your coffee; what you purchase is exactly what you receive.

Should You Buy Kuju Coffee Single-Serve Pour-Over?

Travelers, hikers, campers, and backpackers who value ease and convenience above all else but still crave a higher quality cup of coffee than instant usually delivers will appreciate these single-serve packets from Kuju. After all, they’re easy to use, even easier to clean up, and require no fuss or special equipment to prepare.

This means they’ll also appeal to ultralight backpackers who may not want to carry a dedicated piece of equipment solely for making coffee. Similarly, coffee drinkers who already enjoy pour-over style coffee won’t have trouble finding a roast they like. The price per packet is also comparable to single-serve instant coffee, making it a great value.

On the other hand, individuals who prefer more control over their coffee may find it lacking. Customizing brew strength is not possible. The same applies to those who enjoy varying their coffee routine and might favor a stronger brew in the morning and a milder cup in the afternoon.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

If you like the idea of the Kuju Coffee Single-Serve Pour-Over but are wondering if there’s another camp coffee maker out there that would suit you better, check out these options, all of which we reviewed in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

GSI Outdoors Ultralight JavaDrip Review: If you love an ultralight pour-over but want more control over your brew, try the GSI Ultralight JavaDrip. The filter is built-in, so there’s less waste, it weighs less than an ounce, and it’s just as easy to use.

MiiR Pourigami Review: It’s still a pour-over, but it’s more durable and reusable. It may weigh a bit more, yet it comes with its own travel sleeve, and cleanup is easy because of disposable filters.

Aeropress Go Review: If you frequently brew one or two cups at a time while wanting to vary the type or strength of your coffee, the Aeropress Go is a great choice. It remains compact and portable, yet provides greater versatility.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the smallest, most compact, and most portable pour-over device on the market, the MiiR Pourigami is the one. When assembled, notches on each of the three pieces slide together to create a sturdy triangular cone. Once you’re finished, it easily comes apart and stores almost completely flat in the included sleeve. To use it, place a filter with coffee grounds in the cone, pour hot water over it, and enjoy your coffee.

It’s made entirely of stainless steel, making it durable, and the shape of the base helps it stay centered on almost any camp mug. While it is heavy for its size, cleanup is easy: during camping trips in Texas, we were glad to simply dispose of the filter and grounds and rinse or wipe off the cone. On road trips around Utah, it took up almost no space in our tub of kitchen supplies, which was a blessing when space was limited.

While it costs more than some other pour-over devices, considering its durability, clean aesthetics, and universal functionality, we still believe it provides good value. If you’d like to see other options, check out our best camping and backpacking coffee maker gear guide.

How We Tested

We tested the MiiR Pourigami at home, in our backyards, on road trips, and while camping in Texas and Utah. We spent hours with the Pourigami assessing its durability, brew time, experimenting with various filters, and sampling the fruits of our labor.

Portability

The MiiR Pourigami is one of the most compact camp coffee makers we tested, although it’s not the lightest. When we were short on space, we appreciated how little room it occupied in our camp kitchen box. While traveling by air to camp in Death Valley National Park, packing it was effortless, especially since we only had one checked bag and refused to travel without a way to make good coffee.

It’s relatively heavy for its size at 5.8 ounces. While this may not deter most travelers, ultralight backpackers might consider it a reason to search for alternatives. Its durability is impressive, as it is constructed from powder-coated stainless steel, so we never worried about it sustaining damage in our packs. It also includes a storage sleeve that has plenty of room for filters, keeping everything organized and easy to access when it’s time to brew.

Ease of Use

The MiiR Pourigami ranked near the middle of all the coffee makers we tested regarding ease of use. On one hand, it’s a pour-over device with a simple and streamlined design that doesn’t require assembling numerous parts or complicated mechanics.

On the other hand, during testing, we discovered a few finicky details, starting with the required filters. We first tested standard #4 filters, but they didn’t fit well in the triangular shape of the pour-over and were prone to breaking along the bottom seam. However, when we switched to the cone-shaped filters recommended by MiiR, we fared much better. Unfortunately, those filters can be harder to find at local retailers. On the upside, reusable filters proved effective and helped reduce waste.

Weighing beans and water tends to result in the best and most predictable cup. You can eyeball it, of course, but this extra step does require slightly more effort and time for those who hold their coffee to higher standards.

Time to Brew

Pour-overs typically take about four to five minutes to craft a cup of coffee, and the MiR Pourigami is no exception. Note that boiling water isn’t included in that time. Brew time is active, meaning you’ll need to stay attentive as you continuously pour water over your grounds for most of the process.

The Pourigami also brews only one cup at a time. While it’s easy to rinse and repeat, that’s something to keep in mind if you’re making coffee for a larger group. We found we didn’t mind repeating the pour-over process on lazy mornings around camp when there were just two of us, but we were less eager to make more than that when camping with friends or when we were ready to hit the trail.

Ease of Cleanup

Cleanup couldn’t have been easier when making coffee with the Pourigami. In fact, only one device we tested outperformed it in a timed trial. That’s because all you need to do is throw away the paper filter and rinse or wipe down the cone, which only takes a few drops of water. Then, simply disassemble the device and store it away until you’re ready to use it again.

Once you get home, you can wash it more thoroughly if desired, but we found that little care was required to keep it clean. This is especially true because there aren’t any nooks or crannies for coffee or grounds to get stuck in; just three smooth, flat surfaces that are perfect for those who don’t want to spend too much time at camp doing dishes.

Coffee Strength

Once again landing in the middle of our rankings compared to other camp coffee makers, the Pourigami tied with various pour-over devices we tested. After all, when it comes to pour-overs, the strength of the coffee largely depends on the size of the coffee grind. A finer grind produces a stronger cup, while a coarser grind yields a milder cup.

That said, if you grind too finely, you risk making your coffee bitter because of how long it takes for the water to drip through. If you grind too coarsely, you’ll end up with a coffee-flavored cup of hot water. Overall, though, a pour-over typically produces a medium-strength brew that appeals to many.

Should You Buy the MiiR Pourigami?

The MiiR Pourigami is ideal for those with limited space who don’t mind carrying a few extra ounces for enhanced packability. We found it to be an excellent travel companion when we had no extra room for a bulkier device.

It is also perfect for singles or couples who appreciate the dependability of a pour-over and are willing to wait a few extra minutes for it. The slight customization in brew strength may also attract those who want to adjust the potency of their coffee.

It’s not as suitable for ultralight backpackers who may find it heavier than other coffee preparation methods, or for coffee drinkers who prefer to brew quickly and get back on the trail ASAP, especially when making coffee for a group.

Those traveling with more than two may also prefer a different device that brews multiple cups at once.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

Love the idea of the MiiR Pourigami, but think it might not be the best fit for you? Take a look at these other camp coffee maker options – all of which we’ve reviewed in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

GSI Outdoors Ultralight JavaDrip Review: If you love pour-over coffee but don’t like the weight, try the GSI Ultralight JavaDrip. The built-in filter reduces waste, it’s lightweight, and it’s just as straightforward to use.

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Bottle Review: For an on-the-go coffee option for one, consider the ESPRO. You brew directly in the insulated bottle using a French press-style filter, allowing you to enjoy a single cup of similarly strong coffee in about the same amount of time.

Kuju Single-Serve Pour Over Review: Enjoy all the pour-over goodness without any of the prep. These single-use packets make one cup of coffee each, are lightweight, and cleanup simply involves tossing the entire bag in the trash when you’re finished.

Bottom Line

The GSI Ultralight JavaDrip is a backpacker’s ideal coffee maker: it packs flat, weighs almost nothing, and you can customize the coffee strength by adjusting the size of the coffee grounds you use to make a classic pour-over coffee. 

It’s simply designed with a reusable and washable mesh fabric basket instead of the typical hard-sided cone found on most pour-over devices. That means you don’t need to pack extra filters. During camping trips in Utah, we loved that all we had to do was add grounds to the basket and pour hot water over the top. Three plastic legs outfitted with clips on the end fit onto the rim of every camp mug we tried, as well as the mugs in our cabinets at home.

It is extremely lightweight, so even ultralighters will consider switching from instant coffee. While it may not be the most durable option we tested, its affordable price makes it hard to argue with the value. If you’d like to see other options, check out our best camping and backpacking coffee maker gear guide.

How We Tested

We tested the GSI Ultralight JavaDrip for weeks, both indoors and outdoors, at frontcountry campgrounds and far from civilization. We packed it, weighed it, and brewed plenty of coffee to evaluate how it compares to other pour-over devices we’ve used and whether it should earn a place in our coffee-making kit for future outdoor adventures.

Portability

We ranked the GSI Ultralight Java Drip at the top of the list for portability for two reasons: it’s ultralight and it packs down ultra small. In fact, it was the lightest coffee maker of all that we tested at just .4 ounces. That makes it an ultralight backpacker’s dream.

What’s more, it collapses almost entirely flat, making it easy to stash in a camp mess kit or kitchen stuff sack. It takes up virtually no space in either. Plus, because it’s constructed from mesh material and flexible plastic arms, we weren’t worried about it getting bent or broken when we stuffed it in the bottom of our packs. It always bounced back when we unpacked it and were ready to brew.

Ease of Use

When it comes to making coffee at camp, it doesn’t get much easier than using the GSI Ultralight Java Drip. The design is straightforward: a reusable mesh basket attached to a plastic frame with three arms that clip onto the rim of nearly any camp mug. During testing, every mug we tried it on, from narrow to wide mouth, performed perfectly.

To use it, clip it in place on the rim of your cup, add coffee grounds to the mesh filter basket, and pour hot water over it. You need to pay more attention to how much coffee and water you’re using than with devices that limit portioning to a coffee basket size or water reservoir, but with a digital scale, it’s easy to achieve the right ratios.

Time to Brew

We found that brew time varied depending on our grind size, but on average, making a pour-over with the GSI Ultralight JavaDrip took about 3 to 4 minutes per cup. This duration does not include boiling water.

Brew time is active, which means we have to sit and pour water over the grounds for the duration of the brew time. However, make sure to keep an eye on how much water you’re pouring, as it’s easy to get distracted and add too much, which can make your brew watery.

Ease of Cleanup

One thing we appreciated about the GSI Ultralight JavaDrip was how easy cleanup was, despite not being able to remove and throw away a disposable filter. It wasn’t as fast as with some other devices we tested, but rinsing the mesh basket after use was easy and straightforward. It was even easier if we allowed the grounds to dry after use.

Because the filter is built in, it meant that if we wanted to pack up and leave right after breakfast, we had to put the filter away damp. We found that bringing along a small stuff sack for it kept the other pack contents dry and prevented the filter from picking up dirt or grime.

Coffee Strength

While the GSI Ultralight JavaDrip didn’t brew the strongest cup, it ranked somewhere in the middle. Furthermore, we discovered that it was easy to customize the brew strength by simply adjusting the grind size of the coffee grounds we used. A finer grind produced a stronger cup, while a coarser grind resulted in a weaker cup. This may make it a good option for campers who each have their own coffee preferences.

Just ensure not to use too fine a grind. Water will drip through too slowly or not at all. Conversely, too coarse a grind means water flows through the mesh material faster than it would through a paper filter, so some trial and error may be needed to determine the perfect consistency. It is also important to note that for even an average strength cup, weighing or measuring your beans and water is crucial to achieve the ideal 16:1 (water to coffee) ratio.

Should You Buy the GSI Ultralight JavaDrip?

When it comes to ultralight camp coffee makers, no product offers better value, especially considering the minimal waste it produces (there are no paper filters required). This makes this little device a shoo-in for backpackers, whether they identify as ultralighters or not.

Besides being lightweight, it’s easy to clean, making it suitable for a small group. However, preparing coffee for more than two people can become tedious. Therefore, those who regularly make beverages for the entire crew may not find it as useful.

Consider the fact that it works with virtually every camp mug, you don’t have to pack extra filters, and you can even customize the brew strength to some degree, and you have yourself a winner. However, if you prefer your coffee extra strong, closer to espresso strength, the JavaDrip can’t quite hack it.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

If you like the idea of the GSI Ultralight JavaDrip but are wondering if there’s another camp coffee maker out there that would suit you better, check out these options, all of which we reviewed in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

MiiR Pourigami Review: Still a pour-over, but more durable and, if possible, more portable. It may be heavier, yet it comes with its own travel sleeve, and cleanup is easy thanks to disposable filters.

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Bottle Review: For a more convenient option for one, consider the ESPRO. Brew directly in the insulated bottle using a French press-style filter and enjoy a single cup of equally strong coffee in roughly the same time.

Kuju Single-Serve Pour Over Review: All the pour-over goodness with none of the preparation or cleanup. These single-use packets make one cup of coffee each, are lightweight, and cleaning up involves throwing the entire bag in the trash when you’re done.