Brewing Coffee and Purifying Water on the Go

Compact, versatile gear is key to a successful trip. A lot of folks really enjoy coffee in their lives, but a good prepper looks for multiple purposes for their gear.

One such marvel in the camping world is the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker, a handy device that not only brews a perfect cup of coffee but also doubles up as a pre-filter for purifying water. With its sturdy legs and clip-on design, this coffee filter proves to be a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts.


This isn't the only camp-style pourover coffee device on the market.  There are many to choose from--we like this one because it is very light, small, and super-easy to clean.

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee

The Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker simplifies the art of coffee brewing, even in the wilderness. Here’s how you can brew a delicious cup of coffee using this innovative device:

  • Preheat Your Cup: If possible, begin by preheating your cup with hot water. This step ensures that your coffee stays warm for a longer time.
  • Prepare the Mesh Filter: Immerse the mesh filter with your coffee grounds in the preheated cup, adding about half a cup of hot water. Let it steep for a minute or two. 
  • Clip On and Pour Over: After steeping, lift the mesh filter, clip its sturdy legs onto the cup, and start the pour-over process. The slow pour ensures that the coffee is brewed to perfection, giving you a rich and flavorful cup every time.
  • Optional Paper Filter: For an even smoother brew, consider using a paper filter in conjunction with the mesh. This addition simplifies the cleanup process and provides a grit-free experience.  It's not necessary but some people prefer the method.  Coffee is very personal!

Filtering Water for Purification

Beyond its coffee-making prowess, the Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker serves a dual purpose by pre-filtering water, making it an essential tool for your outdoor expeditions. While this method doesn’t replace proper water purification, it aids in removing larger particles, ensuring the subsequent purification process is more effective. Here’s how you can use it to pre-filter water:

  1. Pour Unpurified Water: Slowly pour the unpurified water into the mesh filter of the Java Drip Coffee Maker. The fine mesh effectively filters out larger debris, leaving you with cleaner water.
  2. Complete the Purification Process: While this pre-filtering step is beneficial, it’s crucial to remember that the water still needs proper purification, such as boiling, using purification tablets, or a portable water filter, to make it safe for consumption.

User Testimonials

After reviewing testimonies and reviews on the REI website for the product (not an affiliate link), we found a number of positive reviews that stood out:

  • “It feels cheap, but it holds up well. The legs fit most cups, and it's definitely an upgrade for me. I used to pour water over a thin filter with a 550 cord around the edges, and this is much better.”
  • “I recommend this product. Preheat the cup, immerse the mesh, clip the legs, and enjoy a good cup of coffee. Simple and efficient!”
  • "This little guy is a great filter for pour-over coffee into a single mug or smaller thermos. Flow rate is often determined more by how fine or coarse your grind is, as opposed to the filter itself, and I find this to have a perfectly adequate flow rate with the coffee that I use: not too slow, but not too fast! The only minor complaint that I might have about it is how the plastic clips reach down a bit too far into the mug for my liking, and often end up getting wet as a result."
  • "As an avid coffee drinker I wanted something besides a percolator pot that was both lightweight and produced excellent coffee in the wilderness, so I gave this a try. It met my expectations just fine. It is flimsy but I expected that given the lightweight material. Also I did not purchase the accompanying cup and it was a bit precarious attaching it to my Sierra cup but I made it work. Actually bought it twice since I lost the original one I purchased."

There were a few negative reviews that also should be considered:

  • "I understand it’s supposed to be lightweight but this thing is janky. The clips are super unstable and the mesh lets tons of grounds through. Going to return asap."
  • "Used a paper filter with this and the water flowed through so quickly that the coffee looked like tea and tasted super watery."
  • "The lightweight compactness of this item unfortunately doesn't outweigh it's usefulness. The filter strains so slowly that by the time you get a cupful, the coffee is cold. And this was with having a pot of boiling water on standby and pouring as I went. This item is regrettably going back to REI."

Overall, the customer ratings of the product are highly favorable with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars with 165 reviews.  We are not seeking to endorse any product, but we do like to discuss and highlight what is on the market.  Feel free to look at other products and tools.

Conclusion

Pourover coffee makers stand out as a versatile and practical tools. Whether you're brewing a steaming cup of coffee to start your day or ensuring your water is cleaner before purification, this compact device proves to be a valuable companion for every adventurer. So, next time you head out on your outdoor escapade, don’t forget to pack this little wonder for your brewing and water filtering needs. Happy brewing and stay hydrated!

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