Coffee Presses and Filters

Recent Coffee Press/Filter Reviews

Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper

Not quite idiot-proof. And I can be an idiot—especially in the foggy end of the morning, ha ha. I am no javanista, but I can recognize that this pour-over has the capacity to make an EXCELLENT cup of coffee. Or with a minor error in judgement, it can make an awful mess. Long story short, this is an excellent coffee maker—if you really know what you are doing. Background: Let me be upfront—I am a tea drinker. I like a good cup of coffee, and I like to think that I can recognize a good cup of… Full review

Elfo Swissgold Coffee Filter

Fairly lightweight, simple to use, and makes a good coffee. The elfo swissgold coffee filter on a cup The elfo swissgold coffee filter makes a good coffee on the go with minimal fuss. It consists of three parts: An outer container with the "gold" filter that you put the coffee into. (The mesh looks like finely perforated stainless steel with gold plating.) An inner container with holes in the bottom you pour water into. A lid that doubles as a drip tray after use. The elfo swissgold coffee filter… Full review

Generic Coffee Strainer

Simplest, cheapest, and almost the lightest way to make a good coffee outdoors. Generic supermarket coffee(Notice the fine mesh. Don't get a coarser tea strainer, unless you like gritty coffee.) This has to be the ultimate way to make a reasonable coffee outdoors. In fact, it is not really a gear review but a way of making coffee. Here is the process: Fill your coffee cup with water almost to the top and pour into a pot. Boil the water. Add coffee grounds to the water, cover, and stand without heating… Full review

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip

Very lightweight, but a bit fiddly to use. It can make a good coffee, though not as supplied. As I wrote in my review of the Sea to Summit X-Brew, for years I have been trying to find a lightweight way to make a good coffee outdoors. Like the X-Brew, the GSI is collapsible but weighs a lot less. Also like the X-Brew, the filter mesh is not fine enough to prevent the water rushing through the coffee grinds before it can absorb the flavour properly. I have improved this by adding an extra layer to… Full review

Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper

Disappointing. The X-Brew isn't all that lightweight and without modification it makes a lousy coffee. I have been on a quest to make good coffee outdoors with minimum weight. I don't expect to get the result I would with a high-temperature, high-pressure espresso machine in something that weighs less than 100 g. What I do expect is coffee with a flavour like that of a French press (plunger). French press coffee is not worse than espresso, it's different. In my quest I have had some successes and… Full review

Wacaco Nanopresso

I love the Nanopresso! So easy to use. The coffee is delicious! It has a few different pieces to be able to use it, so initially I was turned off by it because it seemed complicated, but it is not difficult at all to use. I really enjoy it.  Full review

Wacaco Nanopresso

For espresso lovers like me, having the ability to brew a shot or two of espresso of this quality and taste in the middle of nature while camping, backpacking, or just traveling around, is a luxury well worth the price, weight, and hassle. Love this! I say “hassle” but it’s actually a joy, at least for me. Since the previous reviewer did a thorough job detailing the bits, pieces, and processes, I’ll focus more on my personal experience and tips on using the Nanopresso in real life. There’s… Full review

Wacaco Nanopresso

A hand-pumped espresso maker that is small and light enough to take along on weekenders, hut-to-hut trips, to base camp, and the like. Reliably delivers high quality espresso shots. Add-ons for double shots or using capsules. An international crew: From left to right: American, Norwegian, Norwegian (dog), Finnish, German, Italian (Simone), Dutch A couple years ago I shared a hut with a group of mostly younger skiers of several nationalities, including an Italian named Simone. In the morning he whipped… Full review

Vargo Titanium Travel Coffee Filter

Works well enough, but it is fiddly and messy. Requires extra cups and by the time the hot water has passed through it did not produce the warmest cup of coffee I have ever drunk. I really like the idea of this in principle, but in practise it was a little disappointing. It does the job of filtering fresh ground coffee but I soon found a few drawbacks, so I am not sure this is a bit of kit I would use that often. There are better ways to make a fresh brew, but some may like the fact this weighs… Full review