Open main menu

GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip coffee press/filter

I purchased this after checking some reviews, and while waiting for it to arrive, I read the review by "bigger al", so I was excited to give it a try on some fall canoe camping trips. I found it was a nifty way to make a nice cup of coffee, and would recommend this to someone looking for a compact, simple way to make a cup of coffee that is better than instant!

Pros

  • Nice price
  • Collapses down to 1"
  • Works well with my GSI mug

Cons

  • None, really...if you want to make more than one cup at a time, this would not be most feasible.
  • Need to buy filters

I used this drip coffee maker, with my GSI insulated mug, on a number of fall camping trips, when the nights were cold, and a good cup of coffee was "essential" for survival! My expectations for coffee when camping are definitely less than at home, and I have previously used tubes of instant coffee, or coffee "tea bags"...these methods produce a hot liquid, but I decided I wanted to improve my choices.

With this coffee maker, you put the ground coffee in the  cone, add hot water (we use a Jetboil or PocketRocket), and you quickly have a cup of coffee. I was able to easily adjust the amount of coffee I use to obtain the strength I want. The used filters just then go in the pack-out/trash bag.

This drip coffee maker has a silicone cone, and plastic base and lid. It easily collapses down, to only 1" in height, and about 5.5" diameter. It is easy to clean, and the lid works to keep the heat inside the cone, as the coffee drips into your cup. It seems pretty stable when on my mug, and it produces an acceptable cup of coffee within a few minutes.


java-1b.jpg

I have a few other GSI camp kitchen items, and have been impressed with their durability, and reasonable pricing; they have served us well on numerous canoe camping trips. I am glad that I am able to offer a positive review, to support the reviews I read as I awaited this item.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $12.95

A practical and compact filter holder for lovers of filter coffee, but a bit heavy for backpacking.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Tough

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Can seal on a thermos so that it stops dripping

The silicone rubber cone collapses onto the base and is covered by a lid that keeps it well-protected in the pack. The base and cover are made of heavy, tough plastic so it's pretty indestructible. Big enough for "4 cup" filters, really two good mugs of coffee.

It comes into the huts with us but it would be one of the first things to go if I were shaving weight for a longer trip -- I'm not above making cowboy coffee when needed, or I switch over to tea being ambicaffeineous. A filter basket would be lighter and could be stashed in a cup.

The flange at the base of the silcone rubber part happens to be the same diameter as the top of a couple of our thermoses, with the consecquence that it can actually seal on to the thermos, making and air lock that prevents it from dripping, so we have to hold or prop it up to get it to work.

The coolest thing: You can pull the lid off and just flip the cone out with flick of the wrist.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: Probably MSRP, $13

This is it! If you're looking for a great cup-o-Joe on the trail, this is the product that will do it for you.

Pros

  • Packs relatively small
  • Quick, easy clean-up
  • Brews coffee just like you get at home

Cons

  • Might be a bit bulky for minimalists

My wife works in a nice kitchen store, and we've tried all kinds of different devices and gadgets for making coffee in camp. This nifty GSI basket does the job with no muss, no fuss, and easy clean up. 

It works on the same principles as a standard automatic drip coffee maker.  Just put a filter and some ground coffee into the basket, pour hot water, and in a few minutes you'll have a great cup of caffeine addiction.  When done, simply toss the filter and grounds, rinse the basket, and collapse it into the holder. Easy! 

I used this on a week-long moto camping trip in Death Valley last year.  There were seven of us, and we filled an insulated carafe every morning with fresh, hot coffee in about 10 minutes. It was a crowd pleaser.

I've had this for about a year or so, through 10 camping trips and numerous uses at work, and so far it's holding up very nicely. For $12, you simply cannot go wrong.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $12

Your Review

Where to Buy

Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews.

You May Like

Specs

Price MSRP: $12.95
Current Retail: $12.95
Historic Range: $9.77-$14.95
Reviewers Paid: $12.00-$12.95
Weight 4.8 oz
Dimensions 5.60 in x 5.50 in x 1.00 in
Materials Silicone and Clear Polypropylene
Product Details from GSI Outdoors »

Recently on Trailspace

Call for Reviews: Your Favorite Spring Gear