Espresso & Coffee While Camping
The Perfect Camping Coffee Maker for Espresso Outdoors
There’s something truly magical about enjoying a perfect cup of coffee in the great outdoors. As the morning sun casts its warm glow on breathtaking landscapes, you can savor every sip of your camp coffee while immersing yourself in the peacefulness of nature. And, as the line at Starbucks suggests, more and more the perfect cup of coffee is made with a deliciously brewed shot of espresso.
But, espresso is a difficult beverage to brew right? It includes lots of expensive equipment that’s impossible to bring while camping right? Not so fast, as we’d like to introduce you to the perfect portable espresso maker for camping done right.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of brewing espresso outdoors, along with some valuable tips and recommendations to ensure a seamless brewing experience. With a Flair manual espresso maker, most notably the Flair PRO 2, the Royal hand grinder, and a reliable water heating system, you’ll have everything you need for a portable coffee maker setup that’s ready to accompany you on your outdoor camping adventures.
Why You Should Brew Espresso Outside
Brewing espresso in the open air offers a unique experience that transcends the boundaries of a traditional café. Here are a few advantages and reasons why you should consider taking your coffee brewing skills to the great outdoors while camping:
- Peaceful Escape: Nature’s serenity creates the perfect ambiance for mindful coffee brewing. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge in a moment of tranquility, accompanied by the delightful aromas and flavors of your espresso.
- Spectacular Views: From mountaintops to picturesque valleys, outdoor settings provide breathtaking backdrops that enhance your coffee ritual. The beauty of the surrounding landscapes elevates your sensory experience, making that delicious espresso even more memorable.
- Embracing the Process: Outdoor brewing invites you to be fully engaged in every step of the espresso-making journey. By handcrafting your coffee, you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of espresso, creating a stronger connection between you, your brew, and nature.
Essential Gear for Brewing Espresso Outdoors
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable coffee brewing experience, here are some essential items to include in your outdoor espresso setup:
- Flair PRO 2 Manual Espresso Maker: The Flair PRO 2 is the ideal camping coffee maker. With its compact design and sturdy carrying case, it is built for portability without compromising on quality. The PRO 2 offers professional-level espresso extraction, allowing you to achieve café-quality shots even in the remotest of locations. Check out the Flair PRO 2 here >
- Flair Royal Hand Grinder: Pair your Flair PRO 2 with the Royal hand grinder for freshly ground coffee on the go. Designed for precision espresso grinding, this manual grinder ensures a consistent grind size with small adjustment steps, crucial for dialing in your grind size and extracting the best flavors from your coffee. Check out the Royal Grinder here >
- Specialty Coffee: Elevate your outdoor espresso experience with freshly roasted specialty coffee beans. Look for coffee from reputable local roasters or online suppliers, and pick something that suits your flavor preferences. In addition, look for a roast date on the bag and make sure the coffee has been freshly roasted.
- Water Heating System: A reliable water heating system is essential for heating water outdoors. The JetBoil Flash cooking system, or similar compact stoves, provide quick and efficient boiling times, allowing you to have hot water ready for brewing your espresso in no time.
Tips and Tricks for Outdoor Espresso Brewing
- Water Temperature: When making coffee while camping, aim to use water that is just off-boil. Water temperature is a key variable in espresso brewing, and when you are outdoors, using fresh off-boil water is even more critical as you prep your brew in a colder environment.
- Preheat Your Equipment: For optimal thermal stability during brewing, we recommend steam-preheating the brew head of your Flair PRO 2. Place the brew head on top of your water heating system as it heats up your water. The steam generated by the boiling water will heat the brew head, ensuring your water isn’t quickly cooled down by cold metal when it is added during the brewing process. This step helps you to get a great extraction even when outside in colder temperatures.
- Grind Consistency: Invest time in finding the right grind size for your beans to achieve the perfect extraction. The Flair Royal hand grinder offers precise adjustments, allowing you to dial in the grind size that suits your taste preferences.
- Pre-dose Coffee Beans: To save time and effort when brewing outdoors, consider weighing and pre-dosing your coffee beans for each shot ahead of time. This way, you can pack pre-measured doses in small airtight containers or resealable bags. When you’re ready to brew, simply empty the pre-dosed beans into the grinder, ensuring a consistent and hassle-free brewing process.
- Practice Patience: Embrace the process of manual espresso making and allow yourself to slow down. Take time to appreciate the journey from grinding the beans to pulling the perfect shot. Remember, the experience is just as important as the final cup.
Responsible Outdoor Espresso Brewing
When brewing espresso outdoors, it’s crucial to be mindful of the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles. Here’s a helpful tip to ensure you leave the natural beauty around you unharmed:
- Pack Out Used Coffee Grounds and Trash: As outdoor enthusiasts, it’s our responsibility to leave the wilderness as we found it. When brewing espresso outdoors, remember to pack a dedicated trash bag or airtight ziplock bag to store your used coffee grounds and any other waste generated during the brewing process. Be sure to follow local regulations regarding waste disposal and leave the area pristine for future visitors to enjoy.
By incorporating these tips into your outdoor brewing routine, you’ll be able to enjoy the full flavor of your coffee while minimizing your impact on the environment.
