Chupacabra Canoe Est. 2012

Sir Commodore JStroke.

Since 2012, I regularly camp with Chupacabra Canoe on our annual week-long excursions and sporadically at other times (check out the blogs on some of our trips). Like many other aspects of canoeing, camping, and life in general, I am always looking for improvements. Like that combo beverage and cigar holder that Cap’n Canoe was working on; its a work in progress although not much progress lately. Not all improvement attempts work out. For example, the pool raft as a sleeping cushion or the air mattress, and who can forget the tent cot. Some improvements are yet to happen out of procrastination; I still haven’t gotten that lightweight paddle that would really help on those long days on the river. I still slug along with my aluminum and plastic model. I haven’t lost one yet, unlike some others (whose name rhymes with Lubber Rucky). However, I have made some improvements that were overwhelming successes, like redo-ing the bow and stern of my Paluski Passage, upgrading my dry bags, tents, and load out box, and participating in the Brotherhood of the Supper. All have been upgrades for the better. But for today, let’s talk coffee.

Is there anything better than a warm cup o’ jo on a cool river morning? I am making the claim that a good cup of coffee is as good as fire roasted bake potato, one of many things that can make camping great.

In the past, I have experienced coffee making with the following: percolator / instant / coffee bags / percolator. All have provided coffee but left me unfulfilled. The percolator has to be the worst. Let’s boil the heck out of the coffee and because we are camping, let’s pretend it’s good, not anymore. Coffee bags come in next because they are designed for a miniscule amount of water. I always ended up with brown water, yuk! Instant is ok, but its instant; I may be camping, but Rockhound didn’t raise no chump. So… as Chupacabra Canoe conquered the Clarion this August, I discovered the solution to my coffee foibles. (You can read about the latest trip here: Chupacabra Canoe Revisits the Clarion. – Chupacabra Canoe Est. 2012) .

My Solution: The All in One French Press by Stanley.

Now I know, there are some that say the French are a**holes, but the French press is just a way to make coffee, it’s not a statement on a whole culture. This one is made by Stanley, which may not be the same quality of years past, still makes a pretty good product. Don’t be afraid to give this a shot.

I chose the 32oz size because that is a good amount for me to have a second cup o’ jo and still share with others that rise early with me. This size is perfect for a canoe trip. It’s an all in one, so it’s ideal for making the packing efficient for the canoe. It takes up some space (more than bags or instant, but less than a percolator), but you can pack stuff in the carafe to make it worth it. You could put your supply of coffee in there; now that would be smart. I really stepped up my packing game this year, I had room, and this was a great addition.

My personal French press, which you see here, has some nice fire marks from heating the water in the coals, but those come off easily back at home with a little “Bar Keepers Friend” and a little elbow grease, if you want to clean it off.

It’s really a simple tool. Only three parts. The plastic parts are classic Stanley green and clean easily. There are rubber gaskets on the lid and at the base of the screen to help filter the coffee from the grounds. The handles on the stainless-steel carafe fold in to hug the outline of the carafe making for a smaller profile.

In operation, the Stanley Boil and Brew French Press delivers a great pour. The carafe can be easily thrown in the coals to warm the water (you won’t want boiling water, just before it boils is perfect). The handles still get hot, but I bet if you are using a camp stove, they are pretty chill when heating the water. I didn’t try a camp stove because I am a man.

The French press is a great way to make even average coffee taste great. I used Eight O’Clock Bean with a rough grind on the beans, and it was so much better than anything I’ve had on the river for years! I’m excited to try some Indian Malabar from Gigawatt Coffee (In the Morning, Eli!).

Load the coffee in the water, let it sit for four minutes (it can sit longer), insert the plunger and press steadily filtering the grounds from the coffee. Put on the lid and pour into your favorite enameled steel coffee cup. Share with your fellow campers, you should.

Cleanup is simple, just dump the grounds and wipe out with a rag and you are ready to brew again, or pack it away for the day. I read that you can use the grounds to make a nice insect repellent; I’ll have to try that out and let you know.

Like everything, you can get this on Amazon or other on-line retailers for around $20-$25. It’s worth the spend. Or ask for it for a gift on National Camping which is right around the corner on November 19. Doesn’t matter how you get it, it will make a great addition to your camping gear.

Paddles up! Thanks for reading!

Sir Commodore JStroke.