As an avid camper and hiker, I’ve tried many ways for making coffee while at the campsite or on the trail. With the introduction of the new AeroPress Go, I now have my favorite load out. Read on for more.
- Lightweight – The AeroPress Go fully packed with the mug, accessories and 20 paper filters clocks in 324 grams. And we can shave a few more grams out by using a reusable metal filter.
- Durable – The AeroPress Go is very durable and was invented by the Aerobie Flying Disc founder, Alan Adler. The Original AeroPress was produced in 2005 and this builds upon the foundation with an additional mug made out of the same high strength plastics. Incidentally, I still use my original AeroPress purchased in 2009 several times a week.
- Easy Clean Up – After brewing, the compressed grounds (the puck) are simply popped out of the bottom. The water tight plunger doesn’t let anything else back in to the chamber. Eject the puck, rinse, wipe and reload.
- Great Coffee – With an AeroPress you can brew an espresso shot, or add hot water for an Americano. You can even make AeroPress cold brew in a few minutes.
- Community – There is a cult following behind the AeroPress which includes the annual AeroPress World Championship competition.
The Essential Gear
AeroPress Go Coffee Maker
This article is focused on the new AeroPress Go, but if you have the original AeroPress, they both work the same. Just follow along.
Metal Filter
You can use the paper filters it comes with, but for sustainability, I recommend investing in a reusable metal filter. My choice is The Mesh by Altura and it clocks in around $10.
Hand Grinder
You are more than welcome take ground coffee with you, but I prefer the taste of fresh ground beans. This is the luxury addition, but I use Java Presse Manual Coffee Grinder, it’s a little expensive at around $35, but it is adjustable and has storage for your fresh beans.
Hot Water Boiler / Kettle
You’ll need some hot water unless you want to go the cold brew route. I use a Jetboil Flash system that I’ve had for a few years. But I also have a GSI Halulite Tea Kettle.
Optional
The AeroPress Go comes with hard plastic mug, but if you are lounging around the campsite, you might want something a little bit more insulated. I use a red Yeti coffee mug.
How to use the AeroPress
As mentioned previously, the AeroPress has a cult-like following with hundreds of different takes on the brewing method. We’ll tackle the Traditional Method and will send you down a YouTube rabbit hole for more.
- Grind your beans
- Remove the plunger from the chamber
- Put your filter in the cap.
- Twist filter cap on to the chamber
- Stand the chamber on the mug and add one rounded scoop of coffee (about 15 grams)
- Gently shake the AeroPress to level the coffee.
- Boil the water and remove from the heat for a few minutes. You want to target about 175 degrees.
- Slowly pour a small amount of water into the chamber to wet the grounds and let the coffee bloom for about 10 seconds.
- Slowly fill the chamber up to Level 1 on the side.
- Use the stir and stir for about 10 seconds.
- Insert the plunger and press gently until you feel the resistance of the plunger reaching the grounds. I typically rest my forearm on the plunger and let that weight with gravity to do the work.
- Remove the filter cap, remove your filter and push the plunger to eject the coffee puck.
- Drink up. If you like espresso style you are ready to go. If you like a traditional Americano, add hot water to fill up to 8 ounces.
Cleaning and Storing your AeroPress Go
After you’ve ejected the grounds, simple give it a rinse and wipe it down too dry. That’s it, there really isn’t much to it. For storage, the AeroPress Go is a self contained unit.