I have long admired the ultra-light hiker. Those that live by the credo "ounces lead to pounds, and pounds lead to pain". When you are hauling your gear for miles a day, up hill after hill, carrying everything you think you might need "just in case", it's hard not to want to play the odds and discard most of it. My knees will thank me and who needs a change of underwear anyway, if it rains I'll just wash them (or go commando).
Finding the Balance
However, I've also felt it is crucial not to sacrifice all comfort for weight, especially on long hikes. Hiking tough terrain is as much a mental game as physical and traveling with a spartan kit makes that aspect more challenging. I have long advocated for carrying one or two items (or as many as your knees will allow) that would seem decadent or wasteful to those UL hikers. Items that help restore the mental balance during those treks.
For me, two essential comfort items are my pillow setup (being a side sleeper) and, of course, coffee.
Picture this: you’re snug as a bug in your tent, the sun is just rising, the birds are chirping, perhaps a bit of nip in the air and you can almost taste that first cup of coffee. It’s a small detail, but it can completely change the tone of the trek.
Recently, an article about making coffee in the backcountry turned my perspective upside down.
The Comfort of the Brew
Having settled on simple methods for my morning coffee, I stumbled upon an article that offered fresh insights. The author, an outdoor coffee enthusiast, encouraged me to rethink my reliance on instant coffee packets (even the really good ones that I rely on). As I read on, it became clear that my coffee habit (addiction?) could be upgraded. Based on the tools and techniques shared and the passion of the author, it was clear I needed to step up my game. This realization could open a door to making trips not just comfortable, but maybe exceptional?
During the hike, especially on those warmer NM afternoons, the last thing you may think about is making coffee. But trust me, that warm cup in the morning can uplift your spirits. It’s not only about the caffeine; it’s the whole experience of preparing the coffee and savoring that moment before facing a day of adventure. I've been told that studies show that the act of brewing coffee can increase your sense of well-being, helping you set a positive tone for the miles ahead, I'm going to choose to believe this.
This is where personal preferences come into play. Some love the richness of French press, others stand by pour-over, and some enjoy the simplicity of cowboy coffee. Initially, I brushed off the idea of packing a brewing device, focusing solely on minimizing weight (and foolishly thinking what I had was "good enough"). However, after reading the article, I realized that if a good brew boosts morale, those extra ounces might just be worth it. I'll also have to figure out how to keep a supply of my favorite beans at hand and fresh. After all, a great brewing method cannot make bad coffee good.
Cheers to Fresh Brews
The article did open my mind a bit and has me considering some alternatives. Especially when written from a perspective that I can totally embrace. At the start of this article was this quote, which hooked me into reading more. Nothing like confirmation bias:
Under no circumstances should you let a non-coffee drinker brew your coffee. Non-coffee drinkers CANNOT be trusted to make acceptable coffee. If some well-meaning tent-mate gets up early and offers to bring you coffee in bed, do NOT let them. You will be sadly disappointed, and the entire day may founder in a miasma of negative drama. – Mike Clelland, The Beautiful Cup: Backcountry Coffee for the Ultralight Backpacker.
As the adventure draws closer, I find myself revisiting my packing list (no more ounces!). The insights from that article may have transformed my thoughts on backcountry coffee. I will give some serious thought to changing it up. Who wouldn't want to experiment and enhance flavor (comfort) without weighing me down, at least not too much. And if mental balance is the key, then this might be a worthy upgrade to my kit. Enjoying a hot cup of coffee against the backdrop of glorious mountains is more than a treat; it has always enriched my overall experience on the trail, why not make this even better?
So, as I prepare for my next trek, this newfound perspective on coffee will guide my preparations. Who knew that one email (and resulting article) would lead me to rethink such an enjoyable part of my hiking routine? Here’s to fresher mornings, tastier brews, and all the adventures that lie ahead!
(Here's the link if you want to read and be convinced yourself!)
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