Today it is all about skoolie coffee and the different methods we have tried as we prepare for our journey. Whenever we have camped in the past, one of the hardest things for us to get right was the coffee. We tried Nature’s Coffee Kettle and didn’t hate it, but it isn’t intended for daily use. Once we decided to move into the skoolie, I knew we had to ditch our Keurig. We couldn’t afford to use that much power when we were boondocking.
I also knew we would need to learn to make great coffee. When we camped, I always missed great coffee. Once we started on this journey of really getting to know coffee, I realized coffee really is an art. My first lesson came from Free Solo Coffee. The owner is passionate about roasting the beans and has it down to a science. My most recent lesson came from OXO and their new coffee products. I learned how course to grind my coffee depending on my brew method. I fell in love with coffee in a new way.
If you follow us on Instagram, then you have also followed our coffee journey. We have tried a variety of methods over the past several months. Here they are, in no particular order. We are supposed to be minimizing, and here we are collecting a variety of coffee brew systems. I suppose you find out what is really important to you when you start to let go of all the excess stuff in your life.
Skoolie Coffee Options
French Press by Planetary Design
Skoolie Coffee that Stays Warm: We love French press coffee, but our previous French press was too delicate to even consider bringing it into our home on wheels. When we saw this insulated French press from Planetary Design, we knew we had to have it. I like to sip my coffee slowly and savor it, especially when it comes to the bolder flavor that a French press gives you. This allows me to take my time without worrying about the fact that I can’t reheat it later. We get great flavor and it stays warmer longer.
OXO Single Serve Pour Over Coffee
Skoolie Coffee for One: Pour over is my favorite way to brew, but I don’t like the time I have to wait. This system serves up a cup of coffee in around 3 minutes! Also, I get nervous about how much coffee I am supposed to put in when it is just for a small amount. This little single serve pour over system from OXO is perfect. Also, we snagged this OXO coffee grinder to use when we are hooked up to shore power, because hand grinding with a burr grinder takes more time than I want to wait in the morning.
Chemex
Skoolie Coffee Science Class: The Chemex is just fun. There is a science to it. I get caught up on YouTube watching videos of different methods people use. It isn’t the fastest option and sometimes we want our coffee fast. Still, it provides for the most experience and control over the flavor. This is perfect for those slow mornings when it is raining and you just want to relax.
Gooseneck Kettle
Skoolie Coffee Tools: If you are going to do pour over coffee, you need a gooseneck kettle. We love this one because it has a built in thermometer. We knew when the water is the perfect temp. No guess work. As for the grinder, it is handy if you want to grind your own beans and you are boondocking. It is also handy if your kid wants to earn money. Yeah, we paid our kid to crank out some ground coffee.
Which of these systems is our favorite? It is still undecided! They each have their strengths and for the moment, we are still enjoying all of them depending on our mood that day. How do you brew your coffee?
While you’re here, check out some other products we are considering for skoolie life!
