In today’s fast-paced world, many people have become pretty dependent on the caffeine found in coffee and other such beverages to keep them going. The ability to grab coffee via a drive-thru, or by making a cup with the push of a button, has only added to the increase in coffee consumption in recent years. Unfortunately, this newfound coffee addiction can cause some problems whenever a caffeinated beverage is not easily accessible.
Although finding coffee in any given city is a pretty simple task, this all changes as soon as one hits the road in search of peaceful countryside and a quiet place to pitch a tent or park an RV. Coffee shops are virtually non-existent in these types of places, and when electrical hook-ups are unavailable, the usual coffee pot or single-serve coffee machine isn’t going to be much help. Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem.
One of our favorite solutions comes in the form of coffee bags. Sure, coffee bags are old news. However, the store-bought versions of coffee bags are often lacking in taste and quality. Therefore, it is best to make your own coffee bags or bundles before your trip begins. These are ideal for those who are backpacking and would like to pack as light as possible.
To make your own coffee bundles, add 2–3 tablespoons of finely ground coffee beans to the bottom of a coffee filter. Pull the sides of the filter tightly around the grounds, and tie it all shut with a bit of string. Brew the coffee as you would brew tea, by placing the bag in a mug of piping-hot water—heated over the fire or a gas stove—and allowing it to steep for five minutes.
For an even more convenient mug of coffee, consider adding sugar and non-dairy creamer directly to the bundles before tying them up. This will flavor your coffee for you and reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack.