Backside Line
When it’s worthwhile to make espresso for multiple or two folks, making ready one giant batch as a substitute of particular person cups is the place the GSI Outside Java Press shines. This French press brews two to 3 cups directly with no ready in between. Merely add espresso and scorching water to the pitcher, set a timer, then press and pour.
The Java Press is sturdy, because of its Lexan vessel paired with an insulating sleeve. This design meant we had been by no means apprehensive about it breaking or scratching throughout our tenting journeys in Utah. Moreover, the sleeve encompasses a delicate deal with, making the entire contraption straightforward to pour, and it’s mild sufficient that we didn’t thoughts taking it on small group backpacking journeys.
Finally, it’s a user-friendly espresso maker that performs equally effectively on the campground and the kitchen. For those who’d prefer to discover different choices, think about our complete information to the finest tenting and backpacking espresso makers.
How We Examined
We examined the Java Press at house, in our backyards, and whereas tenting all through Utah. We brewed espresso for one, two, and three folks utilizing in another way sized espresso grinds to guage the Java Press’s efficiency.
Fast Specs

GSI Outside Java Press
Finest for teams
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.2/5.0
Value:
$40
Liquid Capability:
30 oz
Weight:
10.3 oz.
Dimension:
7.7 x 4.5 x 4.2 inches
Professionals
- Makes a number of cups at a time
- Non-active brew time
- Light-weight per cups brewed
- Can customise power
Cons
- May be troublesome to wash
- Not simply packable
Portability
Whereas we could admire the GSI Java Press for a lot of different causes, it ranks low for portability in comparison with different espresso makers designed for tenting. In any case, it’s not the simplest to pack. The vessel is giant, and as a result of plunger and filter, you possibly can’t simply retailer different gear inside to save lots of house. We discovered that we might stash a small bag of pre-ground espresso and a field of matches, however not way more.
The peak and diameter additionally meant it occupied more room in our camp kitchen field or backpack. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it surely’s price contemplating for those who’re brief on house. Because of the delicate cloth deal with, it may be clipped to the surface of a pack; nevertheless, that wasn’t a perfect state of affairs since we discovered it bounced and swung round whereas mountaineering. Nonetheless, it’s an choice.
The Lexan physique is sturdy, so we had been by no means involved about breakage after we knocked it off a picnic desk or bumped it towards a tree trunk.
Ease of Use
The Java Press is as straightforward to make use of as any French press. Merely add espresso, scorching water, steep, press, and pour. We discovered it even produced first rate espresso when brewing with out following strict ratios, though outcomes had been extra constant after we weighed our water and beans.
The urgent motion was easy and didn’t go away any grounds in our cup.
Throughout testing in chilly climate, the insulating sleeve helped preserve the liquid’s temperature however didn’t preserve the espresso scorching for lengthy. As soon as brewing was full, we most well-liked to switch the contents to insulated mugs slightly than leaving it within the press. For that, we had been glad the Java Press has a deal with. Whereas it was delicate and never usable by itself, after we grabbed the vessel by the physique and slid our hand by means of the deal with, it made pouring really feel safer.
Time to Brew
The customary brew time for a French press sometimes ranges from three to 4 minutes, and the Java Press was no exception. From the second we added the espresso and scorching water to after we poured a serving, it took 4 minutes and 20 seconds, which included a four-minute steep. Steeping time can range primarily based in your preferences.
That doesn’t embrace the time it takes to boil water, which is critical. Brew time is inactive, that means you don’t have to do something whereas the espresso steeps. You’ll be able to put together on your day or end packing your bag whereas your espresso brews.
Ease of Cleanup
Whereas the Java Press could not have taken the longest to wash among the many camp espresso makers we examined, it wasn’t far off. It took 35 seconds of practically fixed operating water to take away the damp espresso grounds from the filter and its elements. Submerging it in water sped up the method, however since drinkable tubs of water aren’t all the time out there when tenting or backpacking, that was a small consolation.
Grounds rinsed out of the pitcher simply. The graceful sides and huge opening had been additionally straightforward to wash and huge sufficient for us to achieve in with a sponge or dishcloth.
Espresso Power
Throughout testing, we discovered that the Java Press brewed average-strength espresso. Though we usually choose our espresso sturdy, we weren’t dissatisfied with the outcomes. You’ll be able to customise the power of your cup by adjusting the scale of your grounds: a smaller grind produces stronger espresso, whereas bigger grounds yield milder espresso. Nonetheless, if our grounds had been too superb, we discovered grit on the backside of our cups.
So long as we saved a medium to medium-coarse grind, the grit was minimized because of the superb metallic mesh filter, and the espresso remained sturdy sufficient to stop complaints, particularly when paired with an extended steep time.
Ought to You Purchase The GSI Outside Java Press?
For those who’re making espresso for greater than two folks on the campground or within the backcountry, or brewing a number of cups for your self, a French press is the quickest and easiest method to take action. The Java Press, particularly, is a superb choice because it prepares a number of cups directly with no cleanup required in between, and is light-weight and simple to make use of.
Individuals who admire these options will discover it well-priced; it presents nice worth for many who wish to make a variety of espresso rapidly with minimal fuss. Even most backpackers gained’t thoughts the sunshine weight, particularly in the event that they’re sharing the load of espresso, the range, and so forth.
That stated, those that are likely to brew simply sufficient espresso for one may discover the scale of the Java Press extreme. It’s, in any case, cumbersome to pack. Equally, those that choose sturdy espresso-style espresso may additionally wish to think about different choices because it’s simpler to make French press model espresso weaker however tougher to strengthen it with out getting grit in your mug.
What Different Tenting & Backpacking Espresso Makers Ought to You Take into account?
For those who like the thought of the GSI Java Press however suppose there is perhaps one other camp espresso maker that fits you higher, try these choices, all of which we reviewed in our espresso makers for tenting and backpacking gear information.
ESPRO Ultralight Journey Press Bottle Assessment: For a single-serve French press to go, think about the ESPRO. Brewing happens instantly within the insulated journey mug with a French press model filter, permitting you to take pleasure in a single cup of equally sturdy espresso in about the identical period of time.
Aeropress Go Assessment: For those who ceaselessly brew only one or two cups at a time and like a tool that’s simpler to wash between makes use of, the Aeropress Go is a superb choice. It additionally lets you customise the brew power whereas remaining compact and transportable.
Jetboil Silicone Espresso Press Assessment: This selection is good for Jetboil customers searching for a light-weight, transportable French press accent that transforms their pot right into a multi-functional coffee-making powerhouse. It will probably brew a number of cups directly.