I'm not sure if this belongs here or on the camp recipes thread but is instant coffee a better way to go then a press? I was planning on bringing an aeropress but thought finding an instant coffee I like might be easier.

I bring Starbucks Via instant coffee. Very light and a pretty decent.

It really depends on how much of a coffee snob you are. If you are grinding your own beans, using the aeropress at home (or other "high end" brewing methods) and are on a first name basis with your local roaster, then yes you should bring the press. If on the other hand, any old bag of coffee will do, and your just looking for a hot, dark and slightly bitter source of caffeine, then of the instants the Starbucks is about as good as it gets.

While I fall somewhere in the middle of the above spectrum, I will never not take the press or other method of actually making coffee. This is for extended backpacking trips, where I've tallied every ounce in my pack. And I'd still rather carry the extra weight for a decent cup of coffee.

quote mr.barley: "I bring Starbucks Via instant coffee. Very light and a pretty decent."

This is the same thing we do. I like them but I'm not too picky about my coffee either.

My father-in-law and I take a lot of canoe camping trips and we are both coffee snobs. We have tried a few different methods of making coffee in camp and we have both decided that Medaglia d’Oro Instant Espresso Coffee is our favorite option. I will even drink it when I return home (if there is any left). It only comes in a two ounce glass jar so buy two and dump them into a plastic baggie.

I appreciate a good cup of coffee when one's put in front of me at home, but up there, Folger's Crystals do me just fine.

I always take the aero press. Doesn't weigh too much and makes a great cup.

quote DontPanic: "I'm not sure if this belongs here or on the camp recipes thread but is instant coffee a better way to go then a press? I was planning on bringing an aeropress but thought finding an instant coffee I like might be easier. "

There was a long recent thread on this in the Gear forum, I recommend searching for it as there are a lot of different methods and opinions as to which is best.

As for me, I use a GSI collapsible pour-over cone with #4 filters and a bag of freshly ground coffee. Faster, smaller, and easier cleanup than a press, for coffee of similar quality. For me the cleanup is the big issue - presses are messy even at home, never mind while camping.

quote TominMpls: " Faster, smaller, and easier cleanup than a press, for coffee of similar quality. For me the cleanup is the big issue - presses are messy even at home, never mind while camping."

Unlike a French press clean up for the Aeropress (especially if you use a reusable mesh filter) is simple- probably easier and less fuss than a drip cone. Main drawback of the aeropress is that it is really only good for one person.

Instant.

Do you like your coffee plain black or with cream/sugar?

Like Mr Barley says, Starbucks Via . Unlike other instants, its actually micro ground coffee that dissolves in hot water. The weight savings and convenience are well worth the $$.

As you can see, everyone has a solution that fits his preferences and priorities. I opt for the quick and simple packets. YMMV

Starbucks Via for best taste in instants.
Bueno Dia is good tasting instant too and more affordable. (transfer out of glass jar)

quote boonie: "As you can see, everyone has a solution that fits his preferences and priorities. I opt for the quick and simple packets. YMMV"

I figured I'd get different answers but I'll be trying most of these before I head up there. Pick what works best for us. Thanks

quote BasecampMom: "Do you like your coffee plain black or with cream/sugar?"

Both but the rest of the group prefers cream and sugar.

I take this along with a bag of freshly roasted, and ground for french press coffee.
Just as good as french press, but very light weight and easy to clean. Just pour water and coffee into the nalgene, give it a shake, and serve.

GSI coffee thingy

And yes, I know we could put the grounds inside the filter, but we like strong coffee and could prepare 1.5L at a time and get it to brew faster by just dumping everything in the bottle.

Video in action

I have a Jetboil mini-mo that I use pretty much for coffee only. I just use Folgers French Vanilla coffee. My friend uses one of those percolator coffee pots that he throws over the fire. That seems like it takes too much space though. The Jetboil with the press can also be used as a camp stove with certain attachments instead of the cup. I've only used instant coffee once and I think it was some cheapo off brand because I did not like it at all.