My Golden Rule Is Never Travel Under Caffeinated—This Is the Coffee Gear I Always Pack (2024)

A fun part of my job as a commerce editor is testing kitchen products. One of my favorite parts about that part of my job is testing the best coffee gear. I make coffee every morning either to sip at my desk or to-go while I’m walking my dog, and I’ve gone through dozens of coffee makers, grinders, espresso machines, and milk frothers. I love coffee so much that I like to make it even when I travel, especially after being stuck at an Airbnb without a proper coffee setup one too many times. And don’t even get me started on the horrors of the broken hotel room Keurig.

So, no matter where I go, I bring a few simple coffee tools that are durable enough to get banged around in the back of the car but lightweight enough to pack without adding too much bulk. If I’m headed upstate to go camping or hitting the beach for a long weekend, these are the three travel-ready coffee tools I always take with me.

The 3 Travel Coffee Tools I Always Pack

• Fellow Carter Move Travel Mug, $30
• Barista Warrior French Press, $35
• MiiR Airtight Coffee Canister, $35

Fellow Carter Move Travel Mug

I don’t travel without my Fellow Carter Move Mug, whether I make a quick trip into the office or hit the road for a weekend getaway. Unlike many other coffee thermoses, it fits perfectly in a cup holder. It also feels nice in my hands; the twist-off lid makes a satisfying tactile clank. Its stainless steel construction makes it durable enough to toss in my bag for a hike or a subway commute, and the vacuum seal means it won’t spill my precious coffee everywhere. It’s also designed with a removable splash guard that has proven to be especially useful when I’m in a hurry.

It’s my favorite travel coffee mug thanks to its durability, practical design, and temperature control, and it’s also versatile for iced and hot coffee (or a to-go spring co*cktail in the park). Also unlike other coffee thermoses, the Fellow Carter Move Mug has a ceramic interior that doesn’t impart any chemical aftertaste, so when I’m blissfully sipping my coffee in the woods, I’m not distracted by any metallic taste.

Barista Warrior Stainless Steel French Press

A French press is my go-to small coffee maker. I like the flavor, strength customization, and control I get with a manual press. I’ve tested dozens of French presses and broken at least two glass Chambord models, but the Barista Warrior Stainless Steel French Press has gone with me on multiple camping trips and Airbnb stays for over three years. It’s a great portable coffee maker for travel since it only requires beans and hot water from an electric kettle (or even better: from a pot over a crackling fire).

Unlike glass models, this double-wall insulated stainless steel press doesn’t get hot to the touch but keeps my coffee piping hot. It has a handy built-in thermometer that makes it easy to brew coffee at the correct temperature too. This is hands-down the most durable French press I’ve ever used (as I said, I’ve broken several), but it’s lightweight enough to pack.

MiiR Airtight Coffee Canister

I buy my coffee beans whole and grind them to a medium coarseness to use in my French press. If I’m headed out of town for a long weekend, I’ll grind my beans beforehand and pack enough grounds for a few days in an airtight coffee canister to throw in my bag. This MiiR Canister is designed with double-wall vacuum insulation to protect contents and maintain freshness, and it works exceptionally well for transporting coffee beans.

I use this coffee canister for other snacks while I’m hiking. I’ve also used it to store my dog’s kibble or treats on our hikes, too. I’ve tried other fancier vacuum-sealed canisters that have been tricky to seal and release, but I recommend this simple lever-style model with a twist top for transporting smaller amounts of coffee beans, trail mix, or snacks.

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