Brewing Tala Outside
I love cowboy coffee. There’s something rugged and romantic about scooping the grounds into boiling water, swirling it around, drinking it straight and a little gritty. I remember seeing my dad making it when I was a kid and I thought it was the coolest thing. But if you’re tired of filtering your coffee with your teeth, or you’re looking to level up from instant coffee, there’s an inexpensive, light, and portable way to bring your favorite Tala coffee with you on your next camping trip. The AeroPress!
I wasn’t able to make it out to camp last weekend so I ended up lighting a fire in the yard and pulling out all my coffee camping gear. My Stanley, my backpacking stove, a bag of Tala Ruca, a jar of instant coffee and the AeroPress. Just going through the motions of making coffee outside, even if I wasn’t on a trail or tucked into a tent, scratched that itch a bit. There’s something about brewing outdoors that shifts my mindset. It just feels a bit slower and more deliberate.
I’ve used the AeroPress a few times, but every cup so far has turned out solid. It’s consistent, it’s easy to clean, and it doesn’t take up much space, which is something you start to care about once you’ve tried fitting a full kitchen into a hiking pack. If you’re planning a trip up to Starved Rock or the Indiana Dunes, it’s a super easy way to get your Tala fix first thing in the morning without sacrificing flavor. Not a lot of fuss, just a solid cup that’s a step above instant coffee and less grounds-in-your-teeth than the cowboy stuff.
It was fun putting everything together in the backyard. It took maybe ten minutes total, start to sip. If you’re car camping or even just hanging at a cabin for the weekend, the AeroPress is a simple addition to your gear that delivers some serious bang for its buck. Sure, it doesn’t taste quite like your morning pour-over at home, but what it does offer is a full-bodied cup that feels intentional and well earned.
(If you’re looking for tips on brewing with the Aeropress, we’ve got you covered here!)
Mike Michalak
Meet Michael, a suburban native with a passion for storytelling, art, and the outdoors. You’ll find him at the Winnetka café, often connecting with customers or sharing his love for music. When he’s not behind the bar, Michael enjoys hiking, backpacking, and biking—or relaxing with his favorite vinyl and a warm Miel.