Quick Take: The VSSL Nest Pour Over is the size of a thermos, but holds everything you need to make a delicious cup of pour-over coffee except for some hot water and coffee. Add the Java G25 Coffee Grinder to the kit, and you officially have a camp coffee set up that would make a veteran barista proud. Just because this combo is compact and built for the outdoors doesn’t mean that you won’t want to use it at home.
“But first, coffee” is an adage that I live by every single day. At home, I use a variety of methods for my morning brew, but on the trail, I try to stick with the gear philosophy of minimalist but adequate, even when it comes to my caffeine fix. I’ve experimented with a variety of French presses, but none of those have really stuck, and I occasionally break out some instant coffee from various brands. Those get the caffeine in the blood system, but they never come close to providing a cup of coffee worth savoring.
When I got my hands on the VSSL Nest Pour Over Coffee Kit, I quickly realized it had earned a place in my camp kitchen box. It’s well designed, durable, packs into a super compact package, and it’s easy to clean. Essentially, it’s everything I’m looking for in my camping coffee gear. What I didn’t initially realize was how much I would use it at home and at the office because it just makes it so easy to have a great cup of coffee.
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
In a package that resembles a large thermos, VSSL managed to pack in two double-walled mugs, a pour-over dripper, a splashproof lid, a reusable steel mesh filter, and a storage section. All of the components easily thread together when the kit is packed away. At first, it seems like a bit of a brain teaser to reassemble everything in the proper order, but after brewing a couple of delicious cups of coffee, anyone can pack the kit away without a second thought.
The 10-ounce mugs are great for finishing before your coffee gets cold, and the pour-over nests, pun obviously intended, into the mugs securely, even on less-than-level surfaces. When it’s time to hit the trail, the travel lid is a great addition. However, the reusable filter is a real stand-out in the kit. I found it works best if you pre-wet before adding your grounds. When brewing coffee, it has great flow without allowing ground into your cup, and even though the stainless steel mesh is incredibly fine, the filter rinses out easily, so you’re ready to brew another cup of Joe.
All you really need for two delicious cups of coffee are the VSSL Nest Pour Over Coffee Kit, some hot water, and, of course, your choice of coffee beans.
READ MORE: 9 Reasons to Camp at Overland Expo West
Back to the grind
Of course, nearly every coffee drinker prefers fresh ground coffee. VSSL has you covered for grinding up your choice of beans with the Java G25 Coffee Grinder. This is the very definition of a great tool in a small package. The G25 fits into the storage compartment of the VSSL Nest Pour Over Kit and makes it simple to add fresh ground coffee to your morning camp routine. The G25 offers an incredible 50 grind settings so you can dial it in to fit your coffee preferences.
When stored, the G25’s handle folds over and screws into place so that it can also be used as a carabiner for attaching it to a bag if you aren’t packing it in the Nest Kit. The grinder knob threads into the catch when stored, and with a magnet, it attaches to the handle when in use. The bean hopper opens with a detent button that’s easy to operate. The 420 stainless steel conical burrs and dual bearings provide incredibly consistent grinds for any grinder, let alone one this small. In short, every aspect of this grinder is next level. Having this in your camp kit is a luxury, and even a serious coffee enthusiast will appreciate the quality and features of this compact powerhouse.
