Industry Expert Review: VSSL’s Approach to Outdoor Coffee Brewing
In the ever-evolving world of coffee culture, enthusiasts are constantly seeking ways to enhance their brewing experiences, especially when venturing outdoors. Amidst this quest for the perfect cup, VSSL is emerging as a pioneering brand, seamlessly blending innovation with functionality to cater to the needs of coffee aficionados on-the-go.
Expert review of the Nest Pour Over Kit and Java G25 Coffee Grinder, by Harry Mcsween.
Reviewer Scorecard
Summary: Best camp coffee set up for quality coffee.
Pros: Great coffee, supremely durable, quality in everything.
Cons: Expensive, too heavy for anything other than car camping or basecamp.
Rate the following categories: (out of 5 stars, 1 being awful, 5 being perfect)
Quality: 5
Features: 5
Durability: 5
Eco-Friendly: 5
Let me paint a picture for you. You’re camping with friends, maybe climbing, maybe just car camping; feel free to use your imagination here. You’re only 2 days into your trip and you are already regretting letting your friend Dave be in charge of the coffee (Dangit, Dave!). Dave is a good guy, but his cowboy coffee is like motor oil filtered through old cigarettes. Dave is doing his best to make you never want to drink coffee again.
Maybe you haven’t all been in this exact situation, but I guarantee you’ve been in one like it (Stinkin’ Dave!). If you had a dollar for every bad cup of coffee you have had in the backcountry you might even have enough cash to buy a setup like this one from VSSL to make yourself a good cup of coffee. I’ve spent many mornings and evenings with this VSSL Java G25 Grinder and Nest Pour Over Kit, and I am happy to report that backcountry coffee no longer tastes like backcountry coffee.
Quality
This coffee making setup is beautiful! Opening it up looks like you are getting a premium bottle of scotch or some futuristic, black Apple product. From unboxing all the way to finishing your last drop of coffee – this is a quality experience. The way VSSL designed this really is genius. It looks beautiful, it is built like a tank, and it makes a really good cup of coffee.
Features
The Nest Pour Over Kit looks like a futuristic black thermos, but it is two insulated mugs, two lids, a double-walled pour over dripper with a reusable metal filter, and a storage compartment for the Java G25 Coffee Grinder. All the features and functions of this kit have been well thought through. Other camp coffee offerings are bulky, plastic, or just make bad coffee. The kit from VSSL has everything you need to make quality pour over and does it all in a functional, durable package.
Durability
I love that VSSL has made a family of products that can make a good cup of coffee in your kitchen; then it can be thrown in the bed of a truck, driven down a gravel road, or thrown in a pack, to make the same delicious bean water miles from the nearest Starbucks. Everything about this kit is built to last; it may not look like your grandpa’s Stanley thermos, but it will probably last just as long.
Function/Performance
The Java G25 Grinder is a beast. I have used a lot of different hand grinders, and this is far and away the best. It is extremely precise, tough, and consistent. The only less than ideal thing about this grinder is its capacity. You can only grind enough for one cup o’ joe at a time. But then again, making pour overs isn’t a very speedy process.
The Nest Pour Over Kit really makes good coffee; it really is that simple. I love good coffee, but I have always been content to sacrifice good coffee for the sake of adventure. Using this kit from VSSL has made me change my mind.
“The Nest Pour Over Kit really makes good coffee; it really is that simple.”
Icing on the Cake
I love that VSSL has made a family of products that can make a good cup of coffee in your kitchen; then it can be thrown in the bed of a truck, driven down a gravel road, or thrown in a pack, to make the same delicious bean water miles from the nearest Starbucks. Everything about this kit is built to last; it may not look like your grandpa’s Stanley thermos, but it will probably last just as long.
It’s Not for Everyone
Has VSSL built the perfect backcountry coffee setup? Maybe, but not everyone needs that. Here’s a short list of caveats to keep you all from rushing to VSSL’s website right away.
1. It’s expensive. The bundled kit is $225. You can buy the pieces separately, but either way, it ain’t cheap. [Nest Pour Over Kit $75, Java G25 Grinder $160]
2. It takes time. It took me 4 or 5 cups of coffee to adjust my grinder to where I was happy with the result. Also, pour overs just take time. [From default, VSSL suggests 11-18 clicked depending on taste profile preference]
3. It’s heavy. I would take this on any car camping trip or anytime I would setup a basecamp, but this would be a burden I wouldn’t want to bear while backpacking. [1038 g or 2.28lbs]
4. Cleaning out the metal filter takes a good bit of water, so depending on the type of trip you are going on, this could make or break the deal. [Suggested method for cleaning is to flip it upside down then rinse the filter, the alternative is to use compostable paper filters]
If coffee is a priority for you while camping or traveling then this would be a great set for you, and your friend Dave would hate it. Also, I don’t live in a van down by the river, but I would think this would be the perfect setup for anyone living that #vanlife. I will continue to regularly make coffee with it in my home, on more camping trips, and many a climbing trip. But there will also be times I choose to leave it at home, either because it is too heavy or too time consuming.
All-in-all the VSSL Java G25 Grinder and Nest Pour Over Kit bundle are hands down the best camp coffee setup I have ever used.
Harry is a father of 3 knee-high, ankle biters and the husband of 1 beautiful lady. He is currently mastering the zen art of balancing family, work, and making himself intentionally uncomfortable. He’s also an AMGA SPI, W-EMT, LNT Master Educator, and lover of people and places.
VSSL's strategic approach to soliciting feedback serves as a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation. By engaging with outdoor enthusiasts and coffee lovers at every stage of the product development process, we try to cultivate a loyal following of individuals who share our passion for adventure and great coffee. So please don’t hold back, give us your feedback, we heed your advice!
As we continue to push the boundaries of outdoor coffee brewing, one thing is certain: the journey to the perfect cup is just beginning.
