The Problem

For those who haven’t “backpack” hunted before, imagine this scenario:

You must carry everything you need to be completely self sufficient (and relatively comfortable) for 5-7 days in remote wilderness. That’s all your hunting gear (including rifle or bow), sleeping kit, food, safety equipment, clothing, water and maybe even some photography gear.

You jam all of that into a pack and you start walking.

There are very few luxuries on a trip like this because every gram feels like an extra kilo when you’re hiking into the backcountry. You’re charging up and down mountains, crossing rivers and pushing through thick undergrowth. Your feet are blistered, your knees ache and your lungs burn with every step.

But you finally get to camp - enthusiastic and exhausted - you set up your tent and sort your gear. You start to wonder why you didn’t cut your toothbrush in half or whether a second pair of undies was really worth the weight on the hike in. Maybe you contemplate throwing some things into the fire so you don’t need to haul it back out.

You feel the impact of every gram.

Meanwhile, your mate gets out a bag of coffee beans, a hand grinder and a coffee plunger.

“You can’t be serious?” you’ll say.

And yet, your closet-hipster camp mate is deadly serious. 24km hike-in be damned, we’re not subjecting ourselves to drinking instant coffee (or “brown and water” as he calls it). You’ll likely give him hell for a while, teasing him about carrying half a kilo of “unnecessary” equipment and coffee beans. Until he makes a brew.

Bloody hell, that smells good. “Want some?” your backcountry-barista will ask - to which you naturally reply, “Righto, may as well then!”.

That first sip though - oh yeah, that changes things. That steaming mug of glorious go-go juice hits the spot. Smooth, flavoursome, no grinds in the mug… now you get it.

The simple things make a world of difference when your body is exhausted, you stink to high heaven and you’ve been battling the elements.

Building a pre-dawn fire, having a quality brew and planning your approach for the day with your camp mates is an experience in itself. It’s about your tribe, it's about slowing down and it’s about savouring the moment.

But despite all of that - we’re still not keen on carrying coffee making equipment in the field… so we pioneered a better way to brew in the bush.

Cue the Pre-Loaded Drip Filter.

The Innovation

The inspiration for our Pre-Loaded Drip Filters came from an actual experience very similar to the above story.

There was clearly an opportunity to improve how coffee was brewed when exploring the outdoors. Instant coffee and steeping bags simply don’t cut it for some people…. so we introduced the single-serve drip filter brewing method into the hunting market across Australia and New Zealand.

We’d originally discovered the drip filter system in Japan where it was invented (presumably inspired by origami techniques and the distinctly small kitchens in most apartments). The Japanese are brilliant innovators and craftsmen.

With drip filter brewing, there's an increased clarity and complexity in the cup that no other brewing method can reproduce. It highlights the true flavours of the beans and provides a uniquely delicious experience.

And being able to brew a cafe-quality coffee just about anywhere you're adventuring is a game changer.

How to Brew

Brewing a cafe-quality coffee anywhere your adventures take you is simple. 

1. Remove the Pre-Loaded Drip Filter from it's packet

2. Rip the top off the filter at the "open here" line

3. Extend the hanging arms on the side of the drip filter

4. Use the hanging arms to secure the drip filter to your mug

5. (Optional) Pour enough hot (not boiling) water to soak the beans without dripping through. Wait 30 seconds. This is called the "bloom" and helps the coffee release some less-than-tasty gases so they don't go into your cup.

6. Pour your hot water over the coffee, filling to the top of the filter (don't allow it to spill over).

7. Allow the water to drain through and then repeat the process 3-4 times.

8. Remove the filter from the cup (steeping will make a stronger coffee but leaving for too long will make the brew bitter). Dispose of the filter and packaging appropriately - do not leave in the bush.

9. Enjoy your brew!