For the first several years of Loam Coffee’s existence, we never had a van or anything like that. Whenever we did events, we’d move stuff around in my SUV, set up tents, etc. But that all changed once Nacho the MTB Van came into my life …
Not only are we outfitting Nacho to serve coffee at events, but it’s also slowly becoming a camper van. I say “camper van” in air quotes because all I did was remove most of the bench seats and string up a hammock for sleeping. But we now have a portable sink, shelving or counters for serving coffee, and other little fun things to make our van usable.
What that also means is every time I head out of town on a road trip with Nacho, I grab a couple of different coffee brew method devices to test out. I have a cabinet full of various brew methods at home. Recently, I made such a trip and brought along with me the Cuppamoka by Wacaco.
Over the years, I’ve accumulated several devices for brewing coffee from Wacaco. In particular, I have the Minipresso, Nanopress, Pipamoka, and the Cuppamoka. Wacaco has also done a couple of reviews of our coffee (Mystery DH and Fire Hydrant). As far as portable devices for brewing coffee, Wacaco makes excellent gear, and we love their brand.
On my road trip, which was simply an overnighter, I was already thinking about coffee long before climbing out of my hammock. I was cold. For all of its awesomeness, Nacho has zero insulation. So when it got down close to freezing, it meant it was the same temperature inside the van. Rolling out of the hammock, I was still inside my mummy sleeping bag.
I was bold enough to stick my arms out since I had to make coffee somehow. I cranked on my camp stove and warmed up my hands over it as I began to prepare for my first cup of coffee. I have a temperature gauge, and at least near where I was brewing coffee, the temperature raised by a degree. It mattered.
I love the Cuppamoka because everything you need is contained in one unit. It’s all inside. When you pop off the lid, the whole pourover unit twists out of the container. You need to add the filter, and you’re ready to brew! Once you’re done pouring and after the coffee drains, you simply unscrew the pourover mechanism. You’re ready to drink your coffee out of the insulated thermos.
The positives of the Cuppamoka are that everything you need is contained inside. You need to supply the coffee, hot water, and a filter. If there is a drawback, and this is merely about personal preference, I usually don’t like drinking coffee out of metal containers. I will then pour the coffee into my glass Keep Cup. Again, that’s what I prefer. I know most people drink coffee out of metal thermoses/cups.
The Cuppamoka is a fantastic way to brew coffee whether at home, road tripping, bikepacking, camping, or more. It’s solid and durable, so toss it in a tote or backpack and bring it with you. You won't regret it.
