Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
It’s National Hiking Month and the perfect opportunity to share some great hiking gear with you. Now this one might surprise you, because it’s not the first thing people shout about when they’re planning a hike… but it’s something lots of us take anyway, usually sloshing around in a flask……….Coffee.
If you’re someone who actually enjoys a decent cup rather than just a caffeine fix, then carrying a pre-made flask can be a bit of a gamble. A few hours in and it starts to become a little tired and can taste bitter and isn’t really what you want when you stop for a well earned drink. Lately I’ve switched to taking a small stove so that I can make a fresh brew when I’m out on the fells, it only takes a few minutes and tastes a lot better and while I’m waiting for it to brew I can sit and enjoy the view. I’d usually pack tea bags, mainly because I’ve never been a fan of instant coffee, but discovering Cups Full coffee bags has definitly changed that. They’re very similar to a tea bag, but filled with ground coffee instead.
Once my water has boiled I can pop the coffee bag into my cup and just like tea, leave it to brew for three to four minutes, or a little longer if I want it stronger. I then give it a quick squeeze before taking it out and I’ve got a freshly brewed cup of coffee which can be enjoyed with very little effort. At home I’d always add milk, but when I’m out walking I just drink it black and once I’m finished, the used bag goes into a small plastic bag to take home, ready for the compost heap later.
I hadn’t heard of Cups Full before but they are a small startup company based in Hackney who offer three different types of coffee in individual 9 gram bags. They are proud that they know the journey from bean to cup and support communities all along their supply chain meaning each time you enjoy a cup of coffee from Cups Full you are supporting early education and local economies.
Their coffee bags are sold in bags of 10 and I found a zip seal pouch with three bags fits perfectly into my stove bag and means I can have a couple of drinks whilst walking and save one for when I get back to the car.
Obviously the taste is what really matters and these coffees are quite smooth, not bitter and very easy to drink. At home I tend to use a filter machine or stove-top espresso maker but at work we’re limited to instant(!) so these are a much better option and I’ve been enjoying having a decent cup of coffee at work as well as when I’ve been out walking.
Cups Full make three different blends Pace is a blend of 100% arabica coffee and packs a generous 113mg+ of caffeine per bag, enough to get you moving without fuss or delay. This South American blend with origins in Peru and Honduras is ideal first thing in the morning when you need a caffeine boost to start the day.
Peace has a much lower caffeine level with under 44mgs per 9g bag. Sourced from Brazil and Vietnam it is a coffee for people who enjoy coffee and don’t need the caffeine boost.
Power is the coffee you need when you’re on a long walk to give you a boost. The clue is in the name and with 144mg+ of caffeine per bag this is the one to reach for on night hikes or at work if you’ve not had much sleep the night before.
I have to say that I enjoyed these three coffee blends more than any coffee I have had for a long time and they now have a permanent place in my rucksack (and desk)!
Cups Full coffee bags come in a resealable pouch with 10 bags for £11.95 or you can buy all three as a bundle saving 20%.
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