I have recently acquired my new favorite Coffee Cup.  Now, I have heard it said that the cup you drink your coffee out of makes all the difference in the world.  I could not agree more.  I am a coffee guy.  Two cups a day is sometimes not enough.  Finding the right cup and getting that perfect cup to keep it the right temperature, feels great in the hand, and can withstand thousands of miles of off-road outdoor travel has been a challenge. I have been through percolators, pour overs, French press and all kinds of coffee makers in order to make my life easier in the outdoors as all I want to do when I get out of the tent is to quickly make coffee, sit down and ease into my day.

Up until about 2 months ago, I thought I had it all figured out.  I had a pretty good cup from Amazon and was using a pour over.  The only problem I had was standing there and letting the coffee filter down through the pour over before I was able to cover the cup with the lid.  In colder temps, the coffee would cool off quite a bit before I was able to seal it off.  I have now found the solution!

LINK – BRUtrek Steel Toe 3.0

The Brutrek Steel Toe 3.0 has changed my outdoor coffee experience forever.  All I need now is a fast way to heat water and boom, its done. 

I will take what Planetary Design has put on their website and comment on whether or not I agree or not and then give my favorite things about this mug/cup.

The Steel Toe 3.0 has everything you need (and nothing you don’t) to brew your perfect cup of coffee wherever and whenever. This is our most bang for your buck; what you see is what you get the product, a no-nonsense product. The Steel Toe is our smallest French press and makes a kick-ass cup of coffee.

It is very simple.  It is built like a tank.  Insulated well.  My black coffee (no creamer added) has kept temperature for more than an hour. 

These travel French presses are designed to last, constructed of ultra-durable, double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel and outfitted with a spill-proof locking lid. The Steel Toe 3.0 brews a great cup of hot coffee, tea, or overnight cold brew and also can serve as a happy hour beer stein. The perfect outdoor brewing partner. Brews 20 fl. oz.

The top is designed where it screws on, so when you have all the holes plugged, you can turn it upside down with no leaks.  All you need is hot water and coffee grounds.  It’s perfect.  I just heat water on the stove and put a small amount of grounds in and boom…done.

Positives

• Spill proof
• So easy to use
• Fast
• Easy Cleanup
• Bomb proof
• Keeps coffee warm/hot (perfect temp)
• Easy to put stickers on

Negatives

• Will no fit in a regular sized car cup holder.
• Big in your hand unless you have whopper hands
• The French press kinda hits you in the nose when you drink (especially if you put too many grounds in the cup)

Directions

If you have coffee that is already ground, it will be fine.  If you have whole beans, set them to the largest setting which will be pour over/French press.  Take 1 tablespoon and put in your Steel Toe Mug.  Heat water on stove or Carafe until it is just before boiling.  Pour water inside til approximately 1 in below top.  Stir coffee.  Screw lid on with plunger up.  Let sit and Steep for 3-4 minutes.  Press down the plunger slowly.  Drink. 

Conclusion

I have searched for many years to try and find the best way to brew coffee when camping/Overlanding.  The French press surpasses all others for many different reasons.  Percolators waste too much propane or cooking fuel.  Pour overs lose heat while you are waiting for the coffee to filter.  American coffee makers are too large and bulky to even think about carrying.  This wins.  It is easy to make.  Easy to clean up and you are able to drink whatever coffee you like fast.  All you need is hot water.  That’s it.