[RumiDude]

I just discovered this instant coffee, Cusa. It is pretty good and about the same price as Starbucks Via. YMMV Maybe this has been suggested before, but I couldn't find it anywhere. They also have instant tea. Anyway, you can drink it hot or cold, whichever suits your palate. Rumi~the roasted~Dude

[Slugman]

I just ordered their coffee sampler for $0. $3.99 shipping. Free shipping in the future if I actually buy something.

[Anne Elk]

Rumi - I guess it's good to give SBUX some competition. But I got tired of paying those prices for good instant coffee for trail and travel use. On a recent trip I discovered that the Medaglia D'Oro instant espresso coffee was an acceptable substitute for the Starbucks Via and much cheaper. I won't be buying any more Via, for sure. Well, maybe the tasty instant mocha latte.

[jackchinook]

thanks for the recommendation - just ordered my coffee sampler - even if mediocre and/or akin to Via, $3.99 for 7 instant coffees ain't bad.

[RumiDude]

I usually stock up on French Roast Via or Italian Roast Via whenever I find it on sale at Safeway or elsewhere. It usually brings the price down to about $0.50 - $0.70 per cup. depending on the savings. I am not a fan of the Columbian Roast Via at Costco. I tried this Cusa coffee and I think it is as good as Starbucks Via. I drink my coffee blaCK, wich means I can't cover up the off-taste of most instants. I would prefer to fresh brew coffee but that is a big investment in time and energy, both brewing and clean-up. And then there is the added weight and space required for brewing coffee properly and the resulting proper clean-up. So I opt for good tasting instant. Very few meet the minimum taste requirements I have. Via is one of those and this Cusa is another. Others like Alpine Start, though good, are waaaaaay more expensive. I am glad Anne Elk that Medaglia D'Oro is satisfactory for you, It just doesn't work for my taste. Neither does Trader Joes, another instant some swear by. Again, this Cusa is good and it is competative with Atarbucks price wise. I think it is a Colorado company. Rumi <~~~~~french pressed

[Anne Elk]

[cdestroyer]

gourmet back country hikers? coffee from x and the water from z and the triple mocha latte with choco swirl plse! What is wrong with the instant coffee packet from 1958 c-rats pack? If anything waky in the morn fog that shud. oh oh wait! Its the experence of morning dew (quote from full metal jacket) on mountain high.

[oldwild]

I have found that when you visit motels, they often have the in room coffee maker with little pouches of coffee in filter bags. I always take the spare with me and make it on the trail by treating it like tea. Put it in the cup and pour boiling water over it. It's not the best, but it beats instant.

[Anne Elk]

Re the motel/hotel coffee:

[pula58]

hey rumidude, thanks for sharing the coffee info. I just ordered the sample pack!

[pula58]

So far my wife and I have tried the "mocha" Cusa coffee. The flavor was decent, but kind weak for our taste. We bought two of the Cusa sample packs, so we still have a lot of different flavors to try. Out of Starbucks Via's, Voila coffee, Alpine Start and Cusa We think we like Voila the best...but the Voila coffees cost the most by far.

[altersego]

Just started prepping for a spring trip and discovered the instant coffee I bought last summer. Mountain Hagen brand from PCC in Seattle. Comes in the little stick packets like Starbucks Via. Organic and fair trade. I remember it being pretty good last summer along the PCT!

[pula58]

CS coffee is another really good one....

[Snuffy]

[Waterman]

Good coffee is one item that I'm not shaving grams off. #2 melita cone and filter is the way to go. It is a hassle but worth it. Better to save weight elsewhere.