The electric coil changed my life on the Camino!

[peregrina2000]

My Camino packing list has been basically unchanged for the last decade. But this year, after reading the words of wisdom of iconic posters like sil, mspath, and anniesantiago, I decided to buy an immersible electric coil (plus plug adaptor) and a tin cup to bring on the Camino. I also brought a plastic baggie filled with instant coffee and in Spain bought a tube of condensed milk. I don't take sugar in my coffee usually, but I can't drink black coffee, so the condensed milk was the more palatable alternative. Altogether it probably weighed 500-800 g, so this was a considerable addition to the pack. But I had had too many coffee-free mornings on the Camino Vadiniense, Invierno, etc, and was looking for a solution.

I can't tell you how many times I thanked Sil, mspath and Annie for the tip. If you're in an albergue with a kitchen, you won't need it, but the caminos I've walked lately don't have a whole lot of those. Of the 44 days of my last camino, the Levante from Valencia, I'll bet I used it more than 35 mornings. I will never walk again without it, thank you thank you thank you!

 

[gerardcarey]

You got it! I consider it an essential. I am considering adding a small lightweight thermos flask for a tea or coffee an hour or so down the road in the morning. (I carry water bottles in my pants pockets so weight is not really an issue)

 

[peregrina2000]

Well, if weight is not an issue, consider what my French friends Raymond and Etienne brought with them. They had a jet boil, http://www.jetboil.com/, and routinely made coffee out in the middle of nowhere. They had instant coffee and always carried a half liter of water just for that purpose. The only problem was finding gas canisters. They bought two in Valencia, two in Toledo, both at Decathlon. But they were running low by the time we hit the Sanabres.

Actually, the thermos flask is a good idea, since once the coffee is done you can just use it as a water bottle, no?

 

[gerardcarey]

They had a jet boil, http

Got One! And while I have considered taking it the coil has served me just fine so far. But you are correct the jetboil is ideal for picnic lunches and where food and hot drinks are not so available.

 

[mspath]

I, too, carry an electric coil which when needed is VERY useful!

For example last November at 7 am in El Acebo it was lonely and VERY COLD while waiting for the safety of dawn to continue walking. No other pilgrims had shared the Meson albergue. The day before after a good and copious mountain meal in the bar/restaurant downstairs I had taken a welcome hot shower. The water pressure seemed okay but plunked in the middle of the loo floor a large full water bucket with dipper was a surprise. Was this a new decoration in the Japanese bath-house style? I should have known.

By 7 am there was no running, only dipped, water available in the dorm. Thus a very welcome HOT early morning tea was boiled with the invaluable electric coil (the only 'luxury' in my kit); that single cup tasted especially splendid waiting in the cold for the sunrise!

Margaret Meredith

 

[Yvonne]

Like Margaret, I also stayed in Acebo but in the Pension "La Trucha".
The owner had forewarned me the previous evening that the water is turned off overnight in the village until 7am. As I was planning to leave earlier, I filled my tin cup with water when I went to bed and using my electric coil, brewed a much welcomed cup of peppermint tea before I left.
When I made my way downstairs to leave, I discovered that the thoughtful host had left a candle burning on the dining room table, alongside a picnic breakfast complete with a small flask of hot coffee. I left the coffee but gratefully packed the picnic to enjoy later at Molinaseca.
I would often brew my predawn tea quietly in a hallway or bathroom in albergues without kitchens.
It would set me up until I found the first bar or café open 5 to 10 kms later.
The extra weight was negligible compared to the enjoyment it provided.

 

[Kitsambler]

But the JetBoil is heavy at 400g! What about one of the small alcohol burners, like the Esbit (90g) or similar Trangia? I understand that it is easy in Europe to find the denatured alcohol they burn.

 

[Annie Little]

hahahahah I thought you were talking about a mosquitoe "coil"

A

 

[WayWalker63]

I live in the U.S.,where would I get one suitable for the voltage in Spain?

I don't drink coffee so it would be nice to brew a cup of tea in the mornings to get me going or even the evening if it is chilly. I normally drink iced tea at home but while in Ireland for 3 weeks last fall I found that hot tea was an acceptable substitute.

Also, would it be easy to find packets of soup mix in Spain or is this something I should bring with me?

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi waywalker. I got my coil at magellans.com and it has both 110 and 220. It also came with a plug adaptor. I suggest bringing a few adapters because they're very cheap and you will inevitably pull out the plug one morning and leave the adaptor in the socket!

Soup in packets is very easy to find in stores in Spain. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[WayWalker63]

Thanks Laurie!
I will check Magellan's out. I forget about them as a resource for travel products.

I'd already planned on bringing a couple adapters. I brought 2 to Ireland with me last year but was only using one. I gave the extra to a gal at one of the B&Bs I stay at because hers wasn't working. The next night the one I had died. I was lucky the owner of the B&B I was staying in that day had a whole box of them other people had left behind.

Good to know about the soup packets. Even soup would be a quick hot breakfast some mornings or a dinner if it is too nasty or I'm too tired to go back out.

 

[Ria Mattheus]

The electric coil is the best thing EVA on the Camino!!! We used our coil last year merely every morning for that first morning coffee before we star walking!!! For the pleasure of it, you can carry it!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Glad you are happy!

Actually, Sil can take the credit. I never even thought about it until I saw her packing list. Great little item, and those tubes of sweetened condensed milk make an awesome 'con leche!'

 

[gerardcarey]

The only problem I found was to get GOOD soup mix. Some pretty watery stuff about. Bit of trial and error required. The COLA CAO chocolate is pretty good.
But MOST IMPORTANTLY I used my coil to cook boiled eggs. I had a big cup which held 2 eggs with sufficient water. I'd buy a six pack of eggs. Pop a couple of cooked ones in the top of my pack, one for a brekky snack, and one maybe with my picnic lunch.
I often cooked a few extra as you will find that the offer of a boiled egg will often make you some new friends!

Regds
Gerard

 

[Anniesantiago]

Wow! I never would have thought of boiling eggs with the coil. Thanks!

 

[Loretta Jane]

I got my dual voltage coil at the automobile club and also the two prong endplugs.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

I, too, carry an electric coil which when needed is VERY useful!

For example last November at 7 am in El Acebo it was lonely and VERY COLD while waiting for the safety of dawn to continue walking. No other pilgrims had shared the Meson albergue. The day before after a good and copious mountain meal in the bar/restaurant downstairs I had taken a welcome hot shower. The water pressure seemed okay but plunked in the middle of the loo floor a large full water bucket with dipper was a surprise. Was this a new decoration in the Japanese bath-house style? I should have known.

By 7 am there was no running, only dipped, water available in the dorm. Thus a very welcome HOT early morning tea was boiled with the invaluable electric coil (the only 'luxury' in my kit); that single cup tasted especially splendid waiting in the cold for the sunrise!

Margaret Meredith

I have now also joined the electric coil club.
I wonder what mug you use?
Does it have to be a tin mug? On your pic, it looks like you use a plastic mug?
I wonder as I don't have a tin mug and a plastic one is much lighter.

 

[mspath]

Susanna,

It is indeed a plastic mug! If you do purchase a metal mug be sure that the lip is treated so as to not burn your lips.

Happy hot drinks!

MM

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Thank you!
I wonder (stupid question maybe),
When you use it in a plastic mug, can you just put it in the mug, or to you have to hold the heater while its cooking?
So it doesn't burn the mug in the bottom?
I dare not try it yet as I worry I will burn down the house.

 

[mspath]

I have used this mug for years and never had a problem; no need to hold the coil. However, the mug plastic is dishwasher-safe. The boiling process is tricky 1. fill the cup with water, 2. set the coil into the cup, 3. plug into socket, 4. water boils, 5. remove plug from socket, and 6. finally remove coil from cup. If you remove the coil from the cup before removing the plug from the socket, the coil 'dies' and can not be used again. Hence this is my second coil !!

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Thank you, that's very good to know!
Actually I was wondering why there was no on and off button on it.
I think I shall ask someone to install/put one on the cord.

 

[peregrina2000]

Susanna, welcome to the club. Margaret already gave you the club members' first secret -- Coil always in the water when the plug goes in or comes out.

I used a metal cup, which meant waiting a while for things to cool down, but I plan to get one with the plastic lip piece Margaret mentions. And good to know it can be plastic, that's an option. You can also spend $50 and buy a titanium cup with plastic lip, but that seemed a bit excessive to me -- but it would be the lightest option if you're worried about weight.

I think you'll be glad you have it on the Salvador!

buen camino, Laurie

 

[jmcorrigan]

After reading the advice of others on the forum, I bought an immersion coil and a lightweight metal cup. In a moment of inspiration, however, I decided to take a .35l/12fl.oz. French Press. I've been using it to make coffee and tea at home for a few days and I think I will enjoy my morning coffee much more this way than using instant coffee. The press is a glass beaker with a sparse plastic housing, including handle (and the metal filter/piston). It's not too heavy, perhaps 100 gr. and I can store my coffee and tea inside it. It's a bit of decadence, but I'll be much less cranky in the morning

 

[MendiWalker]

Great idea!! lightweight & practical. The Camino wouldn´t be the same without a cuppa.
Buen Camino!!
P.S. - Have noted......gotta get one myself

 

[peregrina2000]

I am certainly not one to try to stand in between a peregrin@ and his/her coffee, but I would be very leery about bringing a glass container in my backpack. I am also kind of surprised that the whole thing weighs 100 grams, because I think an average glass container with 12 oz capacity weighs about 150-200 g alone. But anyway, your post reminded me that years ago someone gave me a "travel french press coffee mug." It is made by Bodum and has no glass. I thought at the time that it was a rather useless item, but hmmmmm........

This is the one I have: http://www.koboscoffee.com/product/...travel-press?gclid=CK3lsNSpoLkCFa1FMgod-ncAHQ

But there are lots of others, for example : http://www.starbucksstore.com/acryl...atargetid=320012090000000019&cadevice={device}#

 

[Susannafromsweden]

This one looks quite nice, too....:
http://www.rei.com/product/708069/snow-peak-titanium-french-press-3-cup

Titanium mug and press, weighs only 200 grams!
Lots of money though.

 

[jmcorrigan]

Mmmmmmmm $56 for that one. I paid 20€ for mine, so about 1/2 that price at current exchange rates. I agree about the glass in general and only hope that the combination of plastic outer holder and internal storage of coffee and tea, plus adequate packing, will help keep it safe.

 

[jmcorrigan]

I am also kind of surprised that the whole thing weighs 100 grams, because I think an average glass container with 12 oz capacity weighs about 150-200 g alone.

I was estimating the weight. I searched on the Internet for its actual weight and only could find it listed on Amazon.co.uk. There it was 372g. But with the packaging it was only 299g.! So I figure I'm not far off if I estimate it as 100g. filled. But, seriously, you're probably closer to the truth Peregrina2000.

 

[WayWalker63]

But with the presses don't you have to have a way to heat the water and isn't that the point of taking the immersion coil? So in reality you'd have to take both or stand in line for the stove and pot (if there is a pot) to heat the coffee water. I don't drink coffee but will bring an immersion coil for a cup of tea in the mornings or the odd cup of soup when I need a quick snack.

 

[jmcorrigan]

But with the presses don't you have to have a way to heat the water and isn't that the point of taking the immersion coil? So in reality you'd have to take both or stand in line for the stove and pot (if there is a pot) to heat the coffee water. I don't drink coffee but will bring an immersion coil for a cup of tea in the mornings or the odd cup of soup when I need a quick snack.

I will be bringing both. The coil can be used for more than just coffee and tea. The press is just for those two. I actually like tisane rather than tea, so I'll be bringing a mix of leaves and spices which the press works great for. And coffee in thd morning

 

[Larazet]

I didn't take my coil last time, but now am thinking.... Coil, coffee press, metal and plastic cup..... Instant porridge! At least the saccharin is light.
Oh dear, 10% of body weight!...

 

[Kathy F.]

I slept in as much as possible in the albergues (0600? a decadent 0615??) Once up, I needed to get walking as soon as possible. Therefore, I chose not to take a coil. I usually walked to the next cafe/bar and joined the pilgrims sipping morning cafe con leche and a croissant. Ah, bliss! It's a cheap habit I now enjoy even today. Hmmm. Time to go out and find a bakery . . .
Kathy

 

[peregrina2000]

For people walking the Camino Frances, there is no need for a coil to ensure your morning coffee fix, because there are tons of cafes. I would do what Kathy says rather than lug the stuff around. But if you're on any of the less traveled Caminos, you will find that it's a godsend because you are often many kms away from a cafe when you start out, or if there's one in town, it may not open till late. As we walked though the small town of Asturianos on the Sanabres this summer, the village folk told us there were three cafes in town. But one was closed for its day of weekly rest, one was in the municipal polideportivo and not open till evening, and the other was run by a "vago" (lazy bum) who opened his whenever he got around to it, but you could never tell when that would be. Fortunately, I had made myself some coffee with my coil before starting to walk several hours earlier, but if I had been looking for my first coffee, I would have been in the midst of a big caffeine headache! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[LTfit]

I can second Laurie's experience along the Sanabrés. I was surprised to find that cafes would rarely open before 8 or even 9 a.m. (on the VdlP in Andalucia and Extremadura this was not the case). As I usually start out by 6 it is usually about that time that I like a fix! Although I have never taken a coil, my Camino buddy introduced me to those all-in-one coffee packets with instant coffee, creamer and sugar (also a cappuccino variation). Although I would never think of drinking such a concoction at home, it was a way to jump start the day. When there was no stove or microwave to heat up water we would use hot water from the shower! I know, it doesn't sound appetizing but it works!

 

[peregrina2000]

I've decided I'm going to stick with the basic coil and cup rather than go with the fancier French press. Since I will need to bring the coil anyway, the additional weight of the press isn't outweighed by the pleasure of a first good cup of coffee on my individual coffee meter. But I did search around a bit, and here are some options for anyone who comes down on the side of the French press.

Bodum's plastic french press: .65 lb, about 300 grams. http://www.zappos.com/bodum-travel-...9OzAEvVgwAAMs9:20130829173501:s&zfcTest=fcl:0

Bodum's stainless steel french press: 1.35 lb, about 610 grams. http://www.brookstone.com/bodum-15-...=20101249044&gclid=CKn9psGYo7kCFQ1gMgodakMAAg

I do love a good cup of coffee but those are a lot of extra grams to carry every day! (and jmcorrigan, I think your glass one is likely to be even heavier than the stainless steel one, but I think you should hold on to the illusion that it weighs 100 g! )Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Ok I have now tested my super duper coil, with the new on and off button and a better plug, too.
It works, and it's great!
Doesn't take more than a minute or less, and the water is hot.
I found a light plastic mug (which takes 4 dl) and it went well, it did not melt.
Toghether the coil and the mug is only 188 gram! The same as a large apple.
Will soon test it on the Salvador route.

 

[WayWalker63]

Although I am going to try a cafe con leche at least once, I don't drink coffee. Never really liked it. I do drink tea, usually iced tea but hot will do . So for those of us in the don't drink coffee camp but are firmly in the I need caffeine camp, do you think that bringing a coil and cup would be a good idea? I don't want to add the weight if I'm not going to use it but a nice cup of tea to start the morning would be a lovely thing, especially if it is chilly out. Since I will be walking in October I imagine there will be more than a few chilly mornings or evenings for that matter.

 

[gerardcarey]

Buen Camino Susanna
(Keep a close watch out for us idiots)

 

[peregrina2000]

Karen/waywalker,
I think the main factors on deciding whether it's worth the weight are which camino you are on, what time you will likely be leaving in the morning, and how much you want to have caffeine before setting out. Although many albergues have some sort of kitchen supplies, in my experience many do not.

If you're walking the Camino Frances, there are so many bars and cafes that you can rely on finding something relatively soon after starting out, at least if you're starting out after sunrise. But if you are on a less traveled Camino, the coil is really a godsend. I used it many times this summer on the Camino de Levante and was frequently remarking how glad I was to have it.

I don't know what kind of tea you drink either, but a tea drinking friend found that most bars/cafes had one kind of tea only -- roughly similar to Lipton's in a bag. So if you are more of a "tea snob", you might find that bringing a bag of your own special loose tea is a really good idea.

It is heavy, I admit it, but I'll never get on the Camino again without it!

 

[WayWalker63]

I will be traveling the Frances and don't see myself walking in the dark at that time of year. if it was during the summer maybe. Not a tea snob. I don't usually pick Liptons if I have a choice but wouldn't turn it down either if it were offered. I'll see how much my pack weighs when I get everything together and then decide.
Thanks for the advice, Laurie.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Ok I have now tested my super duper coil, with the new on and off button and a better plug, too.
It works, and it's great!
Doesn't take more than a minute or less, and the water is hot.
I found a light plastic mug (which takes 4 dl) and it went well, it did not melt.
Toghether the coil and the mug is only 188 gram! The same as a large apple.
Will soon test it on the Salvador route.

Picture picture please. Can you take one of your redesign and post it? Thx.

 

[Stellere]

Are cafes along the frances open in March/April, or only during the high season? I'm considering purchasing a coil heater, but won't bother if there are lots of cafes along the way...

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Got the plastic bodum from Starbucks which is small and very lightweight. Will be ordering the coil as my husband is an unbelievable coffee addict and he's doing the Camino somewhat reluctantly as he won't let me go alone Does anyone use a travel type mug with a top on it so as not to spill while walking or do you drink your java in the aubuerge? Thanks for this great thread!

 

[WayWalker63]

Got the plastic bodum from Starbucks which is small and very lightweight. Will be ordering the coil as my husband is an unbelievable coffee addict and he's doing the Camino somewhat reluctantly as he won't let me go alone Does anyone use a travel type mug with a top on it so as not to spill while walking or do you drink your java in the aubuerge? Thanks for this great thread!

I was debating that very question for my tea. I would rather drink it while I was walking but don't know if I want to carry a travel mug all over Spain. Hmm!

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Ok got this coffee mug from REI:

http://www.rei.com/product/794090/sea-to-summit-delta-insulmug

Holds 16oz and weighs 4.4 oz. Have not ordered the coil yet but will try to remember to post here after I do my first trial run. I'd be thrilled if the coil fit inside the thing but I don't have my hopes up too far. I'm thinking coil will go inside the travel bodum and then go into a java stuff sack for happy mornings!

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks for posting this, Irene. Last year was my first year to walk with a coil and I will never go without one again. I didn´t buy a mug, just used an old tin one I found in the closet. But that caused an occasional little burn on my lips, so I was thinking I would look for an improved mug, and you just found it for me! Much more reasonably priced than those titanium cups and not much heavier, it seems.

But explain to me why you need the travel bodum and this cup. Don´t they serve the same purpose?

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Thanks for posting this, Irene. Last year was my first year to walk with a coil and I will never go without one again. I didn´t buy a mug, just used an old tin one I found in the closet. But that caused an occasional little burn on my lips, so I was thinking I would look for an improved mug, and you just found it for me! Much more reasonably priced than those titanium cups and not much heavier, it seems.

But explain to me why you need the travel bodum and this cup. Don´t they serve the same purpose?

Well that's a good question - don't you need to heat the water, then brew the coffee in the bodum? I suppose I should know the answer to that question. I thought that if you use instant coffee then the coil alone with the cup would work, but if you want to brew it you would need the bodum. Actually, I've never used a bodum so my next task is to find out how to do that

 

[peregrina2000]

Oh, right, I forgot, you want to BREW real coffee. I think the bodum is easiest for that, because you can then use the plunger and not worry about the grounds. I'm willing to just drink instant, so I don't need a bodum. I think the bodum is just like a regular glass French press, no?

Irene, you will be the envy of all the coffee fanatics on the Camino! Laurie

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Oh, right, I forgot, you want to BREW real coffee. I think the bodum is easiest for that, because you can then use the plunger and not worry about the grounds. I'm willing to just drink instant, so I don't need a bodum. I think the bodum is just like a regular glass French press, no?

Irene, you will be the envy of all the coffee fanatics on the Camino! Laurie

LOL Thank you! Yes my husband is really going on this Camino quite RELUCTANTLY and starting out the day with GOOD COFFEE is probably the only thing that's "helping him along" He loves coffee, oh that is an understatement...so I am trying very hard to plan ahead. If there was a very excellent instant I would go with that but I doubt he would even try it. If the coffee isn't brewed he won't drink it, if the wine has a screw top he won't drink it, if the restaurant looks bad from the outside he won't get out of the car... Great man, just very picky so I plan to appease him.

Oh here's a link to how to use a bodum - scroll to the bottom. You do need to pour boiling water into it, then allow to steep/brew then pour into the cup.

http://coffeegeek.com/guides/presspot

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You may be pressed for time in the morning, so your best bet will be the nearest bar for breakfast and coffee. Some albergues have coffee vending machines. The coffee is not terrible, but it won't satisfy a true coffee addict. Almost all Spanish coffee is made in espresso machines, so brewed coffee is somewhat rare. It will taste quite watery if you are accustomed to the real Spanish coffee. Instant coffee? Just boil up some cardboard...

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Almost all Spanish coffee is made in espresso machines, so brewed coffee is somewhat rare. It will taste quite watery if you are accustomed to the real Spanish coffee. Instant coffee? Just boil up some cardboard...

LOL! We drink very strong coffee and also are espresso drinkers, I'd have to say at least at home - the coffee is almost as strong as the espresso, sometimes I even add a shot of espresso to my coffee I have never had an instant thats good but I can't say I've tried in a LONG time.

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Ok I have an update - I must admit to having used the wrong verbage so here is my correction: The correct term is press rather than bodum - I was thinking the term for a coffee press WAS bodum but in fact Bodum is the brand of the press I purchased from Starbucks. Here is the link to the one I purchased: http://www.starbucksstore.com/acryl...=Sbuxcom-_-ShopMega-_-coffeepress-_-Evergreen

Here is a video on its use:

 

[Saint Mike II]

Thank you!
I wonder (stupid question maybe),
.

Hola Susanna - first rule of the Camino- "there are no stupid questions" - how are you going to get information required if you don't ask?? Buen Camino

 

[lynnejohn]

Now you've got me thinking... I'll have to check this out, even though I was not drawn to the idea at first.
Although the coffee vending machines are pretty good. The espresso is nice and strong, and where we can find a machine, two espressos or cortados get us on our way!

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Lynne,
For you on the Vdlp, I think there are some spots where having a coil will mean the difference between a morning coffee and no morning coffee. Though all the bars in Andalucia and southern Extremadura seem to be open very early, further up that was not the case. On the Sanabres this year, I was glad to have my coil in a number of places.

 

[lynnejohn]

Hi Laurie -
Yes, thanks for that reminder... in the past, there were some awfully grim mornings on the VDLP.
I'm going to review this information again and then go on a hunt for the items that you and others have posted!

 

[Lydia Gillen]

I bought my coil as a present for my mother whilst in Rome in 1975. She used it every morning for more than 19 years, until the day she died so I then inherited it.

I have used it on the Camino . Once in 2011 when the weather was awful Betty and I bought baby hotwater bottles. and we could fill them with hot water at night. Oh! the comfort of a little hot water bottle on the small of my back on a cold night!!!

 

[Pattii]

For those of us who drink coffee in the am it can be hard to not have an alternative if there is none around. I am bringing a little stove so I will forgo the coil...but I agree... My morning is" get up...put coffee on...bathroom...drink coffee...think". I think I would have a hard time walking for a couple hours without coffee in me.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Ok I have an update - I must admit to having used the wrong verbage so here is my correction: The correct term is press rather than bodum - I was thinking the term for a coffee press WAS bodum but in fact Bodum is the brand of the press I purchased from Starbucks. Here is the link to the one I purchased: http://www.starbucksstore.com/acryl...=Sbuxcom-_-ShopMega-_-coffeepress-_-Evergreen

Here is a video on its use:

Ive never seen one of these before. I like it!! How much for the monkey at the end of the video?

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Ok got this coffee mug from REI:

http://www.rei.com/product/794090/sea-to-summit-delta-insulmug

Holds 16oz and weighs 4.4 oz. Have not ordered the coil yet but will try to remember to post here after I do my first trial run. I'd be thrilled if the coil fit inside the thing but I don't have my hopes up too far. I'm thinking coil will go inside the travel bodum and then go into a java stuff sack for happy mornings!

Nice Mug!! Interested to hear your report of using a coil with it. Thx!!!

 

[peregrina2000]

I know margaret has said she uses a plastic cup with her coil, but I'm just checking to make sure that there's no problem with letting the coil sit on the plastic while it's heating the water. Having a melted plastic cup wouldn't be fun or tasty.

And just to repeat the mantra of the coil -- always plug and unplug while the coil is in water or your coil will self-destruct!

 

[mspath]

As I wrote in an earlier post "I have used this mug for years and never had a problem; no need to hold the coil. However, the mug plastic is dishwasher-safe. The boiling process is tricky 1. fill the cup with water, 2. set the coil into the cup, 3. plug into socket, 4. water boils, 5. remove plug from socket, and 6. finally remove coil from cup. If you remove the coil from the cup before removing the plug from the socket, the coil 'dies' and can not be used again. Hence this is my second coil !!"

Margaret Meredith

 

[Irène Elisabet]

As I wrote in an earlier post "I have used this mug for years and never had a problem; no need to hold the coil. However, the mug plastic is dishwasher-safe. Margaret Meredith

The packaging on the REI coffee mug I posted earlier states it is dishwasher safe. I checked that specifically due to your previous recommendation Margaret! I have not yet purchased the coil - I'm trying to spread expenses out as much as possible and just completed all our clothing purchases, rain jackets, etc. Next on my list is the coil, then my husbands boots I will post on how this works once I've tested it. If the coil melts the plastic, I plan to purchase a plastic one like Margaret's at a thrift shop!

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Dear club members,
I'm now also looking for a new mug. The one I got worked well, but unfortunately it did not survive the flight back home.
It's now broken . It was made of dishwasher safe plastic and very light, and quite old.
Ok, I have now found a new mug I intend to buy. Here it is:
http://www.edelrid.de/en/Edelrid/Sports/Multibowl-nocolor.html?listtype=search&searchparam=Bowl

It takes 6 dl , weighs only 50 gram, is dishwasher safe, unbreakable and cost only 40 sek (that's 3 euro something).
Will get back to you as soon as possible with a report about this very important subject.

 

[MendiWalker]

Dear club members,
I'm now also looking for a new mug. The one I got worked well, but unfortunately it did not survive the flight back home.
It's now broken . It was made of dishwasher safe plastic and very light, and quite old.
Ok, I have now found a new mug I intend to buy. Here it is:
http://www.edelrid.de/en/Edelrid/Sports/Multibowl-nocolor.html?listtype=search&searchparam=Bowl

It takes 6 dl , weighs only 50 gram, is dishwasher safe, unbreakable and cost only 40 sek (that's 3 euro something).
Will get back to you as soon as possible with a report about this very important subject.

This one weighs less http://www.decathlon.es/vaso-plegable-x-cup-id_8209220.html

Buen Camino!

 

[mspath]

This one weighs less http://www.decathlon.es/vaso-plegable-x-cup-id_8209220.html

Buen Camino!

Watch out this Decathlon cup has no handle and may be hot to hold.

MM

 

[MendiWalker]

Watch out this Decathlon cup has no handle and may be hot to hold.

MM

But it´s collapsable

Buen Camino!

 

[Susannafromsweden]

But it´s collapsable

Buen Camino!

It takes only 250 ml. Please note, the mug which is on the way to my mailbox right now, takes 600 ml.
That's a real mug.

 

[peregrina2000]

This has got to be one of the Camino's most exclusive clubs, and I am proud to be one of the founding members. I too am looking for a cup to replace the tin one I took this year. I think these are the relevant features that distinguish what's available:

weight
collapsible or not
handle or not
what's the material -- if plastic, can it stand the coil? (margaret says yes if it's dishwasher safe); titanium seems ridiculously expensive though light

So far, I think I like the sea to summit mug that irene posted: http://www.rei.com/product/794090/sea-to-summit-delta-insulmug

Do the pros see any downside to that one? (some of the reviews say it drips when the top is on, but I would toss the top anyway and save a few more grams). It holds 473 ml (16 oz) so would be big enough to make soup in or boil an egg. I also like that it doesn't have a handle, which makes it easier to pack. It weighs 4.4 oz, 124 grams, so it's twice as heavy as the one Susanna posts.

Who knows how long we can keep this thread going?! Laurie

p.s. Susanna have you made the transition back to the real world without too much psychological stress?

 

[Espero]

Like many here, I too like my coffee in the morning. I recently purchased a new 450ml titanium mug on E-bay for $23 US, including shipping. Weight is 2.2 oz. I'm sitting here giving it a test run (my morning coffee) even as I write. The cup has a stay cool rim, which seems to work. Now for the coil. I'm looking for the lightest, most reliable and efficient. Any recommendations?

 

[mspath]

Laurie your REI possibility looks great! The dishwasher safe plastic number in my photo posted above is marked 'made in Australia'. It was bought years ago down under as part of a picnic set for 4; hence I have 3 others and matching plates (not used on the camino). Anyone want these? Joking aside the cup has been great; long may it last.

Margaret Meredith

 

[Deleted member 3000]

My espresso machine changed my life. I'll be happy to share with anyone in the albergue who helps me carry it.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

This has got to be one of the Camino's most exclusive clubs, and I am proud to be one of the founding members. I too am looking for a cup to replace the tin one I took this year. I think these are the relevant features that distinguish what's available:

weight
collapsible or not
handle or not
what's the material -- if plastic, can it stand the coil? (margaret says yes if it's dishwasher safe); titanium seems ridiculously expensive though light

So far, I think I like the sea to summit mug that irene posted: http://www.rei.com/product/794090/sea-to-summit-delta-insulmug

Do the pros see any downside to that one? (some of the reviews say it drips when the top is on, but I would toss the top anyway and save a few more grams). It holds 473 ml (16 oz) so would be big enough to make soup in or boil an egg. I also like that it doesn't have a handle, which makes it easier to pack. It weighs 4.4 oz, 124 grams, so it's twice as heavy as the one Susanna posts.

Who knows how long we can keep this thread going?! Laurie

p.s. Susanna have you made the transition back to the real world without too much psychological stress?

Am sure the Australian mug (sea to summit) is great, and the size is right, but to me it looks like a baby mug. Something one drinks warm milk from. Or välling, as we say here. Whats that in english? Gruel?
No collapsible mug for me, thanks. Would be dreadful if the mug just collapsed under the boiling process. Water everywhere and goodbye to the coil. Sounds depressing.

I'm back in a very autumnal Sweden, and got a flu. I'm trying to cheer myself up by shopping mugs.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

My espresso machine changed my life. I'll be happy to share with anyone in the albergue who helps me carry it.
View attachment 6352

Now that's a fancy coffee brewer, but am afraid it can't compete with the electric coil. With these we can also cook tea, soup and eggs.

 

[lynnejohn]

Count me as a member of the club, Laurie! I'm shopping and so far, have found these three.. dual voltage is a good feature. They have mixed reviews but I sense that many reviewers have plugged in the coil while it's not immersed and so they say it's broken after only a few uses.

Any recommendations on these or other coils are very welcome!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AXS0UE/?tag=casaivar02-20

http://www.magellans.com/dual-voltage-heating-coil-22320

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000VK0DRY/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

Thanks!!

 

[peregrina2000]

I got the one from magellans, and based on the comments, I was expecting it to be slow to heat the water, but it was very fast. It's definitely the cheapest, and it comes with an adapter. My problem with adapters is that I inevitably leave them plugged into the wall when I pull out my plug (be it phone, camera battery or coil), so someone on another thread gave me the very good advice to attach them with electrical tape. Either way, I'll be carrying three adapters (this year, I carried three and came home with one), it's just that with them taped, I'm more likely to return home with three.

I'd say I'm a happy magellans customer! Laurie

 

[peregrina2000]

Am sure the Australian mug (sea to summit) is great, and the size is right, but to me it looks like a baby mug.....
I'm back in a very autumnal Sweden, and got a flu. I'm trying to cheer myself up by shopping mugs.

so sorry to hear you have the flu, Susanna. I will have to ask you to explain yourself, though -- what is baby-ish about this sea to summit mug? Am I going to be the laughing stock of the albergue if I pull it out of my pack? And is gruel the same as oatmeal?

 

[Susannafromsweden]

so sorry to hear you have the flu, Susanna. I will have to ask you to explain yourself, though -- what is baby-ish about this sea to summit mug? Am I going to be the laughing stock of the albergue if I pull it out of my pack? And is gruel the same as oatmeal?

Don't worry. I'm sure the mug is ok. It's cute. It makes me think of these kind of mugs:
http://www.babyjoy.se/723-ore-mugg-med-handtag-och-lock-pirat.html

Välling is about the same as oatmeal but more watery so easy to drink for babies.

 

[pudgypilgrim]

Laurie, I think gruel in this case is what we'd call pablum.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Laurie, I think gruel in this case is what we'd call pablum.

I had to google that.

(Now we are only waiting for Falcon to pop in here and say that as we are only drinking instant coffee, we might just as well use pablum mugs. )

Ok back to topic I've found out that looking at baby mugs was a brilliant idea, as there are lots of nice mugs made of melamine which are dishwasher safe and look fun. A bit heavy though.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Maybe Instant Postum for pablum cups?

Melamine, a chemical found in bowls, plates and other tableware may leach into our food and make its way into our bodies, potentially raising risks for health problems.

That's what a new study of soup-eaters suggests. Taiwanese researchers enlisted a group of 12 healthy men and women who ate noodle soup in either a bowl made of ceramic or one made of melamine. They found measurable levels of the chemical additive in the urine of those eating out of the melamine bowl.

"The amount of melamine released into food and beverages from melamine tableware varies by brand, so the results of this study of one brand may not be generalized to other brands," wrote the study's authors, led by Dr. Chia-Fang Wu, a researcher at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan. "Although the clinical significance of what levels of urinary melamine concentration has not yet been established, the consequences of long-term melamine exposure still should be of concern," they concluded.

The study was published Jan. 21 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Melamine is a flame-retardant chemical used to make adhesives, industrial coatings and certain types of plates, cooking utensils and other plastic products. The chemical made headlines in 2008 when some China manufacturers of infant formula added melamine to watered-down milk to trick tests measuring protein. Some 300,000 babies became sick after consuming the tainted formula and milk, and six died.

The chemical has also been linked to kidney and bladder stones (urolithiasis), kidney failure and even cancer in animal studies, according to the World Health Organization, but research on human exposure is lacking.

Study participants were randomly assigned to eat soup out of either a melamine bowl or ceramic bowl, then after a three-week period, were asked to switch. Their urine samples were collected about 12 hours after eating. The researchers found on overage, people who ate out of melamine bowls had 8.35 micrograms of the chemical in their urine, compared to 1.31 micrograms of the chemical found after eating from a ceramic bowl.

Dr. Kenneth Spaeth, director of the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., tells CBSNews.com that melamine may leach out of tableware if the food is especially acidic, tableware is damaged and if the products are used when serving or reheating hot foods.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

...I knew it.

Ok I'm not sure one can put the coil in melamine mugs. I looked at the Rosti mepal website (I got lots of kitchen stuff from them) and they say not more than 70 c in melamine products. That's funny as there are lots of coffee mugs to buy everywhere made of melamine.

 

[WayWalker63]

I think I'm leaning towards the Sea-to-Summit Delta Insulating mug that Irene suggested above. I like that it has a lid but kind of wish it also had a handle. The collapsible ones look small and with my klutzy nature like a accident waiting to happen.
Amazon also sells these as well as REI.

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Ok I just recieved my coils in the mail, here is a link to it from Travel Smith, bought two at $15 each:

http://www.travelsmith.com/dual-voltage-beverage-heater/570001

I have the mugs from Sea to Summit (BPA free, dishwasher safe), two at $16.95 each:

http://www.rei.com/product/794090/sea-to-summit-delta-insulmug

Bought ONLY ONE travel Bodum coffee press for $19.95 plus shipping:
http://www.starbucksstore.com/acryl...d.html?&srule=Featured&start=0&sz=20&q=travel bodum&navid=search

All this plus we'll have to carry coffee, and how do you folks handle cream?

Yes now I have all the pieces but sadly I find I'm too hung over this morning from my run in with Johnny Walker Red last night to try them out. Perhaps if I feel up to it later. I'm specifically concerned about how the mug will do with the heated coil. I'll post the results as soon as I can.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Irene,
You get the prize for the high end coffee coil equipment. Ah, but the cream. I buy "condensed milk in a tube." It is readily available everywhere in Spain and it doesn't need refrigeration, but the problem is that it is sweet. I don't like sugar in my coffee, but it's the lesser of two evils - I either have to drink it black or sweetened with milk.

As far as the coffee goes, I fill a baggie with a decent brand instant coffee and bring it to Spain with me. I stuff it into the mug. Then buy a refill somewhere along the way, but since I only have a cup a day from the coil, it lasts pretty long. Instant coffee is also available everywhere in Spain but you may find that Nescafe is your only choice.

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Ah, but the cream. I buy "condensed milk in a tube." It is readily available everywhere in Spain and it doesn't need refrigeration, but the problem is that it is sweet. I don't like sugar in my coffee, but it's the lesser of two evils - I either have to drink it black or sweetened with milk.

Instead of condensed milk is there evaporated milk available? There you get the creamy without the sweetie that would be perfect.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

I'm boiling, too.

First I tested the big mug which I bought this week:
https://www.addnature.com/product.aspx?pf_id=EDELRID_MULTIBOWL06L
That went well. It's a bit too big, almost (6dl). But good for a large cup of tea or perfect for soup, and eggs, I imagine.
(Will try that later)

After that I tested a mug I already got at home:
https://www.addnature.com/product.aspx?pf_id=ADDNATUREKASA
That went well, too. It weighs 53 grams and takes 4 dl when full to the brim. And cost almost nothing, as you can see.

 

[Irène Elisabet]

I'm boiling, too.

First I tested the big mug which I bought this week:
https://www.addnature.com/product.aspx?pf_id=EDELRID_MULTIBOWL06L
That went well. It's a bit too big, almost (6dl). But good for a large cup of tea or perfect for soup, and eggs, I imagine.
(Will try that later)

After that I tested a mug I already got at home:
https://www.addnature.com/product.aspx?pf_id=ADDNATUREKASA
That went well, too. It weighs 53 grams and takes 4 dl when full to the brim. And cost almost nothing, as you can see.

Jag kan inte prata eller forsta svenka, men jag kan fragor min lila flicka, hun bor i norge 1 ar.

Sorry for the bad spelling and doligt svenka

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Vad trevligt!

Man kan nog köpa kåsor i Norge också, om man vill.

(I said that one can probably buy these kinds of mugs in Norway, too)

 

[Caplen]

.

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Caplan I like your mug better, has a handle and its CHEAPER (sigh) I'll get yours if mine melts. I'm feeling a bit better, maybe I'll drag it all out and give a try.

 

[LTfit]

hmmm, I just may join the coil crowd. As mentioned above I bought Nescafe instant packets this past summer (no mess) - plain, cappuccino flavor or all-in-one packets with creamer and sugar. They were available in little towns along the Sanabrés so I would assume they would be even easier to find along the Francés. The quality is what you would expect from Nescafe but I have yet to find beter instant coffee in Spain or here in The Netherlands.

 

[Irène Elisabet]

Ok, my hangover was sufficiently past so....heated the water in the sea to summit mug, this took about 3 min to come to piping hot. Two heaping scoops of kona coffee in the travel press, poured piping hot water in, let steep about 3 min, pressed. Poured coffee into travel mug (can be drank right out of press also) added cream and VERY TASTY - turned out perfect, better than expected.

About the sea to summit mug: I see on the website there are many complaints about leaking around the cover when mug is full of hot liquid- I am not having that problem. No funky taste of plastic either. There was no damage to the mug with the heating coil - so it all went well.

One thing I'm just now noticing is the coil from Travelsmith does NOT come with an adaptor :/ so now I have to purchase one. It does however come with a heat shield which can be left on the coil while its heating, that way you can lay it on a countertop when hot and not cause damage.

Looks like the system will work. My husband will be a little less miserable

 

[peregrina2000]

Instead of condensed milk is there evaporated milk available? There you get the creamy without the sweetie that would be perfect.

Hi Irene, I have never seen anything other than " leche condensada". Maybe others have though. And btw, I think the lack of a handle is a benefit because it's easier to pack.

 

[Caplen]

.

 

[peregrina2000]

That's the nice thing about the GSI one I linked - the handle is webbing, so collapses.

Thanks, Caplen, that sealed the deal for me. They are only $10 at Campmor. Laurie

 

[Caplen]

.

 

[WayWalker63]

I use a GSI mug that is similar to the Sea to Summit Delta Insulating Mug. It's fantastic - been using it for a couple of years.
Mine is an older version of this one http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___82582 --- it has an insulating sleeve, web handle, sipping lid, is BPA free, holds 17 fl oz, only weighs 3.5 oz ...... and at http://www.campmor.com/ , it is only $9.99

The best instant coffee I've found so far is Starbucks Via (We like the Columbian medium roast).
It's also very easy to pack, in little individual sleeves, in a baggie inside the lidded mug.
Even my Columbian partner (total coffee snob, of course) grudgingly admits it is "drinkable" when we take it camping.
I think he is going to be very happy with an electric coil - looking forward to trying it out. Was unsure he would be able to wait to get the first bar in the mornings!

I was just looking at this one on Amazon earlier today. I even asked if it were dishwasher safe since I think it would need to be at least that to hold up to the coil. I need mine for tea and the occasional soup or hot chocolate, since I don't drink coffee. But I have taken a vow to try cafe con leche at least once while on Camino.
I have used the Via packets though. I use coffee instead of water in my brownies to bump up the chocolate flavor. I like the via since I don't have to open a jar of instant coffee that I'm going to use only for brownies, since no one in my house is a coffee drinker. Unless the kids come home and they are coffee snobs that wouldn't be caught dead drinking instant. I'm the same with tea so I can't say much.

 

[vicrev]

I carry an enamel mug & store my gas burner inside it ,all snug & virtually unbreakable,the weight difference between plastic & enamel is negligable , seems to taste better too.......................Vicrev

 

[Susannafromsweden]

I carry an enamel mug & store my gas burner inside it ,all snug & virtually unbreakable,the weight difference between plastic & enamel is negligable , seems to taste better too.......................Vicrev

That sounds nice. I've looked at enamel mugs too, and saw one which was 115 gram which is not that horrible.
I wonder if you use the mug to boil the water, too? Or do you bring an extra pot?