Adventure Advice Vol. 2 With Zak Shelhamer, Luno CMO

Adventure Advice Vol. 2 With Zak Shelhamer, Luno CMO Description:Welcome to our new series, Adventure Advice. Each month, we’ll highlight a Luno team member, sharing both a snapshot of their story and a few of their favorite camping tips. Expect us to cover everything from their go-to road trip snacks to car camping hacks they learned the hard way. Long story short? If you want to step up your game and camp like a pro, you’re in the right place. Who is Zak?  Zak Shelhamer, our Chief Marketing Officer, has always been a vagabond. As a kid, he bounced from Oregon to Montana, Alabama to Colorado. After high school, he migrated to the mountains of Lake Tahoe, where he snowboarded all winter long and spent a couple of summers living life on the road in the back of his Land Rover before upgrading to a camper van and sailboat. After many dirtbag adventures, Zak kicked off his marketing career at GoPro on the California coast, where he also fed his surfing addiction. When he first started at GoPro in 2010, the camera company was in its infancy, operating in the small town of Half Moon Bay, with only around 20 employees. When Zak left, there were well over 2,000 employees, and he aided in their global brand growth, leading as the creative director on all major product launches. So far in his career, Zak has sculpted many campaigns for events such as the Super Bowl, Tour de France, and the Olympics. These days, Shelhamer lives in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with his wife Whitney and three-year-old daughter Marigold. When he’s not steering Luno marketing initiatives and brand growth, you can find him camped out on an AIR + FOAM PRO Camping Mattress on a surf, climb, snowboard, or fly fishing adventure. Pit Stops: Rapid-Fire Q & A Interview Q: What’s a bucket list road trip for you?  A:  Honestly, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit everywhere that I had on my bucket list. What I’d love to do now is revisit places with my family and share some of the experiences I’ve had with them. I’d like to start at home here in Idaho, go through Montana to Jackson, Wyoming, then down to Southern Utah, to Northern Arizona, then over to the Califonia coast and finally down to Baja. Obviously, there would be lots of climbing, fishing, and surfing along the way! Q: What’s your go-to Luno mattress and why?   A: Definitely the AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress. The R-value is super high, meaning it’s a warm, well-insulated pad that’s crazy comfortable and cozy all year. I winter camp a lot in ski resort parking lots or even backcountry trailheads, so that’s super practical for me. I love the versatility, too–I can use it in the back of my rig, in a tent, you name it. Shoot, we even use it for sleepovers at home. Q: What Luno accessories are you packing on a road trip?  A: The Cargo Hammock is my main squeeze–I always keep it up in my car, even if I’m not camping. My daughter's three now, and she always has stuffed animals that she likes to play with. With the Cargo Hammock, we have quick and easy access to those toys, plus extra jackets, flashlights, and random gear…it’s a great place to store items. It magically creates 8.5 square feet of extra storage space out of thin air, so it’s a game-changer, for sure! I’m also really proud of our new Camping String Lights. They’re so easy to use and versatile, they’ve become my new favorite, especially with these longer nights we have right now during the fall going into winter.  Q: Any other gear you don’t like to camp without? A: My Daylodge bag–I keep all of my camp kitchen and coffee items in it. It’s easy to pull it out of my trunk, hang it on the side of the car, unzip it, and boom–I have an instant countertop and cooking station ready to go.  Q: Favorite road trip snack?  A: Skittles. Don’t tell my dentist. Q: Favorite camping meal? A: Sesame beef tacos. They’re delicious and surprisingly quick and easy. I marinate some beef with soy sauce and sesame oil at home, then whip it up at camp in a skillet with whatever veggies I have. Make a big pot of rice for the crew, top that with a mixture of sour cream and sriracha, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Finally, wrap it all up in a tortilla for fireside enjoyment. I’m getting hungry just talking about it! Q: You’re heading out on a 3-hour drive tomorrow–what are you listening to?  A: Sigur Rós’ new album, ÁTTA, is amazing for road trips. Q: If you could have a car camping superpower, what would it be?  A: I’d magically double the size of my trunk, so my whole family could car camp in the back of my rig. Kinda like Harry Potter and those wizarding tents.  Adventure Advice: Zak’s 5 Tips For Campers Tip #1: Be Mindful Of Your Organization I think the biggest challenge when you first start car camping is figuring out where to put everything. It’s important to be really mindful of your organization. I recommend you bring along storage solutions to sort out your gear, and always be intentional about putting that gear back where it belongs. Otherwise, you're constantly trying to find things, always asking yourself, “Where's my headlamp? Where's my spoon?” Those little things can get lost easily and throw a wrench in your adventure plans for the day. The more organized and tidy you are, the more comfortable camp will be, and you’ll have a better time right out the gate.  Luno makes a ton of awesome accessories for gear storage and organization, from the Cargo Hammock I mentioned earlier to our upcycled Gear Tote and Mesh Gear Duffel, but if you’re just getting into car camping for the first time, it doesn’t need to be anything fancy. Bring whatever you have at home–tubs, milk crates, cardboard boxes–whatever you have access to that can help you stay organized on the road.  Tip #2: Treat Your Trunk Like Your Home–And Keep Wet Gear Outside I like to treat the inside of my vehicle like the inside of my home. If anything is really wet or really dirty, like a damp wetsuit or fly fishing waders, I try to keep it outside until it's dry. If you need to bring wet gear in the car because you’re driving somewhere, make sure it's self-contained in a leak-free tub or something like our ultra-durable Gear Tote. That way, you won’t contaminate your bedding, other gear, clean clothes, or your car seats. As soon as you stop and the weather cooperates, just pull out the wet gear, air it out, and hang it up. That’s honestly a bonus tip within this tip–always take advantage of sunny weather to dry gear or charge electronics via solar!  Tip #3: Sleeping Bags Aren’t The Only Way To Go When a lot of people think of camping, they think you have to camp one way, and that’s sleeping inside of a sleeping bag. That’s usually the move if you’re camping in a tent, sure. But when you’re car camping, you can treat your car camping mattress more like your bed at home. Unless it’s extremely cold and I need a winter sleeping bag, I usually don’t even bring a sleeping bag at all. Instead, you can make your setup a lot more comfortable if you grab a sheet, blanket/comforter from home. That said, I definitely recommend getting a fitted sheet that’s purpose-built for your Luno mattress. They’re hypoallergenic, designed specifically for the curved corners of a car camping mattress, and will stay put no matter how much you move around! Tip #4: Stealth Camp Like A Pro When I was living in my car, I got really good at “stealth camping,” or what I like to call “urban camping.” After all, many of the best surf spots are near urbanized areas. And sometimes on long drives, you don’t need anything fancy, just a safe place to have a quick snooze or rest for the night while you wait for the snow to clear. To me, the most important thing when you’re stealth camping is privacy, and your privacy comes down to a few things: Where you park:  When you’re driving around a neighborhood or a city looking for a spot to park overnight, it’s a bit like a picky dog looking for a place to go to the bathroom. It’s a funny metaphor, but it’s true! You're sniffing over here, looking over there until you feel comfortable and safe. You can use apps like iOverlander to find spots other campers recommend, or just cruise around until something feels right. If I have to park in the neighborhood, I always try not to park in front of somebody's house–you don’t want to take someone's personal parking spot or them to feel weird about the random car out front. Quiet streets are ideal, maybe under a shady tree, or even sometimes parking alongside a quiet business that you know won’t be open until you’re long gone, look for nearby BLM land, Walmarts or truck stops that allow overnight camping (read our guide HERE). But more than any one specific tip, I just like to use my intuition. I never take the first spot I find. I’m always asking myself, “Is this a safe spot to camp?” and I’ll drive around and feel out a few spots before I decide where I’m going to call home for the night. I actually do this at campgrounds, when boondocking, or urban camping. What direction you park: What direction you park can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel camping in your vehicle. I like to angle my vehicle so the trunk is more private. That way, people can walk by and have no clue you’re sleeping inside. The Privacy Curtain: One of my favorite Luno accessories to bring along on a camping trip is the Privacy Curtain. It’s super easy to keep set up during your road trip, and easily blocks nosey neighbors from looking into your vehicle. It gives you a little bit of peace of mind, which quite literally will help you sleep at night. Plus, it blocks the sun, too, so you don’t wake up at the crack of dawn. Which reminds me, bring a sleep mask. Those little eyeshades can help you clock an extra couple of hours of sleep while camping. Tip #5: Bring Wet Wipes  Every car camper knows showering on the road can be difficult, and it can sometimes be days between showers. Especially if I’m not surfing or near a river I can jump in, I always bring a big pack of wet wipes. That way, I can wipe my feet and my face before I get in bed. It’s not as effective as a shower, but it does feel good to get nice and clean, and it makes longer trips a lot more comfortable. Now, there are some dirtbags who will say bringing hygienic wipes is overkill and unnecessary–all power to ‘em. But if you want my advice? Bring wet wipes–and use them. A Little Adventure Advice Goes A Long Way Whether you’re new to the game or you’re a road trip veteran, learning from the pros can be super beneficial. That’s why we started this series–to help you level up and camp like a champ. That said, we hope you enjoyed this month’s edition of Adventure Advice. Maybe you learned a new gear storage hack, got inspired to try a new camping recipe, or simply gained the confidence to embark on that adventure you’ve been dreaming of for years. Regardless, thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more Adventure Advice in the not-so-distant future!

Top 5 Uses For the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress

Top 5 Uses For the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress Description:Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably peeped our new AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress already. But you know what’s ironic? If you actually live under a rock, you should be paying attention to this product launch more than anyone—this new mattress is so comfy, you can sleep on a lumpy stone floor, no problem. All jokes aside, this snooze-boosting mattress launched earlier this year to a chorus of rave reviews from outdoor gear publications and Luno community members alike. Below, we’ll be sharing our five top uses for the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress, which include the following:  🚙Vehicle Camping ⛺Tent Camping 🐦Roof Top Tent Camping 🚛Trailer or RV Camping 🎁And a bonus use or two But first–what’s so special about this new mattress? Like all Luno mattresses, it’s durable, well-designed, easy to use, and purpose-built for camping adventures. However, there are two noteworthy elements that elevate the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress to new heights: our new proprietary AIR+FOAM mattress construction and a versatile new shape. Why Everyone Loves The AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress Our New, Extra-Comfy AIR+FOAM PRO Construction As the name suggests, our AIR+FOAM PRO construction combines the comfort of a foam mattress with the adaptable support and packability of an inflatable one. The construction features a plush, insulative, open-cell foam that’s sandwiched between protective, puncture-resistant fabric. It’s not an air mattress, and it’s not a foam pad, either–instead, it’s a hybrid between the two that’s transportable, customizable, and comfortable. The mattress is self-inflating, too. Just pop open the inflation valve, and air naturally fills the gaps in the foam. For faster or firmer inflation, you can use a Luno pump or the included AirRoll Bag. For a softer, cushier mattress, just let out a little air through the deflation valve. Regardless of your sleep preferences, the foam adds an ultra-comfy, soft yet supportive feel that might just rival your bed at home. Everyone here at Luno considers this the comfiest mattress we’ve ever made, and customers and professional gear reviewers seem to agree. Long story short? If you regularly have trouble sleeping on your adventures, this comfy mattress is perfect for you. Our Most Versatile Mattress Ever  The comfort of the AIR+FOAM PRO is worth writing home about, whether you’re exploring your backyard or on an international camping trip. However, it’s the shape of the mattress–and an innovative, included accessory–that makes this mattress our most versatile mattress yet. That said, the shape of the mattress is pretty standard: it’s a rectangular, one-person mattress. What’s so special about that? Well, Luno originated when our founder wanted to camp more comfortably in the back of his Subaru. Until now, every single Luno mattress has featured unique curvature that helps maximize sleeping real estate in the back of SUVs, hatchbacks, trucks, you name it. However, Luno community members voiced interest in a traditional-shaped mattress that could fit more sleeping spaces, so we listened. But of course, our car camping gear engineers had to put their own spin on it. How so? The AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress comes with our ground-breaking Head Support Bridge Attachment, which ensures this mattress functions in your vehicle in addition to your tent. This nifty accessory snaps to the front seat headrest and hooks to welded loops integrated into the mattress itself. The tension from this “bridge” supports the head of your mattress even if there’s a gap between the front seat and your folded back seat, providing car campers with a comfortable, flat sleeping platform no matter what. OK–now that you’re a bit more schooled on this exciting new mattress, let’s get into our favorite uses. Top 5 Uses For the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress 1. Vehicle Camping Thanks to the aforementioned Head Support Bridge Attachment, the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress works extremely well as a vehicle camping mattress. You can set it up in most hatchbacks and SUVs, just like you would a normal Luno vehicle mattress. The Head Support Bridge Attachment doesn’t just create a comfortable, flat sleeping platform, either–it also frees up space under your mattress for gear storage. That’s a win-win for us! Speaking of storage, the AIR+FOAM PRO comes as a single-camper mattress, making it perfect for solo road trips. You can treat one side of your vehicle as sleeping quarters, and use the other side for storing gear, grub, and other essentials. If your significant other or adventure buddy is coming along, you can set up a second AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress, no problem.  Pro Tip: If you always plan to camp in a vehicle but crave the comfort of our AIR+FOAM construction, check out our AIR+FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress.   2. Tent Camping The AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress is too heavy and bulky for serious backpacking, but it’s perfect for turning a tent into a cozy, comfortable sanctuary of sleep. Whether you’re heading to a buzzing music festival or a remote surf spot, this mattress crushes tent camping. We designed the mattress so one or two can fit into most tents, and the combo of air and plush, supportive foam mitigates bumpy rocks and roots that might otherwise cause you to toss and turn. 3. Rooftop Tent Camping The LUNO AIR+FOAM PRO Camping mattress makes a great replacement mattress for rooftop tents. Rooftop tents come with mattresses, true, but here’s the rub: many of those mattresses aren’t super thick or comfortable. Plus, they can get moldy and mildewy from precipitation and unwanted moisture. The rooftop tent crowd has subsequently embraced our AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress as their go-to replacement. The rectangular shape fits well in most rooftop tent models, and the lofty, four-inch-tall mattress is comfier than many of the thin, foam pads that come stock in rooftop tents. Plus, the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress is easy to deflate, remove, clean, and dry, eliminating the chances of a dank, moldy rooftop tent mattress. Add the sheets, and you’re living large…and high (on your roof, that is). 5. Trailer or RV Camping Just like rooftop tents, trailers or RVs can come with paltry stock mattresses. Another possibility? Those stock mattresses can turn musty with time. Outfitting your trailer or RV with an AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress is a fantastic way to upgrade a decrepit RV mattress or simply retrofit your rig. You can also use an AIR+FOAM PRO Camping mattress as a guest bed for your trailer or RV. When friends or family join you for a stretch on the road, you can make sure they stretch out comfortably on the AIR+FOAM PRO. Bonus Uses While the above uses are the main ways we love to tap the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress, you can deploy this versatile camping essential in a bunch of different ways, among them: Truck Camping: Set up the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress in your truck bed to snooze comfortably under the stars.  Crash Pad: While we can’t legally recommend the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress for death-defying highballs, adding this foam-filled mattress to your cache of crash pads on a bouldering trip isn’t a bad idea.  Slumber Party Savior: If you’re having friends or family visit and don’t have the bed space, no problem. The AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress can handle rocks and roots–it’s extremely overqualified and perfectly comfortable for living room floor slumber parties.  Living Under A Rock: If you decide to donate your worldly positions to charity, take a monastic path, and actually do end up living under a rock, this comfortable mattress is one creature comfort worth holding on to.  ___________ Find The Mattress That’s Right For You As you can tell from this treatise on the versatility and comfort of the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress, we’re big fans of this mattress. And there’s a pretty strong chance that it’s the right mattress for you, if only because it can handle virtually every adventure you throw at it. However, if you’re looking for a more specialized mattress, maybe one that’s purpose-built for your specific vehicle, check out our article “What Luno Mattress Is Best For You.” In that recent blog post, we break down our entire line-up of sleep-enhancing adventure mattresses. But regardless of what mattress you land on, we guarantee that landing will be a comfy one. Thanks for reading, and as always, we’ll see you on the road. –The Luno Crew

Adventure Advice Vol. 1 With Luno Marketing Manager, Landon B.

Adventure Advice Vol. 1 With Luno Marketing Manager, Landon B. Description:Welcome to our new series, Adventure Advice. Each month, we’ll highlight a Luno team member, sharing both a snapshot of their story and a few of their favorite camping tips. Expect us to cover everything from their go-to road trip snacks to car camping hacks they learned the hard way. Long story short? If you want to step up your game and camp like a pro, you’re in the right place. Who Is Landon? There’s no better person to kick off our Adventure Advice series than Landon, Luno’s multi-talented marketing manager. Landon grew up in Reno, Nevada, where he fell in love with the outdoors as a kid on fly fishing, backpacking, and camping trips through the Sierras with his family. While studying industrial engineering at Cal Poly about six years ago, he happened to buy one of Luno’s first mattresses. He brought that mattress on road trips exploring the California coast, always with a camera in tow, and the photos he snapped quickly caught the eye of our team. Since then, Landon: graduated with a master's degree in engineering  joined Luno in 2021, helping out with social media, content creation, and community management relocated to our headquarters in Bend  camped countless nights in the back of his Toyota 4Runner testing and shooting Luno gear, often with mountain bikes and fly rods in tow Over the years, Landon’s been promoted several times, and he’s now our Marketing Manager of Social Media and Content. He handles everything from social strategy and our growing ambassador program to knocking out remote photo and video shoots. And his engineering degree comes in handy during our research and development of new products, too–he has an engineer’s eye and loves to nerd out on gear. Read on for Landon’s go-to Luno gear, guilty pleasure gas station snacks, adventure advice, and more. Pit Stops: Rapid-Fire Q & A Interview Q: What’s a bucket list road trip for you?  A: Road-tripping Alaska from Seward to Deadhorse. You can drive from the southern part of Alaska up to the northern zone on the Dalton Highway–made infamous on Ice Road Truckers–and you end up in the Arctic Circle. It’s really remote and seems like an epic trip. Q: What’s your go-to Luno mattress and why?   A: Definitely the new 4Runner AIR+FOAM Pro. It’s built specifically for the 4Runner, which I love, and the AIR+FOAM Pro construction is incredibly comfortable and cushy. Plus, I camp solo a lot, so being able to unzip half of the mattress and leave that at home is a major benefit. I set up a single side of the mattress in my 4Runner, then organize my gear next to me in the trunk. It makes solo adventure easier and gives me more space for gear–it’s super handy! Q: What Luno accessories are you packing on a road trip?  A: It’s hard to pick–I usually travel with a bunch of them! But for me, the Cargo Hammock is definitely a must-have. It’s really easy to install, super low-profile, and it adds a mind-boggling amount of storage space. I keep my extra layers, fishing net, and headlamp up there so they are up and out of the way. Plus, I always know where my gear is and it’s easy to grab whatever I need it. The transparent media pocket is perfect for stashing your phone, and it’s a treat for watching movies on rainy nights at camp, too! I also always camp with the Car Camping Fan in the summer. Between the white noise and the airflow, it improves my sleep dramatically on warm, muggy nights. Q: Any other gear you don’t like to camp without? A: For sure. Three essentials come to mind. ⚡My Goal Zero Yeti Power Station, because I always have electronics to charge. I like to unplug sometimes, too, but I usually have laptops, cameras, GoPros–all the content creation tools.   👀My Nocs binoculars. I never would have bought them for myself, but I got these binoculars as a gift, and I love using them while sitting at my campsite. They’re perfect for checking out the wildlife or scouting for fishing locations, too! 📷Last but not least, I don't go anywhere without a camera. I shoot on a Nikon Z6ii and Z8 for work, and a Fujifilm x100v for fun. Depending what kind of trip I'm going on, at least one of them is always with me. Q: Favorite road trip snack? A: My guilty pleasure gas station snack has to be Hostess Zingers–vanilla only, not the chocolate ones. And I always keep a bag of Trader Joe’s rice cracker snack mix with me. So good. Q: Favorite camping meal? Mini street tacos. They’re super easy to prep ahead of time. I usually cook the fillings the night before, chop my onions and cilantro and stuff ahead of time, and then just reheat and put them together at the campsite. They’re easy to make for just yourself or for a big group. Q: You’re heading out on a 3-hour drive tomorrow–what are you listening to?  A Lord of the Rings audiobook. Q: If you could have a car camping superpower, what would it be?  Whenever I roll up to the spot with the best view, it's never taken. Adventure Advice: Landon’s 5 Tips For Car Campers Tip #1: Be Ready To Wipe Down Anything And Everything This isn’t a particularly exciting tip, but it’s number one for me–bring extra rags, paper towels, and more so you can wipe down anything and everything. Keeping a clean camp makes daily life much easier on the road, and many clean-up jobs can be tackled with a quick wipe-down. It might be some spilled stir-fry on your camp table, or condensation forming on your vehicle windows. Whatever it is, it pays to be prepared with cleaning rags and wipes. I like to go the extra mile here, and I usually camp with a beach towel, extra toilet paper, hand wipes, paper towels, a small rag, you name it. Some of these essentials won’t ever leave my car or camping kit. Tip # 2: Find A Camp Hobby I highly recommend you learn a hobby or skill that you only do while camping. Any sort of art or craft that you can do at the campsite will work. Maybe it’s whittling or carving wood. Maybe it's watercolor painting or sketching. Maybe it's photography. Whatever it is, you’ll have a form of entertainment when you’re far from the realm of wifi and cell service. It’ll help you stay busy, relax, enjoy rainy days, and you can look forward to progressing on that hobby when you're out there. Tip # 3: Don’t Gamble On Gas We’ve all been there–nervously eyeing the gas light, hazards flashing, fingers crossed, crawling towards a gas station on a wing, a prayer, and fumes… It’s so stressful! Gambling on gas can kill the otherwise epic vibes on any road trip. If you’re ever questioning if you need more gas, my advice is simple: just fill up to be safe. The anxiety and pressure of wondering if you’re going to run out is so not worth it. So fill up when you can, and top off if you’re going on a remote adventure. And if you’re going really deep into the wilderness? A jerry can is always a smart play. Tip #4: Always Put Your Keys In The Exact Same Place Ever lost your keys miles from the nearest paved road? It’s no fun. To avoid this common car camping conundrum, put your car keys in the exact same spot every time you roll up to camp. Simply put, having a designated key stash spot alleviates stress and minimizes the chances of lost keys. Whether it's on your dash, in your cupholder, or in your seatback organizer, just make sure they're always in the same spot. Tip #5: Become A Pro At Google Maps While there are plenty of camping-specific apps available, one of the apps I use the most for trip planning is plain, old Google Maps. Unlike many of those pay-to-play adventure apps, Google Maps is free and accessible to all. I like to use earthview to get a feel for where I’m going–clicking on points of interest, perusing photos, reading reviews, so on and so forth. You can get really good at identifying forest service roads to find free car camping–those are usually demarcated as “FS” followed by a number. You can find dispersed campsites simply by looking for little pull-offs or clearings along those roads on satellite view. You can also use the overlays to determine what zones are public land (and camping friendly) compared to private land. And of course, you can download data for offline use on your phone, which is super crucial on remote trips. Just by dragging and clicking and exploring a zone digitally, you can get a really solid feel for a destination you’ve never been to before. And the more you use Google Maps, the better and faster you get at researching and trip planning. I could go on and on about this tip–maybe we’ll write a full article on Google Maps someday soon! A Little Adventure Advice Goes A Long Way Whether you’re new to the game or you’re a road trip veteran, learning from the pros can be super beneficial. That’s why we started this series–to help you level up and camp like a champ–and we hope you enjoyed this month’s edition of Adventure Advice. Maybe you learned a new gear storage hack, got inspired to try a new camping recipe, or simply gained the confidence to embark on that adventure you’ve been dreaming of for years. Regardless, thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more Adventure Advice in the not-so-distant future!

How to Make Killer Instant Coffee on the Road

How to Make Killer Instant Coffee on the Road Description:Coffee is the life-blood of adventurers and campers the world over. We know first hand that fueling up before a long day in the mountains or on the road and the ritual that comes along with it can be the best part of our day. But, the further you get from home, the harder it can be to find a great, trustworthy cup of Joe. Sure, there’s the occasional local craft coffee spot, which is a gem in an unfamiliar place. And the dreaded Starb- Nope, we can’t even stomach the idea let alone say the name. So it’s time to step up and take the craft coffee game to your campsite. Here’s a few tips to level up your coffee game on your next trip! Buy High Quality Instant Coffee Skimping on the quality of your instant coffee will leave you with an underwhelming cup of coffee. Buying the right grounds can be the difference between winding up with the equivalent of gas station coffee and that craft cuppa we all crave. Luckily we have the perfect recommendation, our Campers Blend Instant Craft Coffee we made in collaboration with Doma Coffee Roasters. This lightweight, travel-friendly coffee brings you the rich and robust flavors of brown sugar, dark chocolate, and caramel in every sip. Enjoy the art of craft coffee without the grind — just stir with 10 oz of hot or cold water and indulge in a delightful coffee experience, anytime, anywhere. Use Filtered Water, and Focus on Temperature Use fresh, filtered water to get the best taste—the type of water you use has a huge effect on how your coffee ends up tasting. Bottled or filtered water is your best bet but anything other than tap water will make a huge difference. Tap water can leave your instant coffee with an acidic or metallic taste that will ruin your morning faster than a hole in your tent. Be sure to pay close attention to your water temperature as well. Using hot water just below boiling point (around 195-205°F or 90-96°C) can save your coffee from tasting burnt or overly bitter. This may seem like overkill but with a little trial and error you can dial in the perfect temp every time. Double Up Adding more coffee will give you a better coffee flavor – makes sense, right? If you find your instant coffee isn’t quite packing the same punch, double up your instant coffee pouch to increase the flavor. This is especially true with cheaper brands of instant coffee. A few extra teaspoons of grounds can bring a lackluster cup of coffee up to the flavorful heights your local barista with a man-bun would be proud of. Mix It Up Break up the monotony of your on the road coffee, experiment with some different coffee styles to keep things fresh. These take a bit more time and effort but can vastly step up your coffee game. Here are some options to try out: Iced Instant CoffeeIn a jar, mix two teaspoons of instant coffee with warm water (and sugar, if that's how you drink it) and give it a good shake until the sugar has dissolved and the mix is frothy. Pour over ice and top with milk. Vietnamese coffeeSweeten up your iced coffee with a teaspoon or two of condensed milk instead of sugar. Greek Frappe CoffeeUsing a jar, shake up 2–3 teaspoons of instant coffee with ¼ of a cup of cold water until it's thick and foamy. Pour over ice then top with cold water. If you want a sweeter version, add some sugar before shaking. Dalgona CoffeeThis Korean coffee hack went viral (no pun intended) during COVID lockdowns. It's made by whipping up equal amounts of instant coffee, sugar and hot water until it forms creamy stiff peaks, then dolloping it over cold or warm milk. What Else Can I Do With Instant Coffee? Instant coffee is more versatile than you might think. For starters you can make a great cup of coffee, obviously. But with a bit of adventurer ingenuity, you can create some seriously tasty treats. Here are some creative uses for instant coffee. Baking IngredientIncorporate instant coffee into your baked goods like cakes, cookies, or brownies to infuse them with a hint of coffee flavor. It can add depth and complexity to your favorite recipes. Coffee SmoothiesBlend instant coffee with frozen fruits, milk or yogurt, and a sweetener of your choice to create a refreshing and energizing coffee smoothie. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite.
 Coffee Dessert ToppingsSprinkle instant coffee granules over desserts like ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate mousse to add a burst of coffee flavor and a visually appealing touch. Cheers to Your Best Camp Coffee Yet We hope these tips help you craft the perfect cup of campfire Joe. We know how personal coffee can be, so let us know how you take your morning cuppa. We’d love to add your coffee tips to the list. After all, it’s coffee first, then everything else. See you on the road!