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GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip Review

An innovative collapsible design that is compact and easy to use, though it doesn't produce the best flavor
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GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip Review (GSI Collapsible Java Drip)
GSI Collapsible Java Drip
Credit: GSI
Price:  $15 List
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Manufacturer:   GSI Outdoors
By Mary Witlacil ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 21, 2021
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 15
  • Taste - 40% 6.0
  • Ease of Use - 25% 5.0
  • Group Cooking - 15% 7.0
  • Portability - 10% 8.0
  • Weight - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip has many camping-specific features such as a broad base to fit over pots or wide-mouthed mugs, and a collapsible design to facilitate packing into tighter spaces. Despite its packability, it's still heavier than some other brewers, weighing 4.76 ounces. If carrying a few extra ounces won't affect your kit, this is a great option. There's a convenient storage cover for clean packing that also doubles as a trivet for the brewer, so it doesn't get dirty while you get caffeinated. Well-conceived features like this can make all the difference when you're deep in the woods.
REASONS TO BUY
Portable and packable
Wide base fits on most camping mugs
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't give the best flavor
Twice as heavy as other pour-over brewers

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best Buy Award
A Great Deal for Backpacking
  
Price $15.00 List
$14.95 at Backcountry
$10.00 List
$11.95 at Amazon
$13.00 List
$10.27 at Amazon
Check Price at Amazon$11.00 List
$10.95 at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
62
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67
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Innovative and compact, this dripper is great for small spaces and larger groupsGreat taste, easy to use, and lightweight - we love this plastic iteration of the classic glass and ceramic versionsDurable, light, and compact, this is a fantastic option for backpacking trips or any kind of light travelIf you're on a budget but love pour over coffee, this is a fantastic optionIf you are counting every gram in your bag, this is a great ultralight option - just be sure to pour carefully
Rating Categories GSI Outdoors Collap... Hario V60 Plastic D... Primula Coffee Brew... Melitta 1-Cup Pour-... GSI Outdoors Ultral...
Taste (40%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Ease of Use (25%)
5.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Group Cooking (15%)
7.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
Portability (10%)
8.0
5.0
9.0
5.0
9.0
Weight (10%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
Specs GSI Outdoors Collap... Hario V60 Plastic D... Primula Coffee Brew... Melitta 1-Cup Pour-... GSI Outdoors Ultral...
Measured Weight 4.76 oz Dripper alone: 2.95 oz
Dripper + scoop: 3.37 oz
1.1 oz 2.01 oz 1.1 oz
Brew Type Pour Over Pour Over Pour Over Pour Over Pour Over
Main Material Silicone Hard plastic Nylon filter Hard plastic Nylon filter
Filter Needed Yes Yes No Yes No
Notable Features Collapsible for easy storage and portability Cone shape, large hole, ribs along side Rests on any mug Can see cup without lifting dripper Collapsible to fit under fuel canister

Our Analysis and Test Results

The GSI Collapsible Java Drip is a camp-ready brewing device — packable, lightweight, and durable, this pour-over brewer will keep you caffeinated with ease in the backcountry.

Performance Comparison


gsi outdoors collapsible java drip - our lead reviewer patiently waiting for the water to boil to make...
Our lead reviewer patiently waiting for the water to boil to make coffee with the Collapsible Java Drip.
Credit: Scott Sinor

Brew Features


The Collapsible Java Drip is a standard pour-over coffee brewer. It uses a #4 coffee filter, though a #2 filter works as well, and can brew anywhere from 1-12 cups of coffee at a time. Be fair-warned, pushing the limits of this mighty dripper's brewing capacity will sacrifice some of the flavor. While a basket style-filter works the best, none of the filters tested were the ideal fit for this brewer. In spite of this, the flexibility of brewing ranges does give this device a higher capacity than many of the other coffee makers in our review, which is an advantage for group camping.

gsi outdoors collapsible java drip - we used melitta #2 filters with the collapsible java drip, but found...
We used Melitta #2 filters with the Collapsible Java Drip, but found them to be a little on the small side.
Credit: Scott Sinor

Taste


The taste from the Collapsible Java Drip is not as balanced, rich, or pure as from other pour-over brewers in our review. This is likely due to its bowl-like shape, which allows pooling at the edges and, ultimately, over-extraction. Or it could be because the hot coffee comes in contact with soft silicone as it brews. A faint scent can be detected from the silicone when it is under hot water and while brewing, which is pretty unappetizing. However, it still makes good coffee in the outdoors, so you don't have to deal with the horror of abstaining from coffee while in the woods.

gsi outdoors collapsible java drip - the java drip produces a decent cup of joe with minimal effort or...
The Java Drip produces a decent cup of joe with minimal effort or clean-up!
Credit: Scott Sinor

Ease of Use


The Java Drip is as simple as any pour-over coffee maker. It involves inserting a filter, adding coffee, and pouring in water. We also love that it has a wide base, which allows you to brew sturdily atop a more diverse assortment of pots and cups. The silicone material is a breeze to clean, and the collapsible design means getting packed up and back on the trail is a cinch.

gsi outdoors collapsible java drip - aside from finessing your pour-over technique, the java drip is...
Aside from finessing your pour-over technique, the Java Drip is fairly easy to use and clean-up, making it a great brewer for backpacking and camping.
Credit: Scott Sinor

Group Cooking


You may be thinking that the Jave Drip does not look like a great option for larger groups, but it can make up to 12 cups at a time by loading up the cone with more grounds. This doesn't always provide the best flavor, so you may prefer to do fewer cups at a time and repeat. But if you're in a hurry or filters are scarce, go ahead and pile on the grounds.

gsi outdoors collapsible java drip - the java drip has a larger capacity than other pour-over brewers in...
The Java Drip has a larger capacity than other pour-over brewers in our review, making it a bit more ideal for group cooking.
Credit: Scott Sinor

Portability


Though the Java Drip doesn't provide the most sophisticated flavor of other brewers we reviewed, it is an incredibly portable option with some well-conceived features that are ideal for camping or backpacking. The silicone cone collapses down into a disc that is not quite an inch thick and just 5 inches across. This can slide into a backpack and cram into a small space much easier than a rigid pour-over cone, and it is much more durable than some of the ultralight options on the market.


Weight


While the Java Drip is one of the most portable and packable of any we reviewed, it isn't the lightest. Even though it packs small, it still weighs 4.76 ounces, which lands right in the middle of the pack. While sub-5 ounces isn't much, it weighs enough to dissuade an ultralight backpacker or through-hiker. You could shave some grams by leaving behind the lid, but you will still need to make sure you have sufficient filters for your trip.

gsi outdoors collapsible java drip - the collapsed java drip takes up hardly any space at all!
The collapsed Java Drip takes up hardly any space at all!
Credit: Scott Sinor

Value


This dripper is very affordable, especially when you consider its capacity. You can brew a little or a lot with this silicone device, just keep in mind that you'll also need to purchase filters in addition to the brewer.

Conclusion


We love the ease of use, packability, and capacity of the GSI Collapsible Java Drip. The small profile means it's great for the space-minded adventurer, and the number of cups it's able to brew at once makes it great for group outings. It can be collapsed and tossed into your camp box along with your headlamp, camp stove, and tent stakes, and will be ready to use whenever you head out for the weekend.

gsi outdoors collapsible java drip - the java drip is a decent option for a compact and fairly...
The Java Drip is a decent option for a compact and fairly light-weight pour-over brewer for backpacking and car-camping.
Credit: Scott Sinor

Mary Witlacil