Bestargot French Press Camping Titanium Pot Review

Essential Accessories:

• JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder for fresh-ground beans
• Yeti Rambler Mug for keeping coffee hot
• Lightweight camping stove for heating water
• Planetary Design Airscape for storing beans

The Bestargot French Press caught my eye during my search for the perfect backcountry coffee setup. After three months of testing in various conditions, I can confidently break down what makes this press tick.

Key Specs:

• Material: TA1 premium titanium pot, stainless steel filter
• Capacity: 25.3 oz (750ml)
• Weight: 7.7 oz (220g) with filter
• Dimensions: 3.94” diameter x 4.33” height (100mm x 110mm)
• Finish: Natural titanium

Core Features:

• 2-in-1 Design: Beyond brewing coffee, it works brilliantly as a cooking pot
• Ultralight Build: The titanium construction keeps weight minimal
• Rock-Solid Durability: Takes trail abuse in stride
• Smart Details: Foldable handle, compatible with direct heat
• Versatility: Works at camp or at home

What’s in the Box:

• Titanium pot/mug
• Stainless steel coffee filter
• Mesh storage bag

During my testing in the North Cascades, the pot’s ability to switch from brewing morning coffee to cooking evening meals proved invaluable. The titanium construction showed zero signs of wear despite repeated use over rocky terrain and campfires.

Let me walk you through brewing with the Bestargot, based on countless mornings perfecting my technique at camp.

Brewing Steps:

1. Remove plunger, add 2 tablespoons coarse ground coffee per 8 oz water
2. Pour hot water (200°F/93°C ideal) leaving 1-inch headspace
3. Give it a gentle stir
4. Steep 3-4 minutes
5. Press slowly and steadily
6. Pour and enjoy

Cooking Mode:

1. Pop out the plunger assembly
2. Use directly over heat source
3. Grip with the folding handle

Total brew time runs 5-7 minutes including water heating. The 750ml volume hits the sweet spot for 2-3 cups.

What’s clever about the Bestargot is how seamlessly it transitions between roles. One morning at camp, I brewed coffee for my climbing partner and me, then used the same pot to heat water for oatmeal - no extra gear needed.

After extensive testing from sea level to alpine camps, here’s my honest take on the Bestargot’s strengths and limitations:

Strengths:

1. Featherlight Design: At 7.7 oz, you’ll barely notice it in your pack. On a recent 50-mile trek, every saved ounce mattered.

2. Tank-Like Durability: The TA1 titanium laughs off drops and scrapes. Mine tumbled down a scree slope - not a dent.

3. Dual-Purpose Champion: Brews coffee and cooks meals equally well. I’ve used it for everything from pour-overs to pasta.

4. Coffee Quality: Produces rich, full-bodied brew that rivals my home setup. The filter keeps grounds at bay effectively.

5. Heat Handling: Takes direct flame like a champ. I’ve used it on everything from pocket rockets to campfires.

Limitations:

1. Investment Required: Costs more than basic camp coffee makers, but justifies it through versatility.

2. Heat Transfer: Titanium heats slower than aluminum. Takes about 30 seconds longer to boil water.

3. Learning Curve: Nailing the perfect grind and press technique takes practice. First few brews might be hit or miss.

4. Size Constraints: The 750ml capacity means brewing in shifts for larger groups.

5. Handle Heat: Gets toasty after brewing - keep a bandana handy.

User Insights: The climbing community particularly loves this press. Several alpine guides I’ve met swear by it for high-altitude brewing. Most praise its durability and weight savings, though some mention the learning curve for dialing in their brew method.

The Bestargot truly shines when it comes to portability. Having carried it through airport security and up mountain trails, I can speak to its travel-worthy design.

Portability Features:

• Weighs just 7.7 oz - lighter than my phone
• Compact 3.94” x 4.33” footprint fits easily in pack side pockets
• Titanium construction handles rough treatment
• Doubles as cookware, reducing packed gear
• Includes protective mesh bag
• All-metal design eliminates breakage worry
• Works with various heat sources

During a recent trek through the Cascades, I appreciated how it nested perfectly within my cook kit. The foldable handle never snagged on pack contents, and the mesh bag prevented scratches on other gear.

Based on my experience and conversations with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, the Bestargot French Press is perfect for:

Ultralight Backpackers: If you’re counting every gram but won’t compromise on coffee quality, this press hits the sweet spot. During a JMT thru-hike, I met several backpackers who chose this specifically for its weight-to-functionality ratio.

Coffee Perfectionist Campers: You know who you are - the ones who bring a hand grinder and precision scale to the backcountry. This press lets you maintain your coffee standards miles from nowhere.

Minimalist Adventurers: When your pack space is precious, the ability to brew coffee and cook in the same vessel is golden. I’ve used mine for everything from morning coffee to evening ramen.

Weekend Warriors: Perfect for those quick overnight trips where you want great coffee without hauling your home setup. Takes up minimal space in a small pack.

Alpine Climbers: The durability and light weight make it ideal for those pre-dawn alpine starts when you need that coffee boost at basecamp.

This press especially shines for solo travelers and pairs. Recently, while camping in the Olympics, it proved perfect for brewing coffee for two while doubling as our cooking pot.

Save your money if you fit into these categories:

Budget-Focused Campers

• The premium price tag might be hard to swallow
• Better off with a plastic French press or pour-over setup
• Consider the Primula Brew Buddy for a budget-friendly alternative

Large Group Leaders

• The 750ml capacity becomes a limitation
• You’ll spend too much time brewing multiple batches
• Look into the Coleman Camping Coffee Maker for group situations

Casual Campers

• The premium features might be overkill
• A basic metal French press would suffice
• Try the Clever Chef French Press instead

Instant Coffee Fans

• The brewing process might feel unnecessarily complex
• You’re better off with simple instant coffee packets

Cold Brew Devotees

• While possible, it’s not optimized for cold brew
• Consider a dedicated cold brew system instead

During a group camping trip last summer, I watched someone struggle to make enough coffee for six people with this press. It was a clear reminder that sometimes simpler is better for large groups.

After eight months of regular use in various conditions, here’s how the Bestargot holds up:

Durability Highlights:

• Titanium body shows zero signs of wear despite rough handling
• Filter mesh maintains integrity after hundreds of brews
• Folding handle mechanism works as smoothly as day one
• No corrosion spots, even after coastal camping trips

Performance Over Time:

• Brewing quality remains consistent
• No degradation in heat retention
• Filter continues to effectively separate grounds
• Lid seal still works perfectly

Minor Issues:

• Filter screen needs occasional deep cleaning to maintain flow
• Some coffee oils can build up if not regularly cleaned
• Handle pivot point might need occasional tightening

Last month, I lent it to a friend for a week-long backcountry trip. It came back looking practically new, confirming my experience with its impressive durability.

Keep your Bestargot performing at its peak with these tried-and-true care tips:

Daily Cleaning:

• Rinse thoroughly with hot water
• Wipe down with a soft camp towel
• Let air dry completely before packing

Deep Cleaning:

• Use mild, unscented soap monthly
• Disassemble filter completely
• Scrub gently with a soft sponge
• Avoid abrasive cleaners

Field Maintenance:

• Pack a small brush for cleaning the filter mesh
• Carry a bandana for handling when hot
• Keep the mesh bag clean and dry

Storage Tips:

• Store completely dry
• Use included mesh bag
• Keep plunger assembled to protect mesh

Common Issues and Fixes:

• Sticky plunger? Clean and dry thoroughly
• Loose handle? Tighten pivot point
• Slow flow? Deep clean filter mesh

During a rainy week in the Pacific Northwest, I learned the importance of thorough drying before storage. A quick wipe isn’t enough - take the time to dry each component properly.

The Bestargot’s environmental footprint deserves attention:

Positive Aspects:

• Eliminates disposable filter waste
• Titanium construction lasts decades
• Multifunctional design reduces gear needs
• Fully recyclable materials
• Minimal packaging

Considerations:

• Titanium mining has environmental impacts
• Manufacturing energy use
• Shipping footprint

Sustainability Features:

• Reusable filter system
• Repair-friendly design
• Long lifespan reduces replacement needs
• Works with biodegradable coffee grounds

I’ve used mine daily for months, saving hundreds of paper filters. While the manufacturing impact exists, the longevity makes it a sustainable choice for regular users.

Let’s break down the value proposition of the Bestargot:

Value Factors:

• Premium TA1 titanium construction
• Dual functionality saves buying separate gear
• Years of reliable service
• Professional-grade brewing capability

Performance Benefits:

• Consistent brewing results
• Excellent heat retention
• Durable construction
• Versatile usage options

Long-Term Value:

• Replaces multiple pieces of gear
• Minimal maintenance costs
• High resale value
• Lasting performance

While the initial investment might raise eyebrows, the Bestargot’s versatility and durability make it a smart long-term choice. During a recent mountain getaway, it replaced three separate items in my pack - a significant value for weight-conscious adventurers.

After months of field testing, here are my top tips for getting the most from your Bestargot:

Brewing Excellence:

• Pre-heat with hot water before brewing
• Use slightly cooler water (195°F) for lighter roasts
• Count to 30 while pressing for optimal extraction
• Swirl grounds before plunging

Clever Hacks:

• Use as a measuring cup for dehydrated meals
• Pack coffee inside when stored to save space
• Mark water levels on the outside with a Sharpie
• Keep a silicone band handy for grip when hot

Field Tips:

• Store ground coffee in the pot overnight
• Use as a bowl for oatmeal after coffee
• Pre-measure coffee into tea filters for easy mornings
• Pack a backup gasket for extended trips

These tricks emerged from real wilderness coffee moments, like the morning I discovered the perfect press timing while watching the sunrise in the Cascades.

Drawing from common questions I’ve encountered while using the Bestargot:

Q: Can I use it directly on a campfire? A: Yes, but use a grill grate for stability and even heating. I’ve used mine over everything from pocket stoves to beach bonfires.

Q: How many real coffee cups does it make? A: The 750ml capacity translates to about 3 standard cups or 2 larger mugs. Perfect for a couple’s morning brew.

Q: Is the filter replaceable? A: While not officially sold separately, standard French press filters of similar size work well as replacements.

Q: Does titanium affect coffee taste? A: No, titanium is taste-neutral. I’ve done side-by-side comparisons with glass presses - no difference.

Q: Can I use it for tea? A: Absolutely. The filter works great for loose leaf tea, though clean thoroughly between coffee and tea use.

Q: How long does it keep coffee hot? A: Without insulation, expect about 15-20 minutes of hot coffee. Transfer to an insulated mug for longer heat retention.

Q: What’s the best grind size? A: Slightly coarser than typical drip coffee - think sea salt texture. Too fine will clog the filter.

Q: Can I make cold brew in it? A: Yes, though it’s not ideal. Steep overnight and press in the morning, but capacity limits might be an issue.

After months of testing the Bestargot French Press from sea level to alpine camps, it’s clear this isn’t just another piece of camp coffee gear. It’s a thoughtfully engineered solution that brings gourmet coffee to the backcountry while pulling double duty as a cooking pot.

The titanium construction hits the sweet spot between durability and weight savings, while the brewing quality rivals what I get from my home setup. Yes, it costs more than basic camp coffee options, but the versatility and longevity make it a smart investment for serious outdoor coffee enthusiasts.

For those counting ounces and seeking cafe-quality coffee in the wilderness, the Bestargot delivers. It’s become my go-to for everything from weekend camping to extended backcountry treks.