Cooped Up? Get Uncooped.

As an avid coffee drinker (read: addict), I'm always trying to figure out ways of getting my morning fix into the campsite or onto the trail. For camping, it's simply a matter of bringing my trusty percolator, but backpacking is a different story. The most convenient carrying option is instant coffee, but the flavor there leaves a lot to be desired. Other equipment like a French press takes up more pack space than I'm willing to commit.

A new option that will be available within the next several weeks, according to the company, is Nature's Coffee Kettle--coffee in a bag. Much like the freeze-dried meals backpackers customarily carry, Nature's Kettle requires just the addition of hot water for a steaming pot of fresh coffee. It makes 4 8-ounce cups with one bag and fits neatly into a backpack.

The kettle will come in a number of roasts including Colombian, Organic and Decaf. Not a coffee drinker? Nature's Kettle will also offer cider, black tea and even soup, in the same type of system.

Not sure how this tastes yet, but it certainly provides a nice alternative to other outdoor brewing methods. The company's website will have a list of retailers when it goes on sale www.naturescoffeekettle.com/.

• coffee
• backpacking
• camping
• Nature's
• Kettle