table of contents
- Coffee is now an essential item for the ideal mountain trip
- A review of Rivers items from a solo hiker's perspective
- A virgin beech forest in Izu? I have to go and see for myself
- To a frozen lake nestled quietly in a primeval forest
- Deep in the forest, you'll find an exhibition of giant trees
- The Stout Air 1000 is a simple-looking carry bottle with many clever features
- After passing through a tunnel of Japanese andromeda, we finally arrived at Haccho Pond
- Trying out Rivers coffee gear and taking a solo coffee chairing trip
- "Coffee Grinder Grit" is essential for grinding high-quality beans to your liking
- The perfect balance for that special cup of coffee: Micro Coffee Dripper 2 & Ultralight Hiker Mug S
- Enjoy a delicious drink while watching the quiet time pass by the pond
- The "Wall Mug Shade" is perfect for everyday use, with its exquisite usability and drinking comfort
- This is a crossover project with the web magazine "STUNSCAPE," which focuses on adventurers
Coffee is now an essential item for the ideal mountain trip
Just climbing up and down seems a bit boring
About 25 years after I started climbing mountains, I was suddenly struck by this thought, and without much thought, I started brewing and drinking my favorite coffee in the mountains
However, when it comes to actually brewing coffee in the mountains, you need more equipment than ever before, including coffee beans and brewing equipment. I'm well aware that my palate is not particularly delicate, to begin with. Anyway, I just wanted to be able to enjoy the special moment of "brewing coffee." So, at first, coffee powder was enough. I also bought simple, ultra-lightweight brewing equipment that wouldn't get in the way of my luggage
However, a few years ago, I thought it would be nice to try something a little more luxurious, so I impulsively brought a full-fledged coffee set with me on a canyoning trip, which turned out to be a mistake
First thing in the morning, while the other members were still awake, he diligently ground the coffee beans, boiled water, and brewed a bitter cup of coffee that was so delicious that even I, a poor taste buds, couldn't mistake it
Surrounded by lush trees, the constant sound of the stream and the occasional chirping of birds. It felt as though everything was set up for this cup of coffee. Since then, I have never been able to forget the taste, or rather the satisfying moment, and whenever I go into the mountains, I now carry a set of coffee beans, a grinder and a coffee brewer with me whenever I have the chance
Now, even the worst weather or the worst route can make a trip a fulfilling one, as long as I have the perfect cup of coffee to drink while surrounded by nature. Mountain coffee is an essential companion for such an ideal mountain trip
A review of Rivers items from a solo hiker's perspective
After hearing about my mountain coffee obsession, STUNSCAPE, the developer of the Rivers brand, asked me, "Why don't you try our coffee and outdoor gear in the mountains and write a review?" At first, I was hesitant, wondering if someone like me, who isn't even a coffee professional and has no taste for coffee, should do it, but they said it would be great if I could delve into what I like about Rivers products, what they could do better, and the best ways to use them from the perspective of an outdoor enthusiast and amateur. Moved by their enthusiasm and spirit, we agreed. I immediately set out to find a suitable location for this review journey
A virgin beech forest in Izu? I have to go and see for myself
I wanted to pack up all my gear and take this ambitious review trip to a beautiful location befitting it. But then I was in trouble. It was January. Most of the spectacular areas I had walked and recorded were covered in snow, and I didn't have the time to go further west where there was no snow. Just as I was starting to lose heart while looking at a map of Japan, a certain area caught my eye. It was the Izu Peninsula, jutting out from the southeast of Honshu, which had actually been on my mind for a while. Come to think of it..
When you think of the Izu Peninsula, many people probably think of the sea and hot springs of resort areas such as Atami and Jogasaki, which are just an hour away from Tokyo
However, after doing a little research, I was surprised. Behind Izu's scenic coastline, a deep mountain range stretches out in all directions, with mountains over 1,000 meters high, and at its center sits Mount Amagi, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. The mountain range is home to a globally valuable ecosystem, including virgin forests of beech and Japanese stewartia, and is full of delicious trails where you can immerse yourself in this biodiversity and rich nature. Is Izu actually an incredible hiking paradise?!
Although I had been interested in Mount Amagi, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, I was surprised to find that there was so much more to the place. My surprise quickly turned to curiosity, and I felt a light lit in my heart. This was the only place left, so I decided to start preparing for my trip right away
To a frozen lake nestled quietly in a primeval forest
The purpose of this trip was to enjoy coffee, cook a meal, and spend the night surrounded by the winter forest of Amagi using Rivers items
When planning this two-day, one-night trip to Amagi, the thing I was most concerned about was "where can I relax and brew coffee?" The summit was naturally a possibility, but I rejected the idea because I couldn't possibly brew coffee in peace in the cold wind on a 1,000m peak in the dead of winter. Hiking isn't just about reaching the summit. The main focus of this trip is the forest and coffee. I want to spend as much time as possible in silence with a hot cup of coffee, surrounded by nature. For this reason, I also want to pack a camp chair that is as light and comfortable as possible
With all my fantasies stirred, I researched materials and found a suitable place that seemed like it would make my wish come true. That was my first day's destination, Haccho Pond. A mysterious lake that suddenly appears at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. I heard that it freezes over during this season and used to be a natural skating rink. The gentle slopes of the Amagi volcano surrounding the pond are covered with virgin forests of beech and Japanese stewartia, and there is a flat lawn by the pond that would be perfect for setting up chairs. Isn't that great? I feel like something is guiding me on this trip
Then, one day in January, I finally set foot into the Amagi forest from the trailhead of Amagi Pass, deep in Izu
There are several routes to Haccho Pond, but this time the road to the entrance to the Amagi Tunnel was closed due to construction work, so we suddenly changed our planned route over Amagi Pass and decided to walk along the Miyuki Trail
Although we had arrived at the starting point, it was a rather disappointing start, with large trucks going back and forth in front of us from early in the morning and fences for civil engineering works lining the forest road where we began to walk. From the start, we were worried whether there really was a primeval beech forest in a place like this
After about 30 minutes of walking, the forest road finally came to an end and the trail began. As soon as I started, a family of deer greeted me from deep in the cedar forest. However, humans are just outsiders here. While I apologized for interrupting their early morning meal, deep inside I found myself delighted by the abundance of nature, which erased my initial anxiety
It was a clear, dry day, typical of winter on the Pacific coast, with a refreshing, dry, and cold air. In the still, clear air, I walked along a trail made of frost pillars, making a satisfying crunching sound. This is my favorite winter mountain hike
Deep in the forest, you'll find an exhibition of giant trees
The further I went, the more magnificent trees I saw, clearly showing their age, and the denser the forest became. It was so pleasant that I couldn't stop pressing the shutter button
The forest's appearance then gradually changes from cedar to a primeval forest filled with beech and Japanese stewartia
Looking down, the trunk of a beech tree, firmly rooted on a carpet of fallen leaves, is covered in thick moss and looks majestic, like a master of the forest with a magnificent beard
On the other hand, if you look up, you will see countless branches that have grown over more than 1,000 years spreading out dynamically and powerfully as if showing off their extraordinary vitality, delighting the eyes
The Stout Air 1000 is a simple-looking carry bottle with many clever features
It was so fulfilling that I could never stop enjoying it, so I decided to stop walking and take a short break
At this point, I finally took out one of the Rivers items I had been entrusted with, a lightweight bottle called the Stout Air 1000, and drank some water
Needless to say, the most popular mountain water carrier for a long time has been the Nalgene bottle. I have owned a variety of sizes. This bottle is based on the Nalgene, but as expected of a later product, it has many features that make it easy to use
First of all, the design. Unlike Nalgene's bold colors, this bag is elegant and has a consistent color scheme with the lid. I also like the slightly slimmer shape, which fits well with Japanese hands. It's also easy to attach to the side pocket of a backpack
My next favorite feature is the silicone strap attached to the lid. It's generally used to prevent the lid from falling off and to attach a carabiner when carrying it around. It doesn't seem to have any particular function other than being flexible and easy to use, but it's really well made
Many bottles from competing manufacturers have a strap attached directly above the cap to prevent it from falling, but with the Stout Air, the strap joint is located on the edge of the cap. This means the strap doesn't get in the way when you turn the cap to open and close it. It's a subtle detail that you might not even notice, but I was impressed by the attention to detail that goes into making the bottle easier to use
Furthermore, an inner lid is included as standard to prevent water from splashing out too forcefully when drinking, or to prevent excessive spills if the bottle is accidentally knocked over. You can use the wide-mouth when drawing water or washing, and the narrow-mouth when drinking or pouring. While there are often bottles that come with a choice of narrow or wide mouths, this one has both functions, so it really kills two birds with one stone
Made from lightweight, durable, BPA-free resin that can withstand temperatures up to 100°C, it can be used outdoors without hesitation. By using it with a strainer (sold separately), you can also enjoy cold-brewed coffee and drinks made with tea leaves
The only thing I'm not happy about is the scale display, which isn't particularly easy to read. I'm happy with the scale in 50ml increments, so even though the design is good, I personally think it would have been better if it was a little easier to read
After passing through a tunnel of Japanese andromeda, we finally arrived at Haccho Pond
We resumed our journey. We were almost at Haccho Pond. After passing through a majestic beech forest that I could never get tired of looking at, we came to a trail that traversed a gentle slope. It was a natural tunnel created by the Japanese andromeda. Even though the trail was short today, I was constantly overwhelmed by the miracle of nature's creation. Amagi is truly awe-inspiring
Soon we arrived at Haccho Pond, affectionately known as the "Eye of Amagi." Apparently it got its name because it is eight cho (one cho is about 109m) in circumference, but in reality it is only about 580m. However, the lake was larger than we had imagined, and just as we had been told, the entire pond was frozen over, with the water surface completely still, as if time had stopped. This popular spot, which is usually bustling with people, was deserted and quiet in this cold weather
I got a panoramic view of the pond from an observation deck a short distance away. Mount Fuji even peeks out, albeit just for a moment (this is important), and all the fatigue from the climb was instantly blown away
It was still before noon when we arrived at the pond, so there was plenty of time to make coffee and relax over lunch. I unpacked in a sunny spot with a panoramic view of the lake, and began preparing for coffee chairing
Trying out Rivers coffee gear and taking a solo coffee chairing trip
The equipment I brought with me to enjoy a special coffee time in the mountains is roughly as follows. First, from Rivers:
- Stout Air 1000
- coffee grinder grit
- Cave Reversible Coffee Dripper
- Dripper Holder Pound F
- Micro Coffee Dripper 2
- Ultralight Hiker Mug S & M
- Wall Mug Shade
The other items are coffee beans, a stove kettle for boiling water, and an outdoor chair that is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time
Choosing a chair that is portable, comfortable, and allows you to feel one with nature
Considering that you'll be carrying the chair for hours while walking, it needs to be as lightweight and compact as possible. However, from experience, if the seat is small and unstable, you'll end up feeling uncomfortable and only be able to relax for a short time. With this in mind, the Helinox Ground Chair is a useful choice for everyday camping and short hikes
Not only is it comfortable to sit on, but I also like the low seat, which is closer to the ground and blends in with nature. Assembly is also very easy. Setting up the coffee chairing was completed without any problems
"Coffee Grinder Grit" is essential for grinding high-quality beans to your liking
It may not be that difficult to drink decent coffee in the mountains these days, whether it's instant coffee or coffee bags, but no matter how you look at it, with pre-made products you can't enjoy the unique experience of a cup of coffee that suits your mood on that day
As you probably know, grinding coffee just before brewing it allows you to enjoy the beans' original freshness and aroma. That's why I bring my own coffee grinder with me, even if it means enduring the weight, and I insist on grinding my beans on the spot. So, this time I tried out Rivers' Coffee Grinder Grit. Its elegant matte black design is quite appealing
I opened the top lid and poured the specialty coffee beans I had brought with me into the hopper for this ultimate cup of coffee. I chose about 15g, as I wanted something clear and balanced, not too heavy, for my first cup to soothe my tired body
This means that it's about 1/3 full, so the size of the grinder's hopper is roughly enough for about three cups of coffee at a time
The blade, which could be said to be the heart of a coffee grinder, is made from ceramic. While it may not be as sharp as an expensive metal-blade grinder, it is highly wear-resistant, light, rust-proof, and easy to wash, making it the perfect material for outdoor use. It also has the advantage of being less likely to generate frictional heat or static electricity, meaning it can grind coffee without losing the original flavor of the beans. It can be difficult to decide which to choose, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages
The blade head has a dial-type knob that allows you to finely adjust the grind from coarse to fine, so you can set it exactly to your preference. Each step has a click, so if you remember the number for your preferred medium grind, for example, you can always set the grind to a consistent level by turning the dial that number from the fully tightened position
I was in the mood for a medium grind and a well-balanced flavor, so I turned the dial about 10 clicks (after tightening the cap)
The handle is a good length—not too long for carrying, not too short for turning. The ceramic blade is also very sharp, grinding smoothly and quickly with a pleasant sound
For coffee lovers, this moment of mindlessly grinding the beans is like a sublime ritual. When grinding with a grinder that grinds the beans to perfection, sometimes you even wish it would never end
Incidentally, the silicone band holder used to store the handle is also securely attached, unlike the so-called Porlex coffee grinder (photo on the right). The shape makes it easy to pack, and even these small details show the careful work and high quality
As expected, the ground beans are uniform in size and grain size. And best of all, there's very little fine powder, which can cause an unpleasant aftertaste
The perfect balance for that special cup of coffee: Micro Coffee Dripper 2 & Ultralight Hiker Mug S
Of the coffee brewing tools I brought with me this time, I decided to start by using the Micro Coffee Dripper 2, which is ideal for easily making a small amount of coffee, just one cup
The upgraded version can now be used with the Ultralight Hiker Mug S, which has an internal dimension of 8cm, making it even more convenient for outdoor use, so I decided to try this combination out. It certainly is more stable than a paper dripper, and the stainless steel mesh filter tastes better than paper, and it's also easy to clean up after use. Its convenience makes it a must-have for everyday use, as well as for outdoor use
By the way, my new secret weapon for enjoying more authentic coffee (although it seems to be already well-known in the coffee industry) is an attachment that attaches to the spout of a camping kettle, called "sosogu" (see photo below). By attaching this to the spout of a boiling kettle, you can pour a long, thin stream of water, which is essential for precise drip brewing
First, a small amount of hot water is poured in through the spout and allowed to steep for about 30 seconds. After this, a thin stream of hot water is carefully and meticulously poured into a cup that has also been preheated
By the way, when brewing outside, it is often impossible to get the hot water to fall into the center due to the influence of wind, so you will need to be prepared to give up on being too particular about details
Also, coffee cools quickly in the cold outdoors, so you may want to reheat it slightly after brewing it
Enjoy a delicious drink while watching the quiet time pass by the pond
Sitting alone on the shore of a frozen lake deep in the mountains, where time seems to stand still, I sip a cup of coffee. I feel the heat being absorbed directly into me. The aroma floats through my nose, and the rich, deep flavor fills my mouth. A clean aftertaste. Brewing outdoors means there's no way to precisely measure the amount or time. But those small inconsistencies are barely noticeable in the midst of this refreshing sensation
Enjoy your favorite beans, the amount and grind of your favorite coffee, and your favorite brewing method in your own private space. What could be more luxurious than this when it comes to the true joy of travel? What's great about the coffee accessories I brought with me this time is that, of course, each one pursues deliciousness, but more than anything, they are equipped with intricate functions to "meet the discerning tastes" of the user. These coffee accessories are ready to meet any situation on a trip
With a cup of coffee in hand and a picturesque view of nature before my eyes, I decided to pack more than enough warm clothing. Although there wasn't much wind on the day, it's still incredibly cold when chairing outdoors in winter, so I made sure to pack more than enough warm clothing
Thus, in this perfect location, I was able to forget about time for a while and let myself be carried away by the comfortable atmosphere
Nothing changes in front of my eyes. Nothing happens. But I'm satisfied
Well, to be precise, it's not that nothing is happening. The clouds are drifting, the grass is swaying, the birds are flying in the sky, and the sunlight is reflected brilliantly on the frozen surface of the lake. Countless small events that would normally be overlooked fill in the gaps in my heart, enriching it. Huh, did it really feel that good?
On a typical hike, you rarely stay in one place for long because your schedule is usually so packed that you can't afford to, and if you're with someone else, you might feel uncomfortable, so the chances are even less
But I forgot about my usual walking habits for a moment, and instead took my time, setting a course that I would normally consider a waste, and taking my time in the places I liked. I never imagined it would be so rich and luxurious
This is a journey where you walk not to reach the peak, but to find a place to sit. You will need to be prepared to carry a slightly heavier burden than usual, but the discoveries and sense of fulfillment you will undoubtedly make up for it
As I sat there enjoying the blissful moment for a while, I suddenly became aware of a sound coming from the pond. A strange, unfamiliar sound, a mixture of the sound of wind and the sound of metal being hammered, came from the bottom of the lake at irregular intervals
When I looked into it after getting home, I found that this sound can be heard for a very short period of time before the pond or lake freezes completely, and that it is thought to be caused by some kind of change that occurs when the ice that covers the entire lake expands and contracts due to temperature differences, but the exact mechanism is not known
At the time, I had no idea what the sound was. In fact, I wasn't particularly interested in what it was. I was simply grateful to have encountered this small miracle of nature, and decided it was time to leave the place to prepare for tomorrow
The "Wall Mug Shade" is perfect for everyday use, with its exquisite usability and drinking comfort
On the way back, I used the "Wall Mug Shade," a vacuum insulated stainless steel tumbler developed by Rivers with the aim of providing "the world's best drinking experience," to carry the extra coffee I had brewed
The first thing worth mentioning is how comfortable it is to hold. The recess at the bottom allows you to hook your fingers perfectly, so even though the tumbler is quite wide, it's super easy to hold and there's little risk of it dropping
The edge of the mouth is slightly longer to prevent the heat of the freshly brewed coffee from directly hitting the cup, the mouth is as large as possible to allow the aroma to be fully experienced, and the cap is tightly fastened to prevent leaks even when the cup is turned upside down, so it truly does live up to its reputation as the ``world's most comfortable drink.''
What's more, if you remove the lid and pour beer into this tumbler, it quickly transforms into a direct-drinking cup that is comfortable to drink from and keeps the beer cool
Of course, the 300ml capacity, heat retention, and weight mean it's not something you'd use for serious mountain climbing, but it's fine for camping or casual walks. It's sure to be useful for everyday use and camping with the family (and is already being praised)
Tonight we'll stay at a campsite, and tomorrow we'll have coffee in the denser primeval beech forest that inhabits the Izuyama Ridge Trail
This is a crossover project with the web magazine "STUNSCAPE," which focuses on adventurers
STUNSCAPE, which develops its own outdoor and lifestyle brands that strike a high level of balance between functionality and design, including the "Rivers" introduced here, also publishes an online magazine that focuses on adventurous people, with themes of travel and outdoor activities. This project was initiated at the invitation of STUNSCAPE, and was carried out as a crossover project, with the magazine being featured on both sites while maintaining the editorial policy of this site
If you're looking for authentic, inspiring stories about the outdoors, this is a must-visit, and Outdoor Gearzine readers will be pleased
Go to the web magazine "STUNSCAPE"
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