You don't need a trunk full of equipment. The core kit is:
- A hand grinder (ceramic burr is fine)
- A pour-over dripper (plastic or ceramic, collapsible if you want to save space)
- Paper filters (matching the dripper size)
- A heat-safe mug or a collapsible carafe
- A small scale (if you don't want to pre-weigh at home)
- An airtight bean container
That's it. If you already have a French press or an Aeropress, you can swap the dripper for that—the lesson is to keep your kit small and consistent.
Check your gear once before you leave. Make sure the grinder is clean, you have enough filters, and your bean container seals properly. That 5-minute check saves you from discovering a broken zipper or a forgotten filter at 6 a.m.
