The Carabiner Coffee Rig: How to Securely Hang and Dry Your Manual Espresso Gear on Your Backpack

There’s nothing like pulling a rich, velvety shot of espresso at a 5,000-foot summit. But packing wet gear back into your pack is a recipe for mold and musty odors. That's why I developed the carabiner coffee rig: how to securely hang and dry your manual espresso gear on your backpack while you hike.

I remember testing this exact setup during a damp, misty morning trek through the Pacific Northwest. I was carrying the

, our electricity-free manual brewer designed for pure off-grid adventures. To keep my backpack dry after brewing, I used a simple locking carabiner clipped to the exterior daisy chains, letting the wind do the drying while I kept moving down the trail.

Setup Guide: The Carabiner Coffee Rig to Hang and Dry Your Gear

To build your rig, you only need two locking carabiners and a small, heavy-duty mesh bag. Once you finish brewing your trail espresso, shake off the excess water from your components.

For brutally simple, ultra-minimalist setups like the

—which features just 2 parts and 1 press—the process is incredibly easy. You simply thread a loop of paracord through the main chamber, clip it to your carabiner, and let the trail breeze dry it out naturally as you walk.

Best Practices for Trail Drying

Use Locking Carabiners: Trail vibrations can easily open standard wire-gates. Always use screw-gate locking carabiners to ensure your gear stays attached. Prevent the Swing: Use a secondary velcro strap or bungee cord to hold your hanging gear flush against your pack. This prevents it from bouncing against your spine or clanging loudly on the trail.

Keeping your manual espresso gear dry on the go ensures your next cup tastes clean, fresh, and free of trail grit. Pack light, clip secure, and keep brewing.