Rambling Review – Jetboil Flash Java Kit

Rambling Review – Jetboil: Flash Java Kit Cooking System

Jetboil
Jetboil Java Kit

Why?

With all my outdoor wanderings, many nights can find me trying to stay warm in a tent or the bed of my truck. I can do without a lot of civilized amenities when fishing or hunting comes into the equation. Unfortunately, one necessity I take very seriously is my coffee. Most mornings I am sucking down French pressed coffee savoring each sip of smoky flavored goodness and to truly enjoy a morning in the big country of Arizona, I need to continue that addiction in the field. The Jetboil Flash Java Kit Cooking System fit the bill in more ways than one and assures that I would never be without a quality cup of joe. Often times in the state of Arizona, certain national forests or counties will impose different fire restrictions. Having the Jetboil remedies the problem of heating water without a campfire.

Jetboil French Press
Jetboil French Press

First impressions:

All inclusive – One aspect that drew me to this product was the fact that everything I needed for cooking and coffee could be stored right inside the Jetboil.  NOTE: This product does not come with a fuel canister.

Simplicity – If I can figure out how to use the Jetboil at o’dark thirty in the morning than you can rest assured it is a simple system to use. The cozy that surrounds the boiling container has a heat activated window that turns orange when the water is boiling. It is a pretty nifty system that makes the morning brew that much easier.

Bulky – One thing I was a little worried about was the bulk of the Jetboil system. I myself had read many reviews and most of the comments from hardcore lightweight backpackers were extremely negative about the size and weight of this system. I weighed the pros and cons for the use it would see and I was comfortable with the extra bulk.

Morning Coffee
Morning Coffee

Field Use:

Hunting and Fishing –For every daytrip I take to the Rim or even to Oak Creek, my Jetboil is tucked into my truck. For a midday warm-up meal of Easy Mac or a cup of coffee to keep me awake on my drive home, the Jetboil is a life saver. On an overnight trip it is extremely nice to have for a morning cup of coffee or heating up dinner. I have probably heated water or made coffee over 40 or 50 times in my Jetboil and not had a single problem. If I am heading up with a buddy to hunt or fish, somewhere in the conversation the night before, they will make sure I am bringing the Jetboil…just in case.

Jetboil
Jetboil: Orange Means "Go"

Backpacking – To be honest, my backpacking trips have been kept to a minimum, but I have hopes of getting deeper into the woods in the coming months. I have taken the Jetboil on several overnighters and was satisfied with the performance and the “packability” of the unit. I did not notice that the Jetboil “weighed me down,” but I know others in the backpacking community would recommend something lighter.

Jet Flash Java Kit
Jet Flash Java Kit

Pros:

Simplicity

Easy to clean

It makes a great cup of coffee (need I say more)

Reliable

All inclusive

Cons:

Bulk

Heavier than other “lightweight” cooking systems

Prognosis:

I think the Jetboil Flash Java Kit is a fantastic product and should really be considered if you are looking for a complete and compact cooking system.

***On a side note: If coffee in the field interests you, check out Mike’s review of the Bialleti espresso maker over at Of Dry Flies and Fat Tires. Check it out

Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

7 Responses to “Rambling Review – Jetboil Flash Java Kit”

  1. azwanderings

    Ha. That is unbelievable. I really like your little system you have there. I dig a strong cup of coffee and occasionally gulp a shot of espresso. Nicely done.

    Ben

    Reply
  2. Justin

    So it isn’t impossible to have a good cup of coffee while still out in the boonies.. I’m just liking the idea of having the for fishing and hunting.. q

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Nope. Not impossible. It can really make a overnight trip fantastic. Thanks for the kind words, Justin.

      Ben

      Reply
  3. Mike McLaughlin

    Good call Ben.

    While not great in cold weather, nor for extended backpacks, the Jetboil rocks for quick weekend trips.

    I don’t find it that heavy and it is very nicely self-contained as you said. I got one with a coffee press for my mom this past Christmas and we used it on our Grand Canyon hike. I also have one of my own.

    While it does not replaced the old reliable white gas Optimus 8R I use for cold weather and long trail occasions, the Jetboil sure is nice and convenient for the more common getaway.

    -Mike

    Reply
  4. azwanderings

    You are right on Mike. It is a nice little unit all the same. I still have to make that Grand Canyon hike someday. Very inspiring. Thanks for the comment.

    Ben

    Reply

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