GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Review

If space is a premium and you're counting every gram (and milligram) in your pack, the GSI Ultralight Java Drip is a great option. At just 1.1 ounces, this dripper is so compact it will nestle under a fuel canister.

Performance Comparison

The GSI Ultralight is the most portable filter we tested. Just fold the little plastic legs and this fits under a fuel canister.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Brew Features

The Java Drip has a nylon filter supported by three lightweight plastic legs. The clips are a little delicate, and you need to be careful to avoid spilling the filter, but the whole dripper weighs less than half an ounce without its included cup and just 1.1 ounces with it.

Taste

This filter can produce great taste, but it requires a careful and slow pour. Add water too fast, and the coffee will likely be weak. When we used a gooseneck kettle, it was easy to offer a precise pour and achieve a good flavor, but out of something like a JetBoil, it is much harder.

Be careful how you pour into the Ultralight Java Drip - if you get impatient you might end up with a weak sub-par cup.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Use

The Java Drip is relatively easy to use, but, like all filterless cones, it requires some extra cleaning after each use. The larger surface area on this device makes this especially true. You also need the right cup to ensure the legs attach securely. If the rim of your cup is too thick, it's hard to attach the legs or ensure they are stable when holding a lot of water. While we appreciate the compact design and insubstantial weight of this brewer, we found it rather finicky and don't recommend it unless weight and space are your primary concerns.

While cleaning this nylon filter is straightforward, it does require more water than other models because of a larger surface area.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Group Cooking

The Ultralight Java Drip is so-so for group cooking. With a secure attachment, you can load up the filter with grounds and pour enough for 2-3 people. However, if your mug or carafe doesn't securely attach to the filter, it will tip over. Overall, this is best for just 1-2 cups at a time. Detaching and reattaching the legs to various cups in between uses also takes a bit of time and attention.

Portability

This is certainly one of the most portable options in our entire review. Once you fold in the legs, the filter is small enough to fit under any fuel canister. The legs are a little delicate, so you have to be extra careful when packing up, but for those that need small and light, this hits the mark.

Light and compact, this is an easy (though delicate) brewer to consider for your next backpacking excursion.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Weight

At 1.1 ounces, the Java Drip is among the lightest weight brewers in our review, and that weight includes its own cup, which results in a potentially significant weight savings compared to other brewers in our review.

This dripper is certainly light, but it's finicky and delicate nature means it may not be the best for everyone.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Value

It doesn't get much cheaper than this for a dripper AND a cup! You won't even have to purchase filters. That said, the Ultralight Java Drip isn't the most robust coffee maker, and breaking this delicate device is a real possibility. Some people will prefer to spend more and get something more durable, but if your main concerns are lightweight and compact gear, then this is a clear winner.

Conclusion

If counting every gram is critical for your next adventure, then the GSI Ultralight Java Drip could be a great brewer for your kit. It is extremely light and is the most compact in our test suite. It's a little finicky and fragile for our taste, but if you are looking for ways to shave down some grams on your ultra-light kit, it may be ideal for you.

Some of our pour-over brewers, battling it out. Left to right: Primula Brew Buddy, GSI Java Drip, and the Hario V60.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman