The Twist Portable Espresso Maker

Every camper has endured a blurry-eyed morning that came far too early after not sleeping through the night due to rocky ground, raging winds, torrential downpours—or all of the above. Even if you're lucky enough to get a eight solid hours, waking up is always easier with the promise of a good cup of coffee. In the past, you'd have to settle for a passable cup of French press or (worse) some oily-thick cowboy coffee brewed over a smoldering fire. But now, car campers with an affection for the beauty of espresso can rejoice.

The new Mypressi Twist is a portable espresso maker that actually produces a serious cuppa. The secret is in the pressure, supplied by a gas canister that slips into the tool's handle. Application is blissfully simple. First, choose a basket suitable to the coffee grounds you have (at first blush the array of options can overwhelm, but you quickly get the selection dialed). Then, load up the grinds—the max capacity is two shots. Finally, fill the bowl with hot water, attach the lid, position the contraption over the eagerly awaiting cups, and pull the trigger. Within 20 to 30 seconds, you've got two perfect, very strong glasses of inky-black goodness.

Only backpackers who are really serious about their espresso would likely lug this 6.1-ounce device in the backcountry. And you do need hot water to pour into the Twist's bowl. But for car-camping coffee aficionados, this will make the difference between a rough dawn and a regal morning.

$169; www.mypressi.com