If you’ve ever woken up in the backcountry—whether it’s in Yosemite, the Emigrant Wilderness, or somewhere deep in the Sierra—you know that moment…

The air is still.
The light is just starting to break over the granite.
And all you want is a good cup of coffee.

But let’s be honest… most camp coffee doesn’t live up to that moment.

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Ted Ayliffe, CEO of Coulee Coffee, to talk about the evolution of coffee in the outdoors—and how one simple idea turned into a system that’s changing the way backpackers think about their morning routine.

This is more than a gear conversation.
It’s about the experience, the ritual, and why that first cup on the trail might matter more than anything else.

• Why most backpacking coffee falls short
• The difference between “emergency caffeine” and a real cup of coffee
• How the EcoPour system works in the backcountry
• The environmental impact of traditional coffee pods
• The science behind brewing a better cup outdoors
• How to pack lighter without sacrificing your morning routine

00:00 – The Question Every Backpacker Knows (Coffee in the Wild)
01:00 – Meet Ted Ayliffe (Coulee Coffee Story)
02:30 – Why Coffee Is Part of Every Great Trip
04:30 – The Problem with Traditional Camp Coffee
06:30 – A Real Backcountry Coffee Experience (Emigrant Wilderness Story)
08:30 – Ted’s Outdoor Background & Gear Industry Experience
10:30 – The Waste Problem with Coffee Pods
13:00 – Building a Better Coffee System (EcoPour Design)
15:30 – The Science Behind a Perfect Cup
18:30 – Coffee Sourcing & Flavor Development
21:00 – Using Your Own Coffee in the System
23:30 – Packing, Weight & Backcountry Efficiency
24:58 – 20% Discount + Where to Try It
27:30 – What’s Next for Coulee Coffee
29:30 – Rapid Fire Outdoor Questions
31:30 – Final Thoughts

If you want to try Coulee Coffee you can get 20% off your first order using code:

👉 SIERRAREC20

For me, this isn’t just about coffee.

It’s about that quiet moment in the mountains—
when everything slows down, and you’re sitting there with a cup in your hand, taking it all in.

That’s what we’re chasing out here.

New episodes every week featuring:

• Sierra travel stories
• Backpacking insights
• Outdoor gear that actually works
• Conversations with people shaping the outdoor experience

☕ What You’ll Learn:🎒 Episode Timestamps:☕ Try It Yourself🏔️ Sierra Rec Perspective🔔 Follow Sierra Rec Now