You’re packing your bag for a trip, and the thought of another bland hotel room coffee or an overpriced latte from a chain shop just doesn’t sit right. You know bringing your Aeropress is the answer, but its bulky cylinder and separate accessories give you pause. Then you remember: there’s a travel-specific version, the Aeropress Go. But is it actually better for life on the road, or is it just a smaller version of the same great brewer?
Choosing between the original Aeropress and the Aeropress Go for travel isn’t just about size; it’s about convenience, packing strategy, and your personal coffee ritual. Both are fantastic devices capable of making a superb cup of coffee anywhere you have hot water. The differences, however, are in the details of their design and how those details fit into your travel style.
The Core Design: More Than Just Size
At first glance, the most obvious difference is the size. The original Aeropress stands taller and has a larger diameter, while the Aeropress Go is noticeably more compact. But the design variations go much deeper. The original is designed as a complete coffee maker for your kitchen counter, with its stirring paddle, scoop, and filter holder being separate pieces. The Go, on the other hand, is engineered as a single, self-contained unit.
The genius of the Aeropress Go lies in its integrated design. The plunger assembles inside the brewer itself, and the lid doubles as a sturdy drinking mug. All the components—the brewer, plunger, scoop, stirrer, and even a supply of filters—nest neatly inside the included mug, which then gets sealed with a lid. This creates a single, leak-proof package that’s incredibly easy to toss into any bag without worrying about loose parts.
Packing It All In: A Game of Travel Tetris
When every cubic inch of your luggage counts, how a brewer packs is crucial. The original Aeropress requires you to find a way to bundle its separate components together, often needing an extra bag or case to keep everything from getting lost in your suitcase. While it’s certainly portable, it demands a bit more thought and space management.
The Aeropress Go wins the packing efficiency contest hands down. Its all-in-one design means you grab one item, not five. It fits perfectly into a backpack’s water bottle pocket, a corner of a carry-on, or even a large purse. For the minimalist traveler or someone backpacking, this integrated approach eliminates clutter and simplifies your packing process immensely. You’re much less likely to forget a crucial piece when everything lives in one spot.
Brewing on the Move: Convenience and Capacity
Your brewing environment changes when you travel. You might be in a cramped hostel kitchen, on a picnic table, or next to a hotel sink. Here, the Aeropress Go’s included mug becomes a major advantage. It provides a stable base for brewing and is the vessel you’ll drink from, meaning you don’t need to pack an additional coffee cup. This is a huge space-saver.
However, this convenience comes with a trade-off: cup size. The Aeropress Go’s mug holds 8 ounces (237 ml), which also dictates its maximum brew capacity. The original Aeropress can brew a larger cup (up to 10 ounces if you push it) directly into a standard-sized mug. If you prefer a larger morning coffee or are brewing for two people, the original’s larger capacity might be the better choice, even if it means packing a separate mug.
Durability and Material Considerations
Both brewers are made from the same durable, BPA-free plastic, so there’s no winner in terms of material strength. Their durability for travel is essentially equal. The main difference lies in the plunger. The original Aeropress has a clear plastic plunger, while the Go’s is made from a softer, grey silicone. Some users find the Go’s silicone plunger creates a better seal, especially when new, but both are highly effective and long-lasting.
One small point for the original: its larger size can make it slightly easier to press, especially for those with less hand strength. The Go’s compact form factor requires a tighter grip, which some might find a little less comfortable during the pressing stage.
Which One is Your Perfect Travel Companion?
So, which one should you zip up in your suitcase? The answer depends entirely on your priorities.
Choose the Aeropress Go if your top priorities are ultimate space-saving and all-in-one convenience. It’s the undisputed champion for backpackers, minimalist packers, campers, or anyone who wants the simplest, most foolproof system. Not having to hunt for a separate mug is a game-changer in unfamiliar environments.
Stick with the Original Aeropress if you value brewing a larger cup of coffee, already have a compact travel mug you love, or don’t mind dedicating a little more space in your bag for a brewer you might find slightly easier to handle. It’s also the clear choice if you already own one and don’t want to invest in a second device.
Final Thoughts Before You Brew Away
Whether you choose the original or the Go, you’re making a great decision for your travel coffee. Both will brew a clean, rich, and delicious cup that far surpasses most alternatives on the road. The differences, while important, are about refinement and personal fit.
Think about how you travel. Do you live out of a 40-liter backpack for weeks? The Go is your hero. Do you take weekend trips with a carry-on and have a favorite mug? The original will serve you perfectly. Ultimately, both devices uphold the Aeropress promise of great coffee, anywhere—they just offer slightly different paths to that same excellent destination.