It’s always going to be a matter of balance. Between size and faff, between weight and quality espresso, between cost and components. Between any comgination of the above variables and others.
Having tried travel kits using a PicPresso, NanoPresso, Flair Signature Pro 2, Flair 58, 9barista, Staresso Plus (all for espresso) and grinders ranging from the Niche Zero, Lagom Mini, and various hand grinders, I’ve settled on the Staresso Plus and Comandante C90 for espresso and the same grinder for use with a Hario Switch for filter.
This all fits quite snugly into a soft shell zippered travel bag that takes up very little space in my check-in bag if flying or in the truck/boot of the car if driving.
It’s all relative of course but for my purposes, the travel kit that I’ve finally arrived at (pun intended) is the Staresso Plus, C60, Hario Switch and a small scale. For me, this provides the optimal balance between quality of kit, result in the cup, weight/size and workflow.
It’s been fun (and expensive) getting to this point but I’ve enjoyed the trials and errors almost as much as final result.
(Take the word “final” with a pinch of salt.)
All the best with your quest.
(The VS3 is a great option in regard to in-the-cup espresso quality, but about twice the size and weight of a hand grinder. For espresso though I prefer it over the Lagom Mini but a long shot - yes, pun intended again).
