10 Bikepacking Trends and Predictions for 2025

First, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Last year was an incredible one, and last week, I shared a video showcasing our most-viewed videos of 2024. It wasn’t all new content, and it’s amazing to see older videos continuing to resonate with so many of you!

Looking ahead to 2025, I want to express my gratitude to my family, who make everything possible. This year, we welcomed our second child, Lucy, growing the Beltchenko clan to a party of four. Balancing family life with content creation has been a whirlwind, teaching me patience, understanding, and the value of mutual growth. Parenting has never been easy, but it’s pushed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. If there’s one lesson I’m taking into 2025, it’s this: treat others the way your kids want to be treated. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and connecting on and off the bike. Thank you for being part of the journey.

With that, I invite you to check out the video below for some predictions and general thoughts from around the cycling industry and beyond as we look ahead to 2025. You can also read through a written version if that’s more your speed.

Cycling is for everyone;let’s make sure it stays that way.

More Routes At your fingertips

How great is the Bikepacking Routes network here on BIKEPACKING.com? With such a packed schedule, I’ll admit I rarely have the time to research and plan new routes. Most of my free time goes toward pedaling, so when I get the chance to sleep under the stars, I either revisit a tried-and-true route or turn to the route map for inspiration.

Since 2014, the team has been building, sharing, stewarding, and maintaining high-quality bikepacking routes around the world. Our first-of-its-kind bikepacking route network now spans some 200,000 kilometers (125,000 miles) across nearly 50 countries. In 2024 alone, we added 54 high-quality route guides, covering more than 21,000 kilometers (13,000 miles).

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Some of this year’s additions are especially compelling. The S.A.N.D. route in South Africa and the long-awaited Route of Caravans in Morocco stand out. Closer to home, the Rolling Horse route in Colorado looks breathtaking. The Baja Divide saw a significant update as well. And the MinneIoWisco route in my old stomping grounds has me itching to visit.

It’s amazing to have such a diverse collection of routes at our fingertips, from month-long adventures to quick overnighters. This ever-growing resource makes bikepacking accessible for everyone and keeps the spirit of adventure alive.

The Moonlander Standard

Let’s talk about the new Moonlander, easily the most interesting bike I tested last year. Apparently, many of you agree. It became my most-watched video of the year, amassing 125,000 views since its release on September 3rd.

What I really want to dive into are the new standards it introduces. While 24″ rims aren’t groundbreaking, pairing them with a massive 6.2″ tire is something entirely new. At first, I thought it seemed a bit over the top, but after tackling all kinds of challenging terrain, I can confidently say it’s far more practical than it looks. In fact, it might just represent the future of true human-powered overlanding.

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This setup isn’t necessary for most terrain, but it opens up some fascinating possibilities. Surly’s push into this territory has paved the way for aftermarket innovation, with their new rims and tires being just the beginning. Other manufacturers, like HED, are stepping in, too. My friend Josh Hicks recently stopped by Black Sheep to see what James was working on and spotted a custom fat bike sporting what appears to be 24″ HED rims.

Sure, adding another standard might not have been high on anyone’s wish list—it often brings more complexity—but I can’t help feeling excited about this development. While it may be a niche evolution, it’s one worth watching. I wouldn’t be surprised if 2025 brings more 24″ fat bikes into the spotlight.

State of metal

A few months ago, I made a video asking, Are aluminum bikes the new carbon bikes? It’s clear the industry is shifting toward aluminum, and for good reason. Sean Mailen, a seasoned bike industry engineer, told me that if he had to pick one material, it would be aluminum for its versatility. Over the years, aluminum has undergone significant changes, and it’s now at a point where it offers a balanced ride quality. But can it truly compete with steel? Many brands seem to think so, with new aluminum bikes continuing to hit the market.

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It’s refreshing to see this shift, as aluminum tends to be more affordable than other materials. While it likely won’t replace steel entirely anytime soon, if the industry can replicate the feel of steel in a lighter, less expensive frame, it could start to rival carbon bikes. We’ve already seen steel and aluminum full-suspension bikes begin to compete with carbon, and I think we’ll see more of that this year. I’m excited about the idea of more accessible, durable bikes that offer a comfortable ride for all-day adventures. Could this be the era of a new, refined aluminum? Only time will tell, but I’m looking forward to testing some of these bikes this year to see how they measure up in terms of comfort and performance.

Frame features at a New Level

Frame features are reaching a whole new level. Frame manipulation has seen a lot of innovation lately—take flex stays, for example, which have become a popular feature on modern bikes. While this ties into the aluminum conversation and reflects the ongoing evolution of frame design, it’s also a testament to the engineering behind combining stiffness and flex in targeted areas. This trend has drawn some skepticism, with plenty of riders dismissing it as marketing hype. However, I can appreciate features that genuinely enhance ride quality in creative ways. Innovations like 3D printing and careful tube shaping are also ways to manipulate a frame’s performance in ways traditional straight or butted tubing might not achieve. This was something I noticed significantly in the ride quality of the Esker Lorax last year.

In-frame cargo is another ingenious addition, as seen on the Santa Cruz Stigmata I tested last year and several other bikes. It’s a brilliant concept, even if it comes with a higher price tag. Another standout feature I’ve tried is the geo chip on the Otso Voytek 2, which allows you to adjust the bike’s reach and tweak the head tube angle, either steepening or slackening it. While I don’t fully grasp the engineering challenges behind implementing features like these, I’d love to see them more widely adopted across all bike materials. Fine-tuning a bike’s geometry could make a big difference, especially for riders between sizes or those who want to experiment with different setups without switching bikes.

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Then there are the features that have become almost standard in the bikepacking world: rack and fender mounts, direct-mount bosses for accessories, and integrated frame bag attachments. These additions don’t just make our lives easier; they add real, functional value to a bike. It’s exciting to see these features becoming the norm, setting a higher bar for versatility and utility in modern frame design. But it raises an important question: are all these features truly needed?

The State of the Bike Industry

Reflecting on the broader downturn in the cycling industry, in 2024, we saw a wave of closures, from prominent bike shops to Rocky Mountain filing for bankruptcy and The Pro’s Closet shutting down. Coupled with the growing challenges of advertising in the bike world, it’s clear the market is in turmoil. This feels like a continuation of a long-standing trend. Outside of the pandemic boom, the cycling market has rarely felt truly robust. For those less immersed in cycling, the high cost of bikes and accessories can seem prohibitively expensive—something that isn’t helping the industry. Even sales don’t appear to be turning things around.

The situation could worsen before improving. The 36-percent tariff on bicycles imported from China continues to put significant pressure on the market, with potential increases on the horizon. Whether these tariffs are strategic moves by upcoming U.S. leadership to influence policy or trade negotiations or an effort to encourage more domestic manufacturing remains to be seen.

That said, I doubt we’ll see a significant shift back to U.S.-based manufacturing anytime soon—it’s still far cheaper to produce bikes abroad. However, the financial strain these tariffs place on businesses is undeniable and already affecting the industry. Behind the scenes, companies are likely strategizing to navigate these challenges, and 2025 and beyond are shaping up to be pivotal years for cycling. It will be fascinating to see how it all unfolds.

Rethinking Frame Sizing

Let’s switch gears to a more fun and relatable topic: bike sizing. How many of you have spent hours staring at geometry charts, dissecting every millimeter, trying to figure out which size will actually fit you best? The truth is, the best way to know if a bike fits is to test it, but that’s becoming increasingly difficult with manufacturers scaling back on demo fleets and events. Just last year, I had to return a bike because it was too small, even though I almost always ride a medium. I usually prefer smaller bikes for their maneuverability, but sizing is anything but consistent from brand to brand.

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That inconsistency can work in a brand’s favor—once you find a good fit, you’re more likely to stick with them. But for riders like me, who often land right between medium and large, it’s a constant challenge. Can anyone else relate? Thankfully, some manufacturers are stepping up with in-between sizes. This is my call to all brands: it’s time to standardize “extra-medium” as a legitimate size and build out options from there. Brands like Tumbleweed (with the Stargazer) and Ibis (with the Ripley) are already leading the way. Sure, more size options mean additional SKUs and higher production costs, but it’s a step toward better fits and happier riders. Let’s make it happen!

Helene and Climate Change

As catastrophic weather events become increasingly common with climate change, critical conversations about community and its role in the cycling industry are sparking. Take Hurricane Helene, for instance—a so-called 1,000-year storm that devastated communities in southern Appalachia. I don’t think I know anyone in the region, or beyond, who wasn’t affected in some way.

Our friends at Rockgeist were hit especially hard; their 3,000-square-foot workspace in downtown Asheville was destroyed by flooding. They’re just one of many businesses and individuals still struggling months later. Entire livelihoods have been lost, the region faces massive economic challenges, and many trails remain closed or forever altered, cutting off access to the outdoor therapy we all value.

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While Helene’s impacts were localized, this is far from an isolated issue. Events like these are becoming more frequent, affecting not just local communities but the broader outdoor and cycling industries. Personally, I’ve had to adjust plans due to wildfires out West—another issue that’s only expected to worsen over time.

I’m not here to preach, but I will say this: every year, I try to make small changes. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, biking to commute more often, or simply being mindful of my environmental impact, those small actions add up. If we all take small, intentional steps, we can help create a better future—not just for the planet, but for the cycling community that thrives on our shared connection to the outdoors. Let’s do what we can to protect the places and experiences we love.

The State of Bags

The bikepacking world wouldn’t be what it is today without bags and their makers. In fact, I’m planning to post an appreciation piece on bike bag innovation early this year. These bags are one of the main reasons I got into what I’m doing now, as I felt many of the makers weren’t getting the recognition they deserved.

Having reviewed bikepacking bags for 10 years, it’s been incredible to watch their evolution. From 2014 to today, the transformation has been remarkable. This year, in particular, brought some truly innovative designs, such as Tailfin’s handlebar system and Rogue Panda’s Blue Ridge Harness, which was my favorite product of the year.

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But it wasn’t all good news. We heard about layoffs at Swift Industries, and Nutmeg Needleworks closed its factory in Connecticut after just a few years in business. Conversations with other brands revealed that things aren’t always going as smoothly as they would have hoped.

As someone without direct experience in bag manufacturing, I’ve noticed one simple trend: brands that stay relevant are constantly innovating, updating their products, and expanding their lineups. Tailfin, for example, continues to build out its SKUs, while Rogue Panda has impressed me with its consistent tinkering. When I visited their shop last year, I was surprised by how many people Nick employs. It’s an impressive operation.

In general, new or updated products keep brands in the spotlight, while others risk being overlooked. It’s a tough industry, but innovation seems to be the key to staying ahead.

Cycling Culture Shift

I saved this one for last because it feels like the most divisive topic in cycling today. Whether it’s about frame manufacturing, media, or even riding styles, there’s an undeniable culture war brewing in the cycling community. Here’s the thing: just like personal beliefs, we all have the right to our own opinions and styles. There was a time when I labeled myself based on how I pedaled or the type of riding I did, but lately, I’ve realized how toxic that kind of segmentation has become.

I hear from people around the world with their unique preferences, whether it’s the bikes they ride, the surfaces they ride on, or the groups they ride with. And that’s the beauty of cycling: it’s for everyone. Whether you call it bikepacking or off-road touring, or consider your riding as alt cycling, mountain biking, gravel riding or all road, it doesn’t matter, right? It’s all about the joy of riding.

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What hurts cycling, though, is exclusivity—creating closed-off groups, rejecting other riding styles, dismissing someone because they don’t fit a specific mold, and labeling. I was guilty of this at one point, but it’s wrong. To me, the bike is a gateway to freedom. It’s how my son will learn to explore his world, a way to commute to school or work, a means to enjoy a sunny afternoon riding around a lake, or simply a tool for exercise and exploration.

Cycling is versatile: paved roads, off-road tracks, big tires, skinny tires—it doesn’t matter. Sure, some bikes are better suited for certain scenarios, but the bike you have is the one you should ride. Yes, we do a lot of bike reviews, and many of the bikes we test are built for specific use cases. But what’s counterproductive is labeling riders, dividing them into categories, and spreading ourselves thin as a community. We already face enough challenges, whether it’s gaining access to national forests or advocating for bike lanes.

So, let’s stop the infighting and be one community. Ride what you like, where you like, and let others do the same. Cycling is for everyone—let’s make sure it stays that way.