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A Guide to International Bikepacking Trips
33 Jun 26 Cass Gilbert / tipsPlanning a big, overseas bikepacking trip can seem like a daunting task. After spending a month riding dirt roads through the Peruvian Andes, Cass returns with advice for putting together a similar journey.
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Anker PowerPort Solar Review: off-the-grid touring
20 Jun 12 Cass Gilbert / accessoriesAnker’s PowerPort Solar is a charging system suited to more powerful electronic devices, like larger iPhones and tablets. We head off-the-grid to the Peruvian Andes, loaded with framebag full of gadgets…
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Rogue Panda Oracle Rolltop: limpet-like storage.
23 Jun 5 Cass Gilbert / bikepacking-bagsAs bikepackers, we’re often in search of extra cubby holes to store gear, particularly in ways that won’t impact a bike’s handling. Rogue Panda’s Oracle Rolltop Downtube Bag is one such option, making use of the downtube real estate on bikes without eyelets. It can also, with the right configuration, slot above a water bottle on those that have more room to spare.
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Six Moon Designs Deschutes Review: modular minimalism
14 May 30 Cass Gilbert / gearKeen to try a tarp but fearful of critters, ticks and things that go bump in the night? The Six Moon Designs Deschutes is an ultralight solo tarp that’s easily transformed into a more conventional tent, courtesy of an optional bug net. We take one into the wilds and live to tell the tale…
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Budget 1×10: Making the Most of Old Shimano Tech
52 May 22 Cass Gilbert / gearThinking about giving a 1x drivetrain a whirl for bikepacking? It’s easy to get carried away by the latest and greatest. But if you’re not ready for the investment of a dedicated 11 or even 12-speed drivetrain, there’s a budget option at hand, recycling parts close to hand. For those already running a Shimano-compatible 8 or 9-speed freehub, switching to a relatively wide range, 1×10 drivetrain is both easy and affordable.
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Swift Sugarloaf Review: #basketpacking
24 May 17 Cass Gilbert / bikepacking-bagsThinking of giving ‘basketpacking’ a go? Swift’s Sugarloaf is designed to fit snuggly within the wire confines of a Wald 137 basket. With its side clips and internal pockets, it brings an element of practicality and refinement to both dirt road campouts and commutes around town. Even better, it might even encourage you to ride your bike more…
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146 mi. / 235 km4 days
The Baldy Bruiser, Southern California.
122 May 2 Cass Gilbert USAThe Baldy Bruiser packs in some of the finest dirt roading in and around Los Angeles. Connecting Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Cleghorn Fire Road, Baldy Notch, Glendora Ridge Road, and Rincon-Redbox Truck Trail, it's a gorgeous backcountry ride that boasts a fearsome amount of climbing and some steep grades along its 145 miles length. If you're a city dweller in search of a hearty, long weekend adventure, then this is the challenge for you! -
Oveja Negra Chuckbucket: the bag of many things
4 Apr 26 Cass Gilbert / bikepacking-bagsMeet the Chuckbucket, Oveja Negra’s take on the classic handlebar snack bag. It’s big. It’s rectangular. It’s deep. And we like it! Read on to find out why.
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California Basketpackin’
61 Mar 24 Cass Gilbert / gear-listsHere at bikepacking.com, we like to feel we’re an open-minded collective of riders and explorers. Ever fascinated by different modes of carrying cargo on his bike – depending on the length and style of the trip – Cass reports back on his experiences ‘basketpacking’ in Southern California, along with a full a breakdown of his gear list.
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858 mi. / 1,381 km23 days
Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route: Dirt Road Version
231 Mar 21 Cass GilbertThe Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route - the Dirt Road Version - runs the length of the country's volcanic corridor, following jeep tracks and tertiary, low traffic sealed roads. Meandering a remote course through the Ecuadorian Andes, it connects vibrant, colourful market towns with small mountain settlements. Amongst many highlights, its itinerary includes the volcanic trio of Cotopaxi, Quilatoa and Chimborazo, as well as the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca.
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Clikstand Stove Review: the Sound of Silence.
46 Mar 10 Cass Gilbert / gearThe Clikstand is a lightweight, minimal stove system designed around the classic Trangia alcohol burner. Diminutive enough to pack in a framebag, it’s also perfectly proportioned for a gourmet cooking campout. Read on to discover why we like it so much…
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60 mi. / 97 km2 days
The LA Observer, California.
83 Mar 2 Cass Gilbert USAThe LA Observer is a short foray into the city's neighbouring Angeles National Park, via the unexpectedly steep and rugged folds of the San Gabriel Mountains. Reaching over 5,000ft at times, it offers bouts of flowing singletrack and a medley of abandoned dirt roads, set to one sweeping panorama after another. Time your ride right and it also promises the chance to ogle at Los Angeles' endless sea of illumination at dusk, or even from the comforts of your tent at nightfall...