Cass Gilbert

Big Agnes’ Q-Core SLX sleeping pad is one of the company’s lightest insulated pads to date. It’s also luxuriously thick. We take one to the desert Southwest and along the Colorado Trail to see how we sleep…

In celebration of the Summer Solstice – and the Swift Campout that sees hundreds of bikepackers worldwide spend a night under the stars – Cass reports on his New Mexican camping trip with family and friends.

Planning 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.

Anker’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…

As 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.

Keen 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…

Thinking 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.

Thinking 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…

Meet 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.

Here 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.