Logan Watts

Collective Reward #218 is here, and this time, we’re giving one lucky Bikepacking Collective member a bundle of useful tools, accessories, and bike-related gifts from some of our favorite brands, including PAUL Components, Cane Creek, Restrap, Outdoor Alliance, and Blackburn. Find details here…

Tailfin’s latest video offers a refreshing glimpse into the daily life of ultra-endurance racer Alex McCormack. From free diving and spear fishing in the cold waters of Devon to reflecting on self-reliance and solitude, it’s a quiet, thoughtful portrait of a rising star who’s just as comfortable underwater as he is at the front of a bikepacking race. Watch it to find out what fuels Alex between competitions…

Congratulations to Ana Jager, who quietly carved out another impressive chapter in her Tour Divide resume, securing second place for the second year in a row with her signature consistency and low-profile approach. Find details here…

Originally teased at Eurobike last year, ORTLIEB’s Thru Axle M6-Connectors, Quick-Rack L, and Quick-Rack XL are now officially available in the USA and UK. Designed to bring rack-and-pannier capability to bikes without mounts, the system enables axle-based installation on everything from gravel bikes to mountain bikes. Details here…

The new High Above Venture3D hip pack is the brand’s most technical pack yet. Stitched in the Pacific Northwest, it combines an innovative 3D-printed pack pad with durable materials and a minimalist, clean design that packs in a few interesting details. We had the chance to try one out for a couple of months for this review…

Day 14 of the Tour Divide brought many faster riders to the quirky and legendary Pie Town, New Mexico—a place where the promise of homemade pie is more than just a name. Before they push through the challenging Gila, photographer Eddie Clark captured a few excellent moments on this stretch from his base near El Malpais, from Grants to Pie Town…

Senator Mike Lee is reviving efforts to sell off public lands—this time targeting recreation-rich BLM parcels just outside towns, putting iconic bikepacking routes like the Monumental Loop, Sage and Saddles, and the Kokopelli Trail at risk. His revised proposal threatens front-country access millions rely on for connection, conservation, and outdoor adventure. Here’s what’s at stake and how you can speak up to help protect these treasured lands…

Just announced, the Silca Ultimate Shock Pump brings the brand’s high-quality, precision reputation to the world of suspension tuning. And with a zero-loss chuck, rotatable gauge, and a sharp, CNC-machined construction, it certainly looks promising. Find photos, specs, and details here…

As the Tour Divide unfolds, a deeper conversation about record recognition and inclusion has come to the forefront, sparked by Mel Webb’s powerful reflection on Austin Killips’ missing women’s record dot. With shifting precedents and unexplained changes to Trackleaders’ pace dots, it’s time to ask: who gets to decide which records count, and why?

Since launching Basecamp in March, we’ve made a bunch of tweaks and fixed dozens of bugs that were brought to our attention. Now, we’ve rolled out several more significant upgrades. Find details here…

Rockgeist was nearly wiped out by Hurricane Helene last fall, but after months of recovery, Asheville’s beloved bag maker is back on its feet and in a brand-new space. While they’re not at full capacity yet, the team is up and running and in good spirits. Find a few photos of the new shop from their open house this past weekend, and consider picking up some gear to help them roll forward…

Just two weeks after unveiling their first fully wireless drivetrain, XTR Di2, Shimano followed up with two waves of trickle-down tech in the mid-range XT and entry-level Deore lines. We got our mitts on the new Shimano XT Di2 before its official launch to dig in and see what gives. Find our first-ride review here, including details, weights, pricing, and 10 key takeaways from our time with the group…