Logan Watts

Our friend Taj Mihelich has a new children’s book out today. “Ban the Fan” is a humorous, tender story about Giraffe learning empathy by seeing the world from his friends’ point of view. Learn more about it, watch Taj’s intro video, and link to grab a copy here…

We figured fellow map lovers might be interested in “Maps on Vinyl: An Atlas of Album Cover Maps,” which is exactly what the title suggests—a one-of-a-kind book showcasing 415 map-themed album sleeves. Take a peek at it here…

Surly just restocked three classic accessories to help you 86 your derailleur: the Surly Singleator, Hurdy Gurdy, and Tuggnut. Same proven function with fresh looks—find details here and grab them while they’re in stock…

Curious about non-SRAM/Shimano shifting options? Logan put the shiny, small-batch Vivo Enduro derailleur and F3 shifter through 1,000 miles of trail use to see how this combo stacks up over the long haul. Find the full review here….

The deadline for our Fill in the Map contest is coming up fast, so we’re giving you a little extra time to submit your favorite local bikepacking overnighters for a chance to win. Learn about the new deadline and share your route to be entered to win one of 15 prizes from Rockgeist, Teravail, and Wolf Tooth Components here…

Alaskan filmmaker Björn Olson is sounding the alarm about a fast-tracked open-pit mine planned northwest of Nome that threatens the Imuruk Basin, a lifeline for salmon, caribou, musk oxen, and the downstream communities. Learn what’s at stake and how you can add your voice during the 30-day comment window here. Plus, watch his film, “Iglaak,” about a bike traverse through the area…

The 2026 Cotic hardtail lineup has been released with fresh paint. The 2026 BFe lands in glow-in-the-dark Glow White and glossy Denim, carrying the brand’s updated logotype, and the Solaris now comes in Limestone. Find details and availability info here…

The fall BIKEPACKING.com Garage Sale is happening this Thursday and Friday, and Bikepacking Collective members who list an item in the Bike Camp Co-op on either of those days will be entered to win a pair of Old Man Mountain Hemlock bags plus matching Flip Cages! You’ll also be able to shop dozens of discounted items from our editors’ gear stashes. Find details here…

For Collective Reward #229, one randomly selected new Bikepacking Collective member will score a full collection of The Bikepacking Journal issues 1–14, each brand new and still in the wrapper. Get the details and throw your name in the hat before the deadline on Friday…

In Tailfin’s latest video, they go behind the scenes with Molly—the brand’s Head Prototyper who hand-builds every sample—as she shares five reasons the Flip Top Tube Bag never leaves her bike. Watch it here…

We’re at Bespoked in Dresden this weekend with plenty of back issues of the Bikepacking Journal! Be sure to stop by our booth, say hi, thumb through past volumes, and grab a copy. Learn more here.

Dropper posts might get all the glory, but the tiny lever under your thumb makes—or breaks—them. Over the years, Logan has tested dozens of remotes, and he recently pulled together his top five standouts that nail ergonomics, feel, and compatibility. Find his roundup of the best dropper post levers available here…