Neil Beltchenko

Just announced, the new Hammerhead Karoo is the brand’s third-generation head unit and the first since being acquired by SRAM. As you might expect, there are several new features to better integrate with SRAM components, along with a few other noteworthy upgrades and a fresh companion app. In our first-look review, Neil unpacks all the details and compares it to several other devices. See it here…

Whether or not bikepacking bags are truly “waterproof” is a contentious topic, especially with bag makers claiming their bags are waterproof when they’re clearly not. The Ortlieb Toptube Frame-Pack is a half-frame bag with welded seams and a unique waterproof zipper that may well be the only truly waterproof bag with a zipper. Find Neil’s Ortlieb Toptube Frame-Pack review here…

A well-designed tent can mean the difference between a comfortable night out under the stars and a frustrating experience. After using the SlingFin Portal 1 on a handful of trips over the last few months, Neil found it to be a cozy home away from home with a few unique features that set it apart from other one-person tents. Find his SlingFin Portal 1 Tent Review here…

Today, Kona Launched their latest bike, the Ouroboros. We were lucky enough to have one for a month or so beforehand, and Neil put it through its paces, pedaling it more than 300 miles around Colorado and Utah, riding it on gravel, singletrack, and an overnighter. In his video, he dives into Kona’s new drop-bar offering in detail. Find our Kona Ouroboros review here…

After teasing them last summer, CamelBak has officially released its full range of bikepacking bags. Neil had the chance to put them to the test over the last few months while bikepacking in Utah and Colorado. Find his full review of the Camelbak M.U.L.E. Bikepacking Bags here with insight into features he likes and what could be improved…

Neil tested the Pivot Mach 4 SL over the last several months, taking it on a multitude of trail rides and a bikepacking trip along the Madrean Rugged Ramble in Arizona. Continue reading for his review with thoughts on how the brand’s latest full-suspension XC race bike performs while loaded, some interesting sizing findings, and how it handles his burly home trails around Gunnison, Colorado…

In this review, Neil looks at the all-new Rogue Panda Blue Ridge Handlebar Harness. After some rigorous testing on the Arizona Trail, he reports back on why it might just be the best handlebar cradle we’ve tested yet. Find Neil’s detailed review of the Arizona brand’s latest product here…

As we’ve seen over the last five or so years, e-bikes have gained a solid footing in the bike marketplace and attracted many new riders, but can they become a mode of transport for bikepacking trips? In our latest video, Neil delves into several details in hopes of finding an answer to that question…

Designed to nest seamlessly inside Tailfin’s AeroPack or AP20 Trunk Bag, the new Tailfin Packing Cubes maximize space and organize your gear with purposeful material selection and shaping. Neil had a chance to take a closer look ahead of today’s release for this review…

GPS device or phone for cycling? One of the most frequent comments we get when publishing a GPS unit review is, “Why not just use your phone?” In our latest video, Neil answers this by sharing some of the reasons he prefers a GPS head unit for all his bikepacking endeavors, and he also presents a few favorite options we use here at BIKEPACKING.com…

What makes the best rig for the Iditarod Trail Invitational? In our latest video, Neil unpacks the bikes of the 2024 Iditarod Trail, highlighting what most racers are using, uncovering some unexpected findings, and sharing a few thoughts about the race and gear. See it all here…

Almost 12 years ago, Neil went on his first bikepacking trip, an ambitious 10-day journey along the Colorado Trail. The trip was a success, but it wasn’t without many learning experiences. In his latest piece, Neil unpacks what he learned from the trip and discusses how he’d do it differently today…