Neil Beltchenko

In “Sloppy Joe (with Cheese),” Neil Beltchenko takes viewers on a bikepacking trip to Moab, Utah, where Mother Nature served up a generous helping of the elements and a reminder that things are never guaranteed to go to plan. Although his group’s time on the trail left them soaking wet and covered in mud, it was a lesson in seeing the beauty behind even the messiest of experiences. Watch it here…

The Viral Dérive is a trail and bikepacking-ready titanium hardtail with a Pinion gearbox, Gates belt drive, and plenty of mounts. We’ve been testing one against “the theory of the Dérive” over dozens of trail rides and several bikepacking trips for this review. Find the video review alongside a photo gallery and some written thoughts here…

The 2023 Revel Ranger was just revamped and rereleased, and we had the chance to put this short-travel full-suspension 29er through its paces before today’s launch. Find out what’s changed and dig in to the full review here…

Bikepacking often takes us to remote areas with limited cell coverage. If something unfortunate happens to you or a group member, knowing you can communicate to get help is reassuring. Satellite messengers are nothing new, but they’ve gone through many refinements over the years. In our latest video review, Neil digs into the new Garmin InReach Messenger and discusses why he likes it over the InReach Mini.

The 2023 Esker Hayduke was announced a few weeks ago, improving the brand’s tried and true steel bikepacking hardtail. In our latest video, Neil and Andrew outline the bike’s new features, including updated dropouts, rack mounts, and geometry tweaks. Andrew also offers his thoughts on how it pedaled and shares a look at his loaded bikepacking kit…

HydraPak recently released several new filters and collapsible bottle systems, including the versatile HydraPak Flux 1.5L. We got a hold of one just before launch for this video review. Learn more here…

In our latest YouTube video, Neil shares his current family commuter and how it might morph into their future family bikepacking rig. Plus, find a list of the gear that’s impressed him along the way and thoughts on the process…

It’s that time of the year again when we share our Editor’s Dozen gear lists. To kick things off, here’s Neil Beltchenko’s video showcasing 12 of his favorite products that he tested in 2022. Watch it here…

We’ve seen many bike manufacturers launch drop-bar mountain bikes with high-volume tire clearance in recent years, including UK-based Pipedream Cycles, who recently released their third iteration of the A.L.I.C.E. In our latest video review, Neil introduces the A.L.I.C.E., highlights its unique features, and talks through everything else you need to know about this blue beauty…

Since 2006, Jefe Branham has been tackling some of the most challenging self-supported bikepacking races out there. However, one that he’s yet to check off that list is the full Arizona Trail Race, an 800+ mile ride from Mexico to Utah. In our latest Rider & Rig video, Neil catches up with Jefe to learn about the race, his signature Why Cycles El Jefe, what he’s bringing along, and how he plans on carrying his bike through the Grand Canyon…

Eastern Kentucky may not pop to mind as a bikepacking destination, but hidden in the hills and hollers is the Sheltowee Trace, a beautiful hiking-centric trail that was established in 1979. More recently, a handful of folks have been developing and launching a bike-friendly version of the trail. In this video, Neil narrates his 2021 trip on the route and shares some of the highlights of the recently published Sheltowee Bikepacking Route…

In our latest YouTube video, Neil chats with PACT Outdoors Founder Noah Schum about the best practices for properly pooping outside while bikepacking in a way that minimizes impacts on our environment. Watch it here…