Bikepacking Gear

Earlier this summer, SQlab released the 710 2.0 grips, featuring a supportive mini-wing and a sophisticated shape that looked like a great alternative to the popular Ergon GA3 grips. Over the last few months, Miles has been testing two sizes on day rides and bikepacking trips to see how they stack up. Find his review here…

With a growing number of electronic options on the market in 2025, the release of the Growtac Equal Control levers, a set of adjustable friction brifters, appears squarely out of left field. Having logged well over 10,000 miles on friction shifters, Nic took a look at the Japanese manufacturer’s newest lever option to see whether this new take on old technology is worth shifting to…

New to the British brand’s lineup is the Restrap Switch Pannier, a micro-pannier that uses a minimal mounting technology to attach to two bottle bosses, typically found on fork blades. Nic took a detailed look at these new bags to see if they’re useful for bikepacking and in line with the quality he’s come to expect from the Yorkshire maker…

Over the last five months, Neil has put the new Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 through its paces on everything from quick day rides to multi-day bikepacking trips. Along the way, he’s logged enough miles to deliver clear takeaways on the updated hardware, features, and what’s changed from the previous version. The big question: Is it fit for bikepacking? Watch now to find out…

Part of the new PFAS-free 7mesh Guardian Collection, the 7mesh Guardian Air Jacket is an ultralight waterproof jacket made from Gore-Tex ePE fabric. Find Miles’ first impressions after testing a pre-production version on several early-season bikepacking trips and details on the entire Guardian Collection here…

Semi-slick tires have a varied reputation in the cycling world. Some see them as true, do-it-all options, and others view them as entirely unfit for purpose. When the Teravail Updraft tire was released earlier this year, Nic eagerly jumped at the chance to test a set. In his Teravail Updraft review, he asks if this wide, semi-slick gravel tire makes sense for the kind of all-road riding it’s marketed for…

Updated and re-released earlier this year, the titanium Spurcycle Tool is a compact gadget with a sliding T-handle and a clever magnetic holder for its 10 broadly useful bits. A longtime fan of the Oregon brand’s Tool, Lucas was excited to use it alongside the previous version over the past several months. Find his Spurcycle Tool review here…

Strong. Fast. Grippy. All three? The new Teravail Clifty comes shockingly close. After miles of wet, rocky Pisgah singletrack, it’s proven tougher, quicker, and more confidence-inspiring than expected. If you’re chasing a do-it-all tire that doesn’t force compromise, the Clifty might be worth a look. Find Logan’s Teravail Clifty review here…

Neil has been putting the Hover Air X1 ProMax through its paces over the past several months, bringing it along on bikepacking trips and day rides. It’s become a go-to tool for capturing B-roll for reviews and other videos. In his latest review, he digs into all the details and showcases a wide range of shots he’s captured along the way…

Rick Hunter has been refining racks for decades, but his new Hunter Cycles Cargo Rack feels like one of those rare designs that just clicks. With built-in cargo cages, axle mounts, clever strap-keepers, and a modular chromoly construction, it’s a minimalist’s dream for carrying extra water, food, or gear without compromise. After a few trips with it, we’re convinced it’s one of the smartest and most versatile bikepacking racks out there. Find Logan’s full review here…

Sometimes, you have to reinvent the wheel. Rogue Panda just did that with a completely out-of-the-box frame bag thumb screw and washer design. We’ve been using pre-production versions for several months to see how they work. Find our mini-review of the all-new Rogue Panda Frame Bag Thumb Screw system here…

With a preference for mechanical actuation, Nic has spent a lot of time with all kinds of mechanical brakes. From his time using Avid BB7s to better days on Growtac Equals, physical cable pull is how he’s come to a stop for over six years. There are some great boutique options on the market these days, but he took a deep dive into one of the more overlooked calipers on the market. Find his full TRP Spyre Review below…