Bikepacking Gear

After several months of use, we take a closer look at how the Ride Wrap Tailored Protection Kit is holding up on the recently reviewed Kona Hei Hei. Find a gallery of images and some thoughts here…

Thinking about having a custom frame bag made or wondering why you should consider getting one for your bike? In this guide, we walk through everything you need to know about custom-made frame bags, including recommended features, types of designs, and a thorough list of makers from around the world. Plus, find our latest video on the subject…

Saddle up and check out the weird new Surly Corner Bar. Conceived to easily convert a mountain bike to drops, this interesting handlebar functions like a drop bar but works with mountain shifters and brake levers. We had the chance to test one before launch. Find the full review here…

Cass Gilbert gives us a rundown of the only bike he’s ridden for the last 18 months, a dreamy Jones SWB. Find out what parts have worn out and what he’d do differently next time. Also, check out his complete lightweight gear list for relaxing weekend trips into the nearby mountains and exploring his new home. Read on for more…

Austere Manufacturing specializes in high-performance, US-made hardware. Their flagship product is a CNC-machined cam buckle that’s lightweight, impressively strong, and built to last a lifetime. Find a closer look here, including an interview with Austere’s founder, Uriel Eisen…

Drop bars vs flat bars? A few weeks ago, we asked our readers which they preferred for long dirt tours and big multi-day bikepacking rides on mixed surface routes. With nearly 3,000 respondents, we reveal the results in our latest video. Additionally, Neil unpacks all you need to know about the differences between the two, particularly their effect on comfort and components. Watch it here.

What makes the best GPS unit for bikepacking? In this video, Neil walks through the critical features, functions, and settings to consider. He also shares his thoughts on the Garmin eTrex series and explains why he continues to use the eTrex 32x over cycling-specific computers for multi-day rides…

Updated June 2021 In bikepacking utopia, we all ride beautiful singletrack on minimal soft bag setups, perfectly packed with the latest in ultralight gear. In the real world, however, many of us aren’t always enjoying trail riding and our gear can often be bulky. Or sometimes we just need a little extra capacity. Perhaps it’s […]

With the Tour Divide kicking off tomorrow, folks might be wondering how riders choose the best tires for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, a long and intense ride that tests all bike components, especially the ones grinding along day after day. In our latest YouTube video, we talk about what factors to consider and reveal a few of our favorite tires for long, mixed-terrain routes…

Wolf Tooth Components just launched their all-new WT-1 Chain Lube, which is designed to clean, protect, and last up to five times longer than other chain lubes. We had the chance to give it a try prior to launch. Find our first impressions here…

What makes a great hip pack? In this video review, Neil shares some thoughts on his new favorite, the Dakine Hot Laps 5L. It’s big, loaded with features that work well on the bike, and he rarely leaves home without it. Find the specs, how he packs his Hot Laps, and how it’s held up to a few months of riding.

Just released, the Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack QR is a rather fresh and modern take on the traditional top-loading handlebar bag. We got to put a couple hundred miles on one for this shakedown review. Find everything you need to know about this unique, waterproof roll-top bag here…