Editor’s Dozen: Miles and Emily’s Favorite Gear and More of 2025

I’m not exactly sure where 2025 went, but here we are nearing the end. Like clockwork, I find myself reflecting on the past 12 months, thinking about everything I’ve done and wondering whether I could have fit more in. Maybe it’s because I’m feeling more like an adult than ever before, or the fact that there’s been a never-ending assault of health-related speedbumps recently. I feel more pressure than ever to get outside, make shit happen, and seize the day. Frankly, it’s exhausting!

Emily and I spent a significant amount of time close to home, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t sneak in some fantastic rides. We started the year with a trip to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to ride Matt Mason’s Monumental Loop. Closer to home, we published two new fantastic routes on Vancouver Island. This fall, we hosted the second annual Slow Coast event and somehow snuck in a mountain bike road trip through Northern British Columbia. Maybe we do more than I give myself credit for.

Throughout the year, we’ve tested a variety of bikes, bags, and parts. Some of these things have already appeared here in reviews, but there are countless other standouts that haven’t found a dedicated spot on the website. That’s where these roundups come in, giving us a final chance to highlight specific products or ideas that have left a lasting impression as we reflect back on the year. Our final Editor’s Dozen of 2025 showcases these things, some purchasable and some not, and has us both looking forward to doing it all again in 2026.

Mountain Laurel Designs Poco Panniers (V3)

370 grams/pair / Made in USA / $225+ at Mountain Laurel Designs

I’ve been lucky enough to try some of the latest and greatest in ultralight pannier tech. That includes the San Util Mini Panniers, Revelate Designs Nano Panniers, and others. They’ve all got their perks, but after spending nearly half the year with the Mountain Laurel Designs Poco Panniers, I can confidently say they are some of my favorite panniers yet.

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Not only are the Pocos incredibly light, they’re fully waterproof, rattle-free, easy to pack, and delightfully simple thanks to a roll-top closure and integrated carbon stiffeners. I’ve logged some serious mileage with this pair, including a 450-kilometer route scouting trip on Vancouver Island and several overnighters. Emily has also used them on several trips, including on the new Jeune Landing Loop here in British Columbia. They continue to hold up great, and the fact that they are available in three sizes makes them easy to recommend.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Long-Sleeve

Made in Sri Lanka / $55 at Backcountry.com Men’s Women’s

In our summer 2022 Editor’s Dozen, Emily and I included the long-sleeve 7mesh Elevate. It was one of our most-used pieces of apparel for all types of rides that year, and I loved that it was lightweight and breathable enough to wear on hot days, but offered some extra protection and coverage compared to a t-shirt. I wore that shirt into the ground, logging thousands of riding miles before it eventually disintegrated. I’ve been on the hunt for a replacement ever since, and recently picked up what might be my new favorite riding long-sleeve.

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The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Long-Sleeve is made from 100% recycled polyester in a Fair Trade Certified factory and is designed to be quick-drying, lightweight, and odor-resistant. It has a familiar light feel to the Elevate shirt, but doesn’t seem like it’s going to fall apart any time soon. Sizing up to an extra-large made for the perfect loose (but not too loose) fit for riding, camping, and moving outdoors.

Ultradynamico Mars Race Tires

635 grams / Made in Japan / $95 at Ultradynamico

I usually err on the side of caution when choosing tires, opting for durable casings and thick tread to avoid punctures or cuts. Weight isn’t typically a major concern, and a little extra meat is worth the added confidence a durable casing provides. Last summer, I decided to take a chance on some categorically supple tires and picked up the Ultradynamico Mars Race 29 x 2.2″ tires for my Hudski Doggler. I liked them so much that they eventually found their way onto the Hudski Dualist I tested this year.

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Not only did the fast-rolling center tread and generous side lugs hook up and perform well on mixed-terrain rides here in the Pacific Northwest, but they’ve also lasted much longer than I initially thought they would. There are so many factors at play, but the Mars’ high TPI and lightweight casing paired with the new We Are One Wanderer wheels provided some of the most plush riding I’ve experienced on a rigid bike. That was crystal clear during an all-terrain gravel race I tackled earlier this summer.

Sewing Club

Almost a decade ago, I started a bike bag company called Screaming Beaver Bike Bags. There weren’t very many small makers in Canada at the time—really only Porcelain Rocket—and I thought Ontario needed an option for custom frame bags. I ordered some Cordura, zippers, and velcro, and my mom gave me a crash course on sewing. Within a few days, I had a website up and running. I probably made a few dozen custom frame bags before I realized there were many others out there making nice stuff, so I called it quits.

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I loved sewing because it was a chance to use my hands and make something tangible. The act of stitching something together, turning it right-side out, and having a functional piece of gear was incredibly satisfying. Earlier this year, I made a new friend in town with loads of sewing and product design experience. We started a weekly meetup to spend time in his studio. This inspired me to purchase a domestic sewing machine of my own, a Pfaff Passport 3.0, and I’ve enjoyed relearning some skills and putting them into practice on small home projects. I chose the Pfaff because I trust the Germans when it comes to designing solid machines, and so far I’ve been impressed with its ability to handle 3-4 layers of technical fabrics, as well as lighter materials. I’ve been making little cinch storage sleeves for Silky Saws for friends, some fleece hats, and I have some Alpha Direct fabric and some cool linen waiting for me to muster up my courage and cut into it. I’m excited to share a fresh #MYOBG guide on the site soon.

Challenge Outdoor UltraStretch

5.5 oz/yd² / Made in China / $13 per foot at Rockywoods

Challenge Sailcloth released its innovative UltraStretch fabric as part of its expanded Ultra line in 2022. It stood out among other stretchy technical fabrics for its durability, abrasion resistance, and its ability to stretch, making it a perfect material for expandable pockets and sleeves on technical bags. I’m pretty sure it was Jay Ritchey at Bags by Bird who first introduced me to UltraStretch, which he used for the exterior pockets on the Tail Grab handlebar bags.

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I’ve seen UltraStretch used on a handful of other bags since then, and this year I’ve come to really appreciate it for pockets that can be overstuffed and sleeves that see heavy use. Last year, Challenge Sailcloth introduced a range of colored UltraStretch fabrics, and I’m still waiting to see them in person.

Leatherman Skeletool

141 grams / Made in USA / $75 at REI

Emily: When I was gearing up for my first solo bikepacking trip a few summers ago, I figured I needed a knife. I wish I were kidding. The irrational, yet rational, fear was amplified when I went into my local hunting store, and the person working there learned of my trip and told me I needed a big dagger to defend myself. Though I can be easily convinced on many things, this felt a tad aggressive. I had visions of a knife being more of a threat to myself than anyone or anything I’d come across, so I shifted my focus to something a bit more functional. 

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The Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip, and carabiner/bottle opener. It’s lightweight and functional, with enough features to not feel like overkill. I rarely leave for a big day ride or trip without throwing it in my hip pack or feed bag, just in case. I even lost it in a house move last year, and purchased a new one this spring. Fortunately, I haven’t needed it to fight off a cougar, but I have cut many delicious slices of cheese and salami.

Kula Cloth

18 grams / Made in USA / $20+ at Kula Cloth

Emily: I’m the first to admit that I am not opposed to a luxury item on a bike trip. I bring an XL camp pillow, multiple pairs of socks, and refuse to leave a camp stove at home, even if it’s just for one cup of tea in the morning on a short overnighter. When the Kula Cloth started popping up on my social media feed, I was not convinced. I’ve never been afraid of peeing in the bushes, and have been an outdoor drip dryer since I can remember. I can’t recall what prompted me to purchase the Kula Cloth. It might’ve been some targeted ads on Instagram, or being fed up with wet underwear from dawn to dusk on a bike ride (because we all know drip-drying is never that efficient), but it quickly became my favourite purchase of 2025.

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Kula Cloth is a reusable antimicrobial pee cloth that reduces toilet paper waste, keeps things clean and dry, and easily snaps to the outside of a backpack or to any spot on your bike. They have a variety of cute patterns (a key selling point), and have changed the game for me. I used it during my trip riding the Monumental Loop in New Mexico this past January, and haven’t looked back. Since then, I’ve taken it on every bike trip and long day ride. I recently forgot it on an overnighter in October, and the gap in my gear was noticeable. For anyone who squats when they pee, I highly recommend this functional and cute accessory. It’s the one thing you’ll find me dangling!

Albion Zoa Rain Trousers

275 grams / Made in China / £265 Albion Cycling

Emily and I have been busy comparing rain pants out as a follow-up to the rain jacket roundup we published a year ago. It’s always exciting to get a group of highly-rated products together for a back-to-back test, and we’ll be sharing our thoughts on a collection of those rain pants soon, but I couldn’t resist including the Albion Zoa Rain Trousers in an Editor’s Dozen first. They’ve really stood out as a favorite with comfortably roomy fit, options for ventilation, and the abrasion-resistant seat panel that protects an area that sees a lot of wear. That’s all I’ll share for now, stay tuned for more.

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Hyperlite CrossPeak 2 Tent

996 grams (2.2 pounds) / Made in Mexico / $950 at Hyperlite

Released earlier this year, the Hyperlite CrossPeak 2 Tent is the brand’s first free-standing tent and one of the lightest, most spacious, two-person Dyneema tents I’ve seen. Emily and I had the chance to test it for several months before its launch, and continue to reach for it because of its weight, perfectly tensioned setup, and freestanding design.

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The CrossPeak 2 was on the short list for our 2025 Gear of the Year awards, but we decided against it because of its price tag. It’s a crazy expensive tent, and I almost didn’t include it here for that reason, but it really is a nice tent. What I’d love to see is something comparable made from a lightweight polyester or nylon fabric with the same exterior poles at half the price.

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .3 First Aid Kit

73 grams / Made in China / $13.50 at REI

Packing for a bikepacking trip often comes down to simply deciding what you’ll take and what you’ll leave behind. There are two items that Emily and I will never question: a helmet and a first-aid kit. We picked up the tiny Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .3 First Aid Kit years ago when I was still working at Mountain Equipment Co-op because I thought the zip-lock style storage bag was clever and it included a solid array of useful items. Over the years it has evolved. We’ve used items, we’ve added items, and now it feels like a functional piece of kit that’s easy to stuff down into the bottom of a frame bag, but ready when in case we need it.

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A few items we really appreciate having are Steri-Strips, extra duct tape, Benadryl, Tylanol, electrolytes, tweezers, and a spare sleeping pad patch kit. The bag feels big enough to hold enough useful things to make it worth carrying around, but isn’t bulky enough that it’s awkward to pack. Plus, it’s a great value!

Vancouver Island

British Columbia, Canada

Maybe it’s because of my proximity to it or because of all the time I’ve spent riding the island’s forest service roads this year, but Vancouver Island on British Columbia’s west coast truly is a bikepacker’s paradise. I started my route creation project with the Cowichan Valley 8 in early 2020, followed by the Englishman River Overnighter later that summer. At that point I was hooked.

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The next summer I published the Snowden or Dust route further up the island, which introduced me to the bikepacking potential on the island’s north end, eventually inspiring the creation of the 1,000km Tree to Sea Loop that fall. I’ve returned for countless overnighters, Emily’s Slow Coast event, and expanded the collection this year with the new Alberni Bam Bam route as an exciting option for folks coming in from Vancouver, as well as the Jeune Landing Loop for an approachable north island overnighter. I’m also not the only one exploring the island—Kelton and Matthew published The South Island Sundowner last year as another option that starts and ends in Victoria.

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Despite the number of established bikepacking routes on Vancouver Island, I’ve still got a few things up my sleeve. I’m excited to continue seeing new places, meeting new people, and discovering gravel road connections that don’t show up on any public maps. Route creation is by far one of the most rewarding parts of the job, and it’s extra special to create guides for routes right in my backyard.

Fox DHX2 Coil Shock

~940 grams / Made in Asia / $749 at RideFox.com

After swooning over them for years, I picked up a Starling Murmur frame a few months ago to build up as the ultimate winter shred sled for the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been enjoying my overbuilt Rocky Mountain Element, but there’s no question that the steeper riding areas here on the coast are more enjoyable on a bike with more travel. I also have no interest in complicated suspension designs with multiple sets of bearings that need regular service or replacement, so the Murmur’s single-pivot design and external cable routing seemed like the perfect choice for the wet and sloppy conditions here on the Sunshine Coast.

I’ll be using the Murmur to test a handful of parts, but I was really excited to give a coil shock a try as I’ve always used air shocks. I’ve only been out on a few rides so far, but I can already get behind the consistent and responsive feel of the Fox DHX2 I set it up with. So far it has handled everything I’ve thrown at it, it was easy to setup, and the climb switch’s ability to lock out the rear end is downright impressive. It goes from trail shredder to hardtail in half a second, which is perfect for someone who enjoys the climbs as much as the descents.

Project Leaf Rake

Soon after moving to Sunshine Coast, I spent the better part of three years as the Communications and Branding Director with the qathet Regional Cycling Association (QRCA) here in town. Although I’ve stepped back for the last couple years, I still enjoy capturing photos at local events, assisting with the website, and finding ways to contribute.

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If there’s one thing I learned being on a cycling association board, it’s that people want to help. The best way to harness that energy is by making it easy for them. My friend Jordan, who’s also played a big part on the QRCA board, recently launched Project Leaf Rake, where rakes are left out on the mountain bike trails for anyone passing by to grab and get a little trail maintenance in. I think this is a nice way to enable folks to contribute simple, but essential, trail maintenance work. I was quick to offer up some time to go place some rakes along the cross-country trail network. If you’re on your local cycling association board, or know someone who is, tell them about Project Leaf Rake.

Further Reading

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