Bikepacking Gear

In preparation for a season of warm-weather bikepacking, Miles schemed up the lightest, most compact camping system possible. He landed on a 720-gram kit consisting of the Rab Mythic Ultra 120 sleeping bag, Nemo Tensor Elite sleeping pad, and Exped Ultra Pillow. Find mini reviews of all three, reflections on packing strategies, and thoughts on why ultralight doesn’t need to mean uncomfortable here…

Neil’s latest review takes an incisive look at the new Sklar Bikes Lightweight Rear Rack. With built in bottle-carrying provisions, a sturdy upper platform, and a lightweight construction, this rack is a solid first effort from the small, Bay Area builder. Find the full Sklar Bikes Lightweight Rear Rack review here…

The go-to option for riders taking on the Tour Divide, the Vittoria Mezcal has a reputation for offering an ideal balance of speed and grip and is one of the brand’s most recognizable models. Last fall, Vittoria released a new version of the tire, expanding its compounds with new XC Race, XC Trail, and Adventure models. Nic spent the past six months on the Mezcals and shares his in-depth review below…

In his Snow Peak Titanium Spork review, Lucas looks back on two decades with his all-time favorite travel utensil, reflecting on how the pocket-sized tool has been a passport to countless meals and memories, proving that even the humblest gear can open the door to unexpected foods, places, and experiences. Read his thoughtful examination of the ubiquitous camp kitchen icon here…

The Magic Components Mothbar is a laid-back, swoopy handlebar with vintage-inspired design cues and a mandate to take it easy. Tom Powell swapped out his drop bars for a set on his Singular Gryphon, and they completely changed his relationship to the bike. From local jaunts around British Columbia to a journey across New Zealand, find his Magic Components Mothbar review here…

Revelate Designs helped define the modern handlebar harness nearly two decades ago, so when the Alaskan brand finally released its first rigid cradle, expectations were high. After several overnighters and some rough trail miles, the new Hammerhead Harness proved that there’s still room to improve in this category. Find our full review here…

Announced this week, Revelate’s new Extended Play is an aptly named top tube bag available in two lengths for rides that require extra capacity. Neil and Miles have been testing both sizes ahead of launch. Find their review of the Revelate Designs Extended Play top tube bag here…

Teased at Sea Otter last month, the new top tube bag lineup from Revelate Designs includes a redesigned Mag-Tank and a new quick-release, bolt-on version called the Mag-Tank FastTrack. Find Miles’ first impressions after testing them ahead of today’s launch…

The redesigned Blue Ridge Handlebar Harness from Rogue Panda Designs takes everything we liked about the original and adds two mounting positions, thanks to an asymmetric design. Find everything you need to know about the Rogue Panda Blue Ridge Handlebar Harness V2 here…

The Velo Orange There and Back Rack features ample mounting points and a modular design compatible with a variety of bikes and packing styles. With an adjustable vertical position, the flexible stainless steel rack claims to work seamlessly on both the front and rear of bikes with the appropriate mounting points. After six months with one, Nic weighs in on whether it’s really as versatile as advertised. Find his Velo Orange There and Back Rack review here…

The new and improved Fizik Ergolace Flat 2 shoes build on the Terra Ergolace with an updated fit, refined construction, and a grippier outsole. Miles spent the last month testing them in a variety of conditions to see how they stack up against the originals. Find his Fizik Ergolace Flat 2 shoe review here, including thoughts on why they might be the ultimate flat shoe for certain styles of bikepacking…

Neil’s latest review highlights the new Old Man Mountain Manzanita Cradle. Based on Salsa’s Anything Cradle, the Manzanita is a modular system with two bag options, designed to hold a bag just off the front of drop or flat handlebars for quick and easy cargo storage. Check out his full video and written reviews below…