Bikepacking Gear

The Archer Components D1x Trail shifter and remote provides electronic shifting that’s compatible with any derailleur or bike, bringing the benefits of wireless shifting to your favourite drivetrain combination. We’ve been testing the system out this summer to figure out what it does best and where it falls short. Find Miles’ full review here…

Designed to work with their own baggage system and racks from other brands, Tailfin’s 5L and 10L Mini Panniers are the latest addition to an ever-expanding range. Cass Gilbert tried out a sample set for a few months before their official launch. Read on for full details on how they performed and some longterm feedback on the AeroPack itself…

Five years after his last custom framebag, Cass Gilbert tries one of Buckhorn’s made-to-measure bags for size, adding a splash of color to his bike. He talks about the bag, the process of ordering one, and considers why going custom can be such a satisfying experience, especially when the maker is local and rides the same trails as you do…

Flat bars for drop-bar bikes? That’s not an entirely new concept, but the new Curve Remlaw Bar takes it a step further with a handlebar that’s optimized to provide the exact reach as a drop bar, but with the comfort, simplicity, and control of a flat bar. Find our full review here…

How best to carry a camera on a bikepacking trip is an age-old quandary. With its wide range of options and price points, PS Bagworks’ interchangeable Rider Strap and Wrist Strap have been working out well for Cass Gilbert. In this review, he explains why…

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…