Bikepacking Gear

Rapha’s Explore Down Jacket is a lightweight, packable layer that’s designed to work equally well on and off the bike. After a few months of use in a variety of environments—from sunny Arizona, to rainy California, to cold and windy London—Lucas shares his impressions on what’s worked and what hasn’t. Find his full review here…

Granite Design’s Stash Chain Tool, Multi Tool, and Tire Plug are designed to stow away in your bike’s steerer tube and in both ends of your bars, ready at a moment’s notice. Here’s a closer look and our thoughts on each after a month of use…

The Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL is a USA-made, single-pole asymmetrical pyramid shelter that weighs just under a pound and provides ample interior space. Paired with the optional InnerNet, the Solomid becomes an ultralight, bug-free tent designed to hold up well in almost any conditions. Miles has had a Silnylon Solomid XL for over six months now, and shares his thoughts here…

GORE’s fabrics have undoubtedly transformed the outdoor industry and anyone who spends any time outside has probably used their products. In addition to licensing its technologies to other companies, GORE has for many years produced its own line of technical garments that have by now reached elite status for thoughtfully designed outerwear. Joe Cruz spent the last six months rotating through three of their jackets and reports back on their limits and successes…

The Yokozuna Ultimo is a hybrid brake for drop-bar bikes that uses standard metal cables to engage a fully contained hydraulic caliper. With a four-piston design, Ultimo brakes promise all the stopping power and modulation of a full-hydraulic system, without the installation headaches and complexities that come with it. We’ve been testing a pair for several months for this review…

Launched this fall, the new Terske Titanium Tubeless Valve Stems by Lindarets are four times stronger than alloy ones, have replaceable rubber gaskets, and are made to last. Here’s a closer look at this nifty little upgrade, plus an interview with designer Marc Basiliere, who shares his product design approach and philosophy…

After years of riding in 5.10’s classic Freeriders, Cass thinks it’s time to give another trail shoe a go: Bontrager’s Flatlines. After six months of use, find out how he got on, and whether their Vibram tread survived the rigours of bikepacking, city sidewalks, and regular trail riding…

One of our favorite no-frills wheelsets—and one we often recommend—is the Industry Nine Enduro S. With straight-pull steel spokes, a blazing fast Hydra hub, and solid alloy rims, they’re lightweight, comparably affordable, and rock solid. Here’s the full review…

With 0.52° engagement, the Industry Nine Hydra hub is the fastest pawled hub on the market. But is it worth the upgrade? We’ve been testing one for several months to find out. Find our full review here…

Farr’s Carbon Aero Bolt-On provides an additional hand position and accessory mount for your favourite flat or drop bar handlebar, all in a super lightweight and easy-to-install package. Here are Miles’ first impressions after his first few rides…

Whisky Parts just released a Boost MTB fork (the Whisky No.9 MTN Boost LT Fork) designed for modern trail/bikepacking bikes with 120-130mm front suspension. No.9 features three-mount cargo cage mounts and loads of tire clearance. We had the chance to test one prior to launch. Here’s our detailed review, all the specs, and photos…

In 2019 Joe pedaled in Bosnia, on dirt roads from Munich to Marseille, and on a folding bike in Portugal. Closer to home he rode along the Mexico/Arizona border and was part of the Arkansas scouting mission for the No Place Like Oz loop. Not to mention a 50th birthday party of three days of massive gravel rides in Vermont with a few dozen close friends. Along the way he put plenty of new things to the test. Find his favorites here…