Bikepacking Gear

Reducing the weight and bulk of core gear and adopting a minimal bikepacking setup can require significant investment. So, it’s always good to try ultralight gear that’s aimed towards the more affordable end of the market. Here are our thoughts on a summer pairing from Alpkit: the PipeDream 200 down sleeping bag and the Cloud Base air mattress…

We’ve been testing the Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack and Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack, Big Agnes’ two bikepacking-specific, 1-person tents that were announced last summer. Nearly a year in, here are our thoughts on each, plus a detailed comparison…

We had a chance to take a long look at Hunter Cycles’ new Cow Catcher Stem Rack. Built specifically for the PAUL Boxcar stem, this lightweight rack is designed to carry gear at the handlebars and avoid frame and cable interference. Here are the details, loads of photos, and a Q and A with Rick Hunter about this innovative carrying system…

Giro Terraduro shoes have been a widely popular option for clipless bikepacking since their launch in 2013. A rugged design, grippy sole, and mid-range price tag are all reasons why Miles picked up a pair over two years ago and has continued wearing them ever since. Here’s his long-term review, with insight from several other seasoned riders who have also failed to destroy them, despite their best efforts…

The US-made Tarptent Double Rainbow is the brand’s most popular model. Weighing in at just 1.2 kilograms (2.65 pounds), it offers a surprising amount of living space for two riders, combined with a very minimal pack size, making it ideal for bikepackers… especially tall ones. We take a look at the newly updated 2019 model, testing it out camping in the US, the UK, and France.

Presenting part two of our findings among the brand booths and displays at the 2019 Sea Otter Classic. Here are more than 20 new and interesting products from Rotor, Redshift, EVOC, Topeak, and more…

Endura’s MT500 collection is designed to offer rugged trail performance, and a good selection of the products in this range also feature a waterproof design. Or, at the very minimum, some water repellency for light rain and mud. Miles spent the winter commuting by bike on British Columbia’s mild and rainy west coast, and here’s his review of the MT500 Waterproof Jacket, MT500 Spray Trouser II, and the MT500 Plus Overshoe.

After four days of roaming the seemingly infinite booths and displays at the 2019 sea Otter Classic, we found a few worthwhile products to share. Here’s part one, featuring a dozen new and interesting things from OneUp, Revelate, and many more…

Do you bikepack on the bike you ride every day? Or perhaps you worry about parts when you leave your steed locked up on tour? We try out the Hexlox system, designed to secure saddles, wheels, handlebars, and even thru axle wheels against theft…

We were pretty intrigued by the Farfarer Trailer when we first heard about it a couple months ago, so we stopped in to Frances Cycles in Santa Cruz to meet its maker, Joshua Muir. Read on for our conversation with Joshua, along with a selection of photos of his shop, the trailer, and his bikes…

Just announced, North St. Bags’ first venture into bikepacking includes a brand new roll-top micro pannier, top tube bag, and updated hip pack. Here’s a first look, including a selection of photos and details on how to get yours…

To complement a rather eclectic gravel bikepacking rig build—and try out a curious new component—we installed the Cane Creek ViscoSet, a unique headset that was originally designed for e-bikes. Here’s a look at how it works, plus our full review after giving it a go for a couple months…