Bikepacking Gear

In part two of our 2017 Bikepacking Awards triptych, we recognize gear that’s made a lasting impression in categories, including ‘Best New Component’, ‘Best Tools’, and ‘Top 5 Bikepacking Bikes’, plus thoughts on the bikes that capture our interest most for 2018..

There are just a few tried and true mini-pumps that make the usual “must have” short lists for bicycle travel and bikepacking. Now there’s one more. After a year of use, here is our review of the Crankbrothers Klic HV Pump…

Here’s why we think every full-suspension bike should have a frame bag… even if you’re not a bikepacker. Plus, the full lowdown on different bag types, who builds them, what can actually fit into them, and two suggested pack lists.

In our long-term review of Onyx Hubs, Skyler illustrates a few key points to consider when looking at a rear hub for bikepacking and technical mountain biking. Plus, why Onyx’s silent, soft catch “instant engagement” has made him a life-long customer…

Driven by “the spirit of the rock” Greg Hardy makes bikepacking bags and gear under the Rockgeist brand, right here in heart of the Appalachian Mountains just outside of Asheville. We paid him (and his dog Marlin) a visit to learn more about the company and see what’s in the hopper…

Thermarest’s Corus HD Quilt and NeoAir Xlite Max SV mattress promise lightweight, packable, luxurious comfort. For six months, we put them to the test…

The Sea To Summit Spark Sp I sleeping bag is light enough that it might just weigh less than your favourite down jacket. It also packs down smaller than most bags we’ve used and can still keep you comfortable through the summer and into the shoulder seasons. Here’s how it fared after a season and a half of use…

Ever heard of the Dynaplug tubeless tire repair kit? If not, you should. The size of a Mini-Bic lighter, the Dynaplug Micro Pro is the best tire repair accessory we’ve had the misfortune to try…

With a proper tubeless setup, flat tires are rare. Even so, carrying a bulky spare tube is still mandatory for backcountry insurance. But the game has been changed. Tubolito has created a next level option that’s about 1/3 of the weight and much smaller than a traditional inner tube …

Search and State makes all of their cycling apparel in New York City’s Garment District. Their early focus was racewear, but adventurous off-the-grid cycling was always in their DNA. They’ve just introduced a jacket conceived specifically for expedition style bikepacking, designed with Joe Cruz as a consultant. Read on to see how he got involved and his eye-opening introduction to made-in-the-USA small batch technical wear.

On the hunt for an incredibly ultralight tent but not willing to sacrifice features like bug mesh, vestibules, and multiple doors? The NEMO Hornet Elite 2P is as light – or even lighter – than some of the most tiny one-person shelters we have seen, but offers increased liveability and doesn’t skimp on clever features.

Andrew the Maker’s simple and elegant Many Things Sack tailor-fits around one of our favourite cargo cages on the market – King Cage’s titanium Many Thing Cage. We head off to Peru and see if we can shake the pair loose down its rambunctious Andean backroads…