Friday Debrief: Strawberry Milkshake CrankTank, Mason Ti Seatpost, Save the KVR, and More…

The weekly Debrief highlights small but important bits of news, products, and things that caught our attention on the website, in the conversation, and elsewhere around the community. These include upcoming events and interesting items our readers shared in the comments. Check out this week’s findings below.

Bits & Bobs

New products that are worth highlighting but didn’t make the Dispatch…

Limited Edition Strawberry Milkshake CrankTank

Made in USA / $90+ at Adventure Hydration

Adventure Hydration recently released a limited edition version of their CrankTank hydration system, which fits on nearly any style of bike and offers 3L or 4L of water storage. The Strawberry Milkshake edition is just like the regular version, and it attaches using two Velcro straps and doesn’t bulge or change shape like a frame bag or bladder, which means no leg rub. There are a limited number available while they last.

Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Pad

Made in Vietnam / $149 at Sea to Summit

The new Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Pad is Sea to Summit’s first major product launch of 2026. Compared to the previous version it is 14% lighter, 30% thicker, 16% more insulative, and has a 53% smaller packed volume. It has an R-value of 3.6, weighs 415 grams (14.6 ounces), and is available in sizes small, regular, and large.

Revel Rover in Glow Bug and Ultra Miami

Made in Taiwan / $4,199+ at Revel Bikes

• 
• 

Revel couldn’t decide on the colors for their Rover gravel bike in 2026, so they made four options. The new “Glow Bug” and “Ultra Miami” colors are limited edition options that won’t be around for long, and they feature Revel’s first-ever metal head badge and the latest SRAM XPLR AXS build kits.

Arcade Adventure Mag Belt

$49.95 at Arcade Belts

• 
• 

Arcade makes some of our favorite belts for outdoor living and biking, and their new Adventure Mag Belt looks like a nifty new offering. Using what they call “SWIFTLOCK” technology, the belt uses a magnetic buckle that snaps securely into place with one-handed ease and delivers the brand’s highest tensile strength yet. It’s available in two styles: Aero and Polar, and a total of five colors.

Kona Launches New Dew Completes

$800+ at Kona World

• 
• 
• 

Kona has launched an updated line of their Dew models. Built around aluminum and steel frames and forks, these commuter-focused bikes feature Shimano ESSA drivetrains, are affordably priced, and offer approachable geometry. The three models—the Dew, Dew DL, and Dr Dew—come in a variety of build kits and colors for various levels of cyclists.

Mason Sensor Ti Seatpost

Made in Taiwan / £145 at Mason Cycles

• 
• 

Mason’s new titanium seatpost has a smooth curve leading up to the saddle rails, providing 20mm of setback. The titanium top cap is forged and CNC-machined for lightweight and durability, and the rail support is lightweight, hard-anodized aluminum. It’s offered in 27.2 and 31.6mm diameters, and a single 350mm length.

Nocs “Parks Project” Sycamore Camo Binoculars

Made in China / $220 at Parks Project

Nocs Provisions has teamed up with Parks Project to launch a limited-edition “Sycamore Camo” binocular bundle. Featuring the Field Issue 8×32 waterproof binocular and a custom Woven Neck Strap, the set draws inspiration from the textures of tree bark for a functional, nature-inspired design. The best part? Every purchase supports the preservation of America’s public lands!

Velo Orange Restocks Goldfinger Paint

$16 at Velo Orange

The Goldfinger paint is back in stock at Velo Orange. Used to cover up nicks, scratches and unsightly bits on a frame, these silver and gold paints are perfect for cleaning up a bike that’s seen a bit too much wear.

Around the Community

News from around the bikepacking world…

Save the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is a multi-use recreational trail spanning approximately 660 kilometers across southern British Columbia. It makes up a large portion of the BC Trail route, the annual BC Epic 1000 event and the Trans Canada Trail. The Province of British Columbia has decided to decommission approximately 67 kilometers of the KVR between the Town of Princeton and the Coquihalla, and a petition has been created to save it. There are already over 7,000 signatures. You can learn more and voice your concern here.

Bikepacking Canada: The Yukon – Land of the Midnight Sun

The latest video from Jake Thomas is part three of six of a massive North-to-South bikepacking trip across Canada. The 16-minute episode documents some seriously remote riding in Canada, and the challenges that come with riding in these places. Stay tuned for future episodes, including riding in Haida Gwaii, the Sunshine Coast, and the BC Trail.

Bikepacking Campout at Sea Otter Classic with Old Man Mountain

Old Man Mountain is hosting a Bikepacking Campout at Sea Otter Classic, April 16–19th, 2026, with an After Party open to everyone on Friday and Saturday! Whether you’re a seasoned bikepacker or want to learn more about taking on your first trip, the team at OMM wants to hang out. The campout is free to attend, but camping passes are $80 per person, valid from Thursday to Sunday. Learn more and reserve your spot at OldManMountain.com.

Northern Minnesota Gravel Ride Guide: Cook County

One of our readers, Bryan Hansel, shared an awesome gravel guide book he put together for Cook County, Minnesota. The guide includes maps and details for 27 hand-picked routes in the area. Each ride includes details like mileage, elevation, and surface conditions, plus firsthand insights from someone who’s ridden every mile. It’s locally available from Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, Drury Lane Books, Lake Superior Trading Post, Northern Good, and the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, as well as an e-book through Bryan’s website and a print version here.

Help Fund the Stagecoach 400 Video Series!

Filmmaker and regular contributor Gregg Dunham is hoping to release his five-part documentary series on the Stagecoach 400 here on BIKEPACKING.com next month, but he needs help from the community to fund the post-production phase. He is about 85% of the way to his $10,000 goal, and if you have the means to support the project in any capacity, please consider doing so via his crowdfunding campaign on Seed and Spark. There are just two weeks remaining for Gregg to hit his target.

Thrown in the deep end: 32-Inch wheels + More

• 
• 

Süfur Cycles, owned by Rufus Wenlock in New Zealand, recently published a blog post that dives into all things Süfur. Rufus has been busy working on his first production bike, so you’ll find updates on that, thoughts after riding a 32-inch bike at Tour Te Waipounamu, and a cool new “The Magic Touch” T-shirt that’s for sale. Find it all here.

Kona’s 2026 Team Program

Kona just announced their 2026 team program, which is made up of three separate teams all driven by the same ethos. The Ride Team is their marquee crew, the Test Team push limits and help drive the brand, and the Kona Entourage (formerly known as the Ambassador program) are the heartbeat of Kona. There are loads of familiar names, but we’re esspecially happy to see Francesco and Giorgio of Montanus part of the entourage. See the entire team lineup here.

Events Starting Soon

What to watch this weekend and bikepacking events starting soon…

Reset Brevet

The Reset Brevet is an unsupported bikepacking brevet exploring some classic Central Otago adventure terrain. The third edition of The Reset begins once again on the shores of Lake Wānaka, Aotearoa New Zealand. From there, riders will journey deep into Central Otago’s rugged landscapes – crossing saddles, traversing ranges, grinding up tough climbs, and soaking in breathtaking views. There are two route options this year: 550 or 370 kilometers, and there are 30 riders already out riding. Follow their progress here.

Iditarod Trail Invitational

The Iditarod Trail Invitational is the world’s longest winter ultra marathon by fat bike, foot, and ski, and it follows the historic Iditarod Trail from Knik to Nome. This year, there are three route options to choose from: 150, 350, and the full 1,000-mile route. Riders start their rides on Sunday, and you can follow along live here.

Weekly Social

Some things we found around the ‘gram and elsewhere. This week, an unexpected and creative use of Lucas’s Ode to Maintenance piece and a few items from the OMM blemish sale…

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.