Friday Debrief: Dual Duty Bag, Zip Around, Adaptive Ultra Racing, and More…

We started “The Debrief” on our YouTube channel last year as a way of highlighting the week’s news and things that caught our attention on the website, in the conversation, and elsewhere around the community. To take this a step further, we’re posting a weekly Debrief here on the site to highlight all of those things and more, including upcoming events and interesting things 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…

Dark Realm Dual Duty Hip/Handlebar Bag Returns

Made in USA / $160 at Realm

After a long absence, the Dark Real Dual Duty bags are back! This versatile bag has handlebar attachment straps with foam spacers and a lower shock cord mount while in handlebar bag mode. Plus, the hip straps tuck away when not in use. It uses a magnetic Fidlock waist buckle, all zippers are water resistant, and it’s available in a variety of different colors, including Dark Realm’s hand-dyed X-Pac.

Cascada Guide Ultralight Vest

Made in Italy / $139 at Cascada

Italy-based Cascada just released its first piece of outerwear, the Guide Ultralight Vest. At only 225g, it’s a lightweight, packable layer that’s windproof and water repellent, insulated with 100% polyester, and provides instant warmth and comfort when temperatures drop. The Cascada Guide Ultralight Vest is made in Italy, comes in six sizes, and packs into its own pocket.

Silca Brings Back the Terra Pump

$145 at Silca.cc

Silca began developing the high-volume, low-pressure-specific Terra floor pump back in 1988, and it was the first of its kind. Now, 34 years later, the Silca Terra is back with custom gauge internals that allow for 0.5psi precision at the low end of the range, climbing to 1psi precision at the high end of the range (120psi). It features an all-metal construction, a lathe-turned wooden handle, and a unique lever-operated chuck.

Mission Workshop Helmsman VX Duffle

Made in USA / $325 at Mission Workshop

The new Mission Workshop Helmsman VX Duffle is part duffle bag, part porteur bag, designed to attach easily to large front racks and spacious enough for everyday use. It features an expandable roll-top closure, weatherproof construction, multiple quick-access cargo pockets, a laptop sleeve, holds up to 31L, and is made from Dimension Polyant X-Pac VX21 and VX25.

New Take A Trip Bags My Little Bungee Colors

$9 at Details

Bend, Oregon-based bag maker Take a Trip Bags just added two new color options to their My Little Bungee adjustable bungee cords. The bungees have handy snaps on the end that attach onto basket rails, making them perfect for commuters or lashing down gear while bikepacking. We’ve been using them for a few months now, and they’ve proven to be functional and practical. They are available in a variety of fun colors, now including Neon Yellow and Cotton Candy.

Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag

Made in USA / $439 at Zpacks

The new Zpacks Zip Around sleeping bag features a full-length, two-way side zipper with an integrated draft tube and zipper guard to keep it breeze-free. The zipper wraps all the way around the footbox, allowing you to open the bag flat like a blanket or to simply unzip the bottom to kick your feet out if you get too hot under all of that premium goose down. It’s currently available in three temperature ratings: 10F, 20F, and 30F.

PDW Loot Bag

$95 at RidePDW.com

The new PDW Loot Bag is designed specifically for Wald 137 and 139 baskets. They are water-resistant, made from 100% recycled EcoPak fabric, and easily fold down to attach securely to your basket. There are four additional hook-and-loop straps on the base for a solid setup on bumpy terrain, the base is padded, and it has a bright liner fabric so things don’t get lost. The Loot Bag comes in two sizes, medium and large, with a capacity of 25L and 40L, respectively.

In Conversation

Exchanges and ideas that caught our attention in the site’s conversation section…

Post Your Good Night 2022 Campout Friend Requests!

Several folks have added comments about their plans for Good Night 2022 on that post. If you’re looking for a ride partner, head over there and add yours to the conversation. We look forward to seeing everyone’s photos!

Around the Community

News from around the bikepacking world…

50/50 Gender Split at the Highland Trail 550

For the first time ever, there will be a 50/50 gender split at the 2023 Highland Trail 550 (HT550) in Scotland. Event organizer Alan Goldsmith has been promoting the challenging event to both genders over the last few months, saving sign up spots for women interesting in tackling the event. The number of women planning to participate is up 33% from 2022, the most women to register for the event ever.

Pan Celtic Race Adds Adaptive Category + New Start Location

For 2023, the fourth edition of the Pan Celtic Race is starting in Continental Europe for the first time, setting off from St Malo in the Celtic nation of Brittany. The route shall take riders to exciting areas steeped in both Celtic culture and cycling history. Also new is an adaptive bike category, making it first self-supported ultra-endurance bike race to welcome riders with physical impairment. Learn more about the 2023 event here.

Great American Rail Trail Progress

This week, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) announced that it has awarded $300,000 to support organizations working to create a more inclusive trail experience nationwide. RTC’s 2022 Trail Grants program is funding 25 community-led projects working to boost safety, connection, and inclusive use of the nation’s trails and trail networks. Learn more about the RTC and the Great American Rail Trail project here.

Events Starting Soon

What to watch this weekend and bikepacking events starting soon…

Evergreen Grinder

The Evergreen Grinder is the Pacific Northwest’s premier gravel adventure race, testing even the most prepared cyclists. While the courses change every year, they always promise long climbs, fast and flowing descents, and enough unpredictability in weather and road conditions to keep even the most prepared participants on their toes. Follow along live here.

The Munga

The Munga is a 1,000-kilometer, semi-supported, single-stage mountain bike race across the middle of South Africa in the heat of the summer. This year’s grand depart took off from Bloemfontein earlier this week, and the front runners are just approaching the finish now. Follow along live here.

Wish We Were Here

Shedding a little light on a route one of us is dreaming about riding at the moment…

Lucas Winzenburg: Croatia

Over the years, I’ve spent quite a lot of time riding in all of its neighboring countries in the region, but Croatia has somehow always eluded me. This week, I once again find myself wishing I could be slowly pedaling along Joe Cruz’s 380-mile Adriatic Crest route, mixing in the occasional swim to break up all the riding and pushing on the wonderfully varied and challenging mix of terrain Joe’s routes are known for. Next summer, maybe?!

Weekly Social

Some things we found around the ‘gram and elsewhere. This week, updates from the 2022 Across Andes event…

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