Our Top 10 YouTube Videos of 2022

Our YouTube host Neil Beltchenko was busy shooting, editing, and publishing a whopping 60 videos this year, adding to the growing archive of informative, empowering, and entertaining videos that he’s been cultivating since launching the BIKEPACKING.com YouTube channel in April 2020. And, judging by the numbers, our viewers have been busy too, racking up more than 3,000,000 views this year alone, totaling some 287,000 hours of watch time. You can find our 10 most popular uploads of the year below, starting with the most watched video. If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to our channel to help us grow!

1. 11 Ways To Make Your Bike More Comfortable

Long rides can get uncomfortable. And bikes don’t always fit perfectly right out of the gate. But there’s hope. With some simple parts changes, speciality components, and proven techniques, it’s possible to make your bike more comfortable for long haul rides and bikepacking trips. In this video, Neil shares 11 methods, products, and ideas.

2. Surly Ghost Grappler Review – A Drop Bar Trail Bike?

When we got our hands on the new Surly Ghost Grappler for a test, we were hopeful it’d be something that stood out from the current crop of gravel and drop-bar MTBs. Fortunately, it didn’t disappoint. In this detailed video review, Neil digs into the frame features, geometry, and ride characteristics of Surly’s new drop-bar trail bike…

3. Why Is Bikepacking Hard?

You can find a nearly endless stream of inspiring content on our website and elsewhere online, but there’s often an untold struggle behind the picture-perfect scenes. Bikepacking can be a real challenge, especially when you’re ill-prepared or bite off more than you can chew. In this video, Neil breaks down some common bikepacking pitfalls and shares helpful ideas for avoiding and overcoming them.

4. 2022 Bikepacking Gear Picks (Editor’s Dozen)

It’s that time of the year again when I share my editor’s dozen gear list. These are my favorite pieces I’ve tested over the last 12 months. This year, I’ve found everything from some fun tech, to budget drivetrains, to high-end cargo systems, and everything in between. Whether they’re old or new, all of these products left an impression on me in 2022.

5. Ultralight Gravel Fender Vs. Death Mud: Ass Savers Win Wing Review

The new Ass Savers Win Wing is an ultralight, four-piece fender with a unique mounting system, and it grabbed our attention when it was launched earlier this fall. But with its compact and lightweight design, can it hold up to the death mud found in Colorado’s high desert? Neil puts it to the test to find out in this video review.

6. What’s In My Overnighter Bikepacking Kit?

The simplest (and most accessible) form of bikepacking is a 1-2 day overnighter. It doesn’t take much planning and can be extremely rewarding. However, packing all of that gear just for just one night outside can be a bit overwhelming. In this video, Neil shares why it doesn’t need to be as he unpacks his overnight rig and reveals how he packs for such a trip.

7. Bikepacking The Wisconsin Waterfalls Loop

Highly underrated as an adventure destination, the Northwoods region is home miles upon miles of dirt roads and tracks that knit together lakes, rivers, thick forests, and small towns. It holds a special place in Neil’s heart, and last month, Neil and two friends set off to ride the Wisconsin Waterfalls Loop, a 380-mile route in northern Wisconsin. In this video, Neil shares trip highlights and a day-by-day itinerary of their ride…

8. Bikepacking Hacks: DIY & Budget Handlebar Bags

Getting into bikepacking can seem expensive and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In our first Bikepacking Hacks video, Neil talks through a few free and cheap ways to carry gear on your handlebars…

9. Bikepacking Hacks: 6 DIY Bottle Cage Mounts

While many bikes come with mounts galore these days, there are still plenty of bikes without them. In this Bikepacking Hacks video, Neil discusses the importance of mounts and cages and demonstrates six DIY methods of adding them to your bike…

10. Bikepacking Hacks: 3 DIY Seat Packs

Seat packs are a quintessential piece of bikepacking gear, but they’re often pricey. In this Bikepacking Hacks video, Neil walks through some simple and affordable DIY solutions for carrying gear at the rear end of your bike…

Thanks to everyone who took the time to watch our YouTube videos this year! We’re excited to keep growing the channel into 2023. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions or requests for future videos, please add them to the conversation below.

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