Dispatch

Handmade in Colorado and designed to balance stability, comfort, and simplicity, the new roll-top San Util Design Whirlpool Hip Pack is now available in four versions intended to suit everything from day riding to expedition bikepacking. Our friend Josh Hicks has been wearing the top-end Bikepacker version for a few weeks, and you can find his review here…

Back in May, Chris Wilson set out to escape a cold and wet spring in the Pacific Northwest and soak up some sunshine in Arizona. Chris tackled the 330-mile 2023 Pinyon and Pines route and made this video along the way…

We’ve tested a lot of SPD shoes over the years, but with most of them built around a BOA closure or some similar fancy ratchet system, some riders find that they’re getting a little too complicated. In his latest video review, Neil goes back to laces with the Pearl Izumi Canyon SPD…

Jeanne Lepoix’s latest video, “Kids Bike Camp,” captures a joyful weekend spent bikepacking in France with a group of 11 families. Using all manner of kid-hauling contraptions, the group slowly pedals a beautiful loop along quiet roads and trails, soaking in a weekend of building connections and appreciating natural wonders. Watch the three-minute video and find a gallery of images here…

Earlier this month, heavy rain and long stretches of bike-destroying mud made for harsh conditions at the 2023 Pinyons and Pines event in Arizona. With help from our friend Wyatt Spalding and some of the other riders, we put together a pair of post-ride stories from the 300 and 500-mile routes and a reflection from organizer Dana Ernst. Find a look at the event here…

Over the course of 38 days last summer, Bernardo Bacalhau took on an ambitious first solo bikepacking trip from England to Portugal, soaking in the simple life and meeting fellow travelers as he crossed Europe by bicycle. Find the 30-minute video documenting his journey and a handful of photos here…

In her latest video, Belén Castelló asks each of her riding partners to share a secret confession of a concern they brought into the group’s recent bikepacking journey along the Baja Divide. Her 30-minute “Confessions from the Baja Divide” shares those and a video recap of each segment of their two-month ride. Watch it here…

Key factors to consider in a bikepacking-worthy tent are packability, durability, and how well it can withstand the elements, all while being a comfortable place to hang out and sleep for extended periods. Neil found a good balance of all those things in the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL1, and in our latest video, he shares his experience with the brand’s lightest tent offering. Find that plus a comparison with eight other double-wall one-person tents here…

Pachamama Cycling’s eighth episode tells the story of Bikepacking Buds, a group of friends in the UK who created a laid-back, supportive community where riders can learn the joys of bikepacking in a friendly and welcoming environment. ⁠Watch the 10-minute video here…

Building on the success of their popular cam buckles, Austere Manufacturing from Washington is back with their second product, a beautiful CNC machined ladder lock buckle. We’ve been playing around with a few ahead of today’s release. Find our first look, thoughts and photos from some bag makers who’ve been experimenting with them, and details here…

“No Going Back” follows Eliza Sampey’s attempt to become the first woman to complete a multi-sport traversal of the 500-mile Colorado Trail, bikepacking the bike-legal sections and fastpacking the wilderness sections where bikes are not allowed. Watch the 15-minute film here…

As of late, there’s been a resurgence of minimal rear racks with lightweight designs and more off-road-friendly features. In our newest YouTube video, Neil walks through several of his favorite models and talks about what rear racks offer over seat packs. Watch it here…