Bikepacking Gear

Two years ago, Buckhorn Bags sent a prototype handlebar bag to Miles to test before it went into production. But before the bag could become a standard offering, the brand changed ownership, and it never came to be. Having used three versions, he shares some reflections on a great product that didn’t make it to market…

For years, Logan has searched for the perfect flat pedal, convinced that each new contender might finally unseat his longtime favorites. After more than 1,000 miles of testing on rocky singletrack and dirt roads, the Tectonic Alibi may have done exactly that. Read his full review here…

With so many clipless shoes on the market, it can be hard to know which model best suits your needs. Nic spent the last year testing five pairs, each bringing something unique to the table. In this roundup, he shares short reviews of releases from QUOC, Specialized, Fizik, and Giro. Dive in below…

After teasing a rear-opening rack-top bag earlier this summer, Rogue Panda went back to the drawing board and returned with a clever harness-style system with a tapered dry bag and dropper-friendly design. Find Miles’s first look after testing the new Elden Rack-Top Harness on a week-long bikepacking trip here…

After a busy six months of riding this spring and summer, Neil has had ample time with all kinds of gear. Featuring some surprising selections, his latest Editor’s Dozen runs the gamut from small, inexpensive items to higher-priced picks that emphasize a “buy once, buy right” ethos. It highlights an array of helpful, unique, and interesting stuff. Browse his full list here…

Over the years, we’ve learned that the best gear quietly gets tested when it becomes a “choice” among other options long after the review is published. In this summer’s Editor’s Dozen, Logan and Virginia include some of those long-term picks in a roundup of a dozen products and experiences—and one meaningful reminder—that have become trusted companions through months (and sometimes years) of riding and living. Find them all here…

After testing the original version of San Util’s Mini Panniers for over a year, Miles got his hands on an updated version that addresses some of the issues he uncovered. The San Util Mini Panniers V2 have an external stretch pocket, a simplified attachment system, and optional waterproof taped seams. Following several months of riding, dig into Miles’s review here…

The Trickstuff Maxima has earned an almost mythical reputation among mountain bikers, pairing eye-watering pricing with claims of unrivaled braking performance. After two years of testing them on the steep descents in Oaxaca, Mexico, Logan weighs in on whether they’re simply boutique bling or genuinely in a class of their own. Find his full Trickstuff Maxima Review here…

In preparation for a season of warm-weather bikepacking, Miles schemed up the lightest, most compact camping system possible. He landed on a 720-gram kit consisting of the Rab Mythic Ultra 120 sleeping bag, Nemo Tensor Elite sleeping pad, and Exped Ultra Pillow. Find mini reviews of all three, reflections on packing strategies, and thoughts on why ultralight doesn’t need to mean uncomfortable here…

Neil’s latest review takes an incisive look at the new Sklar Bikes Lightweight Rear Rack. With built in bottle-carrying provisions, a sturdy upper platform, and a lightweight construction, this rack is a solid first effort from the small, Bay Area builder. Find the full Sklar Bikes Lightweight Rear Rack review here…

The go-to option for riders taking on the Tour Divide, the Vittoria Mezcal has a reputation for offering an ideal balance of speed and grip and is one of the brand’s most recognizable models. Last fall, Vittoria released a new version of the tire, expanding its compounds with new XC Race, XC Trail, and Adventure models. Nic spent the past six months on the Mezcals and shares his in-depth review below…

In his Snow Peak Titanium Spork review, Lucas looks back on two decades with his all-time favorite travel utensil, reflecting on how the pocket-sized tool has been a passport to countless meals and memories, proving that even the humblest gear can open the door to unexpected foods, places, and experiences. Read his thoughtful examination of the ubiquitous camp kitchen icon here…