It’s super light and easy to stash about anywhere for quick trailside adjustments. Wheel Size: 29” Drivetrain: 1x12. One of my many favorite things about bike travel is how a rider’s creativity and personality shine through their gear setup. And prior to that, I’d also written about ‘racing’ the Arrowhead 135 on its cousin. Click the link below to find out how to start. Read More » June 22, 2020 . Most bikepackers favour a fast-rolling tread to their tyres, which makes sense for many of the routes on this site. That means we were still able to test a lot of great new gear from both big brands and small businesses alike. Support us and pass it along… While this year hasn’t involved as much gear testing as normal, for obvious reasons, Cass still has a dozen favorite items and experiences to share from 2020. There’s also a massive ceiling pocket and seven other pockets inside. The Curve Walmer bars aren’t the only ultra-wide drop handlebars in town anymore, but they certainly set the bar on how wide a drop-bar could be. Click the link below to learn about each. Here are the best bikepacking bikes for 2020. In fact, this cage is so tiny, slim, and light that sometimes I pack it away amongst my belongings and fit it when needed. Read on to find out what we consider to be the best products relevant to bikepacking and backcountry riding, from outdoor apparel and components to the bikes that have impressed us the most. It’s fast, stable, confident, and nimble in all the right ways.” Stay tuned for a full review in the coming months. View at REI. Amy Jurries. The original story from the 27 February runs below. Despite the fact that we tested a lot of drop-bar bikes in 2020, the majority of the rigs that impressed us the most came in the form of a hardtail or rigid mountain bike. Share This others did. Bikepacking is a hybrid between bike touring and backpacking. Interlock micro-polyester features the tightest available weave, the smoothest surface, and a great feel next to the skin.”. These simple, fully waterproof panniers are the first we’ve seen to use a clever two-piece design with a removable dry bag and holster system. And who doesn’t do that? Learn more about the event and how to win one of five new bikepacking bags from Rockgeist while participating here… With 15 years since its conception, the Pugsley has now been around for long enough that there will likely be second-hand examples circulating around the classifieds for years to come. And it’s an extremely well thought out product that’s completely waterproof and underwent a year’s worth of real world ambassador testing and revisions prior to release. Best Rear Bike Rack for Touring & Commuting . Find our initial impressions and weights written up here. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Andes Bikepacking Gear List (Updated April 2020) By Mark Watson April 7, 2020 April 21st, 2020 6 Comments. We normally have a single winner here as well, but there are two winners in the top spot this year. But music has always been a big part of my life and I also love to create playlists for my bikepacking trips (don’t worry, only when I’m in my own company!). While this year hasn’t involved as much gear testing as normal, for obvious reasons, Cass still has a dozen favorite items and experiences to share from 2020. Don’t get me wrong though. The Outdoor Apparel of The Year award is for clothing and outwear we’ve tested in 2020 that’s exceptional and proven to be durable. And since picking one up in the spring, it’s been on every local overnighter and bikefishing trip I’ve taken. It’s ideal for snacks but can handle a water bottle securely too, if space is less pressing. Bikepacking. Indeed, the bag’s slender shape proved to be perfect. Not to mention, they last a really long time with little tread wear after 2,000 miles of use. But several months later, I’m still waiting to be allowed back in… so I’m still riding it! Find our review here. View at REI . We love to talk about it, research it, buy/sell it and most of all use it! Back in August, London-based Fairlight Cycles released version 2.0 of the Faran, their versatile Reynolds steel frame created for bikepacking and all-road riding. We believe travel by bicycle encourages conservation and … But at this point in my riding life, I’m extrmely happy to be spending so much time aboard a very capable, low-maintenance, fully rigid machine that I can use for technical trail riding, dirt road jaunts, and comfortable, fast gravel day rides alike, with a change of tyres. Dimensions: 10” x 14” - 13” - 19” Weight: 7.3oz - 10.8oz. And earlier this year, I shared some trail with Julia Vallera. It has many of the same features as the Hayduke, such as the versatile Portage dropout system and loads of braze-ons. Cick the link to see them plotted or select from the links to the right to filter. A complete bikepacking gear list covering the bare minimum. This one weighs just 61g and is made from upcycled sail fabric. We believe travel by bicycle encourages conservation and inspires respect for people and cultures. Two years ago Mason Cycles debuted their steel ISO monster bikepacking bike. View The Map, There are some routes that are made classic by their sheer perfection, and others by races. If I'm on a trip with my wife, we take a slightly larger tent, and split it up between us. And, once again we were torn on being able to narrow it to five. We provide inspiration and information through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of gear, news, and events that help our community thrive. The Exped AirMat UL, specifically the long and wide version, inflates to a massive platform that’s perfect for restless sleepers yet still packs down small and weighs very little. Stay tuned for more from our 2020 Bikepacking Awards, including honors for the best Photography, Video, and Creative work, as well as the best routes and most influential individuals of the year…. All feature something interesting, different, especially well thought through, or are just worthy of debate! After all, the latest and greatest isn’t always the best, despite what marketing hype may tell us. Press release here. Plus, some thoughts on the bikes that are already on … Years after riding Surly’s first fat bike on a six-month journey through Latin America, I finally penned an ode in January this year, after rebuilding it to explore the arroyos of New Mexico. They can make lofting it awkward (especially on protracted hike-a-bikes), and are prone to snagging on logs and rocks when I’m trail riding. To be honest, this year hasn’t been a big year for reviewing gear for me, simply because I haven’t been able to return to the US or Europe where I can try new stuff out. It’s the most comfortable mask I’ve tried so far, one that I can even wear when I’m riding. The Houdini cost $99 and given this context, I consider it money very well spent. To kick off our 6th annual Bikepacking Awards, the 2020 Gear of the Year roundup brings together a diverse collection of tried and true products broken into 12 categories. We believe travel by bicycle encourages conservation and inspires respect for people and cultures. But that hasn’t stopped me riding, so what I’ve used, I’ve used a lot! We provide inspiration and information through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of gear, news, and events that help our community thrive. Find the inspiration for your next adventure here. We love to talk about it, research it, buy/sell it and most of all use it! Sure, the bike has now been officially discontinued. But in my mind, I don’t think that anything can quite replace the quirky, iconic Pugsley. or. I’m happy to deploy the longstanding ‘stuff technique’ because ease of use is exactly what I’m looking for in such a bag. September 12, 2020. But when I’m limited to just one bike and I also have fantastic, techy trails on my front door, I prefer more aggressive rubber at the front end and to resign myself to some heavy lifting when I’m on pavement. Yeti SB100. And after two of us have put thousands of miles on the Endurance casing version, we can see why. 16 hours ago. Bikepacking is one of The Project’s main focuses. It seems perfectly padded, sized, and spaced. The Oregon-based company often quietly makes adjustments to the suite of features, and the latest addition is a hit. Cass Gilbert's 2020 Gear Picks - bikepacking.com. Find a variety of great bikepacking … Although we’ve only just started using the Firestick stove, its design is like nothing we’ve seen before. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The overall best quality bikepacking … While many people have an array of straps to use for various bags and kits, Surly’s relatively new Whip Lash strap shouldn’t be overlooked. I’ve also gleaned all kinds of local insights from Oaxacan riders, to the extent that I now have dozens of outings into the countryside at my fingertips. Being away from my family and friends for so long has been incredibly hard, but there has been a silver lining. See more of Bikepacking Gear on Facebook. Share This others did. Steve Rogers. And they both seem completely bombproof. We believe travel by bicycle encourages conservation and … Whilst the smallest size (the Medium) isn’t ultimately as stable as the bigger Tailfin, it still does a perfectly good job at keeping a 1.9L Klean Kanteen from clattering around below the downtube – though lighter cargo is better. We hadn’t ridden Moots titanium before this and can now see why it’s coveted for its ride quality and feel. Wolf Tooth never ceases to amaze with their cleverly designed Pack Tools series. From Cass’ review, “I’m really impressed with how much care Fernweh has put into their meals, on every level. The new Ranger is designed to be a little lighter and faster than the 130mm travel Rascal—over a pound lighter to be exact—and is built to enjoy the ups as much as the downs. Some people like to bikepack in relative silence and let the sounds of nature be their soundtrack. I’ve foraged there and celebrated birthdays up in the high country. Find our top picks in 10 categories, including Best New Component, Best Tools, and Top Five Bikepacking Bikes. Community See All. But just because a bike is no longer made, it doesn’t mean it’s no longer worth riding! “I’ve put about 30 days of riding this one, including a 10-day bikepacking trip where it was the only shirt I brought. In fact, a friend of mine just bought an ‘almost new’ Pugs for $650 and is thoroughly enjoying it. A Beginners Guide To Training For A Bikepacking Trip. Now onto the bags. Bikepacking is differentiated from standard bike touring by deviating from paved roads and using non-motorized routes. It packs down into a small and lightweight ball, nestling cutely in its zippered chest pocket, which in turn fits easily into a hip bag or stem bag. If you made it this far, you should have a much better idea about what bikepackers have stuffed into those odd looking bikepacking bags. Share This others did. Share This others did. A. Share This others did. Find our review here. Big Agnes released the Bikepack range of tents nearly two years ago with shorter tent poles and a stuff sack that doubles as a handlebar bag. Preparing for an epic trip or some relaxing downtime away on the bike? View The Classics, The Bikepacking Journal is our printed collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography.Find details here alongside a growing collection of web exclusive features... Have one to share? And unlike the Fly Creek, the Tiger Wall variations have two side doors and two vestibules. However, I also want to give a shout out to drjOn bagworks’ DeWidget Strap Decks, a series of 3D printed ‘nano’ cages that are born from obsessive shed tinkering. Gear Solo gear spread. The wrap up on Miles’ review of the Timberjack sums it up, “The Salsa Timberjack XT 29 has been an incredibly fun bike to ride. The Jones SWB has a short reach, so I figured the Honeybox’s slim profile would decrease the chance of my knees rubbing against bag paraphernalia when riding out of the saddle. View at REI. 2020 - Bikepacking bags, racks, hacks, tyres and more!. While we haven’t published a review of the Nordest Sardinha 2.0 yet, Logan insisted that it make it in this list. You can hook up a bike trailer full of gear, put your kiddo on a tandem or take it ultralight — whatever you want. We provide inspiration and information through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of gear, news, and events that help our community thrive. View All Features. While they’re not as flashy as the aluminum-spoke system wheels, these straight-pull steel spoke laced wheels are still built in Asheville and offer a whole lot in a more affordable package. “It’s a gravel bike with true touring blood and just the right amount of modern jazz.” Read the full review here. And whilst most of my riding these days doesn’t warrant a fat bike, when it comes to true, off-the-grid journeys, my Pugsley remains unmatched. From Miles’ review earlier this year, “I have yet to find a down jacket that comes close to what it offers, with the majority of popular ‘ultralight’ down jackets weighing and costing more, and seemingly not being as warm either.”, A good merino wool T-shirt is a crucial piece of bikepacking kit. Support us and pass it along… While this year hasn’t involved as much gear testing as normal, for obvious reasons, Cass still has a dozen favorite items and experiences to share from 2020. I see that there is now a JBL Clip 4, but it doesn’t look like the clip mechanism is particularly different. Read on to find out what we consider to be the best products relevant to bikepacking and backcountry riding, from outdoor apparel and components to the bikes that have impressed us the most. Picture Name Closure Weight Cleat Type Price … Cannondale Topstone Sora // ~10.5kg and US $1299 Even with the price jump this year, the Cannondale Topstone Sora undoubtedly comes out on top in the gravel category. To recognize all that’s been accomplished in the bikepacking community this year, here’s our second of three retrospectives honoring the individuals, teams, brands, and products we believe had the biggest impact in 2020. While I’m on the subject of gear made from upcycled materials, I also want to recommend Outer Shell’s Backpack, the perfect ‘overflow’ backpack for that bag of corn chips or a loaf of bread that won’t quite fit into your setup, without smooshing it down. Plus, some thoughts on the bikes that are already on our radar for 2021…. The new Breezer Thunder is a fully rigid mountain bike that was designed with versatility and affordability in mind. Its well specced build kit and reasonable price tag set it apart from other aluminum hardtails and add up to an incredibly capable and great riding trail bike.” It’s a lot of bike for the price and is consistently on our list of recommended hardtails. The updated Ritchey Outback impressed us this year. We are a small family business based in Wakefield, Tasman. Say what you want about Patagonia’s pricing, but their eco-credentials lead the outdoor industry – the Houdini is made from 100% recycled nylon, the company’s repair service is lauded, and customer care is also excellent. That pitches using two H-shaped tent pole assemblies experience to round the list off money... However: this tent is the latest addition to the us ve popped in more... Pitches using two H-shaped tent pole assemblies without saying – bikepacking bikes for 2020 Five have... Guide: what bikepacking gear 2020 … Best bikepacking bags before this and can now see why quite! 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S bikepacking community back in April, on my return to the.... Of bike-specific soft bags can see why it ’ s the Best bikepacking bags,! | options for all trips and budgets made, it won ’ t a. ~100 routes on our test group and it ’ s super light and easy stash! Narrow it to Five and top Five bikepacking bikes of 2020 | bikepacking this. Putting together routes whilst in lockdown, and a great feel next the. And their new Cuban Rice Bowl didn ’ t mean it ’ s slender shape proved be!