It was almost midnight, and the weather couldn’t have been worse. The temperature was just above freezing, rain was pouring down, and the wind was gusting so hard that I thought I might fall over. To make matters worse, the hill my Airstream was parked on had turned to mud, and the trailer was now…
Field Tested: KLIM Badlands
KLIM updates their classic adventure suit with new armor and a more refined style.
First Test: New 2018 Gear from MSR, Therm-a-Rest, and Seal Line
My wife likes to chide me for my ability to generate bad ideas. When I told her I was going to squeeze in one last bikepacking trip to the high peaks of Colorado just as winter storms are likely to crush my route—I realized she might have a point. The truth is, I love the…
Bikepacking: Field Repairs, Tools, and Spares
Whether you’re just heading out for a quick fitness ride or traversing a continent, every rider must be ready for the mechanical woes that frequently disrupt an otherwise perfect bike ride. No matter how well maintained your bike is, there’s still a chance something wildly unexpected could happen like having a squirrel dive into your…
Trail Tested: Topeak’s Latest Kit for Bikepacking Adventures
As some of you know, I ride my bike nearly every day and have for the last 3 decades. For half of those years, I have pumped up my tires before each ride with a Topeak Joe Blow Pro floor pump. On every ride, I carry a 17-year-old Topeak Alien multi-tool, and my many Race…
Field Tested: Rocky Mounts BackStage Swing-Out Hitch Rack
Hitch-mounted bike rack systems with integrated swing-out pivots are not new, but most of them up to this point have been of the less desirable hang-and-dangle style with the bikes draped over two rack arms. Most riders, myself included, much prefer the tray style racks which clamp only to the front wheel and accommodate a…
Bikepacking: Maintenance Tips for a Fuss-free Trip
When bikepacking started to gain momentum roughly 10 years ago, concerns over bike reliability were not just overstated, they were wildly overblown. The reality is, most bikepacking trips clock in at well under 500 miles—if not fewer than 200. If your bike can’t survive a week of use without catastrophic failure, you need to rethink…
Bikepacking: The What, Why, and How to Pack
I break down my gear list from soup to nuts.
Field Tested: Rocky Mounts SwitchHitter
With the proliferation of wagons, crossovers, and SUVs, the hitch rack has become the most ubiquitous type of bike hauler, but there are still occasions when a roof-mounted bike rack is preferred. For long road trips I tend to portage my bikes aloft as it frees up the back of my car providing unfettered access…
The Widening World of Mountain Bike Wheels
Which wheel size is best? Is it 26, 27.5 or 29-inch? Should you go skinny, chubby or full fatty?
Trail Tested: Kuat NV 2.0 with Rak Attach Swing-Out Mount
We paired Kuat’s latest rack to a swing-out mount. It’s a killer combo.
Hitch Rack Shootout
After more than two years of testing, I declare one bike rack – the best of them all.
Company Profile: Nemo Equipment
We visit New England’s premiere outdoor gear manufacturer.
Bikepacking: Five MIPS Equipped Helmets to Protect Your Mellon
MIPS technology has made helmets even safer. Which one is best for your head?
Field Tested: Nemo Equipment Apollo, Moonwalk, and Escape Pod
The first shelter and sleep system designed for bikepacking.
Bikepacking: How to pack your bike for a successful trip
You decided what to take. Now you have to fit it onto your bicycle.
Field Tested: Appalachian Titanium Alcohol Stove
Feather light but hotter than Hades
Field Tested: Primus OmniFuel Stove
As the name implies, this formidable stove burns nearly any fuel you can get your hands on.
Long Term Wrap Up: Salsa Fargo Ti
After roughly 1,023.6 miles, I’m ready to give my personal verdict on one of the most lauded adventure bicycles on the road, or trail, or both.
First (Big) Ride: Rocky Mountain Sherpa
I take Rocky Mountain’s latest bike, one purpose-built for overland travel, on a 100 mile ride on the White Rim.