Bikes

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.14.18 PMFat bike – Fatback Corvus

Fatback understands the way fat bikes work and have for a while now. Starting in 2007, Fatback was one of the pioneers in the industry and has continued to raise the bar as far as big tires go. The Fatback Corvus is a beautiful carbon fat bike. It is a proven, well-rounded race bike, and ready to take on adventure. MSRP: $2,300 Complete Bike, $1,850 Frame set  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.21.12 PMFull suspension – Salsa Bucksaw 

Looking for a fat bike with all of the capabilities of a high end trail bike? Look no further. Salsa Cycles has done what they do best with their 2015 Bucksaw full-suspension fat bike. They have just released a carbon version of this bike as well. A great all season fat tire full suspension bike built for adventure. MSRP: Bucksaw 1 = $4,999 Bucksaw 2= $3,999  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.25.26 PMHardtail – Ibis Tranny 29

I think it is safe to say that a 2800 mile ride in 16 days is a good indication as to how a bike holds up. The Tranny has adventure written all over it. Being able to ‘swing both ways’ (geared or singlespeed) puts this bike at the top for versatility. If you are looking for a race bike, a bikepacking rig, or a trail bike, the Tranny 29 has you covered. MSRP: $2,999 – $6,999  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.29.59 PM29plus – Chumba Ursa

Chumba Cycles is building backcountry bikes right here in the USA. The Chumba Ursa was designed for adventure.  This bike would suit bikepackers looking to ride in all styles of terrain. The Ursa is available in a backcountry version which makes it that much more appealing – coming loaded with a Wanderlust Gear custom frame bag. MSRP: Ursa Backcountry = $3,595 – Ursa XT= $3,495

Bags

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.35.55 PMOveja Negra Threadworks Custom Frame Bag 

Choosing the right brand to build you a custom frame bag can be difficult. As the years pass there are more companies to choose from – new styles, new materials, technologies and many other changing elements. We have not heard a poor review of an Oveja Negra Threadworks custom frame bag. Their custom frame bags may be some of the best around. Especially if you can stop by Salida, Colorado and have Monty stencil out your frame himself. MSRP: Dependent on materials  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.41.23 PMRevelate Designs Terrapin Seat Bag

The Terrapin saddle bag is Revelate Design’s new evolution to bikepacking bags. A two piece system including a holster-like mount and a dry bag insert, this pack allows you to have the flexibility of easily accessing your belongings without having to remove the bag from your seat post. MSRP: $90.00  

Screen Shot 2014-11-17 at 7.40.25 PMBike Bag Dude Handlebar Roll

The Bike Bag Dude is a wonderful Australian based company making quality bags. This two piece bar roll system allows you to keep the hoslter on the bike, while being able to easily remove the pack from the bars to access your gear. MSRP: $170 – $190 (dependent on diameter)  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.45.54 PMNuke Sunrise Titan Top Tube Bag

The Titan Tank is Nuclear Sunrise Stitchworks rendition of the top tube bag. This bag is super stable, and has the capacity you need for your adventure. The Titan is approximately 9’’ long by 4’’ tall and fits most all mountain bikes or fat bikes. MSRP: $50.00  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.49.09 PMBedrock Bags and Packs Tapeats To-go Bar Bag

The Tapeats To-Go bag is the perfect stash bag for all of the things you need to easily access on the trail. It is a highly water resistant pack with a fold over closure system. The Tapeats is an extremely functional handlebar pack that has proven to hold up in extreme bikepacking conditions. MSRP: $49.00  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.54.33 PMPorcelain Rocket Anything Cage Bag

The Porcelain Rocket Anything Cage Bag is light, strong, versatile, and functional. This bag was designed to fit perfectly into the Salsa Anything Cage which attaches to a 3 boss bolt systems. With attention to detail in the stitching, to the mounting system and the aesthetic, this bag is a must. MSRP: $100  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.03.42 PMOsprey Escapist Series Backpack

If you like to carry a backpack while bikepacking, this is the one for you. Osprey designed the Escapist Series specifically for long distance cycling and overnight bikepacking. The integrated features such as the AirScape ventilated backpanel and BioStretch harness provide comfort for the haul. It also includes a blinky attachment feature for a light. MSRP: $99.95 for 20L      


Electronics

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.06.12 PMSPOT Gen 3

The SPOT Messenger has stuck to its roots on the outside, and has had some big improvement on the inside.  If I could describe the new SPOT Gen 3 in one word, it would be ‘ease.’ SPOT had noted what needed to be improved and they did it with the Gen 3. MSRP: Starting at $149.95      

056219Garmin Etrex 30

If you are looking for a GPS that is bikepacker friendly, the Etrex series is perfect for you. Garmin Basecamp or Topo Fusion are two very easy to use apps to upload GPX files and give you a good picture of your next adventure. Although a bit expensive, the Etrex 30 will last a while, and the amount of Garmin accessories available are endless. For a more affordable GPS, the Etrex 20 and 10 are also great options. MSRP: $299.99        

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.11.04 PMDelorme inReach Explorer

This truly global satellite communicator should be on your bikepacking gear wish list this year. From this one device, you can create waypoints, navigate, log your trip, trigger an interactive SOS, and communicate with your loved ones via text message and email. You can also post updates to your social media. MSRP: $379.95        


 

Apparel

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.21.36 PMStio Divide LS Polo

Finding the proper technical gear for your bikepacking adventure can prove to be difficult. This long sleeve 3 button polo is made out of 85% polyester and 15% cotton. The shirt is made using Drirelease® fabric which gives the shirt its technical ability to keep shape, not shrink, and wick moisture. Along with FreshGuard®, the garment will wick 4x faster than cotton which gives it the ability to deter odor. MSRP: $68.00        

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.25.14 PMPatagonia Polygiene All Weather Zip-Neck Hoodie

Polygiene is a highly effective antimicrobial technology that uses natural silver salt to stop the growth of microorganisms so you always feel fresh and smelling good. Patagonia is using the Polygiene Technology for a number of garments. We love the all-weather zip-neck hoodie for both men and women. It has proven to be an excellent layer on bikepacking trips in all conditions. MSRP: $69.00         giroGloves Giro DND The Giro DND gloves are simple and effective. The glove gives you a natural feel while handling your grips as they do not have an unnecessary amount of gel or padding on the palm. The DND comes in a variety of styles, as well as men’s and women’s specific fit. This is one of the more durable and quality gloves we have used. MSRP: $26.00      

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.31.11 PMSwiftwick Socks – Compression and Activewear

Everybody loves to get socks for a holiday gift – especially if they are quality socks. Swiftwick is a company that makes simple socks in all styles to best fit your needs. Major bonus, they are all made in the USA. They size the height of their socks by number – zero, one, two, four, five, seven, twelve – zero being no-show ankle socks, and twelve being knee-height. They also offer socks with varying footbed padding. Swiftwick manufacturers all socks, from day-to-day wear to medical grade compression socks. MSRP: $12.99 – $69.99    

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.10.49 PMSealSkinz Neoprene Overshoe

Love fat biking but need to find a shoe cover to keep you warm and dry at the right price? SealSkinz Neoprene Overshoe is a simple cycling overshoe that will be great for daily rides on your fat bike. Sealskinz includes hi-visability reflective branding for night riding and extra safety. This may not be the overshoe or bootie you need for your winter ultra – however will be perfect for long day rides. MSRP: $50.00    

 
 

Accessories

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.36.17 PMJones Loop H-Bar – Carbon

Jeff Jones designed the Loop bars to make for a better overall ride. The bar gives riders more hand positions, an inherent benefit for bikepacking. The extension bar out front gives space for plenty of fun gadgets, like lights, GPS, SPOT, and other items. The loop feature also stiffens up the bar. Originally released in aluminum and titanium, these bars are now coming in carbon, and drop almost half the weight. MSRP: $295.00  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.38.17 PMESI Grips / ESI Silicone Tape

Bikepacking can cause inevitable wear on your frame, seat post and bars. If you don’t protect the sensitive areas on your bike, you may end up with rubbing or scratches due to bike bags and velcro. ESI has you covered with their very easy to use and durable Silicone Tape.  The ESI Chunky grips are our jam for bikepacking. ESI grips keep your hands comfortable and slip-free in the elements, not to mention the pretty color choices and great price point! MSRP: Grips $17.99-$23.99 depending on thickness – Silicone Tape  $8.99/roll  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.41.00 PMDogwood Designs Pogies

These pogies are handmade in Fairbanks, Alaska and are sure to keep your hands toasty while winter riding. Their innovative design incorporates a gasket around your wrist with a drawstring closure which will keep the warmth in and the elements out. These pogies are insulated and are ergonomically designed to give your hands ample room to move while inside. The Dogwood Designs pogies even fit on Jones H-bars where as many other pogies will not. MSRP: $120.00    

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 8.11.14 PMThule T2 918XTR

This hitch style bike rack holds 4 bikes with up to 3’’ wide tires. If you or someone you know is a fat bike fanatic, Thule sells a fat tire kit with an optimized wheel holder to fit tires up to 5’’ in width. For getting your bikes to the trailhead safely, or for cross country road trips, this rack is for you. MSRP: $319.95 – additional $39.95 for the fat bike kit  

Camping gear

 

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.43.30 PMS.O.L. Escape Bivvy

Although this bivvy may not seem like much, at it’s price point, it is highly effective in the backcountry during moderate temperatures. The S.O.L. Escape Bivvy is ultralight and packable. This bivvy will keep you warm AND dry. Known for not allowing condensation to build up inside the shelter, the Escape series lets moisture escape while keeping you warm inside. MSRP: $50.00  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.46.07 PMBig Agnes Seedhouse SL2 Tent

Another impressive product by Big Agnes, the Seedhouse SL2 is a comfortable and lightweight tent that is perfect for your bikepacking adventures. It packs very small, and takes up little space in your frame bag. The tent can sleep 2, however it is still worth your consideration if the majority of your trips are solo. It is drastically more comfortable than a bivy, and weighs in at only slightly more. MSRP: $349.95  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.48.18 PMMarmot Atom Sleeping Bag

This 40 degree sleeping bag is not the lightest bag that Marmot makes, however, it is their middle of the road ultralight bag as far as price. It held up in plenty of nights under 40 degrees. The Marmot Atom uses their Down Defender fill, which allows for more moisture protection. This bag was designed as a bivvy bag and has been very popular amongst alpine travelers of all kinds. MSRP: $289.00    

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.50.54 PMKlymit Inertia X Wave Sleeping Pad

Maybe the perfect compromise between their ultra light Inertia X-Lite and some of their full length pads is the Inertia X-Wave ¾ length pad. This beautiful red pad comes with a built in pillow and side rails, and strategically placed waves that make this 10.6 oz pad our go to for bikepacking adventures. MSRP: $99.95  

Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 9.52.49 PMMSR Superfly Stove

The MSR superfly is a compact, packable and lightweight stove. The Multi-Mount interface allows it to be compatible with most self-sealing domestic and international fuel canisters. It will boil one liter of water in 3 minutes. MSRP: $64.95 -$74.95          

Non-Material Gifts

International Bikepacking Trip

Looking to give big this year with the gift of travel? Join Bikepackers Magazine co-founders on a 10-day international bikepacking trip to the breathtaking land of Peru. Take in the full cultural experience of Peru while doing what you love most.  

Entry fee to a race

Have a friend or family member who has been holding off on doing a bikepacking race or a winter ultra due to a spendy entry fee? Surprise them with paying their race fee!  

SPOT Annual Basic Service Plan

A Basic Service Plan for a SPOT device is an annual fee of $99.99. If you know someone who loves bikepacking and spends a good deal of time in the backcountry, buying them a year long service plan would be an excellent gift!    

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