Stealing My Kids’ Toys For Bikepacking Gear

by Andy Amick

Sometimes the kids and their toys have to make sacrifices, even if they aren’t aware of the sacrifice at the time.  While doing more tinkering with gear and my bikepacking setup, I realized the foam ammo balls my kids shoot at each other would make a great end cap for my tarp pole. The tarp […]

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Homemade Tyvek Wallet – 2 1/2 Years Later

by Andy Amick

When looking for a new wallet, not many people look at an envelope as an option.  Ok, there may only be a handful of us crazy enough to actually think this.  But a single Tyvek envelope can be transformed into an everyday wallet and hold up to daily wear and tear for over two years. […]

Gear Read the full article →

An Engineer Finds Bikepacking

by Andy Amick

It sure seems like I was made for bikepacking.  No, not because of my awesome biking skills and long distance abilities.  For me, bikepacking is wonderful combination that is equal parts cycling, gear, and problem solving.  The cycling is pure fun.  The gear is like the box of tools waiting to be used.  The problem […]

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Path To Less – January 2014 Updates

by Andy Amick

Finding ways to live simply so that you can put more time and energy into wherever you find joy in life.  That’s what the monthly “Path To Less” posts are about. This month’s post covers everything from changing our perspective, burnout, getting outside, and taking better iPhone pictures.  Yes, they are all over the place.  However, […]

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The Ultimate HIker’s Gear Guide By Andrew Skurka

by Andy Amick

Although long distance hiker Andrew Skurka‘s book is titled as a gear guide, it offers some good background information on his style of hiking and how he decides on what gear to carry for each trip.  I found the information on planning for a trip and the sample gear lists to be the best parts […]

Backpacking Read the full article →

Plan, Save, Ride – Make That Big Trip A Reality

by Andy Amick

The extreme polar vortex or winter weather in general can lead to daydreams of bike touring on a warm summer day.  Now is the time to plan for that trip so that it can become a reality. My own reality is that the Tour Divide ride start in 5 months and I need to save […]

Cycling Read the full article →

Honey Bear – A Tale Of Having Nothing But Having Everything

by Andy Amick

This is a post I’ve had in draft form for almost a year unsure of how to finish it and tell Honey Bear’s story.  Hopefully, you enjoy this version that has become my attempt at a story to remind us of what’s most important.  Being an engineer hasn’t helped my creative writing skills, but here […]

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Bikepacking 202 – Pack Only What You Need

by Andy Amick

Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler. – Albert Einstein For bikepacking, this can be interpreted as “pack only what you need, but nothing you don’t”.  Of course, it’s much easier said than done.  For analytical thinkers or tinkerers, solving this puzzle is one of the lures of bikepacking because it’s an ever […]

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Bikepacking 202 – Ditch The Backpack

by Andy Amick

One of the best ways to make the physical aspect of bikepacking more enjoyable is to remove all weight from your back.  It may not seem like much, but over multiple days of riding, the shoulders and back get quite tired.  Getting rid of the backpack involves getting all water, food, gear, and tools packed […]

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Path To Less – November 2013 Updates

by Andy Amick

Finding ways to live simply so that you can put more time and energy into wherever you find joy in life.  That’s what the monthly “Path To Less” posts are about. It’s Thanksgiving and I hope everyone is set to enjoy some down time with friends and family.  Whether that includes some time outdoors or lots […]

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