Bikepacking

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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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 […]

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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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Moose, Bears, and Whistles. Oh My!

by Andy Amick

Shouldn’t it be “Meese, Bears, and Whistles”?  That’s not really the point, but whistles and paracord are the point here. Bear and moose encounters are a few of the things that Tour Divide planning has caused me to think about. People have various ways to alert the animals or protect themselves from wildlife.  One option […]

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A Glimpse Into The World Of Bikepacking

by Andy Amick

Are you curious about bikepacking but unsure about how gear is packed on the bike or some of the logistics?  While testing out some gear in my yard, I decided to do a full camp setup and time lapse the process of waking up and switching from camping mode to bike riding mode. Ideally, the […]

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Tour Divide 2014, Here I Come!

by Andy Amick

Yep, you read that right.  I’ll be lining for the Grand Depart alongside my friend Brion who will be riding it as well.  Dreams do come true and I’m both excited and nervous about this one.  It’s a great bikepacking adventure I have dreamed of ever since I read about Kent Peterson’s singlespeed ride in an issue […]

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2013 Tour Divide Finisher – Scott Thigpen

by Andy Amick

If you follow the Tour Divide at all, you know how much training and work riders put into the race.  If you don’t follow the race, you’re missing out. Earlier this summer, Scott Thigpen finished his Tour Divide in Antelope Wells, NM and was 4th place in the singlespeed category.  It’s a incredible feat to […]

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6 Lightweight Shelter Options

by Andy Amick

After detailing my own shelter system, I thought I would list a few other options for bikepackers or backpackers looking into lightweight shelters.  There are A LOT of options, and a full list of all gear shelters would go on for pages.  This post details 6 shelters which have different designs and materials.  Some of […]

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A 3 Pound Bikepacking Sleep System

by Andy Amick

The sleep system is the one set of gear that allows for turning long bike rides into bikepacking trips.  It’s also one of the areas with the most options, configurations, and price points. My first bikepacking (in the backyard) trip utilized a 5 pound tent, a 5 pound sleeping bag, and 2 pound sleeping pad. […]

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