Bikepacking

Why Buy Cottage Gear

by Andy Amick

As someone who grew up in a small business family and now runs a cottage gear company, I guess I have a slightly deeper desire to buy and use cottage gear when possible.  But what drives other people to buy gear from a cottage company rather than a large mainstream gear company? This post digs […]

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Cottage Gear Defined

by Andy Amick

When you get into the world of lightweight or ultralight camping gear, a large majority of that gear is made by very small companies.  A lot of these companies are even single person operations with gear made in their basement or garage.  The term “cottage” gear maker is given to these sorts of companies. Obviously, […]

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Bikepacking On A Budget

by Andy Amick

So you’re ready to try out bikepacking, but don’t want to invest in lots of new gear?  I’ve been there and you can get started without spending a fortune on bikepacking specific gear. If you have done any camping or backpacking in the past, you probably have most of what you will need.  It won’t […]

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It’s 2013 Tour Divide Time!

by Andy Amick

It’s Tour Divide time!  The 2013 Tour Divide starts this Friday, June 14th in Banff Alberta.  From there, it’s a measly 2700+ miles to the finish at the Mexican border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico.  This is an exciting time for followers of the race and probably a very nervous time for the competitors. For […]

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Bikepacking Seatbags – The J.Paks SeatPak

by Andy Amick

The seat bag, frame bag, and handlebar bag are the three main bags used for carrying gear on the bike for bikepacking.  A few months ago, I decided to finally buy a seat bag to replace my homemade coroplast bags. Since local companies are important to me, my choice came down to J.Paks and Bedrock, […]

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Dreaming Of Multi-Day Trips With Kids

by Andy Amick

Hopefully, you’ve already made you plans and reservations for this summer’s trips.  If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Over dinner the other night, my kids and I started talking about trips and places we would like to explore.  Yes, these are the dinner conversations we have, especially when my wife is out of […]

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Bikepacking With Kids? Yes You Can

by Andy Amick

Don’t let people tell you that you can’t go bikepacking with kids. You can. They certainly can. And it’s fun! Taking your child out on the trail presents a few challenges, but there are many more positives than negatives.  Here are three things to keep in mind when planning a bikepacking trip with younger kids. […]

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A 2 Pound Bikepacking Clothing System

by Andy Amick

Maybe it’s the continual barrage of Monday night snowstorms hitting Denver lately, or maybe it’s just me being crazy, but I’m still writing about bikepacking clothing choices.  After three posts, hopefully everyone gets the idea that it’s best to have lots of layers that work in a variety of conditions.  If you can be comfortable […]

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What Is Bikepacking?

by Andy Amick

In it’s most basic form, bikepacking is nothing more than combining cycling with camping.  I have even used that description on the Bikepacking 101 page to introduce people to bikepacking.  But that simple definition leaves out some of the best parts of the bikepacking experience. Yes, bikepacking will always be centered around cycling and camping, but […]

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A 3 Season Bikepacking Clothing System

by Andy Amick

My fashion sense is a little whacked.  Ok, a lot of whacked.  I have no problem wearing cuben fiber knickers or a short sleeve down jacket.  For bikepacking, my mantra is definitely function over form.  If there was a great wool baselayer that only came in purple with red polka dots, I’d have no problem […]

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