Search results

I conducted that pad review listed above, and have worked in the outdoor industry for ages. I'm still Overland Journal's in-house gear nerd and pads are a particular area of interest. I still contend that the Exped Mega Mat is about as comfy as comfy gets, but as others said, the size when...

I've been using the Giant Loop Fandango and now the new Kiger bag. I love the Kiger bag with it's floating lid. I also like the inner dry bag which allows my to quickly grab all my goodies and walk away from the bike. Or, I can easily unzip the entire bag in five seconds. It's really slick...

Well, the trip went off without a hitch. I had dramatic weather that wasn't too bad. I had one night of wicked skeeters, one of heavy rain, and one with high winds. Just the way I like it. Variety. The thing I like about bikepacking, and most backcountry trips, is that the gear selection is...

In a few minutes I roll out the door to take the Salsa Deadwood to Silverton to do a lap around the Alpine Loop. The plan is to also include a ride up the road towards Uncompagre Peak, spend some time in American Basin, and not knock down too many miles in three days of riding. Lots of picture...

I'm in the process of compiling a comprehensive review of soft coolers for the ExPo home page. So far, the IceMule cooler seems like it might be right up your alley. The gold standard thus far is the Yeti Hopper 20, but it might be more than you're looking for. I also was really impressed with...

By the way, Pat's is not dehydrated, but rather a concentrated liquid, almost a syrup. We've had some fun playing with it on trips. Last winter we used some of the cola packets to make Cuba Libres on a long hike. My complaint with the beer itself is the over-hopped taste. I also wish it had a...

When I go all out for food, I always bring an Outback oven and make pizza or cinnamon rolls. I also carry a small tube, like a tennis ball tube, with a couple tomatoes and an avocado. Pizza a few nights into a trip is pretty rad.

I dunno. I lived in Belgium for a while. I've spent many weeks in Germany. There are just as many good beers in the US, and some I dare say might be better. I also lived in Burgundy, France and had to listen to Californians levy insults at French wine endlessly, even after having spent thousands...

I tested this for the home page of ExPo last winter. It isn't bad at all. It isn't great, but it's far from bad. The people who don't get it travel with coolers and fridges. Ive used it on backpacking and bikepacking trips with access to cold water and it worked well. You have to want to use...

Rob English is a bike building genius. Not all of his bikes hit the mark or maybe even ride very well, but he pushes the design envelope more than anyone. That Divide bike is sweet.

In that capacity, the Hypersmock 2 is great. Given that it sees the inside of my pack more than a good rain storm, I like that it is as light as it it.

That's subjective. With a massive ground tent, two plush pads, pillows and bags, my RTT is a solid hundred pounds heavier. The ground set up is arguably more comfortable as well. I do like my RTT, though. It's massively easier to use.

On the lighter side, I've been using this: The Berghaus VapourLight Hyper Smock 2. Dumbest name ever. :) It hits your price point to the penny. http://expeditionportal.com/field-tested-berghaus-vapourlight-hyper-smock-2-0/ I've really put it to the test lately. I've come to the conclusion that...

Yes, and it's not a bad idea. I have run top-levers on a number of my bikes and they do help to some degree, but the caveat is, you are moved inward even more towards the center of the bars when under extreme braking. It's by no means a wide position on the bars, but it does get you more...

Again, having logged probably a thousand or more miles, even racing, with the steel Fargo fork, I think the carbon fork is vastly superior. Anyone who asserts steel in this application is superior is probably preaching from a pulpit steeped in "steel is real" hyperbole more than anyihing. The...

Although I've only got about 175 miles on the Deadwood, I've easily put over 4,000 on my two Fargos, with probably half of that on rough gravel and singletrack. So, I feel I can speak with confidence about the Deadwood's aptitude at this point. The only place where bikes like the Fargo and...

Getting started is easier than you might think, once you start to assemble the basics. I haven't added to this series in a while, but you might take a look at it: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/114335-Bikepacking-The-Expedition-Portal-Series

My diversion for the next few weeks: Salsa Deadwood 29plus. Radness. This is a ridiculously fun bike. I can't wait to load it up and hit the road. I've got a route in mind for mid August in Colorado that is perfect for this bike.

I want to thank DanCooper for taking the time to write his post, and not just because it acknowledges my personal opinion. It is simply a well worded and experienced opinion worth hearing. I also want to thank all of those on either side of this topic for their respectful candor. It's with...

Americans don't tend to tackle this discussion head on, but rather at oblique angles that make it hard to understand the real reasons Americans feel so strongly one way or another. And this happens on both sides of the argument. Good examples include the anti-gun audience and their determination...