The Bikepacking Essentials of 2015

Published: May 14, 2015

Why walk when you can roll? —Aaron Gulley

(Photo: Michael Karsh)

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Why walk when you can roll?
—Aaron Gulley

Jones Plus bike

With three-inch tires for traction and stability, the steel-frame ($6,020) is the finest bikepacking rig available. The upright stance and carbon H-bars make for comfy riding, while the 11-speed Shimano XTR cassette has ample gear range. And the bike comes with enough tailor-made packs to easily carry a week’s worth of gear.

With three-inch tires for traction and stability, the steel-frame Plus ($6,020) is the finest bikepacking rig available. The upright stance and carbon H-bars make for comfy riding, while the 11-speed Shimano XTR cassette has ample gear range. And the bike comes with enough tailor-made packs to easily carry a week’s worth of gear. jonesbikes.com — With three-inch tires for traction and stability, the steel-frame ($6,020) is the finest bikepacking rig available. The upright stance and carbon H-bars make for comfy riding, while the 11-speed Shimano XTR cassette has ample gear range. And the bike comes with enough tailor-made packs to easily carry a week’s worth of gear.
(Michael Karsh)

Osprey Rev 18 pack

At just over a pound, this wispy ($120) uses mesh in the straps, back panel, and pockets to cut weight while adding breathability.

At just over a pound, this wispy hydration pack ($120) uses mesh in the straps, back panel, and pockets to cut weight while adding breathability. ospreypacks.com — At just over a pound, this wispy ($120) uses mesh in the straps, back panel, and pockets to cut weight while adding breathability.
(Michael Karsh)

Spot Gen3 messenger

Think of a satellite ($150) as an insurance policy. The GPS tracks progress, while the SOS button sends for help if things ever go south.

Think of a satellite messenger ($150) as an insurance policy. The GPS tracks progress, while the SOS button sends for help if things ever go south. findmespot.com — Think of a satellite ($150) as an insurance policy. The GPS tracks progress, while the SOS button sends for help if things ever go south.
(Michael Karsh)

Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum tent

An engineering miracle, this ($550) packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle, yet it sleeps two adults, with space in the vestibule for gear. And we stayed happily dry when the weather got nasty.

An engineering miracle, this tent ($550) packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle, yet it sleeps two adults, with space in the vestibule for gear. And we stayed happily dry when the weather got nasty. bigagnes.com — An engineering miracle, this ($550) packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle, yet it sleeps two adults, with space in the vestibule for gear. And we stayed happily dry when the weather got nasty.
(Michael Karsh)

MontBell Down Hugger 900 #5 sleeping bag

Packed with 900-fill down, the ($419) kept us warm even below its advertised 40-degree threshold. Diagonal seams and baffles provided enough give to wiggle, and best of all, it compresses down as small as a grapefruit.

Packed with 900-fill down, the Hugger ($419) kept us warm even below its advertised 40-degree threshold. Diagonal seams and baffles provided enough give to wiggle, and best of all, it compresses down as small as a grapefruit. montbell.us — Packed with 900-fill down, the ($419) kept us warm even below its advertised 40-degree threshold. Diagonal seams and baffles provided enough give to wiggle, and best of all, it compresses down as small as a grapefruit.
(Michael Karsh)

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite pad

Though it’s about half the size of other ultralight pads, this 2.5-inch-thick ($160) is as cushy as a full-size blow-up bed. Updated material reduces the crinkle that plagued the first version.

Though it’s about half the size of other ultralight pads, this 2.5-inch-thick air mattress ($160) is as cushy as a full-size blow-up bed. Updated material reduces the crinkle that plagued the first version. cascadedesigns.com — Though it’s about half the size of other ultralight pads, this 2.5-inch-thick ($160) is as cushy as a full-size blow-up bed. Updated material reduces the crinkle that plagued the first version.
(Michael Karsh)

Pearl Izumi X-Project 1.0 shoes

The ($320) bridges the gap between cycling shoe and hiking boot. A carbon-fiber plate keeps the midsole firm for pedaling, but built-in flex makes walking comfortable.

The X-Project ($320) bridges the gap between cycling shoe and hiking boot. A carbon-fiber plate keeps the midsole firm for pedaling, but built-in flex makes walking comfortable. pearlizumi.com — The ($320) bridges the gap between cycling shoe and hiking boot. A carbon-fiber plate keeps the midsole firm for pedaling, but built-in flex makes walking comfortable.
(Michael Karsh)

Fenix BTR20 light

The ($140) packs 800 lumens into a rechargeable-battery-powered package. With one unit on the bars and another on the rack, we got many hours of light over a two-week backcountry expedition.

The BTR20 ($140) packs 800 lumens into a rechargeable-battery-powered package. With one unit on the bars and another on the rack, we got many hours of light over a two-week backcountry expedition. fenixlighting.com — The ($140) packs 800 lumens into a rechargeable-battery-powered package. With one unit on the bars and another on the rack, we got many hours of light over a two-week backcountry expedition.
(Michael Karsh)

Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium stove

For less than the weight of a Clif Bar, you get warm food at night and hot coffee in the morning. If you’re careful, the ($60)��will last a full week.

For less than the weight of a Clif Bar, you get warm food at night and hot coffee in the morning. If you’re careful, the small fuel tank ($60) will last a full week. snowpeak.com — For less than the weight of a Clif Bar, you get warm food at night and hot coffee in the morning. If you’re careful, the ($60) will last a full week.
(Michael Karsh)

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Lead Photo: Michael Karsh

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