When it comes to long rides, carrying a pack is the best way to tote a significant amount of water and gear. The downside to carrying a pack is that added weight of gear can adversely affect your ability to move and react quickly on the bike. Low profile packs like the Airborne series from […]
Evoc Neo 16L Backpack featuring new Airshield System
Backpacks for mountain biking can get sweaty, so backpack makers are constantly coming up with solutions to enhance airflow and minimize back sweat. With the capabilities of modern trail bikes allowing us to aggressively ride trails we once would only brave on a gravity specific ride, additional armor and protection is a small investment to […]
Gregory Endo 15 3-D Hydro Pack Review
Gregory is best known as a backpacking brand, and to be honest, I wasn’t that familiar with the line previous to receiving the Endo 15 to test. However, it’s clear that when they decided to enter the MTB market they were going to do it right, as the Gregory Endo 15 hydration pack is loaded with […]
Review: Camelbak KUDU 12 Hydration Pack
The Camelbak K.U.D.U. was designed specifically to meet the needs for hydration, storage and enhanced protection while racing enduro. Modern MTB enduro is essentially the equivalent of racing downhill on 6″ travel bikes with minimal protective gear, and with riders pushing the limits, crashing is common. The KUDU was designed address these specific needs, carrying the […]
Review: Showers Pass Transit Backpack
As a year-round bike commuter, finding a backpack that fits my needs has been a challenge. I often haul a lot of stuff, typically carrying a laptop, compact camera, change of clothes, shoes, make-up and other random items. A pack that supports the weight, keeps things organized and can withstand the wet weather in Portland is incredibly important. […]
Lowe Pro StreetLine BP 250
Most camera packs do a great job of carrying camera gear but forget that many of us want to carry regular stuff as well. The StreetLine BP 250 from LowePro bucks the trend with a small form factor that’ll tote a laptop and daily essentials.
First Ride Review: 2016 Camelbak Skyline 10LR and Solstice 10LR Hydration Packs
The lumbar series of packs from Camelbak have been somewhat polarizing in how they were received by riders. Riders either loved them, or were not fans at all, with the feel of wearing them often compared to carrying a sweaty amorous koala on your back. Taking all the feedback into consideration, Camelbak redesigned their lumbar packs for […]
Review: Acre Supply Hauser Pack
ACRE is a new entry to the mountain biking community. The roots of the company, however, run deep in mountain biking. ACRE’s founders, Bart Kyzar and Mark Falvai, were the original founders of the iconic urban cycling brand Chrome Industries. Originally based in Boulder, the first Chrome bags were designed with mountain bikers in mind.
Camelbak Charge 10 LR
A few years ago, on route to a bike event we found ourselves in the midst of a multi-car vehicular collision. Fortunately we got off relatively light, but we both sustained whiplash. After that, wearing packs on rides made us miserable. Our solution: stop wearing packs. From bottles to waist packs and stuffing additional bottles into pockets for […]
Review: Clik Elite Venture 30 Camera Backpack
I’m always on the lookout for better ways to carry my camera gear while riding. Over the last few years I’ve accumulated a number of camera packs, but have yet to find that perfect one pack solution. At this point, I’m convinced there is none; instead I’ve narrowed it down to two or three. My current go-to […]
Review: All-City Captain Phil Pack
I have a weakness for gear. An addiction, really. Like Carrie Bradshaw and her shoes, I’m obsessed with hoodies and backpacks. My closet is filled to overwhelmed with both, and at this point I’ve come to consider myself a connoisseur of packs. I’m always looking for the ideal pack to match my lifestyle, or hold and organize […]
Local Spotlight: ILE Bags and the Photo Bag Prime
Messenger bags and backpacks are standard urban cycling accessories these days, and many packs easily hold so much stuff we practically live out of them. However, it is a lot tougher to find that perfect pack when you’re a photographer that carries an SLR and a basic strobist kit on top of everything else. Finding […]