When I first discovered bicycle touring and bikepacking, I immediately knew that it was something that I wanted to try. The idea of strapping some camping gear to my bike and exploring the countryside under my own power fascinated me. After researching bikepacking bags and panniers and racks, I was kind of turned off by …
Zachary Friedman
One of the more overlooked pieces of camping gear that can play a major role in your comfort is a camping pillow. This guide answers the question: Do you need a camping pillow? For me, the answer is yes. A camping pillow increases comfort and improves your quality of sleep. Using a pillow is better …
Tandem bikes are a unique option for couples, families, and close friends who enjoy cycling together. They work great for bicycle touring as well as recreational riding. Tandems are fast, efficient, and fun to ride. Of course, there are some disadvantages as well. There is a learning curve to riding tandem. These bikes are expensive …
When buying a pair of trekking poles, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is which material to go with. The body of most trekking poles is made of either carbon fiber or aluminum. The best material depends on a number of factors including the type of terrain you hike on and …
It’s important to always prepare for foul weather. You never know when it’s going to rain. The ideal rain gear depends on the activity you’re doing, the weather you expect, how much gear you want to carry, as well as personal preference. When choosing rain gear for your trip, you have two options. This guide …
When buying a new bike, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want to go with a more road oriented bike or an off-road oriented bike. This guide lists the pros and cons of riding a road bike vs mountain bike. We’ll compare weight, efficiency, handling, durability, versatility, cost, …
While preparing for your next big trip, one of the more difficult decisions you’ll need to make is whether or not you want to travel with a laptop. If you do decide to pack your laptop, how will you protect it from damage and theft? How will you protect your privacy and keep your data …
Tijuana police corruption has been a serious problem for decades. It is not uncommon for a Tijuana police officer to stop tourists and demand that they pay a bribe or ‘mordida’ in Spanish. This can happen while you’re driving around town or simply walking down the street. In this guide, I outline Tijuana police corruption …
While traveling, sometimes you just want to cook a quick and healthy meal and get on with your day. This guide outlines how to cook in a hotel room without a kitchen. I’ll explain exactly what tools, appliances, and utensils you need to pack to prepare simple, affordable, and most importantly healthy meals while traveling. …
When choosing bike wheels, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is which material to go with. Bike wheels are made from either aluminum or carbon fiber. Upgrading from aluminum wheels to premium carbon wheels can reduce weight, increase speed, and improve the overall performance of any bike. There are some drawbacks. …