Backpacking tents fall into two categories: freestanding and non-freestanding. Freestanding tents use included poles. They do not need to be attached to anything to maintain their shape. Non-freestanding tents need to be staked out to maintain their shape. The ideal tent design for your trip depends on the climate, the type of ground you’re camping …
Zachary Friedman
Are you thinking about switching from a traditional rack and panniers setup to bikepacking bags? After some extensive research and testing with both types of luggage, I put together this bikepacking bags vs panniers pros and cons list to help you decide which to go with on your next tour. This guide analyzes the volume …
Condensation is an annoyance that every camper faces. It is an unavoidable natural process that occurs in every tent, regardless of the design and the materials it is made of. You can’t stop condensation but you can minimize it by taking a few simple steps such as choosing the right campsite, improving ventilation, and reducing …
For ultralight hikers, bikepackers, and who are looking to travel light and fast, switching from a traditional sleeping bag to a backpacking quilt is a great way to cut weight and bulk. That said, quilts aren’t for everyone. They require a little more setup time and they can be drafty. To help you decide whether …
One major annoyance while hiking is dealing with water, snow, sand, twigs, or pebbles making their way into your boots. Wearing gaiters is a great solution. They cover the tops of your footwear to keep moisture and debris out. This helps keep your feet warm, clean, and dry and reduces blisters. This guide explains what …
When choosing a sleeping bag or puffy jacket, one of the most important decisions you need to make is whether it’s filled with down feathers or synthetic insulation. Down is lightweight, compressible, extremely warm, and environmentally friendly. The problem is that down does not perform well when it gets wet. It’s can also be unethical. …
Maybe you want to move abroad to study, work, retire, or just experience something new. Whatever the case, the idea of living abroad is a dream for many. Expat life is full of adventure, culture, opportunity, and personal development. At the same time, it can be a lonely lifestyle full of compromises. This guide outlines …
When buying new bicycle tires, one decision you’ll have to make is whether to go with folding tires or wire bead tires. Wire bead tires contain a thin steel wire in the bead built into the tire. Folding bike tires have a kevlar bead. The bead is the part of the tire that touches the rim. …
When the snow starts falling, the streets become icy and dangerous for cyclists. Studded bike tires give you enough traction and control to ride safely and confidently during the winter months. Whether or not you need studded tires depends on the climate and weather conditions you ride in. This guide lists the pros and cons …
When choosing a new mountain bike, one of the more important decisions you’ll have to make is which type of suspension system to go with. Mountain bikes come in full suspension and hardtail options. Full suspension mountain bikes have both front and rear shocks while hardtail mountain bikes only have a front shock and a …