A growing trend in cycling is the oval chainring (also known as an elliptical chainring). These chainrings have an oval shape instead of being round like traditional chainrings. Oval chainrings can improve your pedaling efficiency by reducing dead spots in your pedal stroke. They make climbing easier. They may also reduce stress on your knees. …

Thinking about giving hammock camping a try? In this guide, I list the pros and cons of hammock vs tent camping to help you decide which shelter option is best for your camping style. I‘ll cover comfort, packed size and weight, site selection, protection from the elements, warmth, and more. The best shelter for you …

You can tour on pretty much any bike. That said, some bikes are better suited for long-distance fully loaded riding than others. This guide explains how to choose a touring bike. In this guide, I’ll outline all of the different features and components to look for. I’ll cover frame design, gearing, wheels, brakes, handlebars, tires, …

Eating at McDonald’s while traveling is a bit of a controversial topic. Some travelers think it’s a waste of time to eat familiar fast food that you can get anywhere when there are authentic local dishes to try. Other travelers make a point to eat at McDonald’s in every city that they visit. If you’re …

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 …

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. …