Last fall, Emily Bei Cheng attempted the 2,300-kilometer Japanese Odyssey bikepacking event, which the organizers call "the most scenic yet punishing ride you’ll ever attempt." In this heartfelt piece, she reflects on the experience and how hearing voice notes from friends back home shaped her ride and her broader perspective. Read it and find a set of 35mm film photos here..

The post The Japanese Odyssey: Voice Memos from the Forgotten Toge appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In the film “Never Stop,” Samer Abouhamad shares the third chapter in his 74,000-kilometer bikepacking odyssey, covering 20 countries including Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Plus, find stats from the three-year ride and answers to questions on everything from his route choice and how much time he spent alone, to thoughts on traveling through the region as a Lebanese American..

The post Never Stop: Bikepacking From Australia to Lebanon (Video + Interview) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In her second video installment from the Philippines, Belén Castelló leaves the mountainous north for the southern coast, where she rides through sleepy fishing villages, lingers with locals, and ultimately pauses her bikepacking trip to explore a new hobby. Watch the 40-minute video here..

The post Cycling The Philippines: Changing Plans (Ep.2) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

“Emil & Karl” is an uplifting 22-minute film that follows two dads and their young sons on a six-day bikepacking journey through the Swiss Alps. With patience, humor, and a healthy dose of pushing, it’s a celebration of childlike wonder and shared family adventure. Watch it and find an introduction from director Holger Wimmer here..

The post Emil & Karl: Small Wheels, Big Mountains (Film) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

As riders in the 2026 Pinyons and Pines race in Arizona begin their third day, Wyatt Spalding shares a detailed breakdown of this year's route and photos from the first two days of the event. Dig into his recap and browse a stunning photo gallery here..

The post 2026 Pinyons and Pines: The Most Demanding Edition Yet appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Clotaire Mandel's latest video from the Andes documents his ride along the Huascarán Circuit and onward to the Peru Great Divide, where towering peaks and endless switchbacks left him speechless. Find the 17-minute video and a collection of photos here..

The post Bikepacking Peru’s Huascaran Circuit and Beyond (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Is coffee outside an excuse to get out on a morning ride, or the gateway drug to a local overnighter? Cass ponders how small rituals encourage us to slow down and linger, as the Oaxaca Café Afuera Crew heads out to the newly opened Café Cruz de la Peña, lured into a 6,000-foot climb by the promise of the best sunrise coffee and conversation in town..

The post Cafe Afuera: All Wheels Welcome at Cafe Pico appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Irina and Hugo didn't know each other well when they decided to take on an Alaskan bikepacking trip together last summer. Brought together by a sense of adventure, this unfamiliar duo set off into the wild for the adventure of a lifetime. Their new documentary recounts the trip, with all the trials, tribulations, and spectacular beauty along the way. Watch the full video below..

The post Cycling Alaska with a Stranger (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Episode 35 of Dan Camp’s video series chronicling his ride across the Americas spotlights his final 600 miles of bikepacking the Peru Great Divide. This cinematically rich installment captures Peru’s overwhelming natural beauty and wraps up his many weeks spent on the rugged gem of a route. Watch it here..

The post 600 Miles on the Peru Great Divide (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

White Industries is a precision bicycle component manufacturer based in Sonoma County, California. Best known for its iconic polished cranks, White Industries is just a couple of years away from its 50th anniversary, an impressive milestone few companies of its size have reached. Miles spent a few days exploring the shop, getting to know the people, and learning about their strategies to keep relevant and productive. Find a massive gallery from his visit and learn all about White Industries here..

The post Inside White Industries: Five Decades of Outlasting Trends appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

While bikepacking across the Balkans, Joshua Kian and his partner were introduced to burek, the savory, flaky delicacy that makes for a uniquely satisfying fuel for a long day in the saddle. In this piece, Joshua pays homage to the many delectable pastries they encountered along their route and reflects on how slowing down to enjoy them offered a unique window into local cultures..

The post Bikepacking the Burek Trail appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

When it came time for Britt Walker to retire her trusty tent after more than seven years of service, she felt inspired to upcycle it into a practical mix of bags and other accessories to accompany her on future adventures and in everyday life. In this short piece, she shares an ode to her longtime shelter and a little about the meaningful project of giving it a second, third, and fourth life in new forms..

The post Upcycled Adventures: A Fresh Life for an Old Tent appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Following Neil’s final Sea Otter roundup is a video that more specifically addresses the topic of 32-inch bikes. With so much fresh tech centered on the industry’s new favorite wheel size, Neil asked several movers and shakers for their thoughts on where 32” fits into the current market. Watch the full video below for all the answers..

The post Are 32″ Wheels the Future? We Asked the Bike Industry (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In this cross between a Rider and Rig and Route Report, Cass heads off to ride the epic and wild Vuelta de Citlaltépetl, a loop he’s shared on the site and written about for The Bikepacking Journal, as a yearly bike touring pilgrimage of sorts. This time, he does it in style. Or, at least, in Corey-style, complete with a chimney-equipped hot tent pulled in a trailer by a pink Bike Friday..

The post The Little Bike That Could: Citlaltepetl in a Hot Tent appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Keeping the tradition alive, we put together a special edition of Readers' Rigs this week: a collection of event attendees and their bikes from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic. The roundup is packed with interesting bikes—and plenty of strong opinions on the emerging 32” wheel size. From a lightning-fast Specialized prototype to a flock of Neuhaus Hummingbirds, there’s a lot to take in. Dive in here.

The post Reader’s Rigs of the 2026 Sea Otter Classic appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Part seven of our Sea Otter video coverage wraps up the roundups with an big assortment of standout bikes, clever components, and final takeaways from the show floor. From the eye-catching Sour Pasta Party 32 to low-drag DT Swiss hub internals and fresh gear from brands like Swift Industries, Curious Creatures, SQLab, Ortlieb, and Five Ten, there’s plenty to dig into..

The post Video: Fresh Finds at Sea Otter 2026 (Part 7) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Our fifth and final written roundup from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic saves some of the best for last. In this compilation, you'll find a $350 32er fork, the new OPEN WI.DE. 2.0, a Tailfin teaser, the BTCHN' Bandito, a stunning steel Fargo 32 build, and whole lot more. Dig in to everything below..

The post 2026 Sea Otter Finds (Part 5): Tailfin Teaser, Slug Gasser, a Budget 32-inch Fork, Ian’s Moonlander, and More… appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Part six of our Sea Otter Classic coverage highlights a wildly modified Surly Moonlander and the debut of the new OPEN WIDE 2.0 with a range of updates, including clearance for 2.6" tires. The 32-inch conversation continues with prototype components from Fox/Race Face and expanded tire options from Maxxis and Panaracer. Lastly, Topeak showcases a lineup of modular racks and waterproof storage solutions. Watch it here..

The post Video: Fresh Finds at Sea Otter 2026 (Part 6) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Part five of our Sea Otter Classic coverage zeroes in on smarter bag systems, adaptable cockpit parts, and a few thoughtful component updates. Along the way, Neil checks out Old Man Mountain and Robert Axle Project, more 32-inch suspension developments from SR Suntour and KS, and Tout Terrain’s new Catalina prototype. Watch it here..

The post Video: Fresh Finds at Sea Otter 2026 (Part 5) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Belén Castelló's latest bikepacking video series finds her arriving in the Philippines with only a loose plan for her trip. Once on the road, she connects with a new local friend who helps ease her into the journey through the unfamiliar country. Find the 40-minute video with a written introduction and photos here..

The post Cycling a Lesser-Known Side of the Philippines (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Next up in our 2026 Sea Otter Classic coverage is another smattering of bikes, tech, and gear from the expo. In Miles's fourth report, he shares details on the upcoming Esker Lorax 32, a new Tout Terrain hardtail, a 32-inch fork from KS, the Significant Other Doom Scroll Prophecy, and many more. Dig in here..

The post 2026 Sea Otter Finds (Part 4): Tout Terrain Catalina, Esker Lorax 32, Significant Other, Five 32″ Maxxis Tires, and More… appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In part four of our Sea Otter Classic video coverage, Neil looks at some compelling new bikepacking bags from Revelate and Restrap, a new production bike from BTCHN', Niner's all-new RLT9 Steel, and much more. Watch it here..

The post Video: Fresh Finds at Sea Otter 2026 (Part 4) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Reporting from the labyrinth that is the 2026 Sea Otter Classic, Miles is back with his third roundup of interesting new bikes and other finds from the expo. Part three showcases the new Niner RLT 9 Steel, electrochromic sunglasses, bikes from REEB and BTCHN', a new rack-top bag from Restrap, and loads more. Find it all here..

The post 2026 Sea Otter Finds (Part 3): New Niner, Zero Drag Freehub, Two BTCHNs, Restrap Rack Bag, and More… appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Part three of our Sea Otter Classic coverage dives deeper into the sudden surge of interest in 32” wheels. Along the way, Neil checks in with REEB, Kenda, Neuhaus, Wolf Tooth, Stinner, and Vivo to explore new bikes, components, and prototypes that hint at where things might be headed next..

The post Video: Fresh Finds at Sea Otter 2026 (Part 3) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Following our second written roundup highlighting some of the most interesting bikes and gear from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic, Neil shares his video recap of day two, including conversations with Bourdeau Cycles, Vittoria Tires, and Marin Bikes. Watch it here..

The post Video: Fresh Finds at Sea Otter 2026 (Part 2) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Our second collection of 2026 Sea Otter Classic finds includes a fresh batch of bikes, tech, and components. Part two showcases the new Viral Titanium Pinion Cranks, Stinner's first full-suspension mountain bike, Revel Bikes' Concept Labs, a new Vivo derailleur, and much more. Dig into it all here..

The post 2026 Sea Otter Finds (Part 2): Titanium Pinion Cranks, Stinner Romero, Astral 32-Inch Rims, Marin Tam, and More… appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Following our first written roundup highlighting some of the most interesting bikes and gear from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic, Neil shares his video recap of day one, including stunning new bikes, fresh bike tech, and more. Watch it here..

The post Video: Fresh Finds at Sea Otter 2026 (Part 1) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Our first collection of interesting finds from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic includes a number of eye-catching bikes and parts. The roundup includes a Marin x Stayer cargo bike collab, a new steel Hudski fork prototype, a ride with Tanner on his Forbidden Puritan, Wolf Tooth hubs, and much more. Take a closer look at everything Miles and Neil spotted here..

The post 2026 Sea Otter Finds (Part 1): Two Marins, Hudski Bikes, Teravail’s 32-Inch Lineup, Wolf Tooth Hubs, and More… appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

On his way to the 2026 Sea Otter Classic, Miles swung by The Farm open house in San Francisco to catch up with Outer Shell, Sklar Bikes, Tunitas Creative, Calling in Sick Magazine, and Chris McNally. Find a brief history of "The Farm," photos from his visit, and a quick update on each maker here..

The post Pre-Otter 2026: The Farm Open House in San Francisco appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Nick Neuhaus and Daniel Yang of California’s Neuhaus Metalworks have been steadily making moves in the bike industry since 2021, achieving impressive success in a short time. Ahead of this year’s Sea Otter Classic, we stopped by their workshop to learn more about their approach and take an early look at their new Hummingbird Ti32, the 130mm travel Solstice, and other interesting bikes that will be on display at the show..

The post Inside Neuhaus Metalworks: Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

As a slight change of pace, we’re pleased to present “Kidical Mass,” a short video from Pedal Born Pictures that tells the story of the Moss family and how they’re doing their part to help reclaim safe streets for the next generation of bike riders. Watch the uplifting seven-minute video with an introduction from Julia Moss here..

The post Kidical Mass: A Family That Bikes Together (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Facing an uncertain future, we’re calling on all of our readers to help us preserve this unparalleled resource and chart a sustainable path ahead. If you’re a regular visitor, please consider joining the Bikepacking Collective to support our work as a member today. Find an important update and learn about the value we offer our backers for as little as $3.25 per month here..

The post Calling All Readers: We Need Your Support! appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

With Wit Slingers in Leipzig, Germany, closing, bikepackers in Europe lost a beloved custom bag maker. While crafting a final frame bag with designer Tijmen Kervers, Josh Meissner learns all about his path to success and why he quit while on top. Settle in for a candid reflection on what small-scale manufacturing needs to truly thrive, along with photos of the now-shuttered shop..

The post Inside Wit Slingers: Product of Its Environment appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In September, Antti Laiho and friends headed to the far northern reaches of Finland for a bikepacking getaway aboard a couple of yet-to-be-released Kona ATBs, riding remote trails and sleeping under Northern Lights. Find a story from their trip, a beautifully shot 11-minute video, and a look at the new Kona Unity in action here..

The post Escape Everything: Bikepacking Finland on the Kona Unity appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

After a recent experience forced him to confront the overwhelming amount of stuff he’s accumulated over the last several years, Lucas paused to reflect on the reality that he’s not nearly as immune to the firm grip of consumerism as he once thought. From new bikes to electronic gadgets and more, explore his list of 10 things he’s swearing off in the year ahead here..

The post 10 Things I’m Not Buying in 2026 appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In David Lamb's latest video, he takes on our 270-mile Fool's Loop bikepacking route in Arizona, sharing a detailed look at what it's like to ride the challenging trail and some lessons learned along the way. Find the 30-minute video, photos, and a brief written introduction to the trip here..

The post Bikepacking the Fool’s Loop (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In their final mountain missive from Colombia, Cass and Emma trace their ride to El Cocuy National Natural Park. They roll along dirt roads with colourful Lada Nivas, strike up chats with poncho-clad Boyacenses, and race milk lorries through the folds of the Andes. Ultimately, they choose to follow their hearts rather than the map, heading off route for a few last nights in páramo country. Read all about it here..

The post Oh Boyaca and Beyond: 35,000 Metres Later appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Paper Roads Aotearoa is a one-person bikepacking bag studio based in Auckland, New Zealand. On a recent visit to the country, Tom Powell stopped by to meet founder Amy Kwong and learn about her colorful, efficient, purpose-built bags. Find a short video, an interview with Amy, photos of her work, and more here..

The post Inside Paper Roads Aotearoa: Amy Kwong and the Shape of Kiwi Bikepacking appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Coinciding with today's 2026 grand depart, the fifth and final release in filmmaker Gregg Dunham’s Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series finds exhausted, trail-worn riders navigating the last miles of the event and arriving at the finish line changed in small and large ways. Watch the closing episode and catch up on others you missed here..

The post Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series, Episode 5: It’s Definitely a Race appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

An announcement last week sent the bespoke bicycle industry into a tailspin. It wasn't a new product, standard, or innovative piece of tech that would change bikes forever. Rather, it was something far more ominous. Paragon Machine Works, one of the largest full-service bike component machine shops in the world, declared its sudden and immediate closure. As the framebuilding industry grappled with the news, we reached out to a few builders for their reactions and insight..

The post Paragon Machine Works Shuts Down, an Industry Reels appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

"One Frame, Two Journeys" is a fresh video that follows Luisa Vinueza on an ambitious first bikepacking trip along Spain's Montañas Vacías route with her partner Nacho Pellejero. It's a stirring tribute to trust, accomplishment, fear, silence, and the quiet transformation that often results from endeavoring on two wheels. Find the seven-minute video, photos, and some heartfelt words from Luisa here..

The post One Frame, Two Journeys: Bikepacking Montanas Vacias (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Amid hike-a-bikes, sickness, and exhaustion, bikepacking trips have a way of revealing the cracks in any relationship, but they can also highlight its strengths. In this piece, Kristi Stump transports readers to the rugged Peru Great Divide, where she pauses to appreciate a misadventure with her partner, Steffen Schraegle. Read it and see a dazzling set of Steffen’s photos here..

The post A Leap of Faith on the Peru Great Divide appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The fourth episode of filmmaker Gregg Dunham’s Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series explores the tension between the many gifts the route provides and those it just as easily takes away. Riders’ spirits are boosted by trail magic, only to be dashed as they enter the notorious Willows section. Watch it here..

The post Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series, Episode 4: How Do You Tell This Story? appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In this opinion[ated] piece, BIKEPACKING.com’s founding editor offers a candid peek at what he’d do differently if he didn’t work in the bike industry. Find his thoughts on what bikes and gear he’d be using (and which he wouldn’t) if he didn’t have access to or the need to try the latest and greatest here..

The post What I’d Do Differently (If I Didn’t Work in the Bike Industry) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

As a follow-up to their last Colombian journal entry, Cass and Emma head north of Bogotá to ride two of the site’s popular routes, Páramos Conexión and Oh Boyacá! After fabulous encounters and 35,000 meters of climbing, they wonder to themselves, “Can anywhere be as good as Colombia for dirt road, mountain touring?” Find out here..

The post El Mundo Paramo: Amongst Frailejones and Old Renaults appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

“Two Steps Forward, One Step Back” follows Cynthia Carson’s tumultuous journey to the 2025 Transcontinental Race and attempts to unpack the meaning of the unanticipated obstacles we all face at one point or another. It also serves as a reminder that progress, in sport and in life, is rarely a straight line. Watch the film and read a reflection from Cynthia here..

The post Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (Film) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Cam Cope's new YouTube channel, Negative Gradient, is his outlet to combine cycling adventures with photography. His first video showcases a two-day bikepacking trip on Bellamarin (French Island), Australia, just two hours from Melbourne. Find the video, his route, some words, and a collection of 35mm photos he captured here..

The post Bikepacking Bellamarin with a 35mm Film Camera (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In the third episode of the Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series, filmmaker Gregg Dunham follows riders as they spin away from the bright lights of San Diego and head deep into the harsh, unforgiving desert. Join riders as they push, hike, and pedal through fatigue, traversing a stretch of the route where it’s often simpler to keep going than to quit..

The post Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series, Episode 3: The Desert Changes Everything appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The second of five episodes in filmmaker Gregg Dunham's Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series finds riders emerging from the mountains and pedaling under San Diego's city lights, where creature comforts tempt them to linger a while or call it quits. It explores the psychological effects of navigating an otherwise “easy” section of the rugged route. Watch it and find an introduction from Gregg below..

The post Stagecoach 400 Documentary Series, Episode 2: It’s Not a Race.. Or is it? appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.