Friday Debrief #229 – BIKEPACKING.com
This week’s Debrief brings you the latest in bikepacking gear, events, and community highlights. From ultralight sleeping bags to innovative bike accessories, we’ve got you covered.
Gear Highlights
Innovative Products for the Modern Bikepacker
PDW Airforge Mini Pump/CO2 Inflator
Portland Design Works introduces the Airforge Mini Pump/CO2 Inflator, a compact solution for flat tires. Weighing just 74 grams and measuring six inches in length, it’s designed for easy storage in jersey pockets or frame bags. This versatile tool functions as both a manual pump and a CO2 inflator, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation.
Babyldn Bottle
London-based bike shop Babyldn has unveiled a new bottle that embodies their South London roots. Compatible with all standard bottle cages, it’s a stylish and functional accessory for your rides.
SimWorks x NANGA Sleeping Capsule
The 260-gram Sleeping Capsule is an ultralight down sleeping bag tailored for bikepacking. Filled with Spanish duck down and rated to 45°F, it features a simple drawstring closure and packs down small enough to fit into a 1L Nalgene bottle. Measuring 74.8 inches in length and 31.5 inches wide at the shoulders, it’s designed for comfort and convenience on the trail.
Outer Shell Koozie
Crafted from excess fabric from their bag-making process, Outer Shell’s new Koozie is both eco-friendly and practical. It includes an external seam for storage, a nylon webbing handle, and attachment points for a carabiner or nano Voilé strap. Insulated with thin foam, it keeps your beverages cool while maintaining a compact profile.
NOCS Zero Tube 8×25 Waterproof Monocular
NOCS introduces the Zero Tube 8×25 Waterproof Monocular, a lightweight and durable tool for observing distant landscapes. Featuring ED glass and fully broadband multi-coated lenses, it delivers clear images. Built to withstand the elements, it’s waterproof (IPX7) and fogproof, with nitrogen-filled internal chambers.
Tomii Cycles x SimWorks Farwest Grip
The Farwest Grip, a collaboration between Tomii Cycles and SimWorks, showcases a Southwestern motif with a closed end and tacky rubber compound for enhanced comfort. Measuring 140 x 32mm, it’s available in Cactus Green and Sand Brown.
YellowBird ThreadWorks Crank Rotondo
For those using square-taper cranks, YellowBird ThreadWorks offers the Crank Rotondo. This functional crank extractor cap includes a nylon washer to prevent unwanted binding and wear. The Comito Shipwreck variant is among the available designs.
Community Conversations
Engaging Discussions in the Bikepacking Community
32-Inch Wheel Skepticism
In a recent review of the Sour Pasta Party 32, readers expressed concerns about the new 32-inch wheel size. Topics included head tube strength, toe overlap, stack heights, gearing, and fork offsets. What are your thoughts on 32-inch bike design? Join the conversation below.
Around the Community
Noteworthy Events and Films
Pedals to Powder Documentary
“Pedals to Powder” follows two adventurers cycling to all the ski fields in New Zealand during a single snow season. Facing storms and physical challenges, they explore the country’s grassroots ski culture and independent club fields. Watch the documentary above.
LA CHOUETTE PRESENTS: ALT D’HUEZ, DARK SIDE OF THE TOUR
Organized by La Chouette bike shop in Paris, Alt D’Huez is a four-day cycling camp in the French Alps. Scheduled from July 23rd to 26th, it offers a chance to experience the region’s beauty at a leisurely pace while the Tour de France races through. Only 50 tickets are available. Learn more here.
El Sur: A New Event by L’esperit del Bikepacking
Starting and finishing in Málaga, Spain, El Sur is a self-supported bikepacking event covering 800 kilometers through southern Spain. The inaugural grand depart is on March 14th, 2027, with registration opening on July 16th. More details here.
The North Race 2026 Dates Announced
The North Race challenges riders to start at the Restrap Factory HQ and ride as far north as possible in 24 hours. This year’s event begins at midday on Saturday, September 5th, with participants required to return to the starting point within the 24-hour window. Learn more and register here.
Fanzy Bikes: Not Quite the Tour de France
“Fanzy Bikes: Not Quite the Tour de France” is a short film set inside Fanzy Bikes in Salzburg, Austria. It offers a glimpse into the shop’s unique ethos and provides colorful social commentary. Watch it above.
Events Starting Soon
Upcoming Bikepacking Events
Oregon Timber Trail
The Oregon Timber Trail Race and Tour is an unofficial bikepacking event along Oregon’s spine, from the California border to the Washington border. The majority of the route is singletrack. Nearly 50 riders are registered for live tracking at this year’s grand depart, starting tomorrow morning. Follow along live here.
District 16
A Lake District bikepacking odyssey starting and finishing from the home of Kirkby Lonsdale brewery at The Royal Barn in the center of Kirkby Lonsdale. The route is designed to be tough 585 kilometers with over 16,000 meters of ascent, all whilst showcasing the beauty of the English Lake District. Expect flowing singletrack, hike-a-bike, spectacular scenery, technical trails, long climbs, and big mountain exposure. This year’s event starts tomorrow morning. Follow along live here.
Montana Bike Odyssey
The Montana