In the latest developments within the bikepacking community, several noteworthy products and events have emerged, reflecting the industry’s commitment to innovation and adventure.
Innovative Gear Releases
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Surly Bridge Club in Squid Ink: Surly has introduced a new color variant for their popular Bridge Club model, now available in a deep black hue with subtle blue undertones. Priced at $1,600, this bike continues to offer exceptional value for enthusiasts seeking a versatile ride.
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Restrap Soft Flask: Designed for hydration on the go, the Restrap Soft Flask is a collapsible 500ml bottle crafted from flexible MPE material. It features a twistable angled bite valve with a locking nozzle to prevent leaks, making it suitable for drink mixes or concentrated sports nutrition.
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Snow Peak Summer Stacking Mug Set: For those who appreciate a touch of elegance during their outdoor excursions, Snow Peak’s limited-edition summer mug set includes two titanium mugs, the H300 and H450, each made from ultralight Japanese titanium in a brilliant Jade color.
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Moots x Ocean & San Collection: Titanium bike manufacturer Moots and apparel maker Ocean & San have collaborated on a limited three-piece capsule collection that blends thoughtful performance with an easygoing approach to cycling. It includes a Moots-branded All Day Shirt, a lightweight DeltaPeak™ UtiliTee, and a packable Pathfinder Hat.
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Alpenglow Gear Alpenblow Lux: The Alpenglow Gear Alpenblow Lux is a compact USB-C-powered micro inflator that builds on the original Alpenblow with faster inflation, a new deflation port, and several camp-friendly features. In addition to inflating most sleeping pads in about two minutes, it doubles as a dimmable reading light, lantern, and white noise machine with ocean sounds and a candle-flicker mode.
Upcoming Events
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Basajaun: Organized by Transibérica Ultracycling, Basajaun is a self-supported, long-distance gravel event on the edge of the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The event starts on July 26 at 8 a.m., and you can keep up on the live tracking map here.
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Dark Divide 300: The Dark Divide 300 is a mixed-terrain cycling route that traverses the expansive ancestral lands of the Squaxin Island Tribe, Nisqually Tribe of Indians, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, through what is commonly known as the southern Cascade Mountain Range in Washington State. The event kicks off on July 30 at 7 a.m., and you can follow along live via Trackleaders here.
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Jumbo Wild 600: Created by Svein Tuft, the inaugural Jumbo Wild 600 follows a challenging 669-kilometer route through the wild heart of British Columbia’s Kootenays. The event starts on July 25th at 7 a.m. Find more details about it here.
Community Highlights
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Albion x Sturdy: Experiments in Distance: Albion and Sturdy Cycles have come together for another collaboration in an attempt to answer the question, “How far could you ride in 24 hours?” They partnered to create a custom TT bike and a skinsuit to take on the iconic UK national 24 hour Championship, one of Britain’s most demanding and historic cycling events. The race challenges riders to cover the greatest possible distance in a continuous 24-hour period on open roads. See the full bike and kit at AlbionCycling.com.
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Cycling Minnesota’s Most Northern Roads: In “Cycling Minnesota’s Most Northern Roads,” Justin You and friends pedal (and paddle) around the region near Grand Marias, on the shore of Lake Superior. Join for a 30-minute version of their journey in the video above.
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the bikepacking community, highlighting a blend of innovative products and adventurous events that continue to inspire cyclists worldwide.