Bikepacking Essentials to Get You Way, Way Out There

Published May 19, 2020 12:00AM

Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier ($90)

This two-part device purifies 24 ounces of water in seconds (four to five liters per minute) like a French press, while the inner bottle serves as water storage.

Garmin Edge 830 Computer ($500)

With the map, address, and a point-of-interest database, the touchscreen Edge 830 allows you to navigate to destinations or search for nearby resupply points while you’re rolling. There’s even a bike alarm for when you duck into the supermarket for a supply run.

Topeak Mountain TT G Tire Pump ($45)

Compressed air on the Mountain TT’s up and down strokes efficiently fills mountain- or fat-bike tires without overly exhausting you, while an analog gauge lets you know when your PSI is just right.

Tailfin AeroPack X Rigid Seat Pack ($375)

The 20-liter AeroPack X eliminates dreaded saddle-bag sway. It plays nice with dropper posts via an integrated carbon rack that connects anywhere along the seat post and to the rear hub. Bonus: you can add panniers for extra hauling.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad ($195)

This 8.8-ounce pad fits into your pocket but doesn’t skimp on comfort: it offers 2.5 inches of cushion and enough insulation for chilly summer nights. A new valve inflates it three times faster than previous generations.

Therm-a-rest Vesper 20F Quilt ($370)

At 19 ounces, the Vesper cuts down weight, but not variable-weather chops. An insulated foot box and neck snap closure worked wonders in freezing temperatures.

Park Tool MTC-40 Multitool ($40)

Fourteen essential implements in this compact gadget will help you straighten bent rotors, repair a broken chain, inflate a tube, and open that post-ride beer.

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack Tent ($360)

Short pole segments mean this one-person tent straps to handlebars or fits inside panniers. It weighs under two pounds but has 19-square-feet of space with enough height to stand up and change.

Hydro Flask 14L Down Shift Hydration Pack ($145)

Applying its insulation expertise to hydration packs, Hydro Flask put the Downshift’s two-liter reservoir inside a reflective-lined neoprene sleeve to keep water cold for up to four hours.

The Best Bikepacking Gear of 2020