Alissa | Exploring Wild @ExploreWildBlog

If you're lucky enough to share bikepacking with your special person, or you'd like to but it hasn't happened yet, this one is for you. After 10,000+ miles solo, bikepacking with my husband has been incredible and also very different. exploringwild.com/bikepacking-wi…

If you bikepack with tubeless tires you hopefully carry needle and thread for repairs. But have you ever actually tried to sew a tire gash? I tested a variety of needles and threads and found some work far better than others: exploringwild.com/tubeless-tire-…

When something goes sideways with your bike or gear in the middle of nowhere, sometimes the simplest supplies can save your day. Here are 9 basic items I always carry in my bikepacking repair kit that aren't specifically intended for bikes: exploringwild.com/simple-supplie…

I built this interactive pace calculator to help bikepackers estimate how long a given route will take them. Factor in your route basics (distance, elevation, terrain), personal capabilities, and desired time off the bike and see how it all shakes out: exploringwild.com/bikepacking-pa…

Quick release fork bags are a small but growing sub-sub-category in the bikepacking bag world. Is this trend right for you, or should you stick to the traditional combo of cargo cage, dry bag, and straps? Here are the pros and cons as I see them. exploringwild.com/quick-release-…

A good group vibe can make a great bikepacking trip amazing, but tension can suck the joy out of an otherwise lovely ride. If you plan to ride with a friend or a few, I highly recommend you discuss these 9 topics beforehand: exploringwild.com/questions-to-a…

Most of us experience saddle soreness at some point in our bikepacking journey, and it can get pretty grim if you don't know what to do about it. This quick reference guide will literally save your butt, even in the middle of a long trip: exploringwild.com/saddle-sorenes…

This week I'm sharing a bite-size post full of quick tips for wild camping, including how to choose a safe and comfortable campsite while leaving no trace, and sneaky tips to avoid being seen if you're camping near a road. exploringwild.com/wild-camping-q…

Old Man Mountain's innovative racks have earned my trust over the years, so I was excited to dive into the details of their latest launch: the Hemlock quick-release fork bag and its unique FLiP mount system that doubles as a regular cargo cage: exploringwild.com/old-man-mounta…

Salsa just released a rare update to the classic Fargo bikepacking machine. As a Fargo enthusiast, I've taken a close look at the changes and gathered my thoughts on what they mean for prospective Fargo buyers in this post. exploringwild.com/2025-salsa-far…

Fellow bikepackers, I need your help! I'm launching a new website that makes it easier to find, compare, and choose bikepacking gear. During February every contribution to the crowdsourced gear database earns a chance to win an REI gift card: exploringwild.com/bikepack-baggr…

Small gear maker Six Moon Designs recently launched a new solo freestanding tent, the Lunar Orbiter. Here I compare and contrast it with other freestanding solo tents and suggest who might want to consider it: exploringwild.com/six-moon-desig…

Simple canister stoves are a great solution for most of us in the USA. But if you'll be bikepacking abroad or in winter weather, have unique cooking needs, or want to save weight, it's worth considering other bikepacking stove options: exploringwild.com/choosing-bikep…

You might be hearing more about Pinion drivetrains lately. My husband and bikepacking buddy got one a few years ago, and we've ridden side-by-side on a Pinion and a traditional drivetrain ever since. Comparison from 2400 miles of bikepacking together: exploringwild.com/pinion-gearbox…

Still need a gift for the special bikepacker in your life (or, let's be honest, yourself)? I've carefully crafted this list of 50 creative ideas that bikepackers are likely to love but unlikely to already have. exploringwild.com/creative-gift-… #bikepacking #bikepackinggear

The topographically rugged, yet logistically civilized, Trans Catalina Trail runs the length of scenic Catalina Island off the coast of LA. We hiked it over 5 days in November as a leisurely off-season treat. Trip report and pictures here: exploringwild.com/backpacking-tr…

Gearing up for adventures in 2025? I've scoured the web for deals on my favorite bikepacking gear, the stuff I know and love from many thousands of miles, and compiled them all right here. Happy shopping and happy holidays! exploringwild.com/holiday-deals-… #bikepacking #bikepackinggear

When we moved into our dream house, we had one pressing problem: no garage! Here's how we've organized our bikepacking and outdoor gear, including maybe a couple too many bikes (is there even such a thing?) in a tiny 9x12' shed: exploringwild.com/how-i-organize…

The Haven is a unique shelter system from Six Moon Designs that combines a standalone tarp and bug net into a versatile and very light double-wall tent. I've been using an older version for years and recently tested the newer fully-enclosed combo: exploringwild.com/review-six-moo…

You may have seen Ombraz armless sunglasses around and wondered, does that really work? I recently tested a pair while bikepacking and backpacking and they won me over, largely thanks to their quality and attention to detail. exploringwild.com/review-ombraz-…