We’d love to know what kinds of topics you want to see covered in 2025. Let us know in the survey or the conversation below: bikepacking.com/news/our-top-videos-of-2024/
I’d love to see some stuff about overnighters/smaller trips and the planning process around them for those of us without many established routes. I know living in Ohio there are only a few routes nearby and being a college student I don’t have the time or resources to do bigger ones so I mostly do overnighters/ 2 night trips. Obviously it’s easier in the west with all the public land but I’d love to see some stuff giving us midwesterners/easterners some love and the struggles we have since we have so little public land or smaller routes
Thank you for creating such a rich archive of bikepacking content over the years. The community you've fostered is invaluable, and the consistent flow of inspiration is incredible. I especially love delving into the videos during the winter months - they're perfect for planning my next adventures!
Hi Neil, big effort there, highly appreciated, topics from my side 1. More coverage of entry level; be it small adventures with basic equipment or talking about entry level gear (back to the roots) including taking for a ride a not fancy, not bikepacking specific, not carbon nor Ti made bike; going with newbies on their first bikepacking trip 2. DIY, there’s so much that can be done from what we already have i.e. for bike or camping 3. Projects with other creators, even from completely different fields 4. I would love to see less of buy, buy, buy and more of do, do, do approach Happy 2025!
I have a topic: Bike packing with kids! As a parent of young ones I can tell you it’s the natural transition for millennials getting to this stage in life who also love the great outdoors and bikes.
FWIW, I think Rogue Panda and DT Swiss videos didn't do well because they felt like sponsored content to me. I do understand they aren't, but they come off like that, a bit. The videos that do well are ones that showcase you and the bikepacking team's opinions - stuff that's tried and true by the best like yourselves! Perhaps you have this already, but it would be cool to do a video showing all the ways you could load gear. ie, take one bike and try it with racks vs bags, bottle cages on inner triangle vs water in a hip pack, etc. pros and cons if different setups. I find myself overwhelmed by the options I've accumulated over the years.
I really did enjoy the DT Swiss videos. Maybe a bit too much sponsor marketing content, but somewhat informative seeing what is made locally vs overseas. It's not just a distribution warehouse. Now, there are a few videos on this list I haven't watched, guess I will start clicking the links.
Happy 2025! I spent a lot of time digging through the channel this year and have really enjoyed and learned a lot. Here are my thoughts on some things you mentioned in this wrap up. Regarding the Tour Divide and Atlas data, I think the trend analysis is mildly interesting from a broad perspective, but I would really love to see if some of the racers would be willing to do interview videos talking about their rigs, their gear choices and reasons for them, what worked or didn’t, what they would do differently next time, etc. Also what worked or didn’t with their race plans and on-trail habits, what parts they loved or hated, whatever they’d like to share. The human connection behind the data. I did not watch the DT Swiss vids: I do like site visits and seeing how things are made, but I just wasn’t particularly interested in that brand, so would watch depending on the topic. I did watch the Rogue Panda one, love Rogue Panda. If you can get your hands on Tailfin’s new loooong top tube bags, that would be fun too. So many creative possibilities with that much space. I would like to see more bikepacking trip videos. A trip could be a series: planning, route selection and factors to consider for that route, choosing appropriate gear for that route and time of year, pre/post- trip bike maintenance and dealing with mechanicals on trail, actual trip footage (the fun and the why we do this), highlights & lowlights, lessons learned, what worked or didn’t. You’re doing all that work already, why not share more of it? Real world POV experiences are powerful in a way that studio wrap-ups can’t quite convey. Also process, and the evolution of process, can be more engaging than any after the fact reports. Maybe gear and bike testing could be combined with trip videos and become a shared evolution rather than a summary video with some highlight footage? First impressions, and how those evolve into final opinions over time through different conditions and perspectives can be great learning experiences. Anyway, I love the channel and keep coming back to learn new things. There’s so much to learn, and speaking of learning, how-to videos are fun as well as educational! Thank you, and wishing all the best to you in 2025.
I always look forward to the informative vids you all produce! Neil you are a natural host,I'm surprised PBS,or some network hasn't offered you a contract! I really am drawn in from the intro music and knowing you are going to be presenting some great info! Always learn something! Maybe some real-time bike trips using gear you want to feature & how too's,maintenance,cooking,first aid,even trail LNT etiquette,digging cathole,etc.thanks for all the great gear & of course my Fave,rigs of all events!!
Site visit videos are interesting so please do them when the opportunity arises. As a general comment, I think you do a great job and I really enjoy your videos. I know they take a load of work and not many people could match the fluid way that you impart a load of information in a short space of time. I am watching from the UK and you do well to make the content feel relevant to me even though I live thousands of miles away on a small, damp and cold island. Keep making the videos and I hope you have a great 2025. Thanks.
Request: A few more interviews of the big names in bike packing. Maybe a scary Halloween episode with the crew at Surly, idk, something to put some faces to the unique outfit that is Surly. Maybe work on a hall of fame for the sport.
Hey Neil, big fan and long time follower of the magazine. Something that bothers me is that there isn’t a lot of information specific to people who are 5’3” or under. With women riding more than ever, there are issues very specific to this size range. For example, I have a 2022 Cutthroat and bought it specially with the expectation that it had a larger triangle, however, when it arrived I was disappointed to find it couldn’t even hold the smallest of full sized frame bags offered at my shop. As someone who wants to bikepack more, I felt lead astray. We are an unreached audience.
So agree! I am bike packing across the US w 3 guys who are 6' and above. I am 5'2". We all have the same bike. The different set up I've had to explore from what they are doing is astonishing. And frustrating. And I've done my research but not much is out there. I agree - we are an untapped group.
Happy New Year. I would like to see bikepacking hacks video with Neil, Logan, and the rest of the teams ideas, tips and hacks. T-Shirt over the pillow and sleeping pad to keep in place Spices in a zipfizz tube Spices/powders in straws Bring extra sleeping kit for car/truck Mayo, mustard, hot sauce packets from convenience stores Roll up sleeping pad inside your tent, etc. I bet there is some real good knowledge you could share from all of the years of experience.
Neil, good work, I really appreciate your videos. How about more routes in other countries (Canada) and routes/videos for older riders/rookies who may not be able to ride epic routes.
Interesting video and cool to see your (impressive) stats! I think you’re right about the site visit videos. I didn’t finish the DT vid, and I watch most everything you publish to the end. I think the exception might be visiting smaller “boutique” frame producers and framebuilders. I think there would be interest there.
Your content never disappoints. I'm heading out tomorrow, new years eve, to camp a couple nights in northeast Washington, (weight weenies look away), gonna be my heaviest trip. I would be interested to see your suggestions on winter rides and camping.
The DT Swiss one is a weird one. Nothing can transform a bike like a set of wheels, so that is just surprising. I don't bikepack (yet) but have been watching the channel for a few years and enjoy every video that comes out. Keep up the good work!
Another idea might be: how to get started in bikepack racing. Most of us will never race but your experience would be valuable for all of us. And “how to get started” videos are pretty evergreen.
Happy new year. Always looking forward to your videos. Bikepacking need to evolve more, don't think we have the store options we need. Are there new company pushing for better store option?
Perhaps some more videos from your route builders / route scouts while actually out on the trail. I’d be particularly interested in videos on topics about “when things go wrong / unexpected” and solutions employed (or gear that they wish they had when tackling the obstacles).
I never watched the DT Swiss video, it just looks like advertising for a product that a lot of us can't afford. I've pretty much watched everything else though and am happy about that. Thanks man, keep up the good work.
Really enjoy your videos, especially the route reviews. Growing up as a BMX kid, I do love the gear reviews. Yet I am drawn like a moth to a flame to the Bike Journal stories and your route videos. However, based in this video, I may be an outlier. 😅
I'd love to see tips for bike packing across the US for visitors to the US. I'll be riding SF to NY in the summer of 2025... so camping tips, resupply tips, rig tips would be interesting.
The most important thing about those videos is YOU, NEIL! I love reviews of interesting bikes that you already do. Especially drop bar MTBs lately, but that shifts. Suggestions for trips and challenges are also great and by the way, I still remember the "good night 2020" winter solo overnighter you got me to do. Crazy, as I never sheltered alone before. In the forest. In deep snow! Thanks for all of your work from Germany.❤ Cheers, Chris🙏🏻
Pinion and a Rohloff on that Moon lander would be pretty hilarious. 120rpm and barely enough speed to stay upright haha, could go up a cliff at 150w!!! haha
Ortlieb Quickrac full suspension video. Ortlieb claims it works with full suspension but there doesn't seem to be much, if any, actual information about how much travel it can handle, what the limitations are, etc. 😊
Thanks for this review, & for all your insight into gear! I've long thought that fat bikes would make riding the terrain in Latin America (especially over the cobbled streets of Antigua, Guatemala) more doable / enjoyable. I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Hey Neil, It reminded me to replace my Rouge Panda Alamo pulse pickup another one on sale. So if every viewer was like me, it sold 16,000 bags for Nick ; -)
YT must have “shadowbanned” the DT factory video, as it was never shown on my feed, ever, even though I watch a lot of your videos and other general bike nerd content.
All of my trips include paved roads, smooth dirt road roads, some tow path and even rail trail sometimes to get to the single track sections...figure many/most of us dont have epic multi day single track only locations like you do in your area. total guess but I feel like most people watching have to ride a verity of terrain to get to the good stuff. I could be totally wrong but I feel like more people would be interested in bikes that can do a broader range of things well or content thats more about trips on loaded bikes than "just" mountain biking with gear if that makes sense. seems like mountain biking with gear you have covered and tons and tons of loaded paved road only info but I think many might fall into the middle of ground.
We’d love to know what kinds of topics you want to see covered in 2025. Let us know in the survey or the conversation below: bikepacking.com/news/our-top-videos-of-2024/
I’d love to see some stuff about overnighters/smaller trips and the planning process around them for those of us without many established routes. I know living in Ohio there are only a few routes nearby and being a college student I don’t have the time or resources to do bigger ones so I mostly do overnighters/ 2 night trips. Obviously it’s easier in the west with all the public land but I’d love to see some stuff giving us midwesterners/easterners some love and the struggles we have since we have so little public land or smaller routes
This is a good topic idea!
That Dt Swiss just never pushed to my feed, will check out now. Just so you know. Cheers for all the great content over the years.
Sames
It was published on a Friday, so that might not have helped.
Thank you for creating such a rich archive of bikepacking content over the years. The community you've fostered is invaluable, and the consistent flow of inspiration is incredible. I especially love delving into the videos during the winter months - they're perfect for planning my next adventures!
Hi Neil, big effort there, highly appreciated, topics from my side
1. More coverage of entry level; be it small adventures with basic equipment or talking about entry level gear (back to the roots) including taking for a ride a not fancy, not bikepacking specific, not carbon nor Ti made bike; going with newbies on their first bikepacking trip
2. DIY, there’s so much that can be done from what we already have i.e. for bike or camping
3. Projects with other creators, even from completely different fields
4. I would love to see less of buy, buy, buy and more of do, do, do approach
Happy 2025!
I enjoy seeing tours of how gear is made. And explanations behind the differences. I enjoyed the dt swiss video.
I have a topic: Bike packing with kids! As a parent of young ones I can tell you it’s the natural transition for millennials getting to this stage in life who also love the great outdoors and bikes.
This is a good one
As if these hippie cyclists have kids
@@dipdip7250 Niel has a wife and kid. Pretty normal dude like most people...
I came here to suggest this.
This is a great idea, I plan to take my 10yo on the Lamoille Valley rail trail this summer.
FWIW, I think Rogue Panda and DT Swiss videos didn't do well because they felt like sponsored content to me. I do understand they aren't, but they come off like that, a bit.
The videos that do well are ones that showcase you and the bikepacking team's opinions - stuff that's tried and true by the best like yourselves!
Perhaps you have this already, but it would be cool to do a video showing all the ways you could load gear. ie, take one bike and try it with racks vs bags, bottle cages on inner triangle vs water in a hip pack, etc. pros and cons if different setups.
I find myself overwhelmed by the options I've accumulated over the years.
thanks Neil, you and the gang have a great 2025
Thanks Reece, same to you.
I really did enjoy the DT Swiss videos. Maybe a bit too much sponsor marketing content, but somewhat informative seeing what is made locally vs overseas. It's not just a distribution warehouse.
Now, there are a few videos on this list I haven't watched, guess I will start clicking the links.
Happy 2025! I spent a lot of time digging through the channel this year and have really enjoyed and learned a lot. Here are my thoughts on some things you mentioned in this wrap up. Regarding the Tour Divide and Atlas data, I think the trend analysis is mildly interesting from a broad perspective, but I would really love to see if some of the racers would be willing to do interview videos talking about their rigs, their gear choices and reasons for them, what worked or didn’t, what they would do differently next time, etc. Also what worked or didn’t with their race plans and on-trail habits, what parts they loved or hated, whatever they’d like to share. The human connection behind the data.
I did not watch the DT Swiss vids: I do like site visits and seeing how things are made, but I just wasn’t particularly interested in that brand, so would watch depending on the topic. I did watch the Rogue Panda one, love Rogue Panda. If you can get your hands on Tailfin’s new loooong top tube bags, that would be fun too. So many creative possibilities with that much space.
I would like to see more bikepacking trip videos. A trip could be a series: planning, route selection and factors to consider for that route, choosing appropriate gear for that route and time of year, pre/post- trip bike maintenance and dealing with mechanicals on trail, actual trip footage (the fun and the why we do this), highlights & lowlights, lessons learned, what worked or didn’t. You’re doing all that work already, why not share more of it? Real world POV experiences are powerful in a way that studio wrap-ups can’t quite convey. Also process, and the evolution of process, can be more engaging than any after the fact reports.
Maybe gear and bike testing could be combined with trip videos and become a shared evolution rather than a summary video with some highlight footage? First impressions, and how those evolve into final opinions over time through different conditions and perspectives can be great learning experiences.
Anyway, I love the channel and keep coming back to learn new things. There’s so much to learn, and speaking of learning, how-to videos are fun as well as educational! Thank you, and wishing all the best to you in 2025.
I always look forward to the informative vids you all produce! Neil you are a natural host,I'm surprised PBS,or some network hasn't offered you a contract! I really am drawn in from the intro music and knowing you are going to be presenting some great info! Always learn something! Maybe some real-time bike trips using gear you want to feature & how too's,maintenance,cooking,first aid,even trail LNT etiquette,digging cathole,etc.thanks for all the great gear & of course my Fave,rigs of all events!!
Site visit videos are interesting so please do them when the opportunity arises. As a general comment, I think you do a great job and I really enjoy your videos. I know they take a load of work and not many people could match the fluid way that you impart a load of information in a short space of time. I am watching from the UK and you do well to make the content feel relevant to me even though I live thousands of miles away on a small, damp and cold island. Keep making the videos and I hope you have a great 2025. Thanks.
Request: A few more interviews of the big names in bike packing.
Maybe a scary Halloween episode with the crew at Surly, idk, something to put some faces to the unique outfit that is Surly.
Maybe work on a hall of fame for the sport.
Hey Neil, big fan and long time follower of the magazine. Something that bothers me is that there isn’t a lot of information specific to people who are 5’3” or under. With women riding more than ever, there are issues very specific to this size range. For example, I have a 2022 Cutthroat and bought it specially with the expectation that it had a larger triangle, however, when it arrived I was disappointed to find it couldn’t even hold the smallest of full sized frame bags offered at my shop. As someone who wants to bikepack more, I felt lead astray. We are an unreached audience.
So agree! I am bike packing across the US w 3 guys who are 6' and above. I am 5'2". We all have the same bike. The different set up I've had to explore from what they are doing is astonishing. And frustrating. And I've done my research but not much is out there. I agree - we are an untapped group.
Happy New Year. I would like to see bikepacking hacks video with Neil, Logan, and the rest of the teams ideas, tips and hacks.
T-Shirt over the pillow and sleeping pad to keep in place
Spices in a zipfizz tube
Spices/powders in straws
Bring extra sleeping kit for car/truck
Mayo, mustard, hot sauce packets from convenience stores
Roll up sleeping pad inside your tent, etc. I bet there is some real good knowledge you could share from all of the years of experience.
I loved the DT Swiss video, but I have one of their wheel sets.
Neil, good work, I really appreciate your videos. How about more routes in other countries (Canada) and routes/videos for older riders/rookies who may not be able to ride epic routes.
Interesting video and cool to see your (impressive) stats! I think you’re right about the site visit videos. I didn’t finish the DT vid, and I watch most everything you publish to the end. I think the exception might be visiting smaller “boutique” frame producers and framebuilders. I think there would be interest there.
Your content never disappoints. I'm heading out tomorrow, new years eve, to camp a couple nights in northeast Washington, (weight weenies look away), gonna be my heaviest trip. I would be interested to see your suggestions on winter rides and camping.
Woohoo, have a blast out there.
I enjoyed the DT Swiss video; I like seeing behind the scenes with site visits and factory tours.
Thanks for your efforts everyone. Really enjoy watching your videos. Keep it up 😊
Video idea: ski touring and cycling adventures :)
The DT Swiss one is a weird one. Nothing can transform a bike like a set of wheels, so that is just surprising. I don't bikepack (yet) but have been watching the channel for a few years and enjoy every video that comes out. Keep up the good work!
Another idea might be: how to get started in bikepack racing. Most of us will never race but your experience would be valuable for all of us. And “how to get started” videos are pretty evergreen.
Happy New Year Neil all the best =)
right back at ya, cheers!
Happy new year.
Always looking forward to your videos.
Bikepacking need to evolve more, don't think we have the store options we need.
Are there new company pushing for better store option?
Keep it up, Neil. Crushing it!!!
Thanks Miles!
Perhaps some more videos from your route builders / route scouts while actually out on the trail. I’d be particularly interested in videos on topics about “when things go wrong / unexpected” and solutions employed (or gear that they wish they had when tackling the obstacles).
You are awesome, Neil. Thanks for your videos!
I never watched the DT Swiss video, it just looks like advertising for a product that a lot of us can't afford. I've pretty much watched everything else though and am happy about that. Thanks man, keep up the good work.
Really enjoy your videos, especially the route reviews. Growing up as a BMX kid, I do love the gear reviews. Yet I am drawn like a moth to a flame to the Bike Journal stories and your route videos. However, based in this video, I may be an outlier. 😅
Don’t remember the DT video coming up in my stream. Its the kind of thing I enjoy 🤓
I'd love to see tips for bike packing across the US for visitors to the US. I'll be riding SF to NY in the summer of 2025... so camping tips, resupply tips, rig tips would be interesting.
The most important thing about those videos is YOU, NEIL!
I love reviews of interesting bikes that you already do. Especially drop bar MTBs lately, but that shifts.
Suggestions for trips and challenges are also great and by the way, I still remember the "good night 2020" winter solo overnighter you got me to do. Crazy, as I never sheltered alone before. In the forest. In deep snow! Thanks for all of your work from Germany.❤
Cheers, Chris🙏🏻
Pinion and a Rohloff on that Moon lander would be pretty hilarious. 120rpm and barely enough speed to stay upright haha, could go up a cliff at 150w!!! haha
...If it makes you feel better, once I heard you did a tour of DT Swiss, I stopped watching this to watch that. Somehow must have missed that!
Ortlieb Quickrac full suspension video. Ortlieb claims it works with full suspension but there doesn't seem to be much, if any, actual information about how much travel it can handle, what the limitations are, etc.
😊
nice vid, cool channel
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for this review, & for all your insight into gear! I've long thought that fat bikes would make riding the terrain in Latin America (especially over the cobbled streets of Antigua, Guatemala) more doable / enjoyable. I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Yes to more site visits.
Video ideas: Food storage
On the various routes in North America
+1 for the DT Swiss video, really interesting i thought. There's no pleasing some folk!!! Don't get the hate mail on the moonlander either, ...??
I did enjoy the DT Swiss video, but I work as a bike mechanic and, as a consequence, am curious about how the stuff I have to work on is made.
Hey Neil, It reminded me to replace my Rouge Panda Alamo pulse pickup another one on sale. So if every viewer was like me, it sold 16,000 bags for Nick ; -)
YT must have “shadowbanned” the DT factory video, as it was never shown on my feed, ever, even though I watch a lot of your videos and other general bike nerd content.
Clicks definitely aren't indicative of quality of videos
I totally agree, some of my best videos are some of the worst performing ones.
All of my trips include paved roads, smooth dirt road roads, some tow path and even rail trail sometimes to get to the single track sections...figure many/most of us dont have epic multi day single track only locations like you do in your area. total guess but I feel like most people watching have to ride a verity of terrain to get to the good stuff. I could be totally wrong but I feel like more people would be interested in bikes that can do a broader range of things well or content thats more about trips on loaded bikes than "just" mountain biking with gear if that makes sense. seems like mountain biking with gear you have covered and tons and tons of loaded paved road only info but I think many might fall into the middle of ground.
@@MrRay645 there are many gravel bike videos in the channel. Also, Neil lives in Gunnison so the terrain is what it is.
i definitely thought you had at least 3-4 times that many subscribers
Path less pedaled interview. On moving to girona and starting the Alt bike trend there
@@_MattyG_ I think saying Russ “started” the alt bike trend in Girona is a huge stretch…
Happy New year ,if you set up a PayPal function I'd definitely order the package.
would love to see a review of the new Brompton G-line. Is it any good for bikepacking?
Maybe I should have taken a photo with the girl in the video about wheel DT swiss )))
More Single Speed content would be welcomed from me!
Old technology that's still viable today, i.e., square taper, cup and cone hubs, etc.
worst was the shitcollector edition
For folks wondering: th-cam.com/video/aE7ti7gKjoc/w-d-xo.html
Go talk to Surly. That'll be a video.
Rides east of the Mississippi. Too much desert.
Really, hatemail for a fatbike review? Are people so bored and unimaginative? The world is in serious trouble. Keep riding any bike you like!