Gear We Love: Issue 108

Goodies for your active lifestyle

1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepacking Tent

Big Agnes really nailed it with this tent designed specifically for bikepacking. We already know that Big Agnes produces high quality adventure gear utilizing the very latest technology. Add a host of features specific to bikepacking, and la voila — the ultimate overnight cycling adventure awaits you.

This two-door, free-standing tent features shortened pole segments for optimal handlebar, pannier, and saddlebag storage, and it packs down into a light but tough compression sack that can withstand the rigors of the trail. Extras include plenty of storage (oversized pocket with portals for media, two regular mesh pockets, and a 3-D shelf above your feet), webbing for dry helmet storage, daisy-chain webbing loops on the fly for drying wet clothes and gear, and so much more.

You get plenty of room at 29 sq ft with 9 / 9 sq ft in vestibule space. Its packed weight comes in at 3lb 7oz, measuring 6″ x 12″. Want to shave off nearly a pound? Try Fast Fly mode: fly, footprint (sold separately), poles, and stakes.

MSRP: $449.95 • bigagnes.com

2. Skull Candy Push Truly Wireless Earbuds

Skull Candy has taken wireless earbuds to such a whole new level, they should call them something else. The Push boasts twelve hours of battery life, holding up to six hours of play in the earbuds, and another six in the charging case. When you’re not listening, your earbuds are charging in their case and ready to rock and roll the next time you pop them in.

Longevity and sound quality aren’t the only things that Push will impress you with. Its innovative form factor not only eliminates signal loss, but also lets you effortlessly control each earbud. Control is yours without having to touch your phone. Skull Candy’s original FitFin ear gel design comfortably tucks into any ear, giving you a fit that won’t fall out. Psychotropical Teal, Gray Day or Bold Tangerine.

MSRP: $99.99-$129.99 • skullcandy.com

3. Ruffwear Core Cooler

Summer is coming, and our furry adventure companions who have been joyfully romping in this year’s abundance of snow will soon be panting under a hot sun.

The Ruffwear Core Cooler will come to their rescue. This three-layer chest panel uses evaporative cooling to efficiently pull heat from the dog’s core during warm temperatures and high intensity activities. To activate, simply wet the Core Cooler with water and wring out. Works like a charm to keep the fur kids comfortable while out on adventures.

The Core Cooler easily attaches to Ruffwear harnesses and packs using hook-and-loop sleeves. This add-on also offers additional support when lifting and assisting, and further stabilizes packs and harnesses. It’s designed for use with the following Ruffwear harnesses and packs: Web Master Harness, Web Master Pro Harness, Approach Pack, Palisades Pack, and Singletrak Pack. Comes in XS, S, M, L/XL.

MSRP: $24.95 • ruffwear.com

4. Fido Airlift Pro

If you adventure in the backcountry with a canine friend, have you considered how you will move him/her to safety in the event that he/she is injured or ill? The Fido Airlift Pro is an easy-to-use hammock-style backpack that allows for you to do just that. You don’t want to head out to a remote location without packing this essential, potentially lifesaving piece of gear.

The Fido Pro Airlift is lightweight and packable (packs to the size of a burrito!) and weighs just eight ounces. It’s specifically designed to live in the bottom of your backpack alongside your personal emergency gear. Its patented design features an 8-point contact system, distributing the dog’s weight evenly amongst the frame, which provides a comfortable ride for the injured animal and an easy carry for his/her human.

The Fido Pro Airlift is recommended and used by the National Association For Search And Rescue.

Regardless of your adventure plans, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have a reliable method for saving your furry companion if needed.

MSRP: $69.95 • fidoprotection.com

5. HydraPak Velocity IT 1.5L

We’re very excited about the debut of the Velocity IT 1.5L, as it’s the first insulated reservoir on the market.

This insulated version of the lightweight Velocity 1.5L features HydraPak’s all-new IsoBound technology. With this technology, fluids are kept at their ideal temperature 38% longer than a standard reservoir — what a game-changer for outdoor endurance activities.

Double-wall construction and open cell foam technology create a barrier that slows heat transfer from user to fluid. The top opens wide for fast filling, and closes up nice and tight. The Plug-N-Play connect system allows for easy disconnect and the reservoir is reversible for convenient cleaning and drying. In fact, it’s top-shelf dishwasher safe. 100% BPA and PVC-free.

MSRP: $38.00 • hydrapak.com

6. WTB Koda Cycling Saddle

Okay, WOW. The folks over at WTB sure nailed it with this women’s specific mountain biking saddle. So much so, that even male riders are gushing over it.

We honestly didn’t think it was possible to make a saddle this comfortable. Its luxurious feel requires no break-in time … you’ll notice the difference from the get-go and it will carry you through many an epic adventure. Whether you enjoy cross country or trail riding, enduro racing or bikepacking, the Koda will take excellent care of you in comfort and style.

How did they do it? A generously open channel divides supportive outer zones to alleviate pressure on your sensitive bits, while a short nose provides seamless on-off transitions. A slightly swooped shape provides an adequate tail to brace against.

The Koda is offered in the following styles: Comp (steel rail); Race (cromoly rail); Pro (cromoly rail); Team (titanium rail). It comes in medium (142mm) and wide (150mm) widths and is 255mm long.

MSRP: $39.95 – $129.95 • wtb.com

7. Revelate Designs Vole Seat Bag

The Revelate Designs Vole seat bag is designed for full-suspension bikepacking trips when using a dropper seat post, and is the winner of the 2018 Bikepacking.com Gear of the Year Award.

We’re very impressed with Revelate Design’s attention to design and construction, especially its innovative Indie-Rail attachment system. This is a vast improvement over conventional bikepacking seat bags mounted via rail straps that are fixed to the top-center of the bag. With Revelate’s Indie-Rail attachment system, each rail is cinched down to the sides of the bag which significantly reduces bag sway. This attachment system is one of many innovations designed to stabilize and compact the load without additional external hardware.

All this is combined with a rigid internal structure and active camming buckles that prevent straps from loosening and slipping on rough terrain and/or wet conditions. It’s stiffened on all sides including an external plastic bottom sheet which protects the bottom of the bag, and a composite internal top sheet which provides a solid and stable platform for the strap points.

The Vole is geared toward the minimalist bikepacker and can accommodate a volume of 2-7 litres.
The bag itself weighs a mere 11 ounces; 13 with the clamp.

MSRP: $159.00 • revelatedesigns.com