Bikepacking Race Rig Setup and Packlist

Love the Ardent Races. Great all-around mountain bike tire.

What mount did you use for the Fenix UC35 on your helmet?

Thanks Neil! How would you add a tent and poles to this setup?

What mount do you use for the eTrex?

more of these videos about ultra race prep/logisitics!

I really appreciate all the detail you put in your videos and especially the product links. Yes I have bought a few items and have been very pleased. The “what’s in my bag” series you did with the other three guests was brilliant and ended up giving my credit cards a bit of a work out, lol. Tell Joe I am enjoying the Fitkicks slip on camp shoes.

Any pros or cons of using your items while racing?

didnt you bring any sleeping gear? :P i know night temperatures in arizona are probably pretty nice, but at least a sleeping pad? :D

Another great vid. Helpful to see the Hydration pack uses. I use a Orange Mud Endurance Pack 2L pretty much the same way except it has a small accessory bag snap on. Perfect for quick access to rain gear or extra C-Store food like pizza, sandwiches, burgers, etc.

Awesome that you promote a small hydro back pack!!! It’s like there is some ridiculous anti-backpack movement influencing the adventure cycling community.
And, OMG...you chose an actual MTB...TO TRAVEL OFF ROAD!!! What a strange concept!!!

Not a drop bar 17 pound carbon bike that costs $7000...plus the cost of a $2000 Lauf Suspension Fork!!!....because that compares equally to a full suspension proper MTB...NOT!!!

You know what is sad? There are probably millions of used MTBs, in perfectly good condition, propped against the wall covered in cobwebs...because “gravel bikes” are more palatable to shaved leg roadies.


THANK YOU FOR SOME SANITY !!!

Thanks for your insight on packing love your videos I have the Salsa Spearfish too. Heading to Sedona to do the Robbers Roost. Will be taking a bivy but concerned about spiders, snakes and scorpions any advice?

Thanks for the great insight into your setup, Neil.

what is the jersey?

great setup, great work......nice video

As always loving the videos! Random question, what is that longsleeve you're wearing? I really love it!

What mount did you use for your light on your helmet?

What podcasts?

Thanks, Neil! This video should be the bible of fast bike packing.

Why not a drop bar bike?

This is my favorite kind of rig because it's the one that need to be thought the most. I spend a loooot of time figuring out what works best!
Great result, and thanks for sharing Neil!

I've always tried to remove weight from myself and get it on the bike for road events. If you were on a hardtail with more frame space for storage, would you have perhaps have ditched the hydration vest or is it something you will always use?

How does the trail west impact your pain/pressure in the neck? I tried to use such a west a few times on my more aggresive gravel bike and got pain in the neck. Would you say the trail west works better with a more mtb style riding position?

Would be nice to hear a review of the tailfin system on a FS bike.
Great content as always!

Hey Neil, I have a question for you or anyone who´s willing to help... I just bought a 24 spoke wheel are they strong enough for bikepacking? ( I bought the Shimano Deore MT-500 Rear wheel) People say they can´t put up with forces like 36 spoke wheels can... Is it true and if so what special care do I need to have with them?
Cheers, from Portugal !!

Great rundown. What’s the jersey? Digging the 5 pockets!

I just learned that 7Mesh has a nice design with a horizontal pocket behind the standard 3.

Nice bike bro! I love those wheels.

Hey Neal what jersey is that. 5 pockets sounds great.

What mount did you use for your light on your helmet?

Very nice Bike. Are you sponsored by Salsa? At over $7000. for a carbon bike, do you have any recommendations for something a bit more affordable for a weekend guy?