Neil Beltchenko

3 weeks ago | bikepacking.com | Neil Beltchenko

Two weeks ago at the 2025 Sea Otter Classic, we asked nearly everyone we interviewed whether tariffs were already affecting their business—or if they expected them to in the coming months. Hear a broad range of perspectives and find out what we learned in Neil’s latest video here… While I was at Sea Otter, the “T-word” was being tossed around constantly.

1 month ago | bikepacking.com | Neil Beltchenko

Just announced, the new Tailfin AeroPack Cargo features expandable cargo pockets, roll-top access to the main body, optional cage mounts, and a few more interesting features. Plus, it’s backward compatible. Neil used one for a couple of months ahead of today’s release for this review… By now, we’ve all heard of Tailfin. Since launching in 2016, the team in the UK has been steadily advancing their full set of bags, creating high-end cargo systems that are sleek, smart, and stable.

1 month ago | bikepacking.com | Neil Beltchenko

The Spearfish has been Salsa’s XC-focused bike for more than a decade, and today, they launch the fourth iteration, an all-new short-travel full-suspension platform with adventure at its core. Neil’s been pedaling the redesigned 2025 Salsa Spearfish C for a couple months for this full review… Launched in 2011, the Spearfish has always been Salsa’s short-travel full-suspension bike. It has shared a similar design to that of the Horsethief over the years, at least until this latest iteration.

1 month ago | bikepacking.com | Neil Beltchenko

Neil’s latest video, “Cycling Past the Winter Blues in Rabbit Valley,” is a more emotional view of his recent bikepacking experiences. With so much going on in the world, Neil zooms out and reflects on a recent trip that stuck with him… Neil here. This one’s pretty straightforward, a quick overnighter from about a year ago that’s really stuck with me. Why? Well, it’s simple.

1 month ago | bikepacking.com | Neil Beltchenko

Over the years, Neil has picked up plenty of insights about bikepacking and the challenges that come with it. And while many readers are familiar with the frustrations, a few annoyances might take newcomers by surprise. Here’s Neil’s list of 13 frustrating things about bikepacking, why they happen, and how to prepare for and overcome them… I’d never actually say that I hate bikepacking, of course. Still, I get frustrated with it more often than I’d care to admit.