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Bikepacking British Columbia’s Chilcotin Range – Gabe Tiller

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Bikepacking British Columbia’s Chilcotin Range – Gabe Tiller

Bikepacking British Columbia’s Chilcotin Range
Photos and words by Gabe Tiller

I merely whetted my appetite for the Chilcotins last year. It was a fun, albeit short trip. It was challenging in its own right, but really gave me an appreciation for Canada’s mountain ranges and how, errrr, ‘fun’ it is to drag your mountain bike through them. Regardless, in recent years the Chilcotins have become quite popular. They’re one of the few Provincial Parks to allow mountain biking and one of the few places to ride alpine terrain.

I mean: push your bike through alpine terrain. Scott from Porcelain Rocket once told me “The Chilcotins are a perfect place for a singlespeed. You’re either pushing your bike, or grabbing handfuls of brake lever. There’s very little pedaling to be had.” And he’s right. Regardless, the payoff is worth it. Once you push your bike—or more frequently the case—lift and hoist and scramble your bike to the top of a pass you’re rewarded with hordes of giant vicious biting horse flies.

Porcelain Rocket’s Mr Fusion V2

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Porcelain Rocket’s Mr Fusion V2

Here I was thinking the Mr Fusion was as good as it gets. Like all great minds, Scott at Porcelain Rocket wasn’t satisfied with V1, wanting to make he and Rick Hunter’s collaboration project even better.

Mr. Fusion V2 is the evolution of the Porcelain Rocket bag system. It uses the same support rack design, is 100% waterproof, and with the snap of one buckle, it’s insanely easy to load or unload. The included RF-welded Porcelain Rocket drybag has a 5–13L capacity, just roll it as your crap seems fit.

SOLD OUT:  Porcelain Rocket and the Radavist MultiKOM Charlene Seat Packs

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SOLD OUT: Porcelain Rocket and the Radavist MultiKOM Charlene Seat Packs

If Froome and Porte decided to take on a bit of soul riding, they might don these new collaboration Charlene seat packs. Whether you’re actually trying to KOM hard climbs, or just want to take on the Mountains of Madness within, these MultiKOM packs will inspire both heckling from friends as well as personal badassery. Made in Canada by Porcelain Rocket, printed on licensed MultiCam fabric and the perfect size for everything from commuting to road riding to light bikepacking trips.

Oh and Happy Bastille day!

Limited Edition of 21 only for 21 stages of the Tour. Each bag is $150 USD and costs $5 for shipping to the USA and $10 International.

See more information and pick one up below SORRY, SOLD OUT.

Porcelain Rocket’s DSLR Slingers

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Porcelain Rocket’s DSLR Slingers

Scott from Porcelain Rocket launched a small run of DSLR Slingers on his site yesterday. These on-the-go camera bags allow you to drop in a mid-sized DSLR, rangefinder or Micro 4/3s camera, and simply pull them out to get the shot. There’s no need to stop and open a backpack or a handlebar bag.

While they’re not big enough for a pro DSLR with a battery grip, they fit a 5Dmkiii and a smallish lens. I fit a 5Dmkiii in mine with a 24-70 mkii lens but it felt a lot better on the bike with my Mamiya 7ii, Leica M7 or my little Fuji x100t. Remember, you’re putting weight on one side of the bike and they tend to hit your knees while climbing, so the smaller the camera, the better in my opinion.

The DSLR Slingers are in stock now at Porcelain Rocket for $150.

Is it Worth it? Kitsbow’s Alpha Snap Jacket

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Is it Worth it? Kitsbow’s Alpha Snap Jacket

While doing reviews of higher pricepoint products like the Kitsbow Alpha Snap Jacket, I’ve found it’s best to set the expectations in the opening paragraph, so here I am, setting those expectations. Now, this jacket is close to $400. It’s made in Canada, from Polartec® Alpha® insulation, a fabric used by the military for years. Read that as very expensive fabric please. This review’s intent is to answer if indeed, the Alpha Snap Jacket is worth the pricepoint, addressing anyone who might be considering the purchase, yet want more information.

I’m not trying to sell every single reader of this site a $400 jacket, I’m simply showcasing some details and thoughts of said jacket to help anyone who has considered buying it. If you want to read on, please do, if this jacket isn’t for you, no worries, no harm done.

Kitsbow: Alpine Snap Jacket

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Kitsbow: Alpine Snap Jacket

These past few cut and sew pieces from Kitsbow are some of my favorite apparel items to surface in the bike industry. The Alpine Snap Jacket is an new spin on a classic staple for both touring or mountain biking, as well as general outdoor activities. While other companies use down, Kitsbow uses Polartec® Alpha insulation, originally designed for the United States Special Forces, which will keep you warm whether you’re wet or dry, without having to remove layers.

The pricepoint ain’t exactly cheap, but the Alpine Snap Jacket is made in Vancouver, Canada and looks like it’ll be a piece you’ll be holding onto for a while.

See more at Kitsbow.

Kitsbow’s Ride Tees are Back

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Kitsbow’s Ride Tees are Back

Kitsbow’s made in Canada, merino wool Riding Tees are back in stock, now in new colors. Perfect for touring, MTB riding, cross riding and even off-the-bike afternoons. Mix in a set of arm warmers to keep you warm during winter dawn patrols. Merino is warm and naturally anti-microbial, so it won’t smell after a ride.

See more at Kitsbow.

Kitsbow: The Icon Pendleton Wool Shirt

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Kitsbow: The Icon Pendleton Wool Shirt

Fall is here and everyone’s already got their favorite flannel or wool overshirt aching to get pulled out of the closet. For those looking for their next favorite shirt, check out these new Pendleton Wool shirts from Kitsbow. The Icon has perforated stretch gussets at the shoulders for increased mobility and ventilation. In case you find yourself Rubber Side Up on the trail, there are even laser cut 3X Dry Schoeller panels strategically placed over shoulders and elbows for abrasion resistance.

See more on The Icon at Kitsbow.