Discover expert reviews and gear guides for road, gravel, and bikepacking adventures. From saddlebags to cycling computers, Adventure Media helps you ride further, lighter, and smarter.
In a world of bloated pack designs and endless attachment loops, the Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 stands out as a streamlined, purpose-built alpine pack designed with precision. Originally released as a minimalist companion for multi-pitch climbing, it’s grown in popularity among alpine scramblers, fast-packers, and technical hikers seeking low-profile efficiency with reliable storage and…
A Minimalist’s Dream Shelter The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is a top-tier ultralight shelter designed for fast-and-light backpackers, bikepackers, and alpine climbers. Weighing just 494g and packing down to the size of a water bottle, it’s one of the lightest hooped bivy sacks on the market. But does its minimalist design compromise comfort or protection?…
A Budget Chair That Overdelivers The Moon Lence Backpacking Chair has quietly become one of the most popular ultralight camp chairs on Amazon—and for good reason. With a sub-£40 price tag, a 900g weight, and a surprisingly comfortable bucket seat, it’s a compelling alternative to premium models from Helinox, Big Agnes, and REI. But is…
Introduction: A 3D-Printed Saddle for Under £30? The RYET 3D Printed Ultralight Carbon Saddle is one of the most intriguing cycling products to emerge from the budget end of the market. With a price tag hovering around £20–£30 on platforms like AliExpress, it promises features typically found on high-end saddles costing ten times as much:…
ASSOS EQUIPE R Bib Shorts S11 – Race-Ready Comfort Without the Bank-Breaking Guilt I picked up the EQUIPE R S11s as a more affordable way to tap into ASSOS’s legendary bib short tech without going full RS or RSR. After a few hundred kilometres of testing — from tempo sessions to all-day rides — I…
An ultralight shelter with surprising storm chops—can it truly handle UK weather? Overview The 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 (4-Season version) is a trekking-pole-supported, double-wall shelter that offers true ultralight performance on a shoestring budget. For hikers, bikepackers, and wild campers looking for a sub-£200 shelter that doesn’t skimp on protection, it’s become a cult…
Diamond-rated security in a wearable, commuter-friendly form The Hiplok DX is a compact, high-security U-lock designed for cyclists who want maximum protection without the bulk of traditional D-locks. Built around a 14mm hardened steel shackle with dual locking bolts, it’s rated Sold Secure Diamond—the highest level of bicycle lock certification in the UK. Where it…
First Impressions The sleek and sturdy Ortlieb Gravel Pack Pannier Bags are made of a lightweight yet durable material, giving you the confidence they can withstand the rough trails and keep you gear dry. Fit and Installation Installing the Gravel Pack Pannier Bags was a breeze thanks to the QL2.1 mounting system. The additional mounting…
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Mat is the latest evolution of one of the most iconic ultralight sleeping mats on the market. Beloved by thru-hikers, minimalist campers, and fastpackers, it aims to improve upon its predecessor by boosting comfort, cutting noise, and delivering trustworthy insulation—all while staying incredibly light and compact. In this in-depth…
A Handlebar Bag That Does It All The Restrap Bar Pack is a 10-litre, fully waterproof handlebar bag designed for bikepacking, gravel touring, and long-distance cycling. Handmade in Yorkshire, UK, it combines rugged construction, clever storage features, and ride-ready stability in a compact, self-contained package. Unlike traditional harness-and-drybag systems, the Bar Pack is a standalone…
The Alpkit Aeronaut 1 is a one-person, three-season inflatable tent designed specifically for bikepacking, kayaking, and minimalist backpacking. By replacing traditional alloy poles with a single inflatable air beam, Alpkit has created a shelter that packs smaller, pitches faster, and fits into awkward spaces like bar bags and seatpacks. But does this innovation come at…
