Taking up Bikepacking properly in 2022 with the aspiration of attempting the Silk Road Mountain race, I knew the next part of the puzzle for my load carriage challenge, would be making use of the centre triangle with a frame bag.

Probably one of the best things we’ve bought for mountain biking, gravel riding and bikepacking, is a pair of dual-sided pedals.

It’s optimal to ride clipped in for speed and efficiency, however there are times (particularly in urban areas) where you’ll want not to be, to react quicker to unforeseen obstacles and get your foot out to stabilise yourself. We use a bought a pair of these Boardman dual-sided clipless flat pedals that have worked well in all situations.

To ensure I can inflate the tyres if I get a puncture, I pack a Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump - a compact and lightweight pump designed for lightness in case you need extra inflation when you’re on a ride.

The most notable things I like about it, aside from the price (c.£15), are:

It has a capacity of 0.75 litres, which is enough space to store your essential items such as a phone, keys, wallet, or energy bars, however I use mine for carrying a thin waterproof jacket and bulkier snacks on bikepacking expeditions, as it keeps it quickly accessible for when it inevitably starts to rain.