Field Guide

The Bikepacker's Guide to Electronics

Power up.

Modern bikepacking is powered by electrons. We review Lights and Power Solutions to keep the lights on.

The Criteria

We focus on power density and durability:

  • Capacity/Weight: How many mAh per gram?
  • Charging Speed: Can it fast-charge your phone?
  • Weatherproofing: Will the light survive a storm?

Our curated lists below cover the essentials.

3 Reviews

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dynamo vs. Battery Bank?

Dynamo hubs provide infinite power but are expensive and add drag. Battery banks are cheap and simple for trips under a week.

How many lumens for night riding?

For gravel roads, 800-1000 lumens is a good baseline. You want a broad beam pattern to see obstacles.

Do solar panels work?

Only if you have direct sun exposure for 6+ hours. In forests or on cloudy days, they are dead weight. A 20,000mAh cache battery is often more reliable.

How do I charge my Di2/AXS?

Always check battery levels before leaving. Carrying a small spare battery for AXS or a charging cable for Di2 (connected to your power bank) is wise.

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We re-check prices and picks quarterly. When a recommendation changes — or a product we rated well turns out not to last — you hear about it. No weekly digest, no gear-of-the-day.

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