Welcome to The Traveling Vagabond — a personal, independent resource for bikepacking adventures, ultralight gear, and minimalist backcountry travel.
This domain has a long history in the bikepacking world. I acquired it in early 2026 and am rebuilding it from the ground up as my own project, focused on practical, field-tested advice.
I focus on four things: getting started with bikepacking, choosing and using the right ultralight gear, finding routes worth riding, and building the mental and physical resilience needed for long tours. Everything here is built around the saddle time I’ve put in and the minimalist mindset that actually works on the trail — less weight, fewer problems, more miles.
My Approach
I only write about gear I’ve personally tested, routes I’ve researched in depth, and lessons I’ve learned the hard way. Minimalism here isn’t a style — it’s practical. Lighter means you can go further and actually fix things when they break on the trail.
The photography side matters to me too. I shoot light, with the same minimalist kit philosophy I ride with. You don’t need a giant camera bag to document a good trip.
Who This Site Is For
Beginners planning their first overnight. Riders who want to cut weight or find better routes. Anyone who’s ever stared at a multi-day bikepacking trip and thought “I don’t know where to start.” If that’s you, this site is built for you.
It’s also for experienced riders who just want honest, no-fluff takes without watching a 20-minute video to get to the point.
The four core areas of the site: the Bikepacking Basics guide for anyone starting out, the Ultralight Gear guide for kit decisions, the Routes & Trails section for where to ride, and Slow Travel & Resilience for the mental side of long tours.
A Note on Recommendations
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to gear I actually use or would use myself. Full details are in the disclaimer.
Get in Touch
Got a question about a route, a gear decision, or something you read here? I read every message that comes through the contact page. I can’t promise instant replies, but I do reply.
For solid North American route planning, I point people to the Adventure Cycling Association — the most reliable source I know.
The Traveling Vagabond is independently run. All content reflects my own experience and research. Always verify current conditions, carry proper safety gear, and make your own decisions before heading into the backcountry.