Hunt has updated the XC Wide wheelset, which is now in its third iteration and features an increased internal rim diameter with differing widths for the front and rear. Additionally, the rim material has been revised. Although the price has risen, the wheelset still offers good value, boasting rapid hub engagement and improved stiffness.

Camelbak, the brand credited with pioneering the hydration pack, has now ventured into the bikepacking market after 30 years of specialising in hydration solutions. Given its extensive experience, you might expect it to produce bikepacking gear that rivals other leading brands. However, I found the M.U.L.E. 9L saddle pack fell short in several key areas. Read on to find out more.

The Northwave Hammer Plus is an off-road shoe designed for gravel and cross-country mountain biking, focusing on comfort on and off the bike. However, this emphasis on comfort comes at the expense of sole stiffness, which may be a disadvantage for those who prioritise racing, long climbs, or more intense efforts, as the flex in the sole could feel uncomfortable due to the pressure felt around the cleat area.

The WTB Macro tyre marks a significant step forward, breaking new ground for the brand with several notable firsts. From an initially sparse range of cross-country tyres, this latest addition has impressed across the board.

The DMR Flat4 pedal has removable tread plate sections, allowing you to customise each side and adjust the level of grip. Additional options like removable pins can be purchased, providing further flexibility to suit different riding styles and bikes. However, the pedals are narrow, affecting their overall support and positioning among the best MTB flat pedal hierarchy.

After more than 30 years of manufacturing hydration packs, Camelbak has ventured into the bikepacking market with its M.U.L.E range of bags. As you might anticipate from a brand synonymous with hydration, the Frame Pack is designed to accommodate a reservoir and features a bespoke shape to fit the triangular design. While some aspects of the pack are well executed, there are notable issues including the potential for water ingress and the shape of the full bladder expanding almost beyond what the bag can comfortably accommodate.

Appearances can be deceiving, and that's certainly true of the Schwalbe G-One Overland. At first glance, its large volume and closely packed tread pattern might suggest a firm, sluggish touring tyre. While it could indeed serve as a touring tyre for some, it is anything but slow, offering far more grip than you might anticipate. With the added comfort of its generous size and impressive grip on almost any surface, is there anything not to like?

The Cane Creek eeSilk CS suspension stem provides 20mm of travel, using an elastomer to deliver shock-absorbing benefits. While this might seem like very little travel, it offers a noticeable improvement in comfort across various surfaces typically encountered on a gravel bike, all with very little added weight. With a growing number of suspension stem options available, how does it measure up, and can such a small amount of travel genuinely make a difference?

The Wren Perseverance Adventure Dropbar bundle includes a wide 530mm handlebar, armrests and extra-long bar tape. As the name suggests, it's designed for epic adventures but comes with a big price tag and isn’t the lightest option.

The Crankbrothers Candy Lace Clip-In shoes offer a well-balanced design, featuring a roomy toe box and a snug heel fit, making them versatile for nearly all types of off-road riding. During testing on long, gruelling rides, they’ve proven to be comfortable and durable, standing up to the toughest conditions. If you're a fan of lace-up shoes, these will certainly impress.