Anker makes very reliable batteries. Don't trust the less "name brand" batteries. You mention charging time, which has been an issue for me in the past. Often my only time to charge is while I'm sitting at a restaurant, so I need a really fast charger. Anker sells some fast charging batteries, but make sure you have a compatible cable and wall wort. A cheap USB cable and wall wort will take forever.

I find the EasyAcc products just as good as Anker. I have some of each.

https://www.skunklock.com/

Any riders interested in ride-sharing from Tucson to Flagstaff and back to do 3-4 days around the Craters & Cinder Cones Loop some time in June? It's a shakedown trip for a possible July GDMBR southbound tour.

I'm having trouble finding buses taking reservations due to COVID, so renting a car is an option.

https://www.bikepackingroots.org/craters-and-cinder-cones.html

I am contemplating a late-June/early-July southbound departure.

Anyone riding full-suspension?

Pop out your front thru-axle, and stick in a cardboard tube to hold the wheel in place.

Or take the chain off the front crank.

There is a huge variety of powerbank sizes, weights, and capacities. Stick to a name brand, check Amazon reviews, and you cannot go wrong.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01422TC14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_FWXYEbWFDE4RF

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQY35SM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_VXXYEbN0VVNEF

Enough power to keep your devices charged for 4-5 days. I recharge my iPhone, Garmin, lights every night. And if your devices run out during the day, charge them while using them. The powerbank has two recharging inputs, so it charges more quickly. And you can recharge your devices through the powerbank while recharging the powerbank.

Buy braided Lightning and Micro USB cables. I carry spares.

I use them bikepacking, hiking, motorcycling, and in my airplane (which has no electrical system). Not the lightest setup, but I never run out of power.

Awesome trip report! Thank you so much.

It’s really helpful in my prep to do the ride.

Thanks for that! I repaired it with Tenacious Tape, and contacted Big Agnes for a more permanent fix.

I can see just how easy it will be to rip tents and air mattresses on the Arizona Trail.

Take it back to REI?  

If I could I would, and replace it with the 2-person version. It’s pretty tiny.

Thanks!

So, brand-new to bikepacking, I decide to practice with the equipment in my back yard before hitting the trails. As it was windy, I used some rocks to hold my groundsheet and tent in place. Unfortunately, one of the rocks tore an L-shaped hole the floor of my brand-new Big Agnes bikepacking tent. D’oh...

What’s the preferred repair method?

Thanks in advance!