In my final product roundup for the 2025 Sea Otter Classic, I’ll cover bike hitch racks, bike packs(on bike/on body), and hydration packs.
Racks
With the popularity of e-bikes, the need to transport them has caused an influx of companies designing racks to carry heavier weight. However, the heavier carrying capacity causes the overall rack weight to surpass 70 pounds. Personally, due to herniated discs, it is difficult for me to maneuver a rack weighing over 50 pounds. Several brands have added a single-bike version model to their line-up.
Hollywood Racks
I’ll review the company’s CrossTrack rack in the weeks ahead, but for those not familiar with this rack, it launched in late 2024. Hollywood Racks will release an update this summer to the rack with the ability to add an additional bike when needed. They are shifting the release handle to fold up and tilt the rack to a new location, allowing for the end of the main beam to accommodate the 1-bike add-on.
The updated 1-Bike CrossTrack will be able to go to 2-bikes with no change to the 66-pound capacity per tray. The 2-Bike CrossTrack will expand to 3 bikes, with the third bike weight dropping to 50 pounds.
CrossTrack 1: $399.99
CrossTrack 2: $749.99
1-Bike addon: $349.99
CrossTrack 1+1: $749.99
Hollywood introduced SideTrack at Sea Otter, which works with all their 2” hitch racks without changing the carrying capacity. The new swing-away adapter swings towards the vehicle’s passenger side, allowing access to spare tires or rear van doors.
The SideTrack extends 7” from the receiver and swings out a full 90 degrees from its standard position. It comes with a locking hitch pin. With a June availability, SideTrack’s target MSRP is $399.99.
The third product Hollywood debuted at Sea Otter was a Battery Bag. This simple but necessary product is a result of the recommendation by all eBike brands to remove the battery when transporting the bike. The padded battery bag keeps the eBike battery and charger safe from rolling around your vehicle or trunk. The bag also comes with handles, making it easy to carry the battery around. Available in May, the bag’s MSRP is $49.99.
KUAT
The Piston® ION™ eBike rack was unveiled at Sea Otter and will launch later this year. Built tough, the Piston ION is engineered to handle the heaviest e-bikes, offering a 100 lb per tray capacity and zero frame contact for the ultimate secure transport.
Loading eBikes is easy with the included aluminum ramp, and the FastFit™ tool-free wheel chock system quickly and intuitively adjusts to different tire sizes.
Additional key features include:
- PedalPivot™ – Effortlessly fold the rack up or down with a simple foot pedal.
- Hand-tight hitch cam system – A rock-solid, wobble-free fit.
- TIGER Drylac® powder coat – 10-year no-fade and built to withstand the elements.
- Integrated security – Stainless steel barrel hitch lock and semi-integrated 12mm cable lock for added peace of mind.
- Optional accessory light kits – A light kit and illuminated license plate mount will be available for enhanced visibility and compliance.
It has a fender-compatible design, support for wheel sizes from 18” to 29”, and the ability to handle tires up to 4.8” wide. The anticipated MSRP for the Piston ION™ is $1,289.
Visit https://kuat.com/products/piston-ion for updated information.
SARIS
The Edge, Freedom, and SuperClamp are three all-new racks from Saris that showcase the brand’s continued investment in delivering top-tier solutions for everyday riders.
Highlights of the new rack line-up include:
The Edge – A high-end bike rack built to provide ultimate stability and security. Whether transporting lightweight road bikes or heavy-duty e-bikes, this rack is designed for effortless loading and unloading. $999.99 MSRP
Freedom –Made entirely in the USA, the Freedom brings an unbeatable combination of strength, versatility, and value. It’s designed with zero frame contact and is perfect for riders seeking a lightweight yet robust bike transport solution.
SuperClamp –For riders who want speed, security, and convenience, the SuperClamp is the go-to choice. Its updated spring-loaded arm and tool-free installation make it one of the quickest racks to load and secure.
Thule
Thule Verse comes to market with a patented outboard release handle, providing easy hand-activated tilting for rear cargo access with or without bikes mounted on the rack. The release handle also allows the rack to quickly tilt up and stow vertically when not in use, reducing the space it occupies behind the vehicle.
The independent single attachment arm secures your bike by safely clamping down on the front wheel, eliminating frame contact and securing the bike to the rack quickly. With 11.4” spacing between bike positions, independent on-the-fly tray adjustments for the wheels, and a new soft-touch attachment arm with increased fork clearance.
Thule Verse offers improved carrying capacity and versatility by accommodating wheelbases ranging from 34-53” and larger tire sizes up to 5”. Each bike tray can carry bikes up to 60 lbs and accepts the Thule foldable loading ramp to assist with heavier e-bikes. And with the included 12 mm, theft-deterrent locking cable, security is offered when you’re away from your vehicle, too.
MSPR $949.99 for the 2” receiver model
1UP USA
For those of you who own a 1UP rack, the Wheel Saver accessory increases the contact patch of the rack arm to add stability to the front wheel while adding protection for high-end wheels. You can use it on the front wheel only or both wheels for the most stable setup.
At Sea Otter, 1UP introduced a larger size Wheel Saver – XL. It works with road, gravel, and MTB tires up to 2.6” wide. The Wheel Saver simply clips onto the Quik Rack, Equip D, Heavy Duty, or Super Duty arms.
https://1up-usa.com/product/wheel-saver
Gear
High Above
The Seatle-based High Above is a new company to me, but they’ve been around for some time. Their Supernatural vest/hydration pack launched two months ago was on display at Sea Otter. The rep was kind enough to send me home with a media sample for review. I’m excited to test the bounce-free fit since I’m looking for the perfect hydration pack to use at Unbound 100.
Design details:
- Secure, bounce-free fit – Dual sternum straps and vest-style chest pockets keep the weight balanced and stable.
- Smart, easy-access storage – The left chest pocket has a secure top flap for your phone, while the right chest pocket is perfect for snacks and small essentials.
- Hydration ready – Includes a 2L Hydrapak double-baffled reservoir with a locking bite valve and magnetic hose retainer.
- Room for all the essentials – The main compartment features:
- A large zippered pocket with a key clip
- Two internal stretch pockets for tools and accessories
- Dual pump holders for both a tire and shock pump
- Storage – External bungee lets you stash a jacket or knee pads for the climb.
- Full-face helmet carry – A removable attachment system keeps your helmet secure on long climbs.
Specs:
- Capacity: 6L total (2L water, 4L cargo)
- Weight: 20 oz (565 g) including reservoir
- Storage: Two front stretch pockets, one internal zippered pocket with key clip, two internal stretch pockets, two integrated pump holders
- Weatherproofing: YKK #8 waterproof zipper on the main compartment for unmatched durability and weather resistance
- Sizing: One size fits most
The Supernatural retails for $240 and is available at https://highabove.net/products/supernatural-vest-pack
Tailfin
Another brand new to me at Sea Otter was British-based Tailfin. The company has been around for years, and it engineers innovative, high-performance technical bikepacking equipment. I am incredibly impressed with the quality, modularity, and engineering behind this product line. The Tailfin product line revolves around their quick-release rear rack that attaches to virtually any bike.
The company’s new AeroPack Cargo/AP18 Cargo is designed to be compatible with existing systems. Using Tailfin’s modular system allows current customers to upgrade easily. New customers can specify the AeroPackCargo or AP18 Cargo from the outset, with the ability to switch to the non-Cargo versions later down the line.
AeroPack Cargo:
- 18 liters in the main body plus 3 liters of easy-access storage.
- Fully compatible with existing systems.
- Based on the current AeroPack/AP18 footprint. It can be set up as an AeroPack or RackTop Bag.
- Expandable cargo pockets. Perfect for stowing regularly needed kit.
- Single-buckle access to the main body of the bag.
- Adjustable compression strap adds even more storage options.
- Light-colored internal base for visibility.
- Signature Tailfin Hypalon, Diamond Ripstop and Stretch Nylon fabrics were chosen for durability and flexibility. 6061-T6 internal aluminum frame.
- Welded construction for 100% waterproof.
- Additional mounting points for water bottle/cargo cage.
If you are interested in bikepacking, this is one brand I’d suggest taking a look at.
CamelBak
CamelBak, a well-known name in hydration packs, launched the H.A.W.G. 20 hydration pack for $200 and their 15-ounce Podium bottle for eBike and smaller frames.
At $220, the H.A.W.G. 20 provides maximum storage, hydration, and comfort on the trail. Made from water-resistant Cordura® re/cor™ and equipped with a large 3-liter Crux® Reservoir and the cargo capacity to hold another – for up to 6 liters – the company’s largest bike pack built for long rides. The all new Air Support™ Pro Back Panel is designed with body-mapping technology that provides plenty of airflow channeled to the areas that generate the most heat, and the 3D vent mesh harness is lightweight and durable. A built-in magnetic tube trap allows for quick sips without taking your eyes off the trail, and the belt cargo pockets keep all your essentials close at hand. Always adventure-ready, this next-generation H.A.W.G. pack is also Impact Protector™ and e-bike battery compatible.
The H.A.W.G. 20 has this new passive technology, RECCO®, which makes you searchable by rescue teams, giving you more peace of mind when alone on the trail.
ORTLIEB
Ortlieb is a German manufacturer founded in 1982 with deep roots in sustainability. The company’s waterproof bags are perfect for bikepacking. If you aren’t familiar with this company, check out some recently launched products here https://us.ortlieb.com/collections/news.
One of the new products includes a two-sided Dry-Pack available in 12L ($65) and 16L ($75). The roll-top closure on both sides allows easy access to your belongings from either end. This waterproof dry bag is ideal for securing gear on your bike rack platform. It features integrated daisy chains and offers versatile attachment options, allowing you to secure the bag to other gear or attach additional items to it. The included O-straps (520 mm) with clamp hooks ensure quick and secure rack mounting with tube diameters up to 10 mm. Practical details include an air purge valve and elastic cord fixation on the top for extra storage space.
OSPREY
Adding to their Escapist line, Osprey was showing the Velocity hydration packs. Available in 3 and 6-liter sizes, the packs sell for $100 and $125, making them very affordable. They offer a stable, bounce-free, highly adjustable vest fit and thoughtful pocketing designed for gravel racing or weight-conscious riders needing hydration—at speed. An included 1.5-liter reservoir simplifies hydration, and zippered harness pockets keep snacks or phone at your fingertips.
Features
- Hydration sleeve with direct-zip access and hose path for easy loading
- Included Osprey Hydraulics 1.5 L reservoir
- Dual adjustable/removable chest straps for customized stability
- Lightweight magnet on chest strap for easy access to reservoir hose
- Easy-to-use slots on the front harness for securing sunglasses
- Vertical zippered harness pockets for snacks or phone with foam at the base for extra comfort
- One lower stretch mesh harness pocket
- Front panel bungee storage
- Internal zippered mesh pocket with key clip
- Internal elastic loop for small pump
RESTRAP
Adding a strip of Velcro to their Holster Bar Bag sounds so simple, but it’s a game changer. If you’ve ever tried to hold a bike steady while attaching a dry bag to a handlebar holster, you know it is challenging. Simply adding a strip of Velcro to the dry bag and the holster makes it a one-handed process to remove or reinstall the dry bag.
Restrap bags are handmade in Yorkshire, and the company is serious about sustainability.
USWE
A frequent question to the Unbound Gravel Facebook group is, “What’s the best hydration pack?” The answer by the majority of members is “USWE.” Pronounced “you – swii” is a new brand for me. I took the opportunity at Sea Otter to stop by their booth to learn what makes their packs great.
The team behind USWE grew up riding off-road motorcycles in the Swedish countryside, searching for the adrenaline rush in deep mudholes and at big climbs. They stuffed their backpacks with enough food, water, and gear to keep them running day and night. The packs were uncomfortable and bounced around our sore backs like dancing monkeys.
USWE action packs use their award-winning 4-point suspension design. They are made to be 100% bounce-free, from which the “No Dancing Monkey” technology was born.
I hope to secure a sample to test and then share a review with RBR readers.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
USWE Packs are superb. We use them mountain biking in the Rockies.
I’ve used mine for the last 10 years and still very happy with it.
I also used it on my cross Canada ride 5 star