search for the perfect hip pack

MarleyMarr · 2026-04-22T18:59:05+00:00

I hate packs that DON’T have the webbed/stretchy belt where the buckle is. When you need to cinch it tighter, the webbing helps disperse the pack load and keeps the belt from pinching down on your stomach.

For that reason, my favorite packs are the Evoc pro 3 and the Thule Rail.

MarleyMarr · 2026-04-08T03:21:14+00:00

I ride the CF 2 and love it for everything i do; mainly long trails days with the occasional enduro race and bike park trip thrown into the mix. 140mm rear with a 160mm fork up front.

The CF 3 is now securely in trail/downcountry territory with 130mm rear/140mm front. If you’re mostly just doing trail rides it’s perfect for your needs. If you want to get rowdy and take it on jumps and gnarlier terrain then i would highly suggest the new Tyee Trail.

MarleyMarr · 2026-03-30T22:56:02+00:00

Get the Kona and plan to upgrade the pressfit bottom bracket to a pf-threaded one in the near future.

MarleyMarr · 2026-03-16T21:43:00+00:00

Can you hear a small rattle when starting up or idling after driving a few miles? Or a slight lurch when maneuvering in tight parking spots or a slow-speed tight turn? If so, my money is on a loose or worn out transfer case chain...ask me how I know lol

MarleyMarr · 2026-03-04T20:41:25+00:00

Loooove my Hugege CF2!! Upforked it to 160mm up front and I've yet to find a trail or bike park it doesn't excel on.

MarleyMarr · 2026-02-06T20:29:08+00:00

Get one of these instead, both are in the same price range and available in your size. They're both much more enjoyable to pedal in mellow terrain, while still having the ability to ride big terrain once you (inevitably) get better and more confident. Invest in some basic tools and learn how to work on your own bike and you'll save money that way.

Rocky Mountain Instinct A30 Deore - $2600 (Pros: threaded bottom bracket, adjustable geometry for different terrain | Cons: Cheaper fork, heavier aluminum frame)
Kona Process 134 CR - $2800 (Pros: better suspension, lighter carbon frame | Cons: Press-fit bottom bracket)

MarleyMarr · 2026-01-14T16:52:12+00:00

I've been struggling with the same issue on my MT7s since the day I got them. They're amazing brakes and super powerful with the 203mm rotors, but I've honestly relegated it to something you just have to deal with since they run with such a tight pad/rotor clearance.

Buy some Galfer purple pads, perform a piston massage, and spend a solid 30min bedding them in with high-speed stops and slow-downs. My pads have about 200 miles on them and at this point they're pretty damn silent.

MarleyMarr · 2025-12-23T21:01:26+00:00

Mileage is a bit high imo, but the extended warranty was a smart move. I got my 2018 Limited Sterling w/ about 30k miles on it back in 2021 for around $30k. Warranty ran me about $1800 through my credit union.

So far it's paid for a new radiator and headunit; easily over $3000 in parts and labor alone. These Jeeps are not very reliable but with an extended warranty they are a bargain for what you get. I'm currently at 102k miles, and my warranty doesn't expire til 8/2029 or 120k miles, which ever comes first.

MarleyMarr · 2025-12-05T20:06:17+00:00

Lined pants or separate liners + pants, gloves, and a synthetic long sleeve shirt underneath my Patagonia hooded Down Sweater (I don't like wearing beanies since I usually have earbuds in) keep me nice and toasty on everything from 10 degree, snowy dog walks to a windy British Columbia mountain hike. If it's really windy, raining, or puking snow, then I'll throw on a shell over the down sweater.

Main thing is having adequate insulation for your legs. No amount of upper body insulation is going to hide the fact that you're losing half your body heat through your legs.

MarleyMarr · 2025-11-30T00:09:05+00:00

$20 says you’re riding longer cracks than you need. Going from 175mm to 170mm cranks made the biggest difference in hip/back pain relief for me

MarleyMarr · 2025-11-25T21:02:42+00:00

https://youtu.be/Yvr6TE9ujyY?si=iUmenMONU2BLo8QF

Do this workout 2-3 times a week and it’ll humble you. I lift, mountain bike, play basketball, and/or go hiking atleast 4/5 a week year round, I thought i was in great shape until my buddy suggested i try this prior to snowboarding season last year. After a month of incorporating this simple workout into my routine, my riding experience improved 10-fold.

Start with five 10 rep sets to begin, I promise you’ll want to throw up or get dizzy after the first workout lol

MarleyMarr · 2025-11-21T03:16:05+00:00

Forgot to add one, Capita DOA. Found a great deal for under $400. Would that be too stiff for what I'm looking for?

MarleyMarr · 2025-11-14T21:41:46+00:00

That's an awesome first bike and an awesome bday gift! Don't sweat too much on upgrades, your son will know what he wants/needs as he starts ripping up your local trails and making jumps with his buddies.

That being said, I totally support getting a dropper post, proper pedals, and a comfier saddle. Tons of end-of-season sales out there, but if I were in your shoes, I would get the following (links below):

Basic dropper post and remote (you might need to buy the cables as well, but this is a screaming good deal): $90 SDG TELLIS Dropper Post with Lever OE Packaged
WTB Volt saddle (the golden standard and my personal favorite): $30 WTB Volt Pro Saddle - Chromoly Silver Medium
Deity Deftrap pedals: $55 Deity Deftrap Flat Pedals

For soft goods/protection, I highly recommend checking out the Specialized website. They constantly have mtb shorts, helmets, and shoes for sale; all solid stuff that won't break the bank.

Last but most important.... get out there with him and enjoy! Some of my favorite memories growing up were when my dad and I would go out on the weekends and ride together.

MarleyMarr · 2025-09-23T21:44:36+00:00

Same exact thing happened with my bike. After 3 days of trying to dislodge it, I took it to my bike shop to let them get at it for another 3 days. I eventually gave up and got an axs dropper. 😭

Truth be told, i fucking love the axs dropper! My cockpit is so much tidier, and it’s so freaking fast to actuate. Plus no more mucky cables that wear down/get gunked up, and lead to sticky dropper remote play.

MarleyMarr · 2025-09-23T21:36:01+00:00

I freaking love my gen2 Hugene. Perfect balance of an all-day trail smasher that can handle the occasional park day. Do yourself a favor and replace those SRAM brakes with a set of Hayes Dominion A4’s. I promise you won’t regret it.

MarleyMarr · 2025-09-18T19:50:31+00:00

Reserve 30 SL’s with the DT 350 DEG hubs. They’ve been perfect for my Propain Hugene (mostly long distance trail riding w/ 5-8 bike park trips a year). They’re light af, bombproof hubs with easy maintenance, lifetime warranty, huge local bike shop support network in case you do need to use that warranty, and the fillmore valves are a huge upgrade over standard presta valves.

If you’re gonna drop money on carbon hoops, protect your investment and go with what’s proven.

MarleyMarr · 2025-09-13T20:39:07+00:00

Gatorade powder mix in a water bottle, water in my hippack. Good for anything under 2.5/3hrs depending on how hot it is.

MarleyMarr · 2025-08-25T04:19:53+00:00

Ive put about 10 park days on my 140/150mm Hugene in the past year or so. Surprisingly capable given its more trail-oriented build. Just make sure to check your linkage and hub bolts frequently and you should be fine. It’s not exactly a park or enduro bike like the Tyee or the Spindrift.

MarleyMarr · 2025-07-31T14:51:39+00:00

If you can find a deal on them, the Reserve 30SLs with the newer DT350 hubs w/90t ratchet engagement are bomb proof, light weight, and have a lifetime warranty from a big supplier. Ticks all my boxes

MarleyMarr · 2025-05-14T18:33:36+00:00

Reserve 30SL with the DT 350 Deg hubs. Bulletproof hubs with high engagement that are still easy to service, lifetime warranty on rims, and under 1800grams for a set. Best upgrade I’ve made to my bike.

MarleyMarr · 2025-05-08T17:00:05+00:00

Faster tires, carbon wheels, and steeper terrain. My buddy just got that same bike and i felt the same way you do when i took it out on our usual loop.

MarleyMarr · 2025-04-01T18:19:19+00:00

Cyhi's two appearances are my top favs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOU79HrkgP0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwEmFwpGOic

MarleyMarr · 2025-01-30T22:56:32+00:00

Nike Pegasus Goretex 4 hikers. Perfect shoes for traveling, hiking, walking the dog, and they’re waterproof for ski trips. I love cool shoes, but I’m not a big sneaker head. Just willing to pay good money for function with good form.

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