With the growing trend for on-bike luggage and the explosion of gravel riding and bikepacking, Merlin are delighted to be able to add Apidura to our range here. Available online for immediate shipping, or to view in our Chorley showroom, Apidura have been used by some of the best riders all over the world. Whether it be for a local gravel ride, or a huge trans-continental journey, Apidura have options available for all.
We sit down with Dean Hill from Apidura to find out more about the brand, what they are about, and a dive into their bags.
We believe the best adventures start with the right essentials. Designed with precision and purpose, our products are made to support riders, explorers, and everyday journeys alike. We’re excited to begin this new partnership with Merlin, and hope it will inspire and empower even more people to seek out new adventures. Dean Hill, Apidura
Apidura are an independent, family-run business of cyclists, makers, and problem solvers, united by a shared mission to bring responsible adventure to a community of like-minded cyclists. Our ultralight carry solutions, born from necessity, help us take our love of cycling further and allow riders to unlock their instinct for adventure.
Our business, and how we run it, is the result of our choice to approach the world in a way that aligns with the bikepacking principles of treading lightly, building connections, and taking responsibility and ownership for all aspects of our adventures.
We are in pursuit of constant forward progress towards better adventures, for a growing community of like-minded people who share our belief that a more sustainable and cyclical approach to products and practices is our future.
The Apidura Design Ethos
Our products are Built to Last and are Designed for Repair. Since prolonging a product’s useful lifespan reduces the need to use more resources to produce new products, we’ve put longevity at the heart of our sustainability ethos. Every story of a pack well-used, fixed, worn and refurbished is a sign that a product is living up to our values.
Built to Last
Our materials, processes, and production methods are all designed to reject planned obsolescence and prioritise long-term durability. We build our packs to go the distance – whether it’s a weekend adventure or trip around the world. Every pack is constructed using Welded Waterproof technology, delivering reliable waterproofing, reduced weight, and enhanced structural strength. Built to last, built for adventure.
Designed for Repair
Designing packs that can be repaired means fewer wasted materials and longer adventures. One of the benefits of repairing packs is that we get an insight into the way our packs are used and various ways they get damaged – insight that is fed back into our design and development process. Each pack that comes in tells a story. Stories that our product team read like forensic investigators; an overloaded pack, limited clearance leading to tire rub or crash damage are all diagnosed and repaired.
Supporting the Scene – Races & Events Supported by Apidura
Bikepacking has the potential to be recognised globally as an inclusive and low-impact sport. Apidura aims to play a part in realising these ambitions by actively partnering with bikepacking events that hold sustainable, accessible and safe practices at their heart.
We’re proud to sponsor a number of carefully selected events that allow people around the world to experience bikepacking races without having to cross continents. This has become increasingly important to encourage cyclists to consider worldclass cycling challenges without the need to fly into a different part of the world.
The events we support include:
The TransContinental Bursary
Apidura contributes toward the TCR bursary, which supports new riders with the resources they need to compete. The bursary has helped make it possible for 12 cyclists who otherwise may not have been able to take on this challenge, to make it to the start line. Apidura has been part of the bursary since its inception and will continue to support the work done by the TCR and other like-minded partners working to expand our community.
Our Products
Precision Crafted Technical Equipment
By focusing on function and embracing a precision crafted approach that integrates technology and modern fabrication techniques, Apidura has raised the standard for bikepacking gear. We work closely with suppliers around the world, including the USA, Europe and Asia, to source advanced materials to support our designs. Our packs are precision crafted by our manufacturing partners in China and the Philippines, where we are able to work with highly skilled craftspeople and employ cutting edge technology to stay at the forefront of innovation.
Lightweight, Waterproof & Durable
Bikepacking equipment is your lifeline on the road and in the backcountry. To keep your gear safe and dry, bags need to be waterproof and durable, and to maintain bike handling they need to be lightweight and balanced. We work directly with leading manufacturing partners (or textile mills) to develop our own materials to be completely waterproof and extremely durable without excess bulk and use features like invisible labyrinth air valves to add function without adding weight or complexity.
Function-First Design
We believe in designing to solve specific problems and adding only the features that bring functional benefits and enhance the usability of our products. This is balanced with removing complexity to ensure designs work as well when you’re mid-adventure as they do for the commute or evening ride with friends.
Shop the full range of Apidura bikepacking equipment here at Merlin Cycles
