Whether it’s a weekend overnighter or a weeks-long sabbatical, there are few things more freeing than going on a bikepacking trip. Ask any seasoned bikepacker; there’s something uniquely liberating about having everything you need to live on your bike. 

You could load some panniers on your gravel/road rig or attach a seatpost bag to your mountain bike. But certain bikes are just made for bikepacking. Here, we explore what qualities define the best bikepacking bikes and which models make the cut.

What Defines a True Bikepacking Bike?

When choosing the perfect steed for your off-road adventures, not all bikes are created equal. Here are some key qualities that set the best bikepacking bikes apart:

Ample Tire Clearance

The ability to run wider tires is essential for off-road bikepacking, especially if you opt for a gravel bike setup. Look for bikes that accommodate at least 40-50mm wide tires, perhaps wider if you anticipate more technical, unforgiving terrain.

No doubt, you can certainly run leaner tires if your route allows it. But wider is always a safer bet when encountering chunky seasonal roads, sandy sections, and desolate two-tracks. 

Sufficient Mounting Points

A well-designed bikepacking rig should offer plenty of real estate for your gear. Bikepacking-friendly frames feature multiple mounting points on the fork legs, under the downtube, along the top tube, and seat stays.

These attachment points aren't just convenient – they're essential for distributing weight evenly and maintaining stability on technical terrain. Pack mounts on the fork and multiple bottle cage mounts on the frame allow you to carry extra water or attach cargo cages for additional storage options.

Ample Gearing

When you're loaded with gear and anticipating climbs, having the proper gear range can make or break your adventure. For 1x setups, a 32t or 34t chainring paired with a 10-52t cassette (or similar) provides an ideal range for most terrain.

If you prefer a 2x system, a 46/30t crankset matched with an 11-34t cassette offers similar low-end capability while maintaining closer gear spacing. The key is ensuring your lowest gear combination yields around a 20-inch gear – you'll thank yourself when tackling steep grades with all your gear.

Reliable Components

When you're deep in the backcountry, component reliability becomes paramount. Next to having good tires, a quality drivetrain is your first line of defense against mechanical issues. SRAM and Shimano are reputable options that ensure smooth shifting and dependable operation even under challenging conditions.

Serviceability should also be a top priority when selecting components. A mechanical disc brake system can be more serviceable than hydraulics when you're miles from civilization. Sealed cartridge bearings, tubeless-ready wheels, and serviceable bottom brackets are worth their weight when reliability matters most.

Contact Points

As the miles accumulate, your cockpit’s contact points become increasingly important, and handlebar options can significantly impact comfort. Flared drop bars, typically with 15-25 degrees of flare, provide stability and multiple hand positions while maintaining compatibility with road shifters. For technical terrain or hybrid setups, wider 44-48cm bars offer greater control and versatility. 

Some riders even opt for specialized bars like the Jones H-Bar or Surly Corner Bar, which combine multiple hand positions with generous real estate for accessories. For longer distances, the ability to add aero bars is also something worth considering.

Relaxed Geometry

Unless you’re accustomed to a specific position, it’s generally best to prioritize bike geometry stability and all-day comfort over aggressive racing positions. A relaxed geometry enables a more upright riding position that opens your hip angle and alleviates lower back strain. For longer bikepacking trips, this riding setup may be crucial for comfortably sustained riding.

After all, unless you're racing Badlands or Tour Divide, bikepacking is seldom about speed. It’s about minimizing mechanicals and flats while maximizing comfort and enjoyment.

What are the Best Bikes for Bikepacking?

We get that calling something “the best” is subject to opinion. But certain features are undeniably ideal for multi-day off-road adventures. Below, we highlight some of the best bikepacking rigs at different price points and riding styles. 

Kona Libre

Adventure-Ready at an Entry-Level Price

The Kona Libre stands out as a versatile bikepacking companion that refuses to be pigeonholed into a single category. Available in both carbon (Libre DL) and aluminum (Libre AL) variants, this bike masterfully balances speed and utility. The Libre AL is an attractively priced gravel bike for under $2,000.

What truly sets the Libre apart for bikepacking is its impressive array of mounting points. The frame features three bottle mounts within the triangle, one under the downtube, two pairs on the fork, and a bento box mount on the top tube. Both front and rear rack eyelets are included, making it ready for any adventure setup.

The bike's tire clearance accommodates up to 700c x 50mm or 650b x 2.1". Libre's frame geometry strikes an ideal balance between stability and agility, with a 71-degree head tube angle and 440mm chainstays that provide confident handling when loaded.

Learn more about the Kona Libre.

Surly Grappler

A Bike Made for Bikepacking on Mars

The Surly Grappler embodies everything we've come to expect from the Minneapolis-based brand—bombproof construction, thoughtful design, and that signature "go anywhere, do anything" attitude.

Built from Surly's proprietary Chromoly steel tubing, the Grappler brings a level of durability and compliance that makes those long days in the saddle feel considerably less punishing. The frame's generous tire clearance accepts up to 29 x 2.8" or 27.5 x 3.0" rubber, letting you tackle everything from smooth gravel to chunky doubletrack with confidence.

Surly's signature Gnot-Boost rear spacing (142/148mm) provides compatibility with various hub standards, while the abundance of mounting points - including triple bottle mounts, rack and fender mounts, and their signature "Anything Cage" mounts on the fork - ensures you can carry enough gear for extended trips into the wilderness.

Built for bikepacking, the Grappler's geometry leans toward the progressive side, with a slack 69-degree head tube angle and a low bottom bracket that creates a planted feel when loaded with bags. The SRAM Apex 1x12 drivetrain offers reliable shifting and plenty of range for climbing steep terrain, while the mechanical disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in all conditions. 

Get up close and personal with the Surly Grappler.

Bombtrack Hook EXT

An Iconically Capable Bike for Bikepacking Legends

The Bombtrack Hook EXT has earned its stripes in the most demanding bikepacking races on the planet, most notably as the weapon of choice for ultra-distance legend Sofiane Sehili. When a bike can handle the punishing terrain of the world's toughest races while carrying enough supplies for multi-day self-supported adventures, you know it's something special.

Built around a Columbus Cromor steel frame, the Hook EXT delivers that perfect balance of durability and ride quality that makes steel the preferred material for many bikepackers. The frame geometry is optimized for long-distance comfort with a relatively tall stack height and moderate reach, while still maintaining responsive handling when navigating technical terrain.

The bike's generous tire clearance accommodates up to 27.5 x 2.1" or 700c x 45mm rubber, giving riders the flexibility to adapt to various terrain conditions. The Hook EXT comes equipped with a SRAM Rival 1x11 drivetrain, offering reliable shifting and a wide gear range that's essential for loaded climbing.

The frame features three bottle cage mounts within the main triangle, additional mounts on the fork legs, and both front and rear rack compatibility. Thoughtful details like the internal dynamo wire routing and the ability to run either flat-mount or post-mount brake calipers showcase Bombtrack's attention to the specific needs of bikepackers. 

Take the Bombtrack Hook EXT for an adventure.

Kona Ouroboros

A Carbon Bikepacking Rig You Can Count On

The Kona Ouroboros showcases a thoughtfully designed carbon frame that bridges the gap between traditional gravel and adventure riding. With its unique carbon construction and gravel-specific geometry featuring a 69.5-degree head tube angle, this bike maintains stability while remaining agile enough for varied terrain.

The CR/DL shown here comes equipped with a rigid Kona Ouroboros carbon fork with a 420mm axle-to-crown measurement, featuring internal brake and dynamo routing. The bike's versatility shines through its impressive tire clearance, accommodating up to 29 x 2.5" tires with the suspension fork setup.

For drivetrain duties, it sports a SRAM Rival eTAP AXS 2x12 system with a wide-range 43/30 crankset paired to a 10-36t cassette, providing ample gearing for loaded climbing. The frame's utility is enhanced by its extensive mounting options, including three-pack bosses on the fork and multiple attachment points throughout the frame for bags and accessories. 

While it maintains a more traditional gravel bike approach compared to its suspension-equipped siblings in the Ouroboros lineup, this variant excels at classic gravel adventures while retaining the capability to tackle more challenging terrain.

Say hello to the Kona Ouroboros.

Salsa Cutthroat

The "Tour Divide-inspired" Bikepacking Bike

Drawing inspiration from mountain bike geometry while maintaining the efficiency of drop bars, the Salsa Cutthroat is a unique machine that has earned its reputation as the popular Tour Divide bike.

The Cutthroat's carbon frame features Salsa's innovative Class 5 Vibration Reduction System, which helps dampen trail chatter without sacrificing power transfer. The frame geometry borrows from Salsa's mountain bike expertise, with a slack head tube angle and extended reach that provides stability at speed while maintaining maneuverability on technical terrain. 

Tire clearance is generous, accommodating up to 29 x 2.4" tires. The Cutthroat's blend of speed, comfort, and carrying capacity makes it an iconic bikepacking bike, whether you’re tackling multi-day races or embarking on remote wilderness adventures.

What truly sets the Cutthroat apart is its exceptional cargo-carrying capability. The frame and fork feature numerous mounting points, including triple-pack mounts on the fork legs, multiple bottle cage mounts within the main triangle, and additional mounting points on the top tube and downtube. 

We highly recommend this Cutthroat Carbon AXS GX build.

Bombtrack Cale

A Hardtail MTB-ish Specially Designed for Bikepacking

The Bombtrack Cale takes a refreshingly different approach to bikepacking, embracing the benefits of flat bars and mountain bike DNA while maintaining the efficiency needed for long-distance touring. Built around a chromoly steel frame, the Cale delivers that characteristic steel ride quality that smooths out rough terrain and promises years of reliable service.

The Cale truly shines in its remarkable versatility. The frame accommodates 29" wheels with tires up to 2.4" wide or 27.5+ rubber up to 2.8", allowing riders to optimize their setup based on terrain and riding style. The geometry strikes an ideal balance between stability and agility, with a modern 67.5-degree head tube angle that inspires confidence on technical descents while maintaining composure when loaded with gear.

The frame features a wealth of mounting points that would make any bikepacker smile - three bottle cage mounts within the main triangle, additional mounts on the fork legs, and both rack and fender compatibility. The sliding dropouts add another layer of versatility, allowing for single-speed conversion or fine-tuning of the wheelbase length. 

While the Cale may look like a mountain bike at first glance, thoughtful touches like the extended head tube and carefully considered frame angles reveal its true nature as a purpose-built bikepacking rig that's equally at home on remote singletrack or endless gravel roads. See why bikepacking racers like Adrien Liechti take Cale everywhere they go.

Check out the Bombtrack Cale.

Salsa Timberjack

The Jack of all Trades for Bikepackers

The Salsa Timberjack represents a masterful blend of trail-riding capability and bikepacking versatility. Built around an aluminum frame, this hardtail MTB is equally suited for rowdy day rides or loaded multi-day expeditions. 

The frame geometry strikes an ideal balance with a 66.4-degree head tube angle and 75.1-degree seat tube angle, providing stability on technical descents while maintaining climbing efficiency. One of the Timberjack's standout features is its clever Alternator 2.0 dropout system, allowing for 17mm of chainstay length adjustment between 420mm and 437mm to fine-tune the bike's handling characteristics. 

For bikepacking enthusiasts, the Timberjack comes equipped with a wealth of mounting points, including three water bottle mounts, top tube bento box mounts, and rack compatibility. The bike is available in multiple build configurations, from budget-friendly options to higher-end specs featuring Shimano or SRAM groupsets.

Whether equipped with the 130mm RockShox fork or built as a rigid adventure rig, the Timberjack has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile hardtails on the market. It is capable of handling everything from technical singletrack to remote backcountry exploration.

We strongly suggest this Salsa Timberjack XT for your bikepacking rig.

Santa Cruz Tallboy

Go Anywhere Full-Suspension Bikepacking Bike

Built around Santa Cruz's renowned carbon frame (available in both CC and C variants) or aluminum options, the Tallboy features 120mm of rear travel paired with a 130mm fork, striking an ideal balance between efficiency and capability.

The Tallboy's VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension design remains remarkably active under load, a crucial feature when adding bikepacking gear. The bike's progressive geometry includes a 65.5-degree head tube angle and 76.6-degree seat tube angle, creating a stable platform that maintains its composure even when weighted down with bags. 

While the Tallboy wasn't specifically designed as a bikepacking rig, its frame design includes strategic mounting points for frame bags and accessories. The lower-link VPP design creates a generous main triangle that accommodates a full-size frame bag, while the water bottle mounts remain accessible even with bags installed.

For riders who want to tackle technical backcountry routes without sacrificing the fun factor of a capable trail bike, the Tallboy offers a compelling solution that doesn't compromise on either front.

Don't sleep on the Santa Cruz Tallboy Carbon.

Specialized Epic 8

An XC Race Bike That Doubles as Your Bikepacking MTB

The Specialized Epic represents a fascinating crossover between XC racing pedigree and bikepacking capability. Built around a FACT carbon frame with 120mm of travel front and rear, the Epic delivers a remarkably efficient platform that excels in alpine terrain and technical trails alike.

The frame geometry strikes an aggressive yet controlled stance with a 66.4-degree head tube angle, 75.5-degree seat tube angle, and ample reach of 475mm on a large frame. A flip-chip in the lower shock mount allows riders to fine-tune the geometry, dropping the bottom bracket by 5mm and slackening the angles by half a degree when set to the low position.

For bikepacking duties, the Epic offers impressive versatility with two bottle cage mounts within the main triangle and a frame design that accommodates full-size bags. The bike's suspension platform remains remarkably active under load, a crucial feature when adding bikepacking gear.

While the Epic may not be the most obvious choice for remote expeditions, it excels at fast-and-light adventures where speed and efficiency are paramount. The combination of confident handling on technical descents and unmatched climbing efficiency makes it well-suited for ultra-endurance events where minimal weight and maximum performance are essential.

Go hard with this Specialized Epic 8 Pro build.

Last Word

The best bikes for bikepacking are designed to handle the rigors of varied terrain while keeping you comfortable and your gear secure. From steel touring machines like the Bombtrack Cale to versatile carbon gravel bikes like the Kona Libre, each bike offers unique advantages for different styles of adventure. The growing diversity of available options means there's never been a better time to find your perfect companion for off-road exploration.