If you’re planning to disappear into the backcountry for days on end, you’ll want one of the best bikepacking bikes to get you there.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top-performing bikes on the market.
We’ll be cutting through the marketing and focusing on what really matters: a frame geometry that’s tuned for stability and comfort, and components that are optimised for the demands of bikepacking.
We’ll cover the full range of off-road bike types – from fat bikes to full-suspension rigs – with each built for different terrain. Along the way, I’ll break down the key trade-offs so you can zero in on the best setup for your needs.
I’ve used my Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide to compare and select all of these bikes. This guide goes into every detail about bikepacking bikes, before allowing you to compare over 320 current models at the back of the book. Don’t worry about it going out of date, it’s updated yearly for free.
There are so many great bikes in the guide that I wish I could have included here, so you’ll have to grab a copy and check them all out.
And if your riding leans more toward paved roads or smooth gravel, check out my favourite gravel bikes HERE.
Ok, so how did I narrow down the best bikepacking bikes?
My Criteria For Finding the Best Bikepacking Bikes
Frame Geometry
I started by evaluating the frame geometry of each bike in my Buyer’s Guide. My focus was on bikes that provided stable handling and a more upright riding position than typical.
Some might say an upright riding position holds you back, but if speed is your goal, aero bars are the real game-changer. They can increase your average speed by around 10% while taking pressure off your hands and engaging different muscles.
Gear Ratios
Another important feature of a bikepacking bike is low climbing gears. These help you spin up hills more efficiently, especially when you’re loaded down with gear.
I use a measurement called ‘gear inches’ to compare the climbing gears on different bikes. It’s calculated by dividing the front chainring size by the rear cog size, then multiplying by the wheel diameter (you can calculate them on Gear-Calculator).
For off-road bikepacking, I’m looking for anything under 20 gear inches, with 16 to 18 being the sweet spot. Don’t worry, you never have to convert gear inches into anything – the two-digit numbers are just nice to work with.
Tyre Clearance
Wide tyres are another important feature as they provide better traction, absorb rough terrain more effectively, and make for a more comfortable ride. To narrow things down, I’ve only included bikes that can handle 2.4″ or wider tyres.
You might assume wide tyres are slower, but it’s actually the rubber compound and sidewall construction that have the biggest impact on rolling speed. Research shows that on rough gravel (category 3), wider tyres are the fastest choice, and they even hold their own on smoother gravel (category 2) too.
Mounting Points & Weight
Next, I checked that each bike had mounting points for all kinds of gear, so you’ve got maximum flexibility when setting up your rig.
The bikes I’ve chosen are all reasonably light for their intended use.
Some models do tip the scales at up to 16 kg (35 lbs), but that’s hardly a drawback if it means you’re getting a stronger, stiffer frame or features that boost overall capability. Just remember that your bike has to carry not just you, but your gear and food too.
Value For Performance
And lastly, I’ve filtered the options down so you get the most performance for your money. Ok, some of these bikes are on the pricier side, but they also offer features that I think genuinely enhance your bikepacking experience.
If these bikes are out of your budget, consider hunting down older versions – or using what you’ve learned in this video to find a comparable model on the used market.
Right, let’s sink our teeth into the best bikepacking bikes currently available.
The Best Bikepacking Bikes With No Suspension
Ari King’s Peak Comp (US $2699)
Climbing Gear – 19″ – 5% higher than average
Steering Speed – 117mm – 15% slower than average
Stack Average – 618mm – Same as average
Weight – 13.0kg or 28.7lb (approx)
Tyre Clearance – 4.50″
If you’re planning to ride through soft sand or deep snow, fat bikes are hard to beat. Their oversized tyres spread your weight across a larger surface, keeping you from sinking and making backcountry terrain feel manageable.
The Ari King’s Peak stands out to me not just for its lightweight build and competitive pricing, but for how well it’s designed. The slacker-than-usual head tube angle provides added stability and confidence on steep descents, there’s ample seat tube room for a long dropper post, and the low standover height makes dismounting in deep snow much easier.
The frame also includes plenty of mounting options for bottles and gear, including on the top tube and beneath the down tube.
Although it can accommodate massive 5.0″ tyres on 26” wheels, Ari has opted for slightly narrower but larger-diameter 27.5″ wheels (4.5″ wide), which provide better rollover performance on rocky and icy surfaces.
Component-wise, it’s an impressive package for the price, with a Shimano SLX 1X drivetrain and quality parts throughout. Plus, Ari’s 30-day guarantee shows real confidence – you can ride this bike on your local trails, and if it’s not for you, send it back.
Head over to AriBikes.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and ordering information.
Surly Krampus (US $1999)
Climbing Gear – 18″ – Same as average
Steering Speed – 92mm – 5% slower than average
Stack Average – 607mm – Less upright than average
Weight – 13.9kg or 30.6lb
Tyre Clearance – 3.00″
Dropping down in tyre size brings us to bikepacking setups with 3.0” tyres, which are known as ‘plus bikes’. These bikes still provide good flotation on soft terrain but offer reduced rolling resistance on firmer ground.
3.0″ tyres hit the sweet spot for rugged routes like the Baja Divide, where they glide over rough dirt roads and sandy riverbeds. If you’ve been following my bike journey across Africa, you already know I’m a big fan of this tyre width.
For a straightforward yet capable bike in this category, I’d recommend the Surly Krampus.
The frame comes loaded with mounts for virtually any setup – front or rear racks, cargo cages, bottle holders, and dynamo lights. It’s also full fender compatible, and you can even opt for a suspension fork if you’re willing to add a bit of weight and maintenance in exchange for better traction and a smoother ride.
The 40 mm internal rim width is perfect for 3.0″ tyres, but this bike can also accommodate 2.4″ and 2.6″ tyres if you want a more zippy bike.
The only drawback is the relatively low frame stack, though this can be addressed with riser handlebars to help achieve a comfortable hand position.
Want to know more?
Head over to PerformanceBike.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and how to place an order.
Tumbleweed Prospector (US $4875)
Climbing Gear – 16″ – 5% lower than average
Steering Speed – 82mm – Same as average
Stack Average – 632mm – Same as average
Weight – 15kg or 33.1lb (approx)
Tyre Clearance – 3.80″
If my videos have persuaded you that internal gear hubs are a worthwhile investment, the Tumbleweed Prospector is a great bike option.
It’s the priciest bike on this list, but nearly half the cost comes from the Rohloff 14-speed internal gear hub. This robust hub offers more gears and a wider range than a typical 1X drivetrain, all while keeping critical components sealed from the elements. That means minimal maintenance, less cleaning, and fewer gear adjustments. I think it’s ideal for long-haul adventures where durability is key.
What sets the Prospector apart is its versatility with tyre sizes. It can run 3.0” tyres on both 29” and 27.5” wheels, and even accommodates 27.5 x 3.8” tyres – pushing it into fat bike territory. This flexibility lets you customise your setup based on terrain.
Like the Surly Karate Monkey, it’s suspension fork compatible, and it has mounts for racks, cargo cages, and fenders. But unlike the Karate Monkey, the Prospector offers a taller stack, making it easier to achieve an upright riding position.
The main drawback is the price. But don’t worry, I’ve also got a gearbox-equipped option that’s easier on the wallet.
Want to know more?
Head over to Tumbleweed.cc to find additional specs, geometry charts, and ordering information.
Priority Bruzer (US $2499)
Climbing Gear – 18″ – Same as average
Steering Speed – 109mm – Same as average
Stack Average – 618mm – Lower than average
Weight – 15.9kg or 35.0lb
Tyre Clearance – 2.80″
The Priority Bruzer is an off-road bikepacking rig built around a 12-speed Pinion gearbox. These fully sealed gearboxes are renowned for their durability and are often seen as the main alternative to the Rohloff hub.
Pinion gearboxes offer some key advantages over Rohloff hubs, including a broader gear range, longer service intervals between oil changes, and a whisper-quiet operation. However, they also come with trade-offs: larger jumps between gears, added weight, and slightly reduced efficiency. If you’d like to know more, I have a video that compares them head-to-head.
Instead of a traditional chain, the Bruzer uses a belt drive, which essentially eliminates the need for cleaning or lubrication. In the right conditions, belt sprockets can last over 30,000 km – that’s 3 to 4 times the lifespan of a typical chain drivetrain.
The Bruzer frame features a stable mountain bike geometry and fits up to 2.8″ wide tyres. As you’d expect from a capable bikepacking bike, it includes all the mounting points needed for racks, cages, and accessories.
And at $2,499, the Bruzer offers incredible value, especially when you consider that Pinion gearboxes alone retail for nearly $2,000.
Want to know more?
Head over to PriorityBicycles.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and how to place an order.
Scott Scale Gravel 20 (€1699)
Climbing Gear – 20″ – 5% higher than average
Steering Speed – 102mm – 10% slower than average
Stack Average – 613mm – Same as average
Weight – 11.3kg or 24.9lb
Tyre Clearance – 2.40″
If all these steel frames and gearbox drivetrains have you thinking, “That’s way too heavy for me,” then the Scott Scale might be just what you’re looking for. It’s nearly 5 kg (11 lbs) lighter than the Priority Bruzer!
Designed with weight savings in mind, the Scale features an aluminium frame (1850 grams), a carbon fork (600 grams), and a lightweight wheelset. It accommodates 2.4″ wide tyres, which suit fast gravel roads while handling flowy singletrack with ease.
At under €1700, the Scale offers impressive value. The only real drawback is the headset cable routing for the rear derailleur, which can increase cable friction and slightly affect shifting performance.
Want to know more?
Head over to Scott-Sports.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and dealer locations.
Salsa Cutthroat GRX (US $3699)
Climbing Gear – 20″ – 10% lower than average
Steering Speed – 87mm – 5% slower than average
Stack Average – 621mm – More upright than average
Weight – 11.0kg or 24.2lb (approx)
Tyre Clearance – 2.40″
There’s a reason the Salsa Cutthroat is so popular with riders completing the 4,440km Tour Divide ultra race – it’s light, and the upright riding position and wide tyre clearance make it comfortable over long distances.
Unlike many drop bar bikes, the Cutthroat’s tall front end makes it easier to stay in the drops, which unlocks more hand and body positions for long days on the bike. I like that the long seat tube yields larger volume frame bags than most bikes, and the direct-mount system protects your paint while giving your bike a clean, streamlined look.
The Cutthroat is also one of the few drop bar bikes that can ride up the same gradients as mountain bikes. The 20″ climbing gear will be low enough for most situations, but it’s easy to swap in a 32 or 34-tooth chain ring if you need more climbing prowess.
Want to know more?
Head over to CompetitiveCyclist.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and how to place an order.
Kona Sutra LTD (US $2299)
Climbing Gear – 19″ – 15% lower than average
Steering Speed – 79mm – Same as average
Stack Average – 606mm – Same as average
Weight – 13.5kg or 29.8lb
Tyre Clearance – 2.40″
Another solid drop-bar bike for tackling steep climbs is the Kona Sutra LTD. It’s a bit heavier than the Cutthroat, but it trades weight for increased durability and better downhill capability.
That extra capability comes from a few smart design choices: a larger front rotor for added braking power, a low frame standover and long dropper post to keep your centre of mass low, and wide handlebars with a short stem to provide the best steering on a loaded bike. A nice detail is the left GRX shifter, which is cleverly wired to control the dropper post.
The Sutra also offers good tyre clearance and is fully outfitted with mounts for bottles, bags, and all your gear.
Want to know more?
Head over to KonaWorld.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and dealer locations.
The Best Bikepacking Bikes With Suspension
Cube Reaction C:62 Pro (€1999)
Climbing Gear – 18″ – 5% lower than average
Steering Speed – 94mm – Same as average
Stack Average – 628mm – More upright than average
Weight – 10.8kg or 33.8lb
Tyre Clearance – 2.40″
If you’re after a bike that’s as light and fast on dirt roads as the Cutthroat, but offers greater trail capability, the Cube Reaction is a top choice. This sub-11kg carbon hardtail comes fitted with a 100mm suspension fork that can be locked out via a lever at the bars.
Beyond just improving comfort, a suspension fork boosts traction and control, giving it a clear advantage over rigid setups. The trade-off, however, is maintenance – RockShox recommends servicing the lower legs every 50 hours and performing a full overhaul every 200 hours.
What makes the Reaction especially appealing for bikepacking is its taller stack height, offering a more upright and comfortable riding position compared to most race-oriented hardtails. It also features a lower climbing gear than the previous few bikes, making it more capable when the road pitches up.
That said, if you’re aiming to tackle more technical trails or prioritise descending performance, a slacker bike with more suspension travel will be a better fit.
Want to know more?
Head over to Cube.eu to find additional specs, geometry charts, and dealer locations.
Salsa Timberjack SLX (US $1899)
Climbing Gear – 18″ – 5% lower than average
Steering Speed – 117mm – 20% slower than average
Stack Average – 609mm – Same as average
Weight – 14.9kg or 32.9lb
Tyre Clearance – 2.60″
The Salsa Timberjack is significantly longer and slacker than the Cube Reaction, with a frame that pushes the front wheel 74mm (3″) farther forward. This geometry enhances high-speed stability and makes it much less likely you’ll pitch over the handlebars.
The Timberjack features longer suspension travel, a shorter stem, wider handlebars, more powerful brakes, and a long dropper post – all of which contribute to excellent control and confidence on rough trails. The trade-off compared to the Cube is the extra 4 kilograms you’ll be lugging around.
For under $2000, the Timberjack offers unbelievable value with a reliable Shimano SLX drivetrain and powerful MT420 four-piston brakes that, in my experience, perform nearly on par with Shimano XT four-pistons.
Want to know more?
Head over to AngryCatfishBicycle.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and how to place an order.
Priority 600HXT (US $3999)
Climbing Gear – 17″ – Same as average
Steering Speed – 127mm – 25% slower than average
Stack Average – 607mm – Less upright than average
Weight – 15.4kg or 34.0lb
Tyre Clearance – 2.60″
The Priority 600HXT shares a similar frame geometry and suspension travel with the Timberjack, making it equally capable on technical trails.
The Pinion gearbox has a key advantage over a derailleur on a mountain bike – there’s no exposed mechanism to get damaged by rocks, branches, or crashes. And best of all, the gears will never skip or be misaligned.
The 600HXT features an upgraded version of the Pinion gearbox compared to the Bruzer. It uses an electronic trigger shifter that delivers lightning-fast gear changes in just 0.2 seconds. More importantly, this gearbox can shift smoothly under heavier pedal loads by precisely timing shifts to occur at the top of your pedal stroke.
The rest of the build is equally well thought-out. Powerful TRP four-piston brakes offer excellent stopping power, and the WTB wheels and dropper post round out a bike that can hit the trails straight out of the box.
Want to know more?
Head over to PriorityBicycles.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and how to place an order.
Canyon Lux Trail CF 6 (€3349)
Climbing Gear – 19″ – 5% higher than average
Steering Speed – 108mm – Same as average
Stack Average – 603mm – Same as average
Weight – 13.1kg or 28.9lb
Tyre Clearance – 2.40″
For rough terrain and all-around mountain bike fun, a full suspension bike is hard to beat.
These bikes let you handle highly technical terrain while still using light, fast-rolling tyres. This makes them the ideal setup for blending gravel road efficiency with trail versatility. Personally, I also find them the most enjoyable option for singletrack.
One model that stands out this year is the Canyon Lux Trail CF 6. It offers 120mm of front travel and 115mm in the rear, with a convenient three-position lockout switch on the handlebar to firm up the suspension on the fly.
There’s enough room in the frame for a custom frame pack or two water bottles, and it comes equipped with a precise-shifting Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain and a long dropper post.
Want to know more?
Head over to Canyon.com to find additional specs, geometry charts, and ordering information.
Summary
There we have it, that’s the best bikepacking bikes for 2025.
But remember that for every bike here, multiple bikes from my Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide came close! To learn more and compare over 320 different bikes from different regions, make sure to get a copy.
