Top 5 best mountain bikes for bikepacking in 2024

What is the best mountain bike for bikepacking? With sturdy components, wide grippy tires and stable geometry, mountain bikes are ideal for bikepacking. With this handy guide that details the top 5 best mountain bikes for bikepacking, we will help you further refine the selection process so that you can more quickly get started on your bikepacking adventures.  

Why a mountain bike for bikepacking?

Looking for the most versatile bikepacking option?

If you are in search of exploring the great outdoors by bike, a mountain bike is the most versatile bike to handle any bikepacking trips. Not only is it built for the extra weight but it also expands your possible terrain. Want to head off the beaten path to catch the sunset on a trailhead overlooking a cliff? Or take a shortcut through the woods to get to your campsite before sundown? Go right ahead! Now all that is left is to decide which type of mountain bike best suits your needs.  

Our top 5 best mountain bikes for bikepacking

We have selected 3 hardtail MTBs, 1 full suspension, and 1 rigid mountain bike:

1. Surly Karate Monkey
2. Curve GMX+ Titanium
3. Niner S.I.R 9
4. Specialized Stumpjumper
5. Kona Unit X

Difference between rigid, hardtail and full-suspension MTBs? 

The three categories that all mountain bikes fall into are rigid, hardtail and full-suspension.

Rigid mountain bike for bikepacking

A rigid bike is the simplest of them all. As there is no suspension, it is ideal for smooth terrain like paved roads to smooth fire roads. It can also work on slightly bumpy terrain if equipped with wider tires and/or with lowered air pressure. These adjustments also provide you with more traction which can come in handy during wet weather or if you tackle any technical terrain.  

Hardtail mountain bike for bikepacking

A hardtail (front suspension) is great for terrain that is a mix of smooth to rough – think fire roads to bumpy singletrack. On the paved sections, you can usually lock out the suspension fork so it behaves like a rigid bike so all your pedaling power is focused on forward momentum. Do note that if you go with a hardtail but want a cushier ride, you can always opt for wider tires with slightly lowered air pressure.

Full-suspension mountain bike for bikepacking 

If you are planning a mainly offroad adventure that is sure to be rocky or technical, then you will be happier with a full-suspension mountain bike. It will smooth out all jarring terrain as it has suspension in both front and rear of the mountain bike. Many full-suspension mountain bikes come with “lockout buttons” to disengage the suspension. This can help save your energy when climbing and for any paved roads or smooth fire roads you may encounter.  

Look for these mountain bike bikepacking features

Mountain bike for bikepacking features overview 

We also have a more generic guide on how to choose a bike for bikepacking. But here, we want to have a look at what makes a mountain bike a good bike for bikepacking or bike touring.

Our top 3 best hardtail mountain bikes for bikepacking 

1. Surly Karate Monkey
2. Curve GMX+ Titanium
3. Niner S.I.R 9

The steel frame option: Surly Karate Monkey  

Its durable steel frame is equipped with plenty of mounting points for carriers, fenders and bottles. You can also carry cargo in its sizeable front triangle. While its handling feels playful, its perfectly balanced geometry ensures for long-distance comfort. With dropper post compatibility, you can easily hit the downhills fully prepared. 

Equipped with Shimano Deore XT 12-speed drivetrain sporting 30T / 11-51T, you have gearing for both steep climbing and fast descending. In the price range of $1849-2599, it is a great deal considering the plethora of technology, durability and capability that is built into this machine.

The titanium hardtail mountain bike for bikepacking: Curve GMX+ Titanium

It is considered to be the best hardtail mountain bike for backpacking for many due to its ultra-wide drop bars and tire clearance. It is built to handle superbly when completely weighed down with gear. With numerous mounting points for carrying all your gear, including two water bottles on the outside down tube, you are well prepared for extended trips. Made of Titanium, it has built-in damping qualities for a smooth ride. 

Offers extended sizing from XXS to XL. They also do fully custom builds for those seeking that ultimate ride. At almost $5000, it is on the expensive side. But what you get for your money is well worth it as this durable bike will capably serve you for many years to come!  

Niner S.I.R. 9 MTB for bikepacking 

The Niner S.I.R. 9 is a versatile hardtail mountain bike. Made of steel, its frame features a longer wheelbase for added stability when packed with camping gear. You will find plenty of mounting points for racks, fenders, bags, water bottles and even a top-tube bento box mount. The rear rack mounts are strong enough to hold 55 lbs of luggage. All its luggage capabilities helps it to be viewed as the best mountain bike for bikepacking in its class. It can also accommodate both 29-inch and 27.5+ wheels for added versatility. At $2500-5000, you can find a setup that both works for your needs as well as your budget.

Best full-suspension mountain bike for bikepacking

Specialized Stumpjumper full- suspension MTB for bikepacking  

This is a legendary lightweight trail bike known for its versatility, performance and reliability. This is why it is repeatedly named as the best full-suspension mountain bike for backpacking! Available in both aluminium and carbon frame options, the Stumpjumper climbs easily and descends superbly while fully loaded. Front and rear suspension can be locked out for smooth climbing or riding on pavement.  

With SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain sporting 30T / 11-50T you have gearing for both steep climbing and fast descending. SRAM rotors of sizes 200 (front) and 180 (rear) ensure for ample stopping power, even when the bike is fully weighed down. Ranging from $2500-10000, you are sure to find a Stumpjumper model that works best for your needs and budget.  

Best rigid mountain bike for bikepacking

Kona Unit X rigid MTB for bikepacking  

A cult favorite among die-hard Kona fans, this budget-friendly no-nonsense rigid mountain bike is designed for reliability. While it may not have suspension, it continuously makes the lists of best mountain bike for bikepacking as it features a steel frame with sliding dropouts for optionally converting to a single-speed setup. With a single-speed setup, you eliminate many issues that can arise when bikepacking for multiple days. 

The Kona Unit X has ample clearance for wide tires and plenty of mounting points for racks and bags. With Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain sporting 32T / 10-51T you can climb just about anything that comes your way, and still have a gear range to hit those descents hard.  

Consider a rigid steel fat bike for bikepacking

With its distinctively oversized wheels, fat bikes are a very special breed of bikes. What makes them particularly excellent for bikepacking is that they can handle snow, sand, ice and other terrains where a wider tire offers better traction. 

Let the bikepacking adventures begin!

Now that you have reviewed the top 5 list of best mountain bike for bikepacking and determined which type best suits your needs, you are ready to go shopping. Get started by visiting buycycle.com for a wide selection of excellent mountain bikes for bikepacking where you are sure to find your match! 

If the mountain bike has not convinced you for bikepacking, check out our article about touring bikes or our selection of best gravel bikes for bikepacking in 2024.