What is the best mountain bike for bikepacking? With sturdy components, wide grippy tires, and stable geometry, mountain bikes are ideal for bikepacking. This handy guide details the top 5 best mountain bikes for bikepacking, helping you 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 searching to explore 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 suspension, and 1 rigid mountain bike:
- Surly Karate Monkey
- Curve GMX+ Titanium
- Niner S.I.R 9
- Specialized Stumpjumper
- Kona Unit X
What is the difference between rigid, hardtail and full-suspension MTBs?
The three categories that all mountain bikes fall into three categories:
Rigid mountain bike for bikepacking
A rigid bike is the simplest of all. As there is no suspension, it is ideal for smooth terrain, from paved roads to fire roads. It can also work on slightly bumpy terrain if equipped with wider tires and/or lowered air pressure. These adjustments also provide 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 mixes smooth to rough – think fire roads to bumpy singletrack. You can lock out the suspension fork on the paved sections to behave like a rigid bike, and 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, you will be happier with a full-suspension mountain bike. It will smooth out all jarring terrain as it has suspension in both the front and rear of the mountain bike. Many full-suspension mountain bikes have “lockout buttons” to disengage the suspension. This can help save 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 choosing a bike for bikepacking. But here, we want to examine what makes a mountain bike a good bike for bikepacking or bike touring.
Our top 3 best hardtail mountain bikes for bikepacking
- Surly Karate Monkey
- Curve GMX+ Titanium
- Niner S.I.R 9
The steel frame option: Surly Karate Monkey
Its durable steel frame has plenty of mounting points for carriers, fenders, and bottles. The sizeable front triangle also allows you to carry cargo. While its handling feels playful, its perfectly balanced geometry ensures long-distance comfort. With dropper post compatibility, you can easily hit the downhills fully prepared.
Equipped with a Shimano Deore XT 12-speed drivetrain sporting 30T / 11-51T, this machine has gearing for both steep climbing and fast descending. At $1849-2599, it is a great deal considering the plethora of technology, durability, and capability built into it.
The titanium hardtail mountain bike for bikepacking: Curve GMX+ Titanium
It is considered the best hardtail mountain bike for bikepacking for many due to its ultra-wide drop bars and tire clearance. It is built to handle superbly when altogether 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.
It offers extended sizing from XXS to XL and fully custom builds for those seeking the 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 a top-tube bento box mount. The rear rack mounts are strong enough to hold 55 lbs of luggage. All its luggage capabilities help 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 works for both your needs and your budget.
Best full-suspension mountain bike for bikepacking
Specialized Stumpjumper full-suspension MTB for bikepacking
This legendary lightweight trail bike is known for its versatility, performance and reliability. This is why it is repeatedly named the best full-suspension mountain bike for bikepacking! Available in aluminium and carbon frame options, the Stumpjumper climbs quickly and descends superbly while fully loaded. The front and rear suspension can be locked out for smooth climbing or riding on pavement.
With an 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 ample stopping power, even when the bike is fully weighed down. Ranging from $2500-10000, you will 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 bikes for bikepacking as it features a steel frame with sliding dropouts that can optionally be converted 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 a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain sporting 32T / 10-51T, you can climb just about anything and still have a gear range to hit those descents hard.
Consider a rigid steel fat bike for bikepacking
With their distinctively oversized wheels, fat bikes are a very special breed of bike. 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 bikes 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; you are sure to find your match!
If the mountain bike has not convinced you, check out touring bikes or our selection of the best gravel bikes for bikepacking in 2025.
And if you want to sell your mountain bike on buycycle, that's possible too! Sell your mountain bike easily online, starting now.
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