Editor's note: All listed prices were accurate at time of publishing but may change at any time. Pricing indicated in this guide is not a guarantee.
Can we just say it? Bikepacking is awesome. Do it once, and the free-wheeling experience will have you hooked. While similar to backpacking in combining camping with trekking, bikepacking lets you cover more ground in less time, all while pedaling across lush, scenic landscapes. And with your belongings strapped to your bike rather than your back, the journey can feel easier and breezier.
Bikepacking-specific gear, like panniers, handlebar bags, bike trailers and frame bags make it a cinch to get going, whether you want to escape on an overnight trip or a multi-day adventure. The barrier to entry is pretty low, too. If you can ride a bike, you can go bikepacking. (And if you’re not confident in your biking skills, check out this article and register for one of our courses at an REI store near you.)
To help get you started, we checked in with the talented product merchandisers and specialists at REI to comprise three different bikepacking kits. Whether you're looking for a mid-level bike with panniers, a more high-end two-wheeler with a trailer or an electric cargo bike that will haul your gear and give you a boost, we’ve got you covered.
Get the essentials: The bikepacking kits below include specific product recommendations for your bike set up, but you'll also need gear to camp along the way. Here’s a handy dandy bikepacking checklist so you know what to pack, no matter your set up. Let’s go!
Jump Ahead:
Bikepacking Kit with Panniers (less than $2,000, including bike; less than $600 without bike)
Bikepacking Kit with a Bike Trailer (less than $4,000, including bike; less than $1,000 without bike)
Bikepacking Kit with an Electric Cargo Bike (about $6,000, including bike)
Build a Kit With Panniers
Getting started with a bike and pannier bags is the most straightforward route to bikepacking success. Pair a sturdy, reliable bike with weather-resistant panniers to carry your gear and start pedaling. Make sure your ride has a rear bike rack or purchase one to attach to your bike.
Pack your essentials efficiently, distributing the weight of your shelter, sleep system, portable stove and toiletries evenly between the panniers. On your first go, make sure your route matches your fitness level. Start with shorter adventures to get used to the added weight and balance.
The Cannondale Topstone 3 Bike is a durable and dependable choice for both new and seasoned bikepackers. It was designed with gravel riding in mind, making this a great pick for entry-level rail trails, which typically have a crushed gravel surface. The fork, which holds the front wheel in place, is made of carbon. This allows for better shock absorption and a more comfortable ride. You may also want lightly-padded cycling gloves to comfort palms and wrists.
The nine-speed bike is a reliable and smooth ride, which is crucial for long-distance treks where conditions and elevation can change over the course of the adventure. The gears are well-suited for both steep climbs and fast descents. The lightweight Cannondale Topstone 3 also allows you to opt for wider tires, which is a plus for stability and comfort on uneven terrain.
Multiple mounts for water bottles, racks and bags allow for ample storage of all your bikepacking gear, including your tent, sleeping bag, multi-tool and portable stove. This set-up is especially ideal if you’re a first timer. No worries, we know it can be way too easy to ride off with more gear than you need. At $1,400, the Topstone 3 is one of the more affordable options for this level of quality; if your budget is tighter, try the Topstone 4, which comes in at $1,175. Carbon-frame versions of the model, which are significantly lighter and a bit faster, start at $2,825.
Pro tip: You’ll need to purchase your pedals separately. Intermediate and advanced cyclists may prefer a clipless system, while beginners will want to stick with flat pedals.
Buy the Cannondale Topstone 3 Bike, here. $1,400
REI Co-op Beyonder Saddlebag Panniers
Saddlebag-style bike panniers—which hang on either side of a mounted bike rack—are an easy way to carry your gear on a bikepacking adventure, or even when pedaling around town. The co-op makes well-designed products for bikepacking, including panniers, handlebar bags and frame bags, which attach to your bike and maximize space on your bicycle.
The Beyonder Saddlebag Panniers, an REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Award winner in 2023, are a durable and reliable choice when you’re just getting started with bikepacking. These weather-resistant bags have roll-top closures so you can easily access your gear while keeping out grit and gravel. These panniers attach to your bike rack and offer a combined gear capacity of 25 liters, which can safely hold up to 40 pounds of gear.
Pockets on the inside and outside of the panniers let you conveniently stow small items, like your phone, snacks, keys, bike repair tools and first aid supplies. A hook-and-loop fastener system makes the panniers a cinch for anyone to mount and remove.
Buy here. $99.95
Since unexpected problems tend to occur when you’re miles from a bike shop, having the right tools is key. Seriously. A multi-tool, which features—as the name suggests—multiple tools, is an absolute must for bikepacking adventures. The Crankbrothers M-10 Multi-Tool has 10 functional and essential tools, including different size hex keys and screwdrivers. A multi-tool provides peace of mind that you’re prepared for any mechanical hiccups that may occur on the bike trails.
It’s honestly wild how a multi-tool can make the difference between a minor delay and a major setback. Just toss this into your pannier bags and pedal away. It’ll be there for you to handle loose bolts and screws, saddle and pedal adjustments, and any kind of minor tune-ups you may require when on your bike.
For flat tires, it's also wise to travel with a C02 cartridge kit and a mini pump so you can patch or replace a flat on the fly. (If you don't know how to change a flat, check out our Expert Advice article and video on the subject and, even better, take an REI class to learn the mechanics without having to look something up.)
Buy here. $18
Build a Kit With a Bike Trailer
When you have more gear than you can fit into panniers and handlebar bags, it may be time to consider a bike trailer. To be honest, many cyclists who set off on bikepacking adventures use a bike trailer from the get-go. They are surprisingly practical when you’re toting gear for a few friends or the whole family.
It’s bike trailers for the win when you want ample storage capacity. Be sure to pack your trailer efficiently, balancing weight and securing gear with clips or tie-downs. Plan your route with gentler terrain in mind and start with shorter trips to get used to hauling and handling a trailer.
First, you’ll need a sturdy bike. The Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600 is an exceptional, if premium, choice for bikepacking adventures across rugged terrain and over longer distances. This bike stands out from the pack thanks to its carbon frame, which is both strong and durable as well as super-lightweight and comfortable, allowing for a smooth ride without overtaxing your body. A carbon frame also helps to tamp down shock and vibration, as does the bike’s signature Class 5 Vibration Reduction System, which absorbs “microimpacts” on rough terrain.
The Salsa Cutthroat performs reliably, even under the weight of a towable bike trailer. Eleven gears make this ride well-suited for steep climbs and technical descents. Flat mount disc brakes help ensure a quick and even stop, which is crucial on downhill stretches, in variable weather conditions and especially when towing a fully loaded bike trailer.
Ample tire clearance lets you ride with wider tires, which is a serious plus for increased traction and comfort on rough surfaces, like crushed limestone trails. When you need more than a bike trailer, you've got loads of storage options for multi-day bikepacking trips: The Salsa Cutthroat also features multiple mounts for racks and bottles.
Buy here. $2,999
The yellow-and-black Burley Nomad Cargo Trailer is for when you want to tote more gear without compromising maneuverability or convenience. This bike trailer is designed to be both durable and functional, boasting a lightweight aluminum frame that's a cinch to tow across various terrains.
A maximum load capacity of 100 pounds means you’ve got plenty of room for food, supplies and bulkier items like tents and sleeping bags. A spacious interior and weather-resistant cover help keep your gear clean and dry. It’s a must-have for long-distance trips with tempermental weather conditions. Large pockets let you store smaller items like first aid kits and bike repair tools.
A quick-release hitch-and-tow arm system lets you easily connect and disconnect the cargo trailer from your bike. This way, it’s easy to transition between riding and rest stops. The Nomad Cargo Trailer has a removable partition wall for organizing and securing items with sturdy, interior clips. Reflective accents make it easy to be seen in low-light conditions.
Buy here. $349.95
Revelate Designs Terrapin System Seat Pack - 14 Liters
When you need more space than a bike trailer can provide, look to handlebar bags, tube bags, frame bags and panniers to stow additional gear for your bikepacking adventure. These accessories let you organize and secure your gear effectively while ensuring stability and balance as you pedal.
The Revelate Designs Terrapin System Seat Pack is lauded for its innovative design and durability. This saddle pack offers 14 liters of storage capacity, with the ability to carry about five pounds of extra gear for extended bike trips. Uniquely, the seat pack's built-in dry bag is waterproof and removable, so your stuff stays safe and dry even in wet weather.
The Terrapin System Seat Pack attaches securely to your bike's seat post and saddle rails. This design helps the pack stay locked in place, minimizing sway on your ride that can put you off balance. A purge valve can compress and stabilize the load, optimizing your bike's handling and comfort. Its rugged construction and thoughtful design make it a favorite among cyclists.
Buy here. $189
Build a Kit With an Electric Cargo Bike
Yes, you can opt for an electric bike when bikepacking. If it’s your first time with an e-bike, brush up on how to ride an e-bike, including how to brake and park, how to charge the battery on an e-bike, and how far you can pedal on a single charge. A cargo bike is a great pick for convenience and durability. It’s also pretty much ready to go, thanks to a built-in rear bike rack.
Equip your cargo e-bike with the essentials for hauling your gear, like pannier bags, a multi-tool for on-the-go adjustments, maybe even a bike computer for navigation and metrics like mileage and elevation. Start with shorter trips to familiarize yourself with handling the e-bike, particularly when loaded up with all your supplies. Prioritize packing light, yet essential items, to help evenly distribute weight on the bike.
Benno Boost 10D EVO5 Performance Speed Electric Bike
The Benno Boost 10D EVO5 Performance Speed Electric Bike is a fantastic choice for those eager to start or enhance their bikepacking experience with electric assistance. This bike pairs a durable aluminum frame with a Bosch Performance Speed motor, which can provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph, making it a breeze to tackle long distances and more challenging terrain.
Wide tires provide traction and stability on dirt and gravel trails while enhancing overall control and comfort. One of the Boost 10D EVO5’s standout features is the cargo-ready design. Convenient racks can hold up to 130 pounds of gear in pannier, frame, tube and handlebar bags. This bike can carry all the essentials, from camping gear to food to bike tools, for multi-day bikepacking adventures.
Before you set off, fully charge your bike’s lithium-ion battery, which has a range of 25 to 75 miles per charge. Of note, the bike is equipped to handle two batteries, which is nice if you plan to really go the distance in a single day. Bring your charger with you for multi-day adventures. Keep in mind that it can take up to 4.5 hours to fully recharge the battery, so pre-plan stops at places you know will have the necessary outlet available and an area to rest.
Editor's Note: Ride your e-bike responsibly. Always check the land manager’s current rules on where your e-bike class can ride.
Buy here. $5,200
Benno Boost Utility Pannier Bag - Single
Benno makes gear packs that fit the dimensions of a Benno electric bike, including this one-piece Benno Boost Utility Pannier Bag, which securely mounts on the bike’s rear rack. Combined gear capacity is 30 liters, so there’s plenty of space for camping supplies and essentials for overnight and multi-day bikepacking journeys.
Benno’s pannier bags are water-resistant to help keep your gear clean and dry, even when biking in rain, mud or on dusty trails. Inside and outside pockets make it easy for you to stow, and more importantly, access trip essentials, like your cell phone, snacks and first aid supplies.
Toting lots of gear? Here are additional bike bag options: Benno also makes a front tray bag that can accommodate an extra 40 liters of supplies. The Benno Boost 10D EVO5 Performance Speed Electric Bike (above) does not come with the front tray, but it’s simple to add on and can be helpful when you want to transport your companion’s gear as well as your own. If you're not interested in the add-on, try a smaller frame bag, which fits handily inside the frame of your bike and requires no extra build out. The REI Co-op Link Frame Bag comes in three sizes, ranging from 5.25 to 12-liter gear capacity.
Buy the Benno Boost Utility Pannier Bag, here. $170
Bosch PowerPack 500 Frame Battery
Since the Benno Boost 10D EVO5 Performance Speed Electric Bike can accommodate two batteries, consider installing a second Bosch PowerPack 500 Frame Battery on the bike. This can help supercharge your bike for long-distance rides and more challenging terrain.
As a bonus, the PowerPack 500 is known for durability and performance, capable of delivering consistent power output even in challenging weather conditions, since not every day can be a sunny day. An extra lithium ion battery can provide peace of mind on extended journeys. It can also minimize downtime should you need to charge up the primary battery on the trail.
The Bosch standard charger takes about two hours to charge a lithium-ion frame battery to a 50% charge or 4.5 hours to charge to 100% battery capacity. The battery is lightweight, compact and easy to mount and dismount when out and about on the biking trails.
Buy here. $776.50
Our Process
We asked REI Co-op merchandisers and product specialists to share their must-have products to help you get started with bikepacking. We specifically asked for bikepacking kit products relevant to three different scenarios, including with panniers, a bike trailer and a cargo e-bike. These are their picks, currently available at REI.
