Bikepacking is one of the most exciting ways to travel by bike. With minimal luggage and a suitable bike you can take on multi-day tours over alpine passes, gravel roads or through remote landscapes.
But before the adventure starts, one central question comes up:
What does bikepacking gear cost?
The cost depends heavily on:
- which bike you use
- how many bikepacking bags you need
- whether you go for an entry-level or a premium setup
A minimalist setup can start out relatively cheap, while high-end gravel bikes and premium bags can quickly run to several thousand francs.
In this article we look at:
- the cost of gravel bikes and touring bikes
- typical prices for bikepacking bags
- a comparison of the two types of bike
- and buying vs. renting, using Pedalmondo as an example
Touring bike vs. gravel bike – which bikepacking platform is cheaper?
Two types of bike are particularly common in bikepacking:
- Touring bike
- Gravel bike
Both are excellent for multi-day tours, but they differ considerably in ride feel, weight and price.
The touring bike – the classic for long bike trips
The touring bike is the traditional companion for bike travel. These bikes are designed to work reliably even with a lot of luggage.
Typical characteristics:
- stable frames
- comfortable geometry
- racks for panniers
- high load capacity
Touring bikes are often used by classic long-distance cyclists who are on the road for weeks or months.
Advantages
- very stable
- high carrying capacity for luggage
- comfortable riding position
- ideal for long tours
Disadvantages
- heavier
- slower on tarmac
- less sporty ride feel
Cost
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry-level touring bike | CHF 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Mid range | CHF 1,800 – 2,800 |
| Premium touring bike | CHF 3,000 – 4,500 |
Touring bikes are often a little cheaper than high-end gravel bikes and are particularly suited to long bike trips with a lot of luggage.
The gravel bike – the modern bikepacking all-rounder
In recent years the gravel bike has established itself as the most popular platform for bikepacking.
Gravel bikes combine characteristics of:
- road bikes
- cyclocross bikes
- mountain bikes
They are lighter, faster and more versatile than classic touring bikes.
Typical characteristics:
- light aluminium or carbon frames
- wide tyres for gravel roads
- sporty geometry
- numerous mounting points for bags
Advantages
- light and efficient
- fast on tarmac
- ideal for gravel routes
- versatile
Disadvantages
- less comfortable with heavy luggage
- sportier riding position
- often a bit more expensive
Cost
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry-level gravel bike | CHF 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Mid range | CHF 2,000 – 3,500 |
| Premium gravel bike | CHF 4,000 – 6,000 |
Many modern bikepacking tours are ridden on gravel bikes today, because they combine speed and versatility.
What do bikepacking bags cost?
Alongside the bike, bikepacking bags are the most important part of the setup. They attach directly to the frame, handlebar or saddle and replace classic pannier bags.
A typical bikepacking setup consists of:
- saddle bag
- frame bag
- handlebar bag
- top tube bag
Bikepacking bag cost overview
| Type of bag | Price |
|---|---|
| Top tube bag | CHF 60 – 100 |
| Frame bag | CHF 80 – 200 |
| Handlebar bag | CHF 80 – 200 |
| Saddle bag | CHF 100 – 250 |
| Fork bags | CHF 60 – 240 |
A complete set of bikepacking bags typically costs:
CHF 300 – 700
Depending on the brand and materials, premium setups can be considerably more expensive.
Total cost of a bikepacking setup
Counting only the bike and the bags, the typical costs work out as follows.
| Category | Entry-level setup | Mid range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike | CHF 1,500 | CHF 2,500 | CHF 5,000 |
| Bags | CHF 300 | CHF 500 | CHF 700 |
| Total | CHF 1,800 | CHF 3,000 | CHF 5,700 |
Buying or renting – the Pedalmondo example
Not everyone wants to spend several thousand francs on bikepacking equipment.
One alternative is renting bikes and bags, for example from providers such as Pedalmondo.
Example: buying
| Gravel bike | CHF 2,500 |
| Bikepacking bags | CHF 500 |
Total:
CHF 3,000
Example: renting from Pedalmondo
| Gravel bike including bags for one week | CHF 371 |
When is renting worth it?
Renting makes sense if:
- you want to try bikepacking out first
- you only do a few tours a year
- you want to test a high-end setup
When is buying worth it?
Buying is particularly worthwhile if:
- you are planning several bikepacking tours a year
- you want to use your setup long term
- you go on bike trips regularly
After several tours, owning your own setup can pay off financially.
Conclusion: what does bikepacking gear cost?
The cost of a bikepacking setup depends mainly on the bike and the bags.
Typical price ranges are:
- Minimal setup: CHF 1,800
- Standard setup: CHF 3,000
- Premium setup: over CHF 5,000
Touring bikes are usually a bit cheaper and sturdier, while gravel bikes are lighter and more versatile.
For beginners it can make sense to rent a setup first (from Pedalmondo, for example) before investing several thousand francs in gear of your own.