Best Trailers for Bike Touring and Bikepacking
Bike trailers for bike touring and bikepacking are quite a debate among the cycling community. You have diehard fans that would never give up their trailers for panniers as well as those that love their pannier or bikepacking setups and would never think to trade them in for a heavy trailer. But are trailers for bike touring and bikepacking that much heavier than a pannier setup?
When you compare a full pannier and rack setup against a comparable lightweight trailer there really isn’t much of a difference so what advantage does one have over the other?
One advantage of using a trailer is that its simple to remove from the bike and leave your gear behind to cruise around or hit a single-track trail without all the weight of you gear. It would be much harder and more labor to remove all your panniers/bikepacking bags to accomplish the same goal.
However, a trailer for bike touring and bikepacking means that you have another tire or even two to worry about. This means also having that many more moving parts to worry about, and potentially more punctures.
Trailers are also much harder to pull uphill vs using panniers or bikepacking bags, this is the main advantage of ditching the trailer. The best way to figure out if a trailer would suit you best is to give one a try. Many bike shops will have one or two on hand and will most likely have no problem letting you take it for a spin.
If you find that some of these trailers are unavailable or know of some I should add to the list please let me know by clicking here and sending us an email.
Weight: 28 lbs
Pros:
- Rear suspension
- Steel construction
- Great for all types of terrain
Cons:
- Heavy at 28 lbs
This trailer is the perfect size for most bikes and can accommodate almost anything you put in it. Its got a low profile and follows tight to the bike for an even better track. It is made so well that you never have to worry about it flipping over like other brands. But at 28lbs its the heaviest on our list.
Pros:
- Easy to transport and store
- Available in two different colors
Cons:
- Some complaints about defective wheels
- Some complaints about rims that had scratches on them
This trailer has a folding frame to make storing it away super easy and fast. The tires are 16-inchs that are sturdy and strong, and you even get D-rings for strapping down your cargo. It comes in both yellow and gray and a red-and-gray design. The overhead cover keeps everything inside dry and safe. This is the perfect trailer for light to medium use, and it is very affordable.
Weight: 22 lbs.
Pros:
- Can hold up to 110 lbs.
- Detachable front and back panels
- Side walls fold down for convenience
Cons:
- Some complaints about wheel rubbing against rear frame
- Some complaints about inadequate tires
With the ability to hold up to 110 lbs., this trailer is one of the best out there. You can detach both the front and back panels when you need to, and the enclosed hitch makes it super easy to use the trailer at any time. It has a sturdy steel frame for longevity and a solid bottom that gives you peace of mind while you’re riding.
Weight: 11.02 lbs.
Pros:
- Fits most bikes
- Comes with Bungee straps and case
- Includes kickstand
Cons:
- Some complaints about the zipper breaking
- Expensive
This is a multipurpose trailer that can accommodate a variety of items and make going to the grocery store or traveling the world a lot easier. It attaches via a quick-release or solid axle, and it can even convert into a wheelbarrow for even more uses. There is a kickstand that holds everything upright so that loading and unloading the trailer is a breeze, and thanks to its low center of gravity and angled pivot point, it is super safe at all times.
Weight: 21 lbs.
Pros:
- Fits most bikes
- Suspension equipped
- Adjustable kickstand
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
Weight: 15.89 lbs.
Pros:
- Very reasonably priced
- Capacity of 2800 cubic inches
- Converts to a pull cart
Cons:
- Some complaints about the overall design
- Some complaints about missing parts
This cargo trailer is affordable for everyone and offers a full 2800 cubic inches worth of storage space. The 12-inch wheels are sturdy enough for rough terrain, and there is even lightweight elastic netting to fit over your gear to keep them secure. The base of the trailer is super strong to accommodate almost anything you can toss on it, and it is easy to install and remove as well.
Weight: 15.4 lbs.
Pros:
- Comes with a water-resistant cover
- Very stable design
- Folds up flat when not in use
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some complaints about it tearing and ripping
With the ability to carry up to 100 lbs., this cargo trailer is made of sturdy aluminum and even comes with six heavy-duty clips that make tying everything down extremely easy. Your gear will be extra-secure the entire time you’re riding, and the collapsible inside space divider allows you to separate your gear if you need to. Finally, the water-resistant cover keeps everything safe and dry if you’re caught in a sudden storm.
Weight: 34 lbs.
Pros:
- Large storage space
- Single-tire design
- Easy to attach and remove
Cons:
- Some complaints about general workmanship
- Some complaints about the item arriving scratches
With fat tires and an extra-large 14” x 24” storage area, you can carry everything from firewood to coolers and even various types of camping gear with ease. It is a quiet trailer with rear suspension for an extra-smooth ride, and it is both easy to install and easy to remove. The QuietKat trailer is also compatible with a lot of different bikes, it is super easy to maneuver, and doesn’t flip over easily.
Weight: 19 lbs.
Pros:
- Fits most bikes 24” to 28” in size
- Carries up to 65 lbs.
- Universal hitch included
Cons:
- Some complaints about it swaying when being used
- Some think it’s unattractive
This bike trailer has a streamlined design that operates smoothly with most bikes between 24” and 28” in size. It comes with safety reflectors and an orange safety flag, and the reinforced steel frame means you’ll be able to keep it around for a long time. The handles make it even easier to install and remove, and the overall design of the trailer is one you can count on year after year.
Weight: 10 lbs.
Pros:
- Combination trailer and dry bag
- Sturdy frame
- Easy to install and remove
Cons:
- Some people wish it had a kickstand
- Some say it’s difficult to pull up hills
With an aluminum frame for extra strength, this bike trailer has a bright yellow flag for extra security and a waterproof dry bag to keep your items safe and dry. It can accommodate up to 70 lbs. of weight and has a bag that is seam-sealed to make sure it doesn’t rip or tear. The wheels are well-made and offer a very smooth ride regardless of the terrain.
Weight: 19.4 lbs.
Pros:
- Can accommodate up to 100 lbs.
- Two-wheel design keeps trailer steady
- Forged hitch included
With 16-inch alloy wheels and a push-button release, this trailer is both easy to install and easy to remove. When removed, it is compact enough to be stored away in a small space, and it even comes with its own drawstring storage bag. It is a quiet trailer even when you’re on rough terrain, and the hitch is compatible with almost all bikes. If you want a sturdy trailer that can accommodate everything from groceries to firewood, the Burley trailer is for you.
I hope this post about the best trailers for bike touring and bikepacking helps you decide which direction you’d like to go. Let us know down in the comments if you prefer to use a trailer or panniers/bikepacking bags. Cheers and thanks for reading!
If you find that some of these trailers are unavailable or know of some I should add to the list please let me know by clicking here and sending us an email.
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