14 Best Pannier Racks and Carriers for Cycle Touring and Bikepacking

Last Updated on 28 August 2024 by Cycloscope

Best pannier racks for cycle touring, bikepacking, and commuting

Front and rear bike carriers for touring bikes, road, and MTB (suspension fork and full suspension)

Welcome to our expert guide on the “Best Pannier Racks and Carriers for Cycle Touring and Bikepacking!” With years of experience in the cycling industry and a team of passionate cyclists, we are thrilled to present you with an authoritative selection of top-tier products to elevate your two-wheeled adventures.

Whether you’re an intrepid bike tourer, a bikepacking enthusiast, or a die-hard commuter, our extensive buying guide about front and rear luggage carrier racks has got you covered – we reviewed traditional touring racks, lightweight carriers for road bikes, and universal luggage systems for MTB (hardtail and full-suspension alike), all of these products are designed to excel in performance, durability, and reliability.

Cycle touring and bikepacking demand gear that can withstand the rigors of long-distance journeys, diverse terrains, and varying weather conditions. Our well-researched and meticulously tested recommendations will ensure your essential equipment and belongings are securely stowed, allowing you to focus on the pure joy of exploration and discovery.

From the countless hours spent pedaling on breathtaking landscapes to the unforgettable encounters with fellow cyclists, our team’s firsthand experiences have fueled our passion for delivering only the finest gear for your cycling needs. We understand that investing in the right pannier rack or carrier is a decision that directly impacts your journey’s success and comfort, and our expertise has led us to curate this selection with utmost care and attention.

Whether you’re seeking optimal weight distribution for a seamless cycle touring experience or aiming for a lightweight and versatile setup for thrilling bikepacking adventures, our guide has you covered. By combining our knowledge of the cycling world with insights from real-world applications, we aim to empower you with the most reliable and high-performing options available in the market.

check also
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> 20 Best Bike Handlebar Bags in 2024 – For Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking Compared
> Bikepacking vs Touring with Panniers – All Pros & Cons

The best front and rear bike racks in a nutshell

Top 9 Rear Pannier Racks and Carriers for Bikepacking

• Tubus Cargo Classic – best expedition rear pannier rack
• Aeroe Spider Rear Rack – best rack for bikepacking with a MTB
• ROCKBROS Bike Cargo Rack – best budget universal rear carrier for MTB (29″/ 27.5″)
• Velo Orange Campeur Rear Rack – best rack for vintage touring bikes
• Ortlieb Rack Three – best rack for Ortlieb panniers
• Ventura Economical Bolt-On Bicycle Carrier Rack – best budget light-touring rear rack
• Ibera PakRak Touring Carrier – best cheap expedition touring rear rack
• Topeak Explorer Rack – best rear ruck for a trunk bag

4 Best Front Rack Carriers for Cycle Touring

• Minoura MT-4000SF Front Pannier Rack – Best front rack for long-distance touring
• Blackburn Outpost Front World Touring Rack – best front rack for fat bikes
• Tubus Low Rider Tara Front Bicycle Rack – best cycle touring front rack
• Topeak TETRARACK M1 (Mountain) – best front rack for MTB and road bikes

2 Racks That Work Both As Front Or Rear Carrier

• Outpost Fat Front or Rear Rack – best front and rear pannier rack for all tire sizes
• Thule Tour Rack – best front and rear pannier rack for road bike

14 Best Pannier Racks and Carriers for Cycle Touring and Bikepacking

We’ve decided to divide this buying guide into rear racks, and front racks, and added some racks that can work as both, to make it easier for you to find the perfect rack for your needs. Let’s dive into the details of each category:

Top 8 Rear Pannier Racks and Carriers for Bikepacking

Tubus Cargo Classic – Editor’s Choice

best expedition rear pannier rack

Specifications

Weight: 740 g / 1.6 lb (28”)
Weight Capacity: 26 kg (tested with 40 kg | 88 lbs*)
Material: Steel

The classic of the classics, the most used rear rack in the world of cycle touring in the last 20+ year – there can only be a winner to the best pannier rack carrier for long expeditions, and it’s the Tubus Cargo Classic: an exceptional rear pannier rack that I had the pleasure of rigorously testing during my 5-year cycling expedition through Europe and Southern Africa.

Constructed from high-quality, durable steel, this rack showcased exceptional craftsmanship that withstood the demands of long-distance touring without a single hitch. Throughout the journey, the Tubus Cargo Classic consistently maintained its structural integrity, making it a reliable and trustworthy companion even on the most challenging terrains.

One of the standout features of this rack is its simplicity and ease of use. Mounting and dismounting panniers were a breeze, allowing for swift transitions when on the move. Its clever design ensured a secure fit for a wide range of panniers, providing ample space to carry all my essential gear without compromising on stability.

Even on the roughest of African trails, this rack proved its mettle, remaining rock-solid and rattle-free, a testament to its robust construction.

Its lightweight design didn’t add unnecessary strain, which was especially appreciated during arduous climbs and long days in the saddle.

In terms of aesthetics, the Tubus Cargo Classic exudes a timeless and sleek appearance that complements any bicycle setup. Its black powder-coated finish maintained its good looks even after extensive exposure to diverse weather conditions.

Aeroe Spider Rear Rack

best rack for bikepacking with a MTB

Specifications

• Weight: Rack alone – 641g (1.4 lbs) – Rack with cradle & in-built straps – 979g (2.1 lbs)
  Weight Capacity: 16kgs (35 lbs)
  Material: High-grade stainless steel, Powder coated aluminum, glass-reinforced nylon, and silicone-coated straps.

Until now we have always traveled with the classic cycle touring rack, but recently we have decided to try other solutions. We are taking several short trips at the moment and don’t need our usual huge panniers.

Aeroe sent us their spider rack to test and I have to say we were pleasantly surprised.

I tested the Aeroe spider rack for the first time on my Scott MTB. Assembling the rack was very intuitive and simple, a standard 5mm Allen key is all that’s required. However, it is possible to download the instructions in PDF at this link.

The first thing we noticed was the stability, I must say that we have tried other similar racks for bikepacking and, even if they didn’t abandon us along the way, required constant adjustment. The Aeroe Spider Rack, however, did not move 1mm from.

We have attached 2 waterproof bags to the rack, but it is also possible to attach the tent and sleeping bag directly (if you are sure it will not rain), or even use their pannier mount to attach traditional panniers.

We have used the 8L Heavy Duty Dry Bag by Aeroe, they are ideal for short trips, the in-built straps are connected to the rear rack or the cradle through the drybag’s integrated loops, ensuring a firm hold.

The cradle can be attached to either the top or the sides of the rack and is secured using integrated straps, up to three cradles can be attached to one rack.

The Rack accommodates bikes with tires up to 3.8 inches wide, making it compatible with most mountain bikes. For wider rear forks (tire widths beyond 3.8 inches and up to 5 inches wide) you’ll need the Spider FAT Rack version.

The Spider Rack unfortunately is to wide for narrower rear triangles, such as those of gravel and road bikes. I tried mounting it on my Stanforth Torro but it didn’t work.

Aeroe products are backed by a two-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase.

The Aeroe team, known for their award-winning products, are avid bikepackers themselves, recently completing the 3000km Tour Aotearoa across New Zealand.

ROCKBROS Bike Cargo Rack

best budget universal rear carrier for MTB (29″/ 27.5″)

Specifications

Weight: 1200 g / 2.65 lb
Weight Capacity: 110 lb / 50kg
Material: Aluminum

Rockbros Bike Cargo Rack dominates our top position for the best universal bike pannier racks. I’m a huge fan of this bike rack because it works; it does exactly what it says and exactly in the manner it claims to.

A key selling point of the Rockbros Rack is the quick-release clamp. The clamp ensures that every user experiences a near-instantaneous and effortless installation and removal of the rack on days you don’t need it. It’s the ideal solution for those who want to equip their hardtail for mountain bike touring and it’s what I used on my Scott Scale for our Himalayan expedition and when cycling in Sri Lanka.

The rack height is adjustable to many different bike frame configurations, which enhances overall utility, and helps avoid heel strikes when pedaling. It fits most bikes with a 26 to 29” frame size.

The addition of the fender is a nice touch, and it’s great for protecting your bags during inclement weather. It also keeps your panniers from getting dirty/muddy. Furthermore, the fender pivots up and down as required and is detachable. I also like the rear reflector, which improves visibility at night.

Regarding quality, Rockbros feels solid and well-constructed and didn’t finch at all even on the toughest washboards of Ladakh. The aluminum alloy is ultra-light for comfort but can take a beating. Meanwhile, the 5″ W-shaped sidebars protect your pannier bags from scratching in the wheel.

The 110 lbs. to 165 lbs. weight capacity is also massive for a universal clamp rack, and more than most bike packers would need to hold their multi-day essentials. On this point though, I tend not to trust RockBros so much, loading more than a 100 lbs on such an alloy rack feels quite dangerous to me.

Velo Orange Campeur Rear Rack

the best rack for vintage touring bikes

Specifications

Weight: 880 g / 1.95 lb
Weight Capacity: 18 kg / 40 lbs
Material: Steel

The Velo Orange racks boast a stunning, shiny, mirror-like finish that catches the sunlight, adding an elegant touch to any bike. The welds are impeccably smooth, showcasing the racks’ top-notch craftsmanship. Together with VO double-legged kickstand, I used them on my antique randonneur (1936), and they looked just great.

One of the standout features of these racks is their low center of gravity, achieved through cleverly positioned pannier mounts. The rear rack is equipped with a secondary rail, lowering the panniers even further. This unique design results in an incredibly stable ride, especially when fully loaded with four panniers on a touring bike.

Velo Orange pays attention to the little details, adding thoughtful elements to these racks. Both the front and rear racks come with mounting points for fenders, providing a convenient solution for keeping mudguards on. The load bearing is conservatively stated at 40 lb only, but this rack can easily hold much more weight.

In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the Velo Orange racks truly deliver. The ability to bolt the fenders in place using M4 bolts and leather washers ensures a rattle-free experience, keeping the carrier secure even on rough terrain.

Beyond their striking appearance and smart design, these racks have proven to be incredibly reliable and durable companions on my tours. They effortlessly handle the weight of my fully-loaded panniers, maintaining balance and stability throughout the journey.

Ortlieb Rack Three

best rack for Ortlieb panniers

Specifications

Weight: 700 g / 1.55 lb
Weight Capacity: 30 kg / 66 lb
Material: Aluminum

The Ortlieb Rack Three is an exceptional bike rack that caters to both Ortlieb’s QL3 system bags and other bike panniers. Crafted from 10mm aluminum tubing, it boasts a reassuringly solid construction suitable for bicycles equipped with any size of touring wheels.

Designed in conjunction with Ortlieb’s QL3 bags, the Rack Three features three protruding stubs on each side, ensuring a seamless and quick-release bag mounting without any protruding hooks on the bag itself. While Ortlieb’s QL3 system bags are known for their city-oriented convenience and neatness, they have a slightly lower weight capacity compared to traditional hook-based systems.

However, if you prefer using standard panniers with hooks, fear not, as you can easily remove the QL3 mounts. The rack provides two mounting rails, with the lower one offering a practical solution for fitting a tray or basket on the rack top. Moreover, Rack Three is MIK system compatible, allowing you to utilize any MIK-equipped bag, tray, or basket, adding to its impressive versatility.

Mounting the rack is a breeze, thanks to the bottom mounting hole for the dropout and two adjustable arms that reach the seat stay bosses. The sturdy tubular design of the arms ensures a secure fit on various frame sizes, making installation hassle-free. However in some cases, particularly with smaller frames, achieving a perfectly level rack might be challenging due to the distance between the seatstay mounts and the struts.

Additionally, the Rack Three features a convenient light mounting plate on the back that accommodates most standard dynamo lights, enhancing safety during low-light conditions.

Overall, the Ortlieb Rack Three stands as a high-quality and reliable rear carrier that shines when used in combination with Ortlieb’s QL3 bags. Its exceptional design, ease of use, and adaptability make it a top choice for cyclists seeking a dependable and versatile solution for carrying gear on their adventures.

Ventura Economical Bolt-On Bicycle Carrier Rack

best budget commuting/light-touring rear rack

Specifications

Weight: 1 kg / 2.2 lb
Weight Capacity: 22 lb / 10kg
Material: Steel

As a steel carrier going for such a cheap price (less than 20$), the Ventura Carrier Rack, marks all the good boxes for me; durable, easy to use, and functional.

The Ventura Carrier Rack, however, is best suited for riders with lightweight to moderate carrying requirements. It has a modest weight capacity of 22 pounds, which is enough for a rider to bring all their essentials during their ride, but certainly not a round-the-world expedition carrier.

Another key benefit of the Ventura Rack is the build quality. While many riders naturally prefer an aluminum rack for its lightweight, this Ventura is made of a solid steel bar. It’s sturdy, and repairable, so you can count on it long-term.

The biggest strength of the Ventura, however, is the simplicity of design and the different mounting variations & possibilities. I understand universal fit normally means it fits nothing or is universally bad, but the Ventura is modular; therefore easy to modify the rack to mount on your bike.

Installing this bad boy is also a breeze, and I love that it comes with a 3mm Hex Wrench for convenient mounting.

Definitely not the best rack for a fully loaded tour, but a great carrier for commuting or occasional light touring. A bang for the buck.

Ibera PakRak Touring Carrier

best cheap expedition touring rear rack

Specifications

Weight Capacity: 25kg / 55lbs
Weight: 815g / 1.65 lb
Material: Aluminum

At less than 40$, the Ibera Touring Carrier is a great bargain and a great touring rack for the money. It’s a well-made rear bike carrier, it’s ultralight and I found it sturdy enough for any use I can reasonably contemplate.

Out of the box, It seems like a well-made bike carrier, and it’s a heavy-duty and proven model – it does its job holding your luggage and you can have peace of mind on bike rides that it’ll last! Yet, it’s surprisingly low-weight and hardly affects your bike handling.

Its adjustable feature makes it compatible with 26 to 29″ bike frames, including those with disc brakes – one of the few racks here compatible with basically all wheel sizes.

Installing the Ibera rack is also as easy as it gets. It’s easy to mount using your rack’s existing hardware and fits perfectly. Iberia’s mounting hardware fits and utilizes your bike eyelets, so it doesn’t require pre-drilling.

On top of that, the rack supports a quick-release function for the bag and a reflector adapter. It has a built-in splash guard to save you from foul weather, especially during puddles and light rains.

Topeak Explorer Rack

best rear ruck for a trunk bag

Specifications

Weight Capacity: 26 kg / 57 lb
Weight: 795 g / 1.76 lb
Materials: T6 aluminum

The Topeak Explorer is a nicely done rack and a great option for riders who prefer to use trunk bags from Topeak as their main storage solution. The rack has an integrated top panel with Quick Track system, which allows riders to slide off their MTX trunk bag after a commute.

Trunk bag compatibility aside, I love that Topeak utilizes an aluminum alloy. It’s nice to know that your rack is heavy-duty and can withstand the abuses of bikepacking. On top of that, the solid construction has a decent weight capacity of 55 pounds, which is enough for commuting and touring.

My biggest concern with the Topeak is that it’s not compatible with all bike frames. Plus it requires braze-ons on the frame and will not work with mountain bikes.

4 Best Front Rack Carriers for Cycle Touring

Minoura MT-4000SF Front Pannier Rack

Best front rack for long-distance touring

Specifications

Weight: 1.5kg / 3.3 lb
Weight Capacity: 18kg / 40 lbs
Material: Steel

The Minoura is a well-designed front rack that hauls a good amount of weight. It’s also relatively inexpensive.

Minoura is tailored for riders needing a solid rack that can mount to their bike forks and hold their panniers with a bag. It works perfectly, allowing the panniers to mount low on the fork for a lower center of gravity, and you can also center it over the axle. This means a less noticeable weight when turning and keeps the forks from wiggling.

Quality-wise, the Minoura feels solid, and the steel construction can weather all the harsh outdoor conditions. It also looks chic and will virtually fit nicely on any bike.

Installation is a breeze, and I like that the mounting setup doesn’t obstruct one of the threaded eyelets on the fork, providing room for an extra basket.

My biggest concern with the Minoura is the weight. The steel construction is stout, heavy, and much bulkier than similar aluminum models.

Blackburn Outpost Front World Touring Rack

best front rack for fat bikes

Specifications

Weight: 900g / 2 lb
Weight Capacity: 45lb/20.5kg
Material: Alloy

The Blackburn is pricey for a front bike rack but worth it. My first impression of this rack is that it will last long. The aluminum construction is ultra-light yet heavy-duty and can withstand regular abuse.

I also like that it’s compatible with most brakes, frame mounts, and most importantly tire sizes. It has a great mounting concept, which allows it to bolt directly to the lower eye in the fork, while an adaptable extension goes to the upper eye or a clamp setup. In short, mounting the Blackburn is easy, and the package has everything you need for a successful installation.

The rack design is also fantastic, and most riders like the detachable top shelf. I prefer keeping it on for extra space. It can support a decent weight capacity of 45 pounds, which is more than most riders need for a front bike carrier.

Tubus Low Rider Tara Front Bicycle Rack

best cycle touring front rack

Specifications

Weight: 612g / 1.35 lb
Weight Capacity: 18 kg / 39.7 lbs
Material: Stainless steel

The Tubus Duo Front Bicycle Rack is an ultra-light yet sturdy bike rack that will serve you for years. It functions exactly as advertised, which is one reason for its popularity.

One of the strengths of this bike rack is its weight capacity. It’s a heavy-duty model with a decent weight capacity. It’s rated at 33 pounds, which is sufficient for most riders.

It’s a front rack only suited for bikes whose front fork has outside and inside eyelets, read proper touring bikes – and in its category, it’s hard to find anything better, that’s why this is a classic and best seller in the world of cycle touring pannier racks.

Mounting can be a little time-consuming, but once you get it on your bike, you’ll be impressed with its performance. It’s a nice, solid, and performance-oriented bike rack.

Topeak TETRARACK M1 (Mountain)

best front rack for MTB and road bikes

Specifications

Weight: 910 g / 2.01 lb
Weight Capacity: 10 kg / 22 lb
Material: Aluminum / Engineering grade polymer / Nylon straps

The Topeak TETRARACK M1 (Mountain) is the ultimate quick-mount front rack system, specifically designed for MTB suspension forks or rigid forks lacking rack eyelets. Its one-size-fits-all design is a game-changer, featuring an innovative top plate that effortlessly adjusts to level independently from the fork angle.

Equipped with Topeak’s integrated QuickTrack™ system, this front rack allows seamless sliding and locking of Topeak TrunkBags into place, ensuring secure attachment with just a simple push of a button. The convenience of this system makes it a breeze to release the bags when needed.

The TETRARACK M1 introduces an ingenious hook and loop strap mounting system, guaranteeing a stable load while accommodating a wide range of bikes. This innovative feature ensures that your gear stays securely in place during bumpy rides, providing peace of mind on challenging terrains.

Notably, the Topeak TETRARACK M1 (Mountain) is versatile in compatibility, supporting KLICKfix® / RackTime® Snapit or Vario system bags, providing even more options for customization and gear-carrying possibilities.

For mountain bikers seeking a practical, reliable, and easily mountable front rack, the Topeak TETRARACK M1 stands as a top-tier choice, delivering both functionality and convenience for your adventurous rides.

2 racks that work both as front or rear carrier

Outpost Fat Front or Rear Rack

best front and rear pannier rack for all tire sizes

Specifications

Weight: 1.1 kg / 2.4 lb
Weight Capacity: 70lb / 31.8kg capacity
Material: Aluminum

The Blackburn Outpost Fat Bike Rack is a game-changer for me. Its patent-pending adjustable width design perfectly fits my fat bike frame, hub, and tire sizes without any bending required. This versatile rack is compatible with both front and rear installation, providing the flexibility I need for my biking adventures.

I love that it accommodates my bike’s disc brakes effortlessly, eliminating any interference with accessory mounting. Its adjustable height and width design cater to most road and mountain bike tire widths, from 26″ to 29″, and widths ranging from 23c up to 3″.

Constructed from durable T6061 aluminum, the rack strikes a perfect balance between lightweight design and sturdiness. Whether I’m embarking on bikepacking trips or daily commutes, it handles heavy loads with ease and stability.

The Blackburn Outpost Fat Bike Rack is incredibly versatile and complements both fat and most tire sizes, making it my go-to choice for carrying essential gear on my Surly Pugsley.

Thule Tour Rack

best front and rear pannier rack for road bike

Specifications

Weight: 1.1 kg / 2.4 lb
Weight Capacity: 25lb / 11.3 kg
Material: Aluminum / Plastic

I had the chance to try out the Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Tour Rack on both the rear and front of my road bike, and I must say, my feelings about it are mixed. As a rear rack for my travel roadie, it worked quite well. It was easy to install and allowed me to attach my trunk bag, making longer rides more convenient without the need for a backpack.

However, when I tried using it on my full-suspension mountain bike for some tricky trails, it didn’t feel as solid as I had hoped. The rack seemed a bit wobbly during bumpy rides, and I couldn’t fully trust it to stay put under heavy loads. It’s clear that this rack is better suited for road bikes or light off-road use, rather than demanding mountain biking adventures.

While the strap ratcheting mounting system offers some security, I noticed that some of the straps were too short to fit around the larger fork on my mountain bike, requiring me to get creative with hose clamps for a more secure attachment. This oversight in design was disappointing, as I expected better compatibility with a variety of bike frames.

On the positive side, I appreciated the convenient light/reflector attachment point, which kept me visible during rides in low-light conditions. The adjustable deck and rails also provided ample heel clearance, ensuring a comfortable pedaling experience on longer journeys.

In conclusion, the Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Tour Rack has its strengths as a rear rack for road bikes, but it falls short on full-suspension mountain bikes, particularly during challenging trails. It’s essential to consider its limitations and intended use before making a decision. While it may work well for lighter off-road use, I would recommend exploring other options if you’re seeking a rack for more demanding mountain biking.

Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Pannier Rack and Carriers for Your Bike

Choosing the right pannier rack for your bike is fun. However, there are things you need to know for you to be able to select the right one for your bike.

Material

One of the important features to consider when choosing your bike pannier rack is the material. Generally, the choice of material greatly determines the durability of a rack.

There are different materials for pannier bike racks, but most are usually constructed from aluminum, steel, and titanium. Each material has unique benefits over the other.

• Aluminum is lighter but can’t be fixed when it breaks.
• Steel is much more durable but heavier.
• Titanium is lighter and doesn’t corrode but is expensive.

Fitting

After the material, you must consider the fitting. Remember, bike rack panniers aren’t universal, so the right one should be fitting.

For example, different bike panniers are compatible with different bike frame sizes. Others can only fit in specific types of bikes, such as fat bikes, while others require a mounting eyelet for installation. Therefore, you need to consider all these aspects before purchasing one.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a bike pannier rack generally refers to the total amount of weight and space a rack can accommodate.

My advice is you choose a rack with a higher weight capacity if you’re planning a bike tour. It should be able to carry more load, which is great when you need to bring all your essentials while bikepacking.

Ease of Assembly

Bike rack panniers require assembly and installation, and my preference is a pannier rack that is easy and quick to mount as I don’t like a headache. If you’re a DIY person though, that won’t be a problem for you, might even have fun doing that.

Adjustability

Pannier bike racks with adjustability features are much easier to use and install. An adjustable height makes fitting your bike rack on a wider range of bike frames effortlessly.

Extra Components

Finally, it’s a good idea to consider bike pannier racks with additional accessories. The extra components serve different functional purposes. For example, an extra fender on your pannier bike rack is great when it’s muddy, while a sidebar prevents the wheel from rubbing the wheel. On the other hand, a reflector mount is handy for keeping you visible.

FAQs: Best Pannier Racks and Carriers for Cycle Touring and Bikepacking

Final Thoughts

It’s a wrap, and here’s everything you need to know about the best pannier and carriers.

Pannier racks are a fantastic bike upgrade, and they make a huge contribution to your backpacking adventure. The best pannier rack makes it easier for you to carry and manage your luggage.

However, you must perform due diligence before you settle on a bike rack. Fortunately, our guide above outlines some of the top-rated models and a buying guide to help with the selection.